Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is here, and fantasy managers are starting to settle into the rhythm of the year. By this point, you’ve seen how your players performed in Weeks 1 and 2, and matchups begin to play a major role in who you start and sit. Whether you’re riding your studs or looking for breakout opportunities, Week 3 is all about making smart, matchup driven decisions.
Below are my full Week 3 fantasy football rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. I’ve also highlighted one must start player at each position to help you set your lineups with confidence.
Tier 1
1. Josh Allen vs MIA
2. Lamar Jackson vs DET
3. Jalen Hurts vs LAR
Tier 2
4. Patrick Mahomes @ NYG
5. Baker Mayfield vs NYJ
6. Kyler Murray @ SF
7. Justin Herbert vs DEN
8. Drake Maye vs PIT
9. Dak Prescott @ CHI
Tier 3
10. Daniel Jones @ TEN
11. Bo Nix @ LAC
12. Caleb Williams vs DAL
13. Jordan Love @ CLE
14. Justin Fields @ TB
15. Jared Goff @ BAL
Tier 4
16. Geno Smith @ WAS
17. Trevor Lawrence vs HOU
18. Jordan Love vs WAS
19. Russel Wilson vs KC
Tier 5
20. Michael Penix Jr. @ CAR
21. C.J. Stroud @ JAC
22. Aaron Rodgers @ NE
23. Carson Wentz vs CIN
24. Jake Browning @ MIN
Must Start: Quarterback
Daniel Jones @ TEN
Daniel Jones enters Week 3 as a strong option with upside after he has had an incredible week 1 and 2. Facing a Titans defense that allowed several passing touchdowns in Week 2, Jones should have plenty of opportunities to connect with his top receiving options. He’s a safe start for managers looking to balance floor and upside this week.
Week 3 Tight End Rankings
Tier 1
1. Trey McBride @ SF
2. Brock Bowers @ WAS
Tier 2
3. Tucker Kraft @ CLE
4. Tyler Warren @ TEN
5. Sam LaPorta @ BAL
6. Zach Ertz vs LV
7. Juwan Johnson @ SEA
8. Travis Kelce @ NYG
Tier 3
9. Kyle Pitts Sr. @ CAR
10. Jake Ferguson @ CHI
11. T.J. Hockenson vs CIN
12. Hunter Henry vs PIT
13. Evan Engram @ LAC
14. Harold Fannin Jr vs GB
15. Dalton Kincaid vs MIA
16. Brenton Strange vs HOU
Tier 4
17. Dallas Goedert vs LAR
18. Chig Okonkwo vs IND
19. Ja’Tavion Sanders vs ATL
20. Colston Loveland vs DAL
Tier 5
21. Jonnu Smith @ NE
22. Mike Gesicki @ MIN
23. Pat Freiermuth @ NE
24. Theo Johnson vs KC
Must Start: Tight End
Kyle Pitts @ CAR
Kyle Pitts is a must start in Week 3. The Panthers have struggled to defend tight ends, and Pitts is a target hog for Michael Penix Jr. Expect high volume usage that translates to both yardage and touchdown upside, making him one of the top tight ends plays this week. This may be the year Pitts is who we have been waiting for.
Week 3 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tier 1
1. CeeDee Lamb @ CHI
2. Ja’Marr Chase @ MIN
3. Puka Nacua @ PHI
4. Malik Nabers vs KC
Tier 2
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ BAL
6. Justin Jefferson vs CIN
7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs NO
8. Nico Collins @ JAC
9. Brian Thomas Jr. HOU
10. Drake London @ CAR
Tier 3
11. Garrett Wilson @ TB
12. Zay Flowers vs DET
13. Rome Odunze vs DAL
14. Marvin Harrison Jr. @ SF
15. Deebo Samuel Sr. vs LV
16. Emeka Egbuka vs NYJ
17. Davante Adams @ PHI
18. Tee Higgins @ MIN
19. Ladd McConkey vs DEN
Tier 4
20. Mike Evans vs NYJ
21. DK Metcalf @ NE
22. A.J. Brown vs LAR
23. Tyreek Hill @ BUF
24. Courtland Sutton @ LAC
25. Tetairoa McMillan vs ATL
Tier 5
26. Jakobi Meyers @ WAS
27. Terry McLaurin vs LV
28. George Pickens @ CHI
29. Jameson Williams @ BAL
30. Marquise Brown @ NYG
31. DeVonta Smith vs LAR
Tier 6
32. DJ Moore vs DAL
33. Travis Hunter vs HOU
34. Michael Pittman Jr. @ TEN
35. Ricky Pearsall vs ARI
36. Juan Jennings vs ARI
Must Start: Wide Receiver
DK Metcalf @ NE
Metcalf is a must start in Week 3 thanks to his matchup against a Patriots defense that has struggled against deep threats. Expect him to see plenty of targets, especially downfield, making him a reliable WR1 this week with upside for a big play or touchdown.
Week 3 Running Back Rankings
Tier 1
1. Bijan Robinson @ CAR
2. Christian McCaffrey vs ARI
3. Jahmyr Gibbs @ Bal
4. Saquon Barkley vs LAR
Tier 2
5. Jonathon Taylor @ TEN
6. James Cook vs MIA
7. Derrick Henry vs DET
8. De’Von Achane @ BUF
9. Josh Jacobs @ CLE
10. Bucky Irving vs NYJ
11. Chase Brown @ MIN
Tier 3
12. James Conner @ SF
13. Alvin Kamara @ SEA
14. Ashton Jeanty @ WAS
15. Travis Etienne Jr. vs HOU
16. Chuba Hubbard vs ATL
17. Kenneth Walker III vs NO
18. Javonte Williams @ CHI
Tier 4
19. Kyren Williams @ PHI
20. Breece Hall @ TB
21. Omarion Hampton vs DEN
22. J.K. Dobbins
23. D’Andre Swift
Tier 5
24. David Montgomery @ BAL
25. Jaylen Warren @ NE
26. Tony Pollard vs IND
27. Jacory Crosket-Merritt vs LV
28. Aaron Jones Sr. vs CIN
29. Jordan Mason vs CIN
Tier 6
30. Rhamondre Stevenson vs PIT
31. Bhayshul Tuten vs HOU
32. TreVeyon Henderson vs PIT
33. Nick Chubb @ JAC
34. Isiah Pacheco @ NYG
35. Zach Charbonet vs NO
36. Cam Skattebo vs KC
Must Start: Running Back
Kenneth Walker III vs NO
Kenneth Walker III is a high upside running back for Week 3. He’s a focal point in the Seahawks’ rushing attack and should see plenty of touches in both the running and passing game. His ability to break long runs makes him a strong flex or RB2 start this week. Week 1 was a scare, but week 2 affirmed that Walker is a dawg.
Conclusion
Week 3 brings a mix of matchup based plays and steady performers. From Daniel Jones at quarterback to Kenneth Walker III at running back, these must starts give you a solid foundation to build your lineups.
Remember to balance upside with floor, and target players who can exploit favorable defenses. With these rankings and must start insights, you’re ready to dominate Week 3 of the 2025 fantasy football season.