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Each week, fantasy football managers face the dilemma of whether to insert bench players into their starting lineups. While these players may not be household names or regular starters, they can still be excellent options for the upcoming week. Here are the top bench players to consider starting in Week 3.
QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold appears to be trending toward a return from his glute injury this week. If he is unable to play, Drew Lock would step in as the starter. The recommendation to start either quarterback is not based on their individual talent but rather on the favorable matchup. The Seahawks face the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season at 27.2. Either Darnold or Lock should be able to exploit Washington's vulnerable secondary.
RB Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have expressed a desire to involve rookie running back Emmett Johnson more to keep Kenneth Walker II fresh. In two games, Johnson has recorded 10 carries and four receptions for 103 yards from scrimmage. This week, Kansas City takes on the Miami Dolphins, who are surrendering the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs at 34.1. The game is expected to be a blowout in favor of the Chiefs, which should lead to increased running opportunities and starters being rested in the second half. Johnson is poised to thrive in that scenario.
WR Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston has started his career impressively. Last week, he caught five of seven targets for 95 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season totals to seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He has become Deshaun Watson's top target in Cleveland and should remain a viable fantasy option as long as Watson is the starting quarterback. There is some concern about Watson's job security and whether Shedeur Sanders might favor other targets, but that is not a worry for this week.
TE Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers
Oronde Gadsden II showed his potential as a rookie when given the opportunity, putting together a four-game stretch with 24 receptions for 377 yards and two touchdowns. With both David Njoku and Charlie Kolar injured for the foreseeable future, Gadsden could be in line for another league-winning stretch, especially while Ladd McConkey deals with a rib injury.
For more fantasy football news and analysis, visit SI.com's fantasy section.
Originally reported by yahoo.