Best/Worst Matchups - 2025 Week 3

Welcome, fellow 'Holics! Ready for another round of juicy matchups? With some more data over the past two weeks, we are starting to see what teams are really like.

QUARTERBACKS

START Drake Maye vs Pittsburgh Steelers

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Maye had a great week last week finishing as QB4 on the week. I need to reassure you that he needs to remain in that lineup again for this upcoming week. You're probably just as surprised about the Steelers defense so far this season as I am. Let's continue to exploit that and let Maye run wild once again against the team that's allowed the 5th most points to QBs this season so far (according to our web rankings, check out our Opponent ranks within our Redraft Rankings)

Honorable Mention: Caleb Williams vs DAL, Aaron Rodgers vs NE

SIT Kyler Murray vs SF

Murray has been a very... "MEH" option at QB two weeks into the season. He's currently at QB16 and not lighting it up through the air nor on the ground with his rushing prowess. He gets stingy 49ers defense that has allowed the 10th least number of points to QBs this season and only 17 points per game. This does not make me feel comfortable about starting Murray at this point. There are far more enticing options than staying with the mediocre option and leaving your ceiling pretty low.

Honorable Mention: Jake Browning vs MIN, Michael Penix Jr vs CAR

RUNNING BACKS

START Jordan Mason vs CIN

This has become more of a must-start due to recent news than just a speculation. In the past 24 hours, Aaron Jones was placed on IR and will miss 4 games due to a hamstring injury. Mason gets the green light to lead the backfield that will be facing a porous Bengals defense. Not only that, Mason will also be leaned on while starting a new QB not named JJ McCarthy who is also missing Week 3 with an ankle injury. Hammer that Mason play anywhere possible.

Honorable Mention: Rhamondre Stevenson vs PIT, Trey Benson vs SF

SIT RJ Harvey vs LA Chargers

JK Dobbins is continuing to distance himself from Harvey and is a clear lead back in Denver after 60+ rushing yards and a visit to the end zone in two straight games to start the season. Dobbins may be slowed down against the Chargers (4th least vs RBs) this week, but this means that Harvey should be nowhere near your starting lineup. Harvey has not been efficient at all this season. He had a 50-yard rush in Week 1; apart from that he's rushed 10 other times for 28 yards. He should be stashed for the time being where a Dobbins injury could happen at any time.

Honorable Mention: Quinshon Judkins vs GB, Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs LV

WIDE RECEIVERS

START Troy Franklin vs LA Chargers

We come back with the Broncos/Chargers matchup. While the Chargers are stout against the run, they have been gashed in the passing game. Troy Franklin has worked himself into a steady role following his 6-target Week 1 with a 9-target showing in Week 2. He also nearly went for 90 yards and scored a touchdown! With the production looking to remain steady, Franklin is a great FLEX option this week as the Chargers have allowed the 5th most points to WRs two weeks into the season.

Honorable Mention: Michael Pittman vs TEN, Rashod Bateman vs DET

SIT Marvin Harrison Jr vs San Francisco 49ers

It might just be me, but the Cardinals are the shakiest 2-0 team this season. None of their wins have been convincing and they've been against the Saints and the Panthers. Their team is not clicking at the moment and Marvin Harrison is coming off another stinker. He finished with 2 catches on 5 targets for 27 yards. He finished with a lot of those kinds of performances last year and it shows no signs of raising that floor. I don't see any way you should start him for the time being, especially against the 49ers defense allowing the LEAST number of points to opposing WRs so far.

Honorable Mention: AJ Brown vs LAR, Keenan Allen vs DEN

TIGHT ENDS

START Kyle Pitts vs Carolina Panthers

For tight end standards this season, Pitts has been fairly productive for the most part. He's had two tough matchups to start the season against Tampa and Minnesota's defenses and has averaged 10 PPR points and sits at TE11. He has a good chance to put up big numbers against the Panthers this week. The Panthers just got gashed by Trey McBride for 78 yards last week and have allowed the 3rd most points to opposing TE's. There might be many jokes about Pitts eventually breaking out, but this game certainly could do that for him.

Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr vs GB, AJ Barner vs NO

DUMP Evan Engram vs LA Chargers

Yeah, I said "Dump". What a horrible start to the season. Sorry to those who waited to draft a tight end late and took Engram. He's only scored a combined 7 points over these first couple games. He may have a tough matchup, but please stop hoping he will come around. There are plenty of great options that are out there right now if you look at the waiver wire. Dump Engram right now before it's too late.

Honorable Mention: Brenton Strange vs HOU, Mark Andrews vs DET

#DRock313