Week 3 Fantasy Football: Rising Wide Receivers Highlighted as Start Options

Analyst projections point to Matthew Golden, Jalen Coker, Terry McLaurin and others as wide receivers worth starting in Week 3 fantasy lineups.

Wide receiver has been one of the least predictable positions in fantasy football this season. Through two weeks, stars such as Ja'Marr Chase, Malik Nabers, Jameson Williams and Drake London have ranked outside the top 50, while lesser-heralded names like Jalen Coker and Stefon Diggs sit near the top of the scoring charts.

Usage trends back several emerging options. Green Bay's Matthew Golden shares the team lead with Christian Watson at 18 targets and paces the Packers with 69 routes run. Carolina's Jalen Coker leads the Panthers in targets (18), receptions (16) and receiving touchdowns (2) as part of an offense averaging 35.5 points per game.

Other receivers have favorable situations heading into Sunday. New Orleans leads the NFL in passing at 331 yards per game, and DeVaughn Vele ranks second on the Saints in targets, catches and yards while running a team-high 94 routes. Arizona's Michael Wilson has out-produced Marvin Harrison Jr. across targets, receptions, yards and routes, and the Cardinals are expected to trail San Francisco, pointing toward more passing volume.

Matchups also factor in. Tennessee's Carnell Tate faces a Giants defense that will be without quarterback Jaxson Dart, while Baltimore's Rashod Bateman draws a Dallas defense that rated 31st in EPA per pass allowed last season. Washington's Terry McLaurin could see heavy volume if the Commanders fall behind in Seattle, and Deebo Samuel leads 49ers wideouts in targets with De'Zhaun Stribling out indefinitely.