Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Review for Fantasy Football's Top Fringe Starters

As we prepare for another week of NFL action, it's safe to say that the 2026 season has been filled with surprises. We've seen sleepers emerge as stars, standouts disappoint, and several top fantasy performers suffer significant injuries.

This has likely left many managers relying on fringe starters before bye weeks have even gotten underway. Fortunately, the matchups should allow some second-tier stars to shine in Week 3.

Here, you'll find some start/sit recommendations based on past performances, projected roles, and individual matchups. All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: David Montgomery, RB, Houston Texans

Houston Texans running back David Montgomery had a strong debut against the Buffalo Bills but struggled to find running room against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The absence of star wide receiver Nico Collins likely had a lot to do with that.

Montgomery did catch a pair of passes with Collins out, but he finished with just 24 scrimmage yards and no touchdowns. Expect him to bounce back in Week 3, even though Collins appears unlikely to play again.

The Texans will visit the Indianapolis Colts, who have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs through two weeks. It's worth noting that the Colts have faced Derrick Henry and Kenneth Walker III in their first two games, but Indy's rebuilt linebacker group has left plenty to be desired.

Montgomery should be much more productive than he was this past week, and he should find the end zone in Indianapolis.

Sit: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers

MarShawn Lloyd has largely disappointed during his two-week audition to be the Green Bay Packers' starting running back. He did find the end zone against the New York Jets in Week 2, but he has tallied just 63 scrimmage yards and two catches while averaging 3.0 yards per carry through two weeks.

Managers who aren't ready to drop Lloyd should at least seek other options in Week 3. Green Bay has a short-week game and a less-than-ideal matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

The Falcons haven't been good at much of anything through the first two weeks, though poor quarterback play has played a large role in their struggles. With Michael Penix Jr. getting the Week 3 start, Atlanta may actually score some points and prevent the Packers from grinding the game out on the ground.

And defending the run has been the Falcons' one strength through two weeks. Atlanta has surrendered the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Start: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers

After spending a year away from the San Francisco 49ers, Deebo Samuel has stepped right back into a prominent role with the offense. He wasn't heavily used during Sunday's blowout win over the Miami Dolphins, though, finishing with three catches, one rush, and 35 scrimmage yards.

In Week 1 against the rival Los Angeles Rams, Samuel logged six catches, 60 yards, and a touchdown. He should have a similar performance in Week 3.

This week, the 49ers will face another NFC West foe in the Arizona Cardinals. While the Cardinals got blown out by the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, they do have the offensive firepower to make things more competitive than the Dolphins did. If Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Jeremiyah Love can help Arizona keep pace early, the 49ers should turn to Samuel early and often.

And the Cardinals haven't been particularly good at slowing opposing receivers. They have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to the position.

Sit: Stefon Diggs, WR, Washington Commanders

Through two weeks, it would appear that Stefon Diggs has overtaken Terry McLaurin as the Washington Commanders' No. 1 receiver. He's logged at least four receptions and 45 yards in each contest, and he's caught three touchdown passes thus far.

Unfortunately, Diggs' production is probably poised to take a bit of a hit with Jayden Daniels on the sideline with a dislocated elbow. He did catch one of his two Week 2 touchdowns from backup Marcus Mariota, but with Mariota in the lineup, Diggs' ceiling is limited.

While Diggs should still be a solid matchup-based play, this week brings a matchup that should be avoided. Washington will host the Seahawks, which means Diggs likely faces a battle with Devon Witherspoon.

No team has surrendered fewer fantasy points to opposing receivers this season than Seattle.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros .