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Fantasy Football: Top 5 key matchups heading into Week 3

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:01 a.m. ET

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Heading into Fantasy Football Week 3 action, here are the top five key matchups to keep an eye on.

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 of fantasy football left owners with a headache and a ton of decisions. Aside from the weekly upsets, the injury count was tremendous.

Heading into Week 3, many key fantasy football players either ended their season or are expected to miss several weeks. Valuable players like Adrian Peterson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jonathan Stewart, the list goes on.

It’s important to fill positions according to previous performances and upcoming matchups. Starting one wrong player could ruin your entire week.

I have identified five key matchups to take advantage of heading into Week 3. Consider these options when adjusting your weekly fantasy football lineup.

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

5. New York Giants vs Washington Redskins

Sterling Shepard entered the season with guns blazing. So far, he has totaled almost 50 fantasy points.

Last week, Shephard completed 8-of-8 targets for 117 yards; he would have included a touchdown if it wasn’t for his clumsiness. It was his first of many 100 yard games during his rookie campaign.

This week, the New York Giants take on division rivals the Washington Redskins. This matchup has a few twists to it. Odell Beckha Jr. will come face-to-face to his arch-enemy, Josh Norman.

This game can go one of two ways. Beckham will get his long-awaited revenge on Norman or, Norman will shut down Beckham. Either way, one thing is for sure, Norman is going to be all over Beckham. It will leave opportunities open for Shepard and Victor Cruz who have both had double-digit fantasy points this season.

Shephard seems to excel the most in these situations, kind of like we’ve seen in the last two weeks. Shephard and Cruz have an ideal situation this week and should be considered for a high valued flex position or WR2/3, aside from Beckham.

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) completes a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

4. Joe Flacco vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Nobody knew what to expect from Joe Flacco after ending his season early last year to an injury. Although he hasn’t been among the elite this season, he has managed to earn his projected fantasy football points. Only problem is, he hasn’t exceeded them either.

Last week, he completed 25-of-45 for a little over 300 yards, two interceptions, and two touchdowns. Flacco’s new connection with Mike Wallace looked promising as he connected with him several times resulting in two touchdowns.

Flacco’s performance is dependent on his weekly matchup and isn’t going to be an every week starter. This week, his Jacksonville Jaguars matchup increases his fantasy football value tremendously.

Last season, Flacco threw over 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Jaguars. Heading into Week 3, the Jaguars have allowed the second-most points to opposing quarterbacks. Flacco will continue to be a QB1/2 option.

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3. Melvin Gordon vs Indianapolis Colts

Melvin Gordon has shown up since Week 1, and now with Danny Woodhead being ruled out for the season, he has taken advantage of this increased role. Gordon already has three touchdowns this season.

Last week, Gordon had his first 100-yard game of the season. He rushed 24 times and had a touchdown. He had over 25 fantasy football points in some leagues and the week before he reached 20.

This week, Gordon prepares to take on the Indianapolis Colts. They have allowed the most rushing yards per game so far this season averaging 125.

Gordon has already proven himself capable of an increased work load and with this week’s matchup, he’s sure to reach his projected 20 fantasy points, if not more.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Matt Forte vs Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Forte entered this season with a mission; he came to prove everyone wrong after skeptics questioned his age and health risks. Well, so far he has proved them all wrong!

Last week alone he rushed for 100-yards and three touchdowns. He brought home over 25 fantasy football points.

In the last two weeks, Forte has touched the ball 59 times averaging almost 30 touches per game. That is ideal for his Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs have allowed over 120 rushing yards per game this season. After an impressive week and extra rest time, there’s no way Forte won’t reach his projected 20 points.

Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) makes the touchdown against Miami Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain (28) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dolphins D/ST vs Cleveland Browns

I actually have faith in the defensive/special teams of the Miami Dolphins this week, and so should you. Last week’s fantasy football performance looked like they were able to hold it together for a bit.

In the first half of last week’s game against the New England Patriots, it looked like it was going to be a blowout, just like everyone anticipated. Although the Dolphins lost the game, they were able to save face finishing the game 24-31.

In Week 1, the Miami Dolphins earned a little over 20 fantasy points against the Seattle Seahawks. This week they take on the Cleveland Browns; I shouldn’t even have to say anything after that.

The Browns are starting with yet another quarterback after an injury bug plagued their team. If that isn’t bad enough, starting center Cameron Erving is injured. A rookie quarterback being protected by a new center doesn’t sound promising. If the Dolphins can’t stop the Browns this week, I give up with them!

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