Only three weeks into the fantasy football season, and there are a handful of receivers who will be catching passes from the backup quarterback this Sunday. That may leave fantasy owners pondering whether they should trust that wide receiver who’d usually be a lock. Some WRs are a must-start no matter what, while others are more reliant on who’s behind center. Here’s a look at the Week Three start or sit list for receivers playing with backup QBs.
Ja’Marr Chase is a fantasy football must-start, whether Jake Browning, Jake Plummer, Jake Delhomme, Jake Paul, or Jake From State Farm is playing QB. Chase actually had ten of his 14 catches last week with Browning, so there really wasn’t a drop off at all. In 2023, Chase and Browning played six games together after Joe Burrow tore a ligament in his throwing wrist. Chase averaged about five catches for 64 yards, which is not his usual numbers, of course, but still a solid floor with a backup.
Terry McLaurin has only seven catches and 75 yards through the first two weeks of the season, and there is no reason to believe that things will get better with Marcus Mariota at the helm (respectfully). Mariota hasn’t started a game since 2022, and during that season, he only eclipsed 200 passing yards three times in 13 games. That does not bode well for McLaurin, or any receiver on the Washington Commanders roster. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere this week, and perhaps beyond.
Garrett Wilson is still worth a start this week against the Buccaneers. He’s had at least four catches for 50 yards through the first two games, and that includes three catches in the fourth quarter last week with this week’s Jets’ starter, Tyrod Taylor. Taylor also threw a touchdown pass to Wilson in garbage time against the Buffalo Bills last season, so there may be some chemistry when they do play together.
The Buccaneers allowed just over 50 receiving yards to both Drake London and Nico Collins in weeks one and two, respectively, with Collins also finding the endzone. A similar stat line is a reasonable expectation for Wilson as well, with the possibility of cracking double-digit fantasy points.
Like his former LSU teammate Chase, Justin Jefferson is a fantasy football must-start every week he is available. Even with the inconsistent QB play to begin the year, Jefferson had a TD in Week One, followed by 81 receiving yards in Week Two.
Cincinnati will likely not have its secondary at full strength. Both starting cornerbacks are dealing with hamstring injuries, with Cam Taylor-Britt listed as doubtful and DJ Turner drawing a questionable tag. Even if Turner goes, he probably won’t be at 100 percent, which means that Carson Wentz, who has found a way to start for another team yet again, should look to target the two-time All-Pro receiver early and often.
The San Francisco 49ers’ other starting WR, Jauan Jennings, is questionable with both ankle and shoulder injuries, and the team is already without George Kittle, who is on injured reserve after a Week One hamstring injury. Pearsall, therefore, could end up seeing double-digit targets from Mac Jones.
The Cardinals are also dealing with injuries with both starting CBs. Rookie Will Johnson is doubtful with a groin injury, and second-year man Max Melton is questionable with a knee issue. The Cardinals allowed Bryce Young to go for 328 passing yards and three TDs through the air last week, so they are vulnerable, to say the least. Look for perhaps a breakout performance from Pearsall in Week Three.
Sometimes in fantasy football, you have to roll with your guys regardless of circumstances. That is especially true if one is either of those former LSU receivers! On the other hand, you have to be able to make the tough decisions, and that potentially means pulling a player even if you drafted them fairly early. Hopefully, this rant will help you make those decisions and help lead to a Week Three fantasy football victory.
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