Fantasy Football Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses (2023)

Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season has arrived, and there are some fascinating defensive matchups for fantasy football managers. Here are the fantasy football defense matchups to start and sit in our start 'em, sit 'em for Week 3.

Start 'em: Defenses to start in Week 3

New York Jets (vs NE)

The Jets went from a No. 2 finish in fantasy football in Week 1 to 29th in Week 2. While fantasy owners' confidence may be down on Robert Saleh's group, they could bounce back in a big way in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Mac Jones and company average just 18.5 points per game (22nd in the NFL), so there's opportunity for the Jets in what figures to be a low-scoring game. Also, just a reminder: The Patriots' defense is a must-play against Zach Wilson.

Seattle Seahawks (vs CAR)

To say that the Panthers' offense has not been good would be an understatement. They're tied with the Cincinnati Bengals(!) and Las Vegas Raiders for the fewest points per game (13.5) among NFL teams this season, with Bryce Young yet to throw for more than 153 yards. Miles Sanders is averaging just 57.5 rushing yards per game. That gives the Seahawks' defense a chance to keep the momentum going after a top-five finish against Detroit.

Pittsburgh Steelers (at LV)

The Steelers are opportunistic on defense, as shown by their top finish (26 fantasy football points) in Week 2 thanks to two defensive touchdowns. That won't happen every week, but when you consider that the Raiders have turned the ball over four times in two games, another score isn't out of the question. Led by T.J. Watt, the Steelers' defense could cash in with a big performance in Vegas.

Other defenses you're already starting: Kansas City Chiefs (vs CHI), Philadelphia Eagles (at TB), Baltimore Ravens (vs IND)

Sit 'em: Defenses to sit in Week 3

Cincinnati Bengals (vs LAR)

Can the Bengals turn their season around in a Super Bowl LVI rematch? It seems unlikely if Joe Burrow is sidelined due to injury or even still just banged up. Although the Rams lost to the 49ers in Week 2, the offense has found a couple of dynamic playmakers in new RB1 Kyren Williams and rookie sensation Puka Nacua. Maybe Matthew Stafford throws an interception or two to make the Bengals' defense a decent play, but the momentum is in favor of the visiting team in this game.

Washington Commanders (vs BUF)

Chase Young is back on the field for a Washington defense that has two top-10 fantasy football finishes to its credit thus far. Those two performances came against the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos. They'll face a much better offense this week with Josh Allen leading the way for the Bills. It's hard to love the matchup, even if the Jets did capitalize on it in a similar scenario back in Week 1.

Atlanta Falcons (at DET)

The Falcons get a Detroit team that's banged up, so the setup is fine. But even with the Seahawks finishing top five in Week 2 due to the pick-6, this Lions offense can move the ball. Jared Goff and company will have something to prove after the Seattle loss, which hopefully means they'll unleash Jahmyr Gibbs at running back. Atlanta's defense is a sit in fantasy football for this matchup.