Less than a month into the regular season, and injuries are already causing issues across the NFL. Numerous starting quarterbacks have already been ruled out for Week 3, including Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels and Justin Fields. With several backups under center, there’s plenty of danger for fantasy football managers. However, chaos also presents opportunity. Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Week 3 Fantasy Football Sleepers
QB Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets ($4,800)
As previously mentioned, Justin Fields (concussion) is inactive this week. That means veteran Tyrod Taylor will suit up for the Jets. The 15th-year pro has established himself as one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks. Still, it’s difficult for fantasy managers to trust anyone leading this mediocre New York offense. In limited action last week vs. Buffalo, Taylor threw for 56 yards, ran for 21, and tossed a touchdown pass (8.34 FPTS).
Sunday’s opponent, the Buccaneers, have looked formidable on defense so far. However, this unit has had difficulty containing quarterbacks recently, especially dual-threats. Last season, Tampa Bay surrendered the third-most passing yards (4,447) and third-most rushing touchdowns (six) to opposing passers. Those struggles have continued in 2025; the Bucs are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs. As the second-cheapest starter available, those looking to save under center could do worse than Taylor.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts ($4,400)
If any team has turned the most heads, it’s the Colts. Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones ($5,400) has looked like a Pro Bowler thus far. As a result, this Indianapolis offense has a much higher floor than most expected this summer. So far, that hasn’t meant much for Josh Downs. The third-year pro has caught eight passes for 63 receiving yards through two games. However, it’s only a matter of time until the target monster breaks out. Why not this weekend against a middling Jaguars secondary?
Jones has frequently targeted wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. ($4,900) this season. Still, it’s only a matter of time until opposing defenses adjust. Jacksonville upgraded its cornerback room this offseason, signing Jourdain Lewis to a three-year deal. Jones, never the most gifted deep ball passer, might opt to dink-and-dunk instead of taking his chances. Downs, a slot specialist, would benefit from that game plan on offense. It’s also worth mentioning that the 24-year-old dominated this matchup last season. Over two meetings with the Jaguars, he compiled a total of 19 catches for 163 yards on 25 targets. Anything close to that would make Downs a steal in Week 3.
RB George Holani, Seattle Seahawks ($4,000)
Seattle has opted for a committee backfield this season, leaning on the two-headed monster of Kenneth Walker ($5,800) and Zach Charbonnet. Unfortunately, the latter is doubtful to play on Sunday due to a toe injury. Assuming Charbonnet is held out, Seattle should utilize Walker as a lead back. Still, head coach Mike McDonald is unlikely to wear down one of his best players in Week 3. If anyone else is poised to tote the rock vs. New Orleans, it’s George Holani.
The third running back on the depth chart has yet to garner a touch this season. Regardless, there’s no other rusher currently on Seattle’s roster. The Boise State alum ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries this preseason. It helps that Holani was a special teams standout in Week 2, scoring a touchdown on Kaleb Johnson’s end zone gaffe. That level of hustle is sure to endear the second-year pro to Seattle’s coaching staff. It’s also worth noting that the Seahawks could build a significant lead against the rebuilding Saints. Assuming that happens, Holani should command a fair share of garbage time snaps.
