Fantasy football week 3 live updates: Jayden Reed, injury report for Waddle, Burrow, Jones, Montgomery, rankings, start or sit

Our fantasy expert answers your questions before lineups lock for Week 3.

John Laghezza

(Photo: David Butler II / USA Today)

What you need to know before setting your Week 3 lineup

From Nick Chubb to Austin Ekeler to Saquon Barkley, a number of top running backs are out. Other big names — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown included — are questionable for Week 3.

Fear not: John Laghezza is here to guide you through your lineup decisions before kickoff. He'll answer your questions in the hours leading up to the 1 p.m. ET games.

Other helpful resources:

Flex spot: Najee Harris, James Conner, Jahan Dotson, Gabe Davis?

Jaylen Waddle out, who should I put in my flex? Najee Harris, James Conner, Jahan Dotson, Gabe Davis? —Chandler M.

Gabe Davis

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Joshua Kelley or DJ Moore?

14 team .5PPR Josh Kelley or DJ Moore in my flex? —Avery C.

I’d start Kelley even in a full-PPR format. Right now the Bears are so toxic, that they’re a non-starter as a unit until we see the tides change. Josh Kelley had a rough Week 2 but it should have been expected against the Titans. The Vikings haven’t stopped anyone and Kelley’s got the path to a RB1 finish.

Start one: Gabe Davis, Jordan Addison, Joe Mixon, Sam LaPorta?

(Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

Start one: Gabe Davis, Jordan Addison, Joe Mixon, Sam LaPorta? —Alex C.

The answer should be “Joe Mixon and walk away” but under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s that easy. We don’t even know if Joe Burrow will play, and if he does, what he’ll look like.

I had to check my projections for Davis versus Addison and they’re essentially tied. I would go by your own game script. Consider Davis to have the higher floor as the every-down player on a prolific offense but remember the Commander pass defense is legit. Addison has the higher ceiling despite sharing time, but I still think he’s the correct choice. Addison’s the one playing in the game with inflated team totals and horrific Viking defense.

Kyren Williams, Rhamondre Stevenson, James Cook or D'Andre Swift?

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Could you please help me pick two between Kyren Williams, Rhamondre Stevenson, James Cook, and D'Andre Swift? No flex —Alexander G.

Take one second to appreciate how great of a job you did in regard to running backs. All four of these players are among the few every-week starters at RB. My rankings are at the very top with Kyren Williams and Rhamondre Stevenson ahead by projections because they command the high-value touches.

Pick one: Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, or Kendre Miller

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Pick 1 RB3: Herbert, Roschon, or Kendre —Eryk G.

Ignore the rogue commentors Eryk and toss the Chicago Bears in the pile while you’re at it. No one in the NFL has looked worse than the Bears and they’re about to face a top-5 defensive unit in Kansas City. Chris Jones is back at DE for the Chiefs and playing like a man possessed. I’m almost expecting the Bears to get shut out.

Start Kendre Miller for the Saints today. He’s logged full practices all week and starter Jamaal Williams is on the I.R. I have him projected as the snap, touch, and TD leader for New Orleans.

Pick two Half-PPR: Alexander Mattison, D’Andre Swift, Kyren Williams, Jerome Ford, or Tyler Allgeier?

Alexander Mattison, D’Andre Swift, Kyren Williams, Jerome Ford, or Tyler Allgeier for two starting RB spots in 0.5 PPR?—S.B.

My RB ranks are posted at the very top but for this week at least, the answer’s clear. Kyren Williams and D’Andre Swift are must starts given their respective offenses and pace of play. Mattison’s in a good spot but he should have to earn a starting spot over Swift, who just finished as Week 2’s overall RB3.

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Sit one: Zach Moss, Jerome Ford, or Josh Kelly?

Lost Nick Chubb, JK Dobbins and Jaamal Williams. Who sits out? Zach Moss, Jerome Ford, or Josh Kelly? —Themanebro

As much as I love the talent, you have to sit Jerome Ford against the Titans; they’re a nightmare for opposing RBs.

Skyy Moore or Jahan Dotson?

(Jamie Schwaberow / Getty Images)

Skyy Moore or Jahan Dotson for my last flex spot? — Dan S.

I’ve been a Skyy Moore guy this entire offseason, but you have to roll with Dotson. The Chiefs WR room’s a full-on committee and we know Jahan Dotson’s commanding a +40 percent weighted opportunity rate while playing every down.

Jerome Ford or Gus Edwards?

Jerome Ford or Gus Edwards Full PPR? — Brian H.

Gus Bus

Pick two: Calvin Ridley, Joe Mixon, Kyren Williams or Mike Evans?

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Start two of these four players at flex, but cannot start both RBs: Calvin Ridley, Joe Mixon, Kyren Williams, Mike Evans? —Kevin K.

