Fantasy Football Week 3: 6 Players Who Can Make or Break Your Lineup

Welcome to Week 3! As we get further into fantasy football season, the “make or break” list will take on a different shape. As touted superstars become riskier plays, role players rise to flex-worthy territory, and defensive matchups become a bigger factor. After a week of injuries at every position, many fantasy managers will hit the bench and look for upside to push for victory.

This week’s roster poses several intriguing challenges. Are we willing to risk it all on a boom receiver with shockingly low production? Should we rely on volume and touches for inconsistent veterans? Can we trust a rising rookie?

Zack Moss, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals backfield has been nothing short of underwhelming. Moss has claimed the starring role, but let’s face it, there hasn’t been much of a “winner” here. In Week 1, Moss salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown on what was otherwise a disappointing performance of just nine carries for 44 yards and two receptions for 17 yards.

Week 2 didn’t offer much improvement with 12 carries for just 34 yards and one reception for 13 for a total of 5.2 fantasy points. Moss outgained Chase Brown 24-10, so the usage is there, but we need more than just touches to consider him a strong player.

Will Moss to make or break Your line-up in week 3?

The best cure for a disappointing production period is a dream matchup, and Washington might be just the matchup Moss needs to get into low-end RB1 territory. Washington just gave up 95 yards on 16 carries to Devin Singletary, averaging 5.94 yards per attempt and a touchdown. If there’s ever a game where Moss can finally pay off in his starring role, it’s this one the game.

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Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams

I want to to believe in a Rams receiver. Scratch that — I need to believe in a Rams receiver. We spent the entire offseason debating where to draft Puka Nacua versus a healthy Cooper Kupp, and now we have neither. If you’ve followed my work in the past, you know I’m a big advocate for Robinson and believer in his viability as the Rams’ WR3.

This week, the Rams take on the 49ers, and while the Niners’ defense is strong, it’s not invincible. In Week 1, Allan Lazard scored two touchdowns, while Garrett Wilson collected 11 targets against them. In Week 2, Justin Jefferson flourished, and even Jalen Nailor made an impact. It’s possible that Robinson could provide some flex-worthy value.

Will Robinson to make or break Your line-up in week 3?

I won’t downplay this – I am very worried about everyone outside of Kyren Williams moving forward. When the Rams offensive line struggles, Stafford struggles. My faith in Robinson really lies in the Rams offensive line’s ability to give Stafford enough time to actually find Robinson. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson returns from his season-opening suspension this week, but they still have two offensive linemen on IR and another expected to miss time. Robinson is too volatile at this weak position and tends to be more of a break than a brand.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas was in my “Make or Break” column of week 1 as to makeand it paid off immediately. Thomas’ output wasn’t huge, but he immediately distinguished himself as the big-time playmaker in the Jags’ offense. Thomas is averaging 11.55 fantasy points per game in half-PPR, making him WR25 and the third-highest scoring rookie on the season. That’s a fantastic start to the season for Thomas, but making him a must-starter every week won’t be easy.

Will Thomas to make or break Your line-up in week 3?

In a good matchup, I’m all for flexing Thomas. This week, however, he’ll be facing a Buffalo defense that has been strong against the pass. The Jags rank eighth in total pass attempts (51) through two weeks, and that low pass volume has been fairly evenly distributed across the receiving corps. Thomas has just four targets in each game this season. He’s been able to make the most of his limited opportunities, but that type of production does make him a more unpredictable fantasy asset that break your line-up this week.

Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland

Volatility is an accepted part of Amari Cooper’s game, but 2024 has gotten off to a bad start even by his standards. In fact, this is the worst start to a season of Cooper’s career. Cooper is the Browns’ target leader through two games with 15 targets but just five receptions — an abysmal 33% catch rate.

Deshaun Watson continues to struggle, and the increased involvement of Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore has taken away that typical ceiling Amari Cooper has. Cooper has gone from a must-starter to a lineup liability.

Will Cooper to make or break Your line-up in week 3?

The increased involvement of Jeudy and Moore wouldn’t be a significant problem if Watson showed any promise of upside. Watson has failed to surpass 186 passing yards with a shockingly low 4.5 yards per attempt and a completion rate of 58.2%.

The Browns have a great matchup against the Giants this week and starting Cooper should be a no-brainer. Cooper is truly a make or break case. With injuries all over the league, you may be forced to start him. If you have the luxury of switching to another option, do so until Watson proves he is competent enough to play.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Can Mike Gesicki accomplish the impossible and give us a tight end who can consistently start the game in Cincinnati?

It seems like a pipe dream, but Gesicki’s early season usage is intriguing. In Week 2, Gesicki had seven receptions on nine targets for 91 yards. In Week 1, Gesicki had just three receptions on four targets for 18 yards, but converted a big touchdown. If he had been able to hold on to the ball, it would have been another top 10, double-digit scoring performance.

While we can’t base a value on “whether he caught the ball,” we can use it to gauge his overall role within the offense. It’s still early in the season, but if the Bengals can finally find a fit at tight end, Gesicki could provide consistent volume in a desolate tight end landscape.

Will Gesicki to make or break Your line-up in week 3?

Gesicki could take a step back if Tee Higgins returns, but Higgins’ status for Week 3 is unclear. Even if Higgins does return this week, Higgins has typically returned from injury in limited fashion in previous seasons. The Bengals have a fantastic matchup against Washington, and Gesicki could end up in the top five again.