The tight end position is one of the most intriguing aspects of fantasy football. It seems to consist of players who provide massive production, or next to nothing. It's time to continue our fantasy series with a fantasy football Week 3 start 'em sit 'em evaluation.
If you have Travis Kelce or Darren Waller then you have an elite tight end for fantasy football and don't have to worry about who to start or sit. They're such big advantages they're not even on this list as it'd be foolish to even consider benching them. Instead, we look at three tight ends who each have a solid matchup in Week 3.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints’ start 'em sit 'em recommendations at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback*
On the other hand, there are always bad matchups to avoid if you can. That's the exact case with the three tight ends on this list, as these guys shouldn't be in your starting lineups. With that said, here is our fantasy football Week 3 start 'em sit 'em for your fantasy leagues.
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Fantasy Football Week 3 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em
Start ‘Em
Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews serves as one of the top two receiving options on the Baltimore Ravens offense. He's versatile and reliable, which bodes well for his 2021 outlook in fantasy football. The Ravens go up against a suspect Detroit Lions defense in their next game. This makes Andrews a must-start on Sunday.
He's been quiet to start the year, but it's not entirely his fault. The Las Vegas Raiders put the clamps on Andrews in Week 1, as he only managed 20 yards off of five receptions. Week 2 was a much better performance for the Ravens starting tight end. Look for Mark Andrews to record his first touchdown of the year on Sunday. If he does, he should be one of the highest-scoring tight ends in fantasy football for Week 3.
Noah Fant – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have started the year out strong. Teddy Bridgewater has been spreading the ball around and Noah Fant is one of the main beneficiaries. With 14 targets, 95 yards, and one touchdown in the first two games, it's safe to say that Noah Fant is heavily involved in the Broncos game plan.
Fant should be able to continue his streak of scoring double-digit fantasy points yet again. The Broncos take on a struggling New York Jets defense in Week 3. Start Denver's star tight end with confidence, as Bridgwater should connect with Noah Fant throughout the game.
TJ Hockenson – Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions don't have many weapons on their offense which has allowed Jared Goff to target TJ Hockenson frequently. This is a trend that should last throughout the course of the season. Hockenson is easily the best pass-catcher on the roster and will play a large role on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens will likely try to double-team Hockenson in this matchup, but it likely won't matter. He'll find a way to get open and feast on the Ravens' secondary. Additionally, the Ravens are should run away with it in this game. For that reason, TJ Hockenson will have a favorable game script where the Lions throw the ball constantly. Start the Lions' young star in the making and don't think twice about it.
Sit ‘Em
Tua Tagovailoa is ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. For that reason, most, if not all of the Miami Dolphins players should be avoided in fantasy football. Mike Gesicki hasn't lived up to his potential yet and it might take another week before we see the tides turn.
The Raiders have a ferocious pass rush that has caused problems for the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers so far. With Jacoby Brissett under center for the Dolphins, there is virtually no hope for Mike Gesicki to provide any fantasy production. Look elsewhere, as Mike Gesicki is droppable in fantasy football for now.
Jonnu Smith – New England Patriots
The good news about Jonnu Smith is that he's targeted frequently in the New England Patriots offense. The bad news though is that he hasn't done much with his opportunities. Mac Jones is still getting his feet wet, so Smith should be able to eventually bounce back this season. However, it's likely not going to happen against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Despite looking terrible in their last game, the Saints have a solid defense. It'll make them competitive in most games. There's a real chance they bottle up Jonnu Smith on Sunday, as he's been targeted frequently on the Patriots. Even so, expectations for Jonnu Smith's fantasy production should be low right now. Keep him on the bench and play him when New England has a better matchup.
Logan Thomas – Washington Football Team
Logan Thomas has been a consistent pass option for the Washington Football Team so far this year. He has 10 targets, eight receptions, 85 yards, and one touchdown in the first two games of the season. Additionally, Thomas has played 100% of Washington's offensive snaps, making him an important piece to this team.
Even so, Thomas draws a tough matchup in Week 3. The Buffalo Bills defense has looked stellar so far and they should make life difficult for Logan Thomas. If you have him rostered on your fantasy squad, he's likely the best tight end on your team. Find a streaming option if you can. Otherwise, you're playing a boom or bust tight end in fantasy football in Week 3.