Calvin Ridley’s in a smash spot so he can’t be sat today and I’m not starting any Bengals on my worst enemy’s roster so that takes care of Joe Mixon. I’m taking the projectable volume and touchdown equity with Kyren Williams, knowing it could burn me.

Old man Mike Evans looks great with Baker Mayfield but I think they have a bigger chance of turning into a pumpkin today. The Ravens play a lot of zone and will look to take away the deep shots that Evans thrives on.

Patriots or Chiefs defense? Dak Prescott or Just Herbert in at QB?

Pats or Chiefs defense? Prescott or Herbert in QB? —Niko K.

I’d start the Chiefs over the Patriots today. The 12.5-point spread probably sums it up quicker than I can. The Jets are bad but the Bears are worse because Chicago stinks on both sides of the ball.

Start Justin Herbert over Dak Prescott today. He’s got the game script and the plus defensive matchup.

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Jordan Addison or DJ Moore?

Waddle is out. Jordan Addison or DJ Moore to replace him? —Chris W.

Addison, NO BEARS

Pick three: Joe Mixon, Kyren Williams, Javonte Williams, Brian Robinson or Joshua Kelley?

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Gotta choose 3 from mid-tier RB hell. Mixon, Kyren and Javonte Williams, Brian Robinson, Joshua Kelley. — Nicholas T.

I posted my Week 3 RB rankings at the very top but my answer’s always a combination a workload and game script. Give me Kyren Williams, Javonte Williams and Joshua Kelley. Mixon and the Bengals terrify me right now and I’d wait on Brian Robinson for a better defensive matchup.

Pick two: Alexander Mattison, Joshua Kelley or Tyler Lockett?

(Wesley Hitt / Getty Images)

1/2 PPR, pick 2: Mattison, Kelley, or Lockett? — Patrick A.

In 0.5PPR I’ll always prioritize featured backs, especially given the expectations surrounding the LAC/MIN game today; it’s the highest projected total on the board by a touchdown. You want to attach yourself to the touchdown equity in any game that could combine for over 60 points when it’s all said and done.

Raheem Mostert or Alexander Mattison?

(Kathryn Riley / Getty Images)

With Ekeler out, do I roll with Mostert or Mattison for my RB2? — Andrew S.

As much as I’m trying to weasel my way into exposure to Chargers versus Vikings, you have to go with Mostert while he’s healthy. His style of running fits perfectly in the Dolphin offense and he’s one of the few RBs getting +60 percent of the carries and running +65 percent of the routes

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Zay Flowers or Michael Pittman Jr.?

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Zay Flowers or Michael Pittman Jr.? —Quentin B.

I have to say you did a remarkable job at the draft table if you’re dealing with first-world problems like this. Kudos to you Quentin. I almost want to see the rest of the roster because I have both Pittman and Flowers as must-starts this week.

Minshew’s easily one of the best backup QBs in the league and showed it in relief duties last Sunday. Now he’s had a whole week of practice with the first-team offense and I’m expecting even more continuity. Pittman’s been a utilization hog also, earning 11.5 targets/game on 97% route participation.

Zay Flowers and the Ravens are in a great spot versus the Colts as well. In fact, I did a quick breakdown on X

So for me, it’s Pittman, but boy it’s close.

Pick two: Tutu Atwell, Christian Kirk, Rashid Shaheed, Garrett Wilson, Brandin Cooks, and Christian Watson?

Which 2 WRs should I start out of Tutu Atwell, Christian Kirk, Rashid Shaheed, Garrett Wilson, Brandin Cooks, and Christian Watson? —Kyle P.

Tutu and Pacua are must-starts regardless of format; the production and symbiosis shown thus far with Matthew Stafford is uncanny. Write that name on your lineup card in marker.

Of the remaining options, you have to start Christian Kirk today. He’s on the most high-powered offense and in the best matchup while coming off an 11-catch game. Plus Zay Jones didn’t practice all week and Kirk’s in line for a full complement of snaps. I’m a huge Christian Watson fan but given your options let him show us he’s healthy first.

Pick three: Davante Adams, Tee Higgins, Puka Nacua, Jordan Addison or Drake London?

(Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

Davante Adams, Tee Higgins, Puka Nacua, Jordan Addison or Drake London in a standard league. Which three would you start? — Ivan G.

Davante Adams and Puca Nacua are your every-week starters while they draw breath. Generally, I’d say the same about Tee Higgins but right now the Joe Burrow injury has me absolutely terrified to start any Bengals. Given the expectations and game total for LAC/MIN I’d actually start Addison as my third WR. His snap share has increased every week and I think he gets loose in the Charger zone at least once today.

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