DeAndre Hopkins, Josh Reynolds, Ray-Ray McCloud III: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 3

The bulk of the Week 3 NFL slate is nearly here, meaning fantasy players must make some last-minute start ‘em and sit ‘em decisions. DeAndre Hopkins, Josh Reynolds, and Ray-Ray McCloud III are potential flex options this week.

DeAndre Hopkins faces the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Josh Reynolds takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lastly, Ray-Ray McCloud III will battle the Kansas City Chiefs.

Which of these three should fantasy players start in Week 3?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
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• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Should I Start DeAndre Hopkins For Fantasy Football?

Unfortunately, Hopkins has struggled to start the year, as he is still dealing with a significant knee injury. The veteran has scored only 2.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first two weeks, with many fantasy players dropping the former superstar from their team.

I watched every DeAndre Hopkins snap from Week 2, and two things seem to be true:

1. Hop still isn't moving very well
2. He's getting open anyways, and the Titans aren't getting him the ball

On this first route, I sure hope he's not running full speed. Because that doesn't look… pic.twitter.com/LJJ7K00i6a

— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) September 18, 2024

Hopkins has an appealing matchup tomorrow against the Packers. Green Bay has surrendered 27.7 fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season, the 12th-most in the NFL. They have given up a receiving touchdown to wide receivers in both matchups.

However, fantasy players should only start Hopkins as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues.

Should I Start Josh Reynolds For Fantasy Football?

Reynolds has always been a solid wide receiver capable of putting up numbers. The veteran is the Broncos’ top fantasy wide receiver over the first two weeks, averaging 9.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Last week, he had four receptions on five targets for 93 receiving yards and 11.3 fantasy points, making an impressive downfield catch off a trick play.

The @Broncos pulling out the tricks for 49 yards!

📺: #PITvsDEN on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/4uEIPgVFtb

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

The veteran wide receiver has a solid matchup in Week 3. Tampa Bay surrendered 35.7 fantasy points to the Detroit Lions wide receivers last week, as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams each had over 11.5 fantasy points.

Fantasy players should play Reynolds as a low-end flex option in deeper leagues with three starting wide receiver spots.

Should I Start Ray-Ray McCloud III For Fantasy Football?

McCloud has been a massive surprise over the first two weeks this season. He is the WR50, averaging 6.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Yet, the veteran leads the team in targets, totaling more than Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts.

Falcons targets this season:

Ray-Ray McCloud (12)
Drake London (10)
Bijan Robinson (10)
Darnell Mooney (10)
Kyle Pitts (7)

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 17, 2024

Unfortunately, McCloud doesn’t have an appealing matchup Sunday night against the Chiefs. Kansas City has held wide receivers to only 20.5 fantasy points per game, the 10th-fewest in the NFL. They have surrendered fewer than 100 receiving yards to wide receivers in both games this year.

Despite leading the Falcons in targets over the first two weeks, McCloud belongs on the waiver wire. Fantasy players shouldn’t start him in any fantasy format in Week 3.

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