It’s time for the Belly Up Start Em, Sit Em: Week 3 list, just in time for the Thursday night game. Have questions about who to plug into your lineup? Let’s look through the league for my favorite matchups of the week.

Start Em: QBs

Gardner Minshew vs MIA

Minshew Mania is back in full force here at Belly Up Fantasy! The Jaguars second-year starter is coming off his first 300 yard-3 TD performance at Tennessee. Completing over 75 percent of his passes this season, I am rolling with Minshew tonight at home with the Dolphins coming to town. The Dolphins’ defense is seventh-worst against the pass. They have allowed both Cam Newton and Josh Allen to have elite fantasy weeks. Minshew has had starter-worthy production in both Weeks 1 and 2 against much less fantasy-friendly defenses. Not to mention, it’s a short week of preparation and the Jaguars offense is clicking! Minshew will make Ryan Fitzpatrick regret the facial hair attack!

Joe Burrow @ PHI

The number one overall pick is out to a fast start, already leading the NFL in pass attempts. The growth was visible from Week 1 to Week 2, and the Eagles defense isn’t equipped to guard the weapons Burrow is surrounded with. I expect Joe to start connecting with A.J. Green any time now, and he is targeting Green a ton! The Eagles have allowed the seventh most points this season, and the Bengals are primed for a breakout after hanging a 30-burger on the Browns in Week 2. Start Burrow with confidence this week in Philadelphia. A guy slinging it this much with a deep supporting cast and a bad defense is what fantasy wins are made of!

Start Em: RBs

Jonathan Taylor vs NYJ

The Indianapolis Colts answered all of our backfield questions vs Minnesota in Week 2. After deploying a three-headed monster in Week 1, Marlon Mack was injured, leaving Nyheim Hines/Taylor debates to kick-off throughout fantasy land. Jonathan Taylor out-touched Hines 28-1 in Week 2, and Taylor has caught every target Philip Rivers has sent his way through two games. The Jets defense allowed Raheem Mostert and Jerick McKinnon to rip off runs of 80 and 55 yards in last week’s match-up. The Colts passing game is nothing to write home about, and Taylor is their workhorse. Assuming Taylor gets north of 20 touches, he’s looking at a monster day at Lucas Oil versus a vulnerable Jets run defense.

Joshua Kelley vs CAR

The Los Angeles Chargers have firmly placed Joshua Kelley and Austin Ekeler in a timeshare. Ekeler has only out-touched Kelly 40-37, with both guys playing over 50 percent of their offensive snaps last week. Kelley’s 25 touches last week would lead to a huge fantasy day versus a Panthers defense that has allowed 36 rushing TDs in their last 18 games, including three to Josh Jacobs and the Buccaneers RB duo thus far in 2020. With the emergence of rookie QB Justin Herbert, I expect the Chargers to lean heavily on their run game as the season progresses. With the volume of injuries at the RB position, Joshua Kelley is a great asset considering the workload he is going to receive. Plug him in against a pathetic run defense in Week 3!

Belly Up Start Em, Sit Em: Week 3 – WR Starts

CeeDee Lamb @ SEA

CeeDee has played over 80 percent of the offensive snaps and is averaging 15 yards per reception for Dallas this season. His match-up at Seattle this week makes CeeDee a must-start in Week 3. The Seahawks have allowed a league high 831 yards through the air in only two games! Dak Prescott targeted the rookie WR nine times, completing six for a team leading 106 yards in only his second game. Lamb is in for a huge role in a game sure to feature a fantasy friendly game script. Get CeeDee in your line-ups and watch the show in Seattle.

Marquez Valdez-Scantling @ NO

MVS is getting the important opportunities from QB Aaron Rodgers, and Davante Adams‘ health is in question. Even if Adams plays, he won’t be 100 percent, and MVS has flirted with his breakout in both games this season. I expect the young WR to shake off the early season jitters visiting the Saints with Rodgers sure to be leaning on him a bit more than usual. The third year receiver is averaging nearly 23 yards per reception and he should have two more TDs on the year. Be ahead of the curve on MVS, this kid is good.

