We know there will be season-long surprises at this position, like Darren Waller last year, so looking at early-season trends and taking a shot on rising stars like T.J. Hockenson (@ Cardinals) and Mike Gesicki (@ Jaguars) over Ertz (vs. Bengals) or Evan Engram (vs. 49ers) shouldn’t be all that controversial. Obviously, Ertz and Engram are capable of big games at any time, but Hockenson and Gesicki are, too. The difference between them isn’t that great right now. Jonnu Smith (@ Vikings) has rocketed past all the above thanks to his athleticism and big-play ability, and a matchup against a Vikings team that was just torched for over 100 yards by the similarly athletic Mo Alie-Cox suggests another big game is in the offing. Likewise, Noah Fant (vs. Bucs) already established himself as an every-week play. 

WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | D/ST | Kicker

Jordan Akins (@ Steelers) has also looked more involved early on, and the Steelers had trouble with Fant last week. He’s a sleeper with more upside than Austin Hooper (vs. Washington) or Gronk (@ Broncos), and the aforementioned Sample (vs. Eagles, who just allowed three TDs to Tyler Higbee) and Schultz (@ SEA) aren’t far behind. 

WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Injuries could shake up these rankings later in the week. We currently have George Kittle (knee) and Jack Doyle (ankle) included, but if they’re out, we know backups Jordan Reed and Alie-Cox can slide right in and get the job done. They represent two more sleepers who have as much upside as some of the “old guard.” (Update: Kittle is out and Doyle is expected to play.)

WEEK 3 DFS TOURNAMENT LINEUPS: Yahoo | DraftKings | FanDuel

We’re not saying you should do anything crazy like bench Mark Andrews (vs. Chiefs) because he’s coming off a one-catch game, but you should always be looking at all the stats (targets, specifically red-zone targets) and the matchups. Tight end is often a set-it-and-forget-it position, and while it’s nice to have one less start ’em, sit ’em decision, you might be better off if you give the position a little more thought.

WEEK 3 DFS CASH LINEUPS: Yahoo | DraftKings | FanDuel

Note: We’ll continue to update our tight end rankings to throughout the week, so check back for updates.

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Week 3 Fantasy TE Rankings (Standard)

These rankings are for non-PPR leagues

WEEK 3: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em