DFS advice: Week 3 start or sit

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) runs the ball following a reception during a preseason game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting San Francisco 49ers on August 19, 2019 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) runs the ball following a reception during a preseason game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting San Francisco 49ers on August 19, 2019 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns delivers a play call to the offensive huddle in the fourth quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans on September 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee won 43-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns delivers a play call to the offensive huddle in the fourth quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans on September 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee won 43-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) /

DFS advice – Week 3 QB’s to sit

Baker Mayfield (CLE) vs. LAR

At the start of Week 1, I never imagined myself having to put Baker Mayfield on the “Do Not Start” list. Let’s face it, with all the hype that was buzzing around Cleveland this offseason, many were expecting the Browns to be much more explosive than they have been through two weeks of play. They got smothered in Week 1 against the Titans and were sloppy in Week 2 against the Jets. Mayfield has been struggling with interceptions lately as he’s thrown four of them, which is tied for the most so far this season. He’s been making some poor decisions lately and it’s costing him dearly in terms of fantasy stock value. There’s no need to panic with Baker yet, but to play it safe, I suggest letting him ride the bench this week until he settles down.

Kirk Cousins (MIN) vs. OAK

I know I had Cousins on my “Sit” list last week as well, but he looked dreadful again in Week 2 versus the Packers in Green Bay. It is very tempting to start Cousins this week because he will be taking on the Oakland Raiders who have allowed the most receiving yards to quarterbacks this season (711), but I urge you to resist this temptation. Cousins hasn’t been himself this year as he has completed slightly over 50.0% of his passes (52.4% to be exact) for only 328 yards, two touchdowns, and a pair of picks. Avoid falling into the trap because of the delectable matchup. Cousins’ awful play is just not worth the risk until he proves to us otherwise.

Andy Dalton (CIN) @ BUF

While Dalton ranks as QB11 through Week 2 of 2019, I have a suspicion that it will drop after the Bills defense is done with him. Dalton was able to put up respectable numbers against both a struggling Seahawks secondary and a young 49ers corps still figuring some things out. The Bills, on the other hand, are a more established defense as they gave offenses fits throughout last season. Well, they’re doing it again this year as they have allowed the fourth-least passing yards and the seventh-lowest number of fantasy points per game to quarterbacks so far. Lastly, Cincinnati’s offensive line is dreadful too, which will allow the Bills to create all sorts of havoc for Dalton. He’ll be running for his life as he already has found himself on his back four times this year (tied for the most).

Cam Newton (CAR) @ ARI

Super Cam is not playing so super right now. In fact, he’s currently QB28 averaging a paltry 8.9 fantasy points per game. There is something seriously wrong with Newton’s throwing arm whether he wants to admit that or not to the media. His accuracy just isn’t there and he’s not making the same plays as he was from a few years back. He’s also dealing with a foot injury as well and his status for Week 3 against the Cardinals is questionable. All the more reason to not even consider starting Cam this week. It’s a shame because he has a lot of talent, but this year is quickly spiraling out of control for him. Maybe some rest is just what the doctor ordered for Newton. Anyway, if Newton does suit up for Sunday, seek other options at the quarterback position.

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Mariota @ JAX & Jameis Winston @ NYG