Explosive QB Fantasy Football Matchups - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 3

Quarterbacks have been having a tough time this season. With passing yards and touchdowns all down from previous seasons, it's been a difficult position to navigate.

Thankfully, after two weeks we finally have more data on player usage and defensive strengths. 

My name is Ellis Johnson and I am unbelievably thrilled to say I was the most accurate fantasy ranker for Week 2 in the FantasyPros Rankings competition. Along with the first overall, I finished first in both the QB and WR rankings. I’m hoping to continue this hot streak with some excellent QB matchups. 

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Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

This matchup is fantastic. Two teams that desperately need a win are going head-to-head. After being embarrassed at home by the Saints, the Cowboys need to prove they are still Super Bowl contenders. Although I think the Ravens have more to play for (fending off 0-3), Prescott is primed for a big day.

Through two weeks Prescott has not come through for fantasy. Despite stomping the Browns, and playing from behind for the entire game against the Saints, he has only totalled 472 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. So why do I think he’ll have a big week against another tough AFC North opponent?

The Ravens have had a tough start to the season. More specifically, their secondary is bleeding yards to the QB. The Ravens are averaging the most passing yards to opponents (including Gardner Minshew throwing for 276 last week). Thankfully, their defense has countered by allowing the fewest rushing yards to RBs.

As a result, Dak Prescott will be relied upon heavily in this game. I can’t imagine Rico Dowdle or Ezekiel Elliott will be able to crack this defense, but Prescott to Cee Dee Lamb should be available all day. I’m calling for Dak to finish as a top 7 QB this week.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

I’m not stopping the Derek Carr hype train. Instead, I’m going to apologize for calling the Saints “one step away from the XFL” this offseason. What this team has been able to do on both sides of the ball over the first two weeks is truly remarkable. Hats off to them.

I’m not going to call for the wheels to fall off this week, instead, I think this is an underrated matchup for this offense. The Eagles haven’t looked the same since Week 10 of the 2023 season. If you don’t believe me, just watch Kirk Cousin’s game-winning drive from last week.

The Eagles are allowing the fourth most passing yards and third most passing TDs to the QB position. Meanwhile, the Saints' offense is tied for the most passing touchdowns per game. This game is projected to have the second-highest total of the week. So sign me up for Carr as a top 10 play in what could be a shootout.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite a loss, last week was one heck of a bounce-back performance by Mr. Shiesty. Despite Steve Spagnuolo throwing everything he had to lock down Ja’Marr Chase, even without Tee Higgins Burrow managed to outplay Mahomes in a game they should have won.

Last week Burrow performed by heavily targeting the TE position, however, this week should be different. The Commanders are coming into Paycor stadium in Cincinnati, this Monday Night. After a surprisingly 0-2 start to the season, a primetime matchup against a terrible defense is just what this team needs.

The Commanders have allowed the most fantasy points to the QB position with 23.9 points per game (the next highest is the Chiefs at 21.2). Plus, they are giving up a ridiculous three touchdowns per game to the WR position. With Chase motivated to make up for his brutal penalty last week, and Tee Higgins back at practice, I think we’ll see this passing offense return to form. As a result, I’m calling for Burrow to land in the top-5 this week.

Week 3 Rankings for all of your toughest lineup decisions

QB - https://t.co/VdnLPQ03OZ
RB - https://t.co/NJUZlSswmH
WR - https://t.co/43p5DZSykK
TE - https://t.co/vyAuNgdRd9 pic.twitter.com/oMGih8fQa5

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 21, 2024

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