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Fantasy football rankings for Week 3: Recovering from the injury bug

steve gardner, usa today
·2-min read

(This story has been updated with new information and a new photo.)

The big news from NFL Week 2 was the prevalence of injuries to key players. And they weren't minor injuries either.

Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, Isiah Pacheco and Tua Tagovailoa are among the top talents who won't see the field for multiple weeks after they were all hurt in this past week's games. Regardless, fantasy managers must press on with the healthy players they still have.

Fantasy football rankings for Week 3 are based on the point-per-reception (PPR) scoring used in most seasonal and daily fantasy football formats. One point is awarded for every 10 rushing and receiving yards and one point for every 20 passing yards. Six points are awarded for touchdowns scored, four points for passing TDs and one point for receptions.

Rankings are compiled by Daniel Dobish, TheHuddle.com. 

(*-check status before kickoff)

Fantasy football Week 3 quarterback rankings

The Texans may need to rely on quarterback C.J. Stroud even more heavily this week in the wake of top running back Joe Mixon's ankle injury Sunday night against the Bears.
The Texans may need to rely on quarterback C.J. Stroud even more heavily this week in the wake of top running back Joe Mixon's ankle injury Sunday night against the Bears.

  • Jordan Love (knee) was a surprising participant in practice this week, but he is inactive for Sunday. Malik Willis will start his second consecutive game.

  • Russell Wilson (calf) is officially out. Justin Fields will make his third consecutive start on Sunday against the Chargers.

  • Justin Herbert returned to practice on a limited basis on Thursday after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Herbert is active for Sunday.

Fantasy football Week 3 running back rankings

Dolphins running back De'Von Achane showed he can carry a full workload in Week 2 when -- with teammate Raheem Mostert inactive -- he logged 22 carries and caught seven passes against Buffalo.
Dolphins running back De'Von Achane showed he can carry a full workload in Week 2 when -- with teammate Raheem Mostert inactive -- he logged 22 carries and caught seven passes against Buffalo.

  • The Texans' Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) are out for Sunday. Cam Akers is the next man up and will start.

  • Kenneth Walker (oblique) is doubtful for Sunday, despite taking part in Friday's practice. Zach Charbonnet could get a second consecutive start.

  • Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was "pessimistic" about Raheem Mostert's (chest) chances to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, Jeff Wilson (oblique) is practicing fully and does not have an injury designation.

Fantasy football Week 3 wide receiver rankings

After a slow start in the opener, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 11 passes for 119 yards in Week 2 vs. the Buccaneers.
After a slow start in the opener, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 11 passes for 119 yards in Week 2 vs. the Buccaneers.

  • Justin Jefferson is officially questionable with a quadriceps injury, but is expected to be ready for Sunday vs. Houston.

  • Cooper Kupp (ankle) has been ruled out, but the Rams have not yet put him on injured reserve.

  • A.J. Brown is out again this week after also missing Week 2 with a hamstring injury.

  • Keenan Allen (heel) did not practice Thursday and has been ruled out.

  • Tee Higgins (hamstring) practiced for the first time since Sept. 5 on Thursday. He will be available to play Monday night vs. Washington. How much he'll play is uncertain.

Fantasy football Week 3 tight end rankings

It doesn't show up in his receiving stats, but the Cardinals' Trey McBride is currently the No. 3 fantasy tight end on the season thanks to his fumble recovery touchdown in Week 2.
It doesn't show up in his receiving stats, but the Cardinals' Trey McBride is currently the No. 3 fantasy tight end on the season thanks to his fumble recovery touchdown in Week 2.

  • George Kittle experienced tightness in his hamstring after Wednesday's practice and has been ruled out for Sunday. Eric Saubert will get the start.

  • Evan Engram (hamstring) and David Njoku (ankle) are also out.

  • After missing Week 2, Jake Ferguson (knee) no longer has an injury designation and will play on Sunday vs. the Ravens.

Fantasy football Week 3 kicker rankings

In his Commanders debut, kicker Austin Seibert nailed all seven of his field goal attempts, including the game-winner as time expired on Sunday.
In his Commanders debut, kicker Austin Seibert nailed all seven of his field goal attempts, including the game-winner as time expired on Sunday.

  • The Giants signed Greg Joseph off the Lions practice squad to replace Graham Gano (hamstring), who was put on injured reserve.

Fantasy football Week 3 defense/special teams rankings

Browns defensive end Alex Wright sacks Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the end zone for a safety during the fourth quarter of their Week 2 game.
Browns defensive end Alex Wright sacks Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the end zone for a safety during the fourth quarter of their Week 2 game.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 3: PPR rankings for every position