Start Em: TEs

T.J. Hockenson @ ARI

Hockenson has looked great in his sophomore campaign, and has snagged all nine of his targets. The Lions visit the Cardinals this week, who were among the league’s worst against the TE in 2019. Kenny Golladay returns for Detroit, which should result in some one-on-one opportunities for Hock. The Cardinals offense is on fire right now, the Lions will be throwing to keep up. Start Hockenson with confidence in the desert.

Mike Gesicki @ JAX

Mike Gesicki is leading all TEs in receiving yards and is coming off an 8 reception-130 yard-1 TD performance versus the Bills. This week the Dolphins visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have surrendered the most receiving yards to TEs. The Dolphins WR injuries and backfield woes make Gesicki the focal point of their offense currently. He is in for another big week on Thursday Night Football.

Sit Em: QBs

Carson Wentz vs CIN

New year, same issues in Philadelphia: struggling OL, depleted WRs, and Carson Wentz just isn’t quite right. The Eagles desperately need to ride Miles Sanders until they can stop the bleeding. Wentz faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the seventh fewest passing yards and he will be leaning on an again DeSean Jackson on the outside. I am looking elsewhere for my QB services this week.

Drew Brees vs GB

I may leave Drew here until Michael Thomas returns. Emmanuel Sanders hasn’t developed into the receiving threat I had imagined in this offense and the Saints aren’t exactly pushing the ball down field. Jared Cook also has a tough match-up as Green Bay are among the toughest against the TE position. The Packers should handle New Orleans this week, and Brees could be left to rely on Alvin Kamara to make plays to salvage any chance to stay in this one. I’m sure you weren’t all that excited to play him after last week’s outing, but save yourself the frustration and bench Drew Brees until further notice.

Sit Em: RBs

David Johnson @ PIT

David Johnson has only carried the ball 11 times in each of his first two games with the Texans, and barely averaged three yards per carry last week. Visiting one of the league’s most feared defensive units, this may not be the week Houston gets their offense back on track. Game script has been an issue for David, as the Texans have been blown out in both Weeks 1 and 2. Week 3 could carry a similar tune in Pittsburgh, look elsewhere for value in Week 3.

Los Angeles Rams RBs @ BUF

The Buffalo Bills have allowed the third fewest rushing yards in 2020. The questions of health and how McVay will split the workload are also a concern. The Bills offense is firing on all cylinders which doesn’t leave a favorable game script for the Rams to settle into the running game in this contest. Avoid the headache this week in a not-so-favorable Week 3 match-up for your Rams RB of choice.

Belly Up Start Em, Sit Em: Week 3 – WR Sits

Adam Thielen vs TEN

Adam Thielen was held to 3 receptions for 31 yards in Week 2 at Indianapolis. With Kirk Cousins having consistency issues, and the Vikings lacking a second receiving threat the Titans will look to eliminate Thielen as a threat. This could shape up to be a low scoring dog fight, avoid the Vikings passing game with the Titans visiting.

Robert Woods @ BUF

Woods, much like Thielen, had a solid performance Week 1, and a not so solid Week 2. The Rams were out East last week visiting the Eagles, and they’ll travel yet again visiting Buffalo. The Bills hold opposing QBs to the 10th lowest completion percentage. Robert Woods does have some “revenge game” intrigue, but the match-up favors teammate Cooper Kupp in the underneath passing game. I am benching Robert Woods this week in search of a higher ceiling.

Sit Em: TEs

Evan Engram vs SF

The 49ers have only allowed one reception to opposing TEs through two games. Engram was missing in action vs Pittsburgh in Week 1, and the 49ers may be a better defense. No Saquon, a struggling QB, and the 49ers visiting is a recipe to avoid. Look to the waiver wire to fill your TE spot if you’re an Evan Engram owner.

Darren Waller @ NE

I know, benching Darren Waller is insane. He’s the second most targeted pass catcher in the entire NFL. However, Belichick loves to take away your best option, and he has the secondary to do it with the Raiders coming to town. The Patriots have held Gesicki down in Week 1, and only allowed one reception by a Seattle TE in Week 2. You’re probably starting Waller anyway this week, but beware, this could be a stinker from your big dog TE.

Thanks for reading my Week 3 edition of start em, sit em! You can follow me on Twitter @bwhitt24, and the rest of the Belly Up Fantasy crew @bellyupfantasy. Let me know how your weekly match-ups turn out and I’d love to answer any roster or line-up questions you can pepper me with! Good Luck in Week 3!