Trust in Jalen Hurts

By: Matt Gruber

Week three is upon us and it is time for the weekly starts and sits. This is the third installment of the 17-piece series aimed to help you make the roster decisions to give you an edge over your opponent. Let’s jump into it and win some championships.

Quarterbacks

Start: Jalen Hurts ”“ Philadelphia Eagles

Another week, another Jalen Hurts start appearance. Like clockwork. He has been everything fantasy managers had hoped through the first two weeks. In week one it was his passing. In week two it was his rushing. With his rushing ability, Hurts provides a high floor and a high ceiling. Next up in week three is the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night football. I expect Hurts to put on a show. With the over-under set at 52.5, it will be a high-scoring affair. The Cowboys are allowing an average of 360 passing yards after two weeks of the season. Jalen Hurts is set for takeoff.  

Honorable Mentions: Sam Darnold @ HOU, Daniel Jones vs. ATL, Kirk Cousins vs. SEA

Sit: Taylor Heinicke ”“ Washington Football Team

After lighting up the New York Giants last week for over 330 yards and two touchdowns, things get a bit tougher for Taylor Heinicke when he travels to Buffalo. In week one, the Bills held Big Ben to under 200 passing yards and only one touchdown. In week two, the Bills held the Miami Dolphins to under 200 passing yards and no touchdowns. Facing an elite defense, on the road does not sound too enticing to me. I’ll pass on Heinicke this week.

Honorable Mentions: Joe Burrow @ PIT, Jameis Winston @ NE, Baker Mayfield vs. CHI

Running Backs

Start: Ty’Son Williams ”“ Baltimore Ravens

In each of the last two games, Ty’Son Williams has seen at least 12 touches and turned that into at least 90 scrimmage yards. Averaging 6.5 yards per carry, Williams is in a smash spot against the Detroit Lions. While the backfield is not solely his and Lamar Jackson will take some opportunities away, Williams has been efficient. Sometimes that’s all it takes. With the Ravens currently favored by seven, I expect them to be in complete control the entire game. They will take to the ground and Williams will benefit.

Honorable Mentions: Saquon Barkley vs. ATL, Austin Ekeler @KC, Chris Carson @ MIN

Sit: Devin Singletary ”“ Buffalo Bills

Devin Singletary has been a pleasant surprise so far through two weeks. Averaging 14.1 PPR points, he has helped many teams that went zero running back. Unfortunately, I am not confident starting him this week. He faces a stout Washington Football Team defense who has yet to give up 100 yards on the ground to running backs. Furthermore, they have only allowed one rushing touchdown to running backs. If you have other options, I would pivot from Singletary.

Honorable Mentions: Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. LAC, Darrell Henderson vs. TB, James Robinson vs. ARZ

Wide Receivers

Start: DeVonta Smith ”“ Philadelphia Eagles

After a hot first week, DeVonta Smith came back down to Earth. Way down. He recorded just two catches for 16 yards, letting a lot of fantasy managers down. This week, he is set to boom. Similar reasons as Jalen Hurts, Smith finds himself in a great matchup. The Cowboys have given up over 480 yards to wide receivers along with three touchdowns in just two games. Plug Smith into your lineup and don’t think twice.

Honorable Mentions: Marvin Jones vs. ARZ, Sterling Shepard vs. ATL, Robert Woods vs. TB

Sit: Corey Davis ”“ New York Jets

Last week, Corey Davis was shut down by the New England Patriots. Logging two catches for just eight yards, he left plenty of fantasy managers disappointed. This week he faces the Denver Broncos. While it’s not a terrible matchup, the Broncos are coming off a game where they held Jacksonville wide receivers to just 71 yards and one touchdown. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is coming off a bad game and I am willing to let Davis sit on my bench until Wilson can figure it out.

Honorable Mentions: Marquez Callaway @ NE, DeVante Parker @ LV, Henry Ruggs vs. MIA

Tight Ends

Start: Noah Fant ”“ Denver Broncos

Noah Fant is currently averaging 12.8 PPR points per game. This is good for the tight end five. With the talented Jerry Jeudy nursing an ankle injury, Fant will remain a big part of this offense. This week, he goes up against the New York Jets who just allowed six catches for 70 yards to New England tight ends. As long as Teddy Bridgewater continues to pepper Fant with Targets, he should produce solid numbers.  

Honorable Mentions: Dallas Goedert @ DAL, Kyle Pitts @ NYG, Tyler Higbee vs. TB

Sit: Logan Thomas ”“ Washington Football Team

So far into the season, Logan Thomas has been a touchdown-dependent tight end. Yet to surpass 45 receiving yards, you are counting on a touchdown to inflate his numbers. It will be tough sledding this week as he goes up against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have held opposing tight ends to under 50 yards in each of their contests, while not letting up a score. I would look elsewhere this week.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki @LV, Gerald Everett @ MIN, Dawson Knox vs. WSH

If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to find more of my content on Twitter @FF_Worm. I am always available to talk fantasy football and answer any questions.