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The first game of Week 3 is set for Thursday night, with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Atlanta Falcons. This matchup forces fantasy football managers to make critical lineup decisions regarding Packers quarterback Jordan Love, tight end Tucker Kraft, and running back Kaleb Johnson.
Love and Kraft have both had inconsistent starts to the season, failing to deliver steady fantasy production through two games. Meanwhile, Johnson finally got on the field in Week 2 and could see an expanded role as he attempts to jumpstart his career.
With all that in mind, here's how to handle Love, Kraft, and Johnson in Week 3 fantasy lineups.
Tucker Kraft: Start
After a breakout campaign last season that vaulted him into the TE1 conversation before a torn ACL cut his year short, Tucker Kraft was expected to pick up right where he left off in 2026. However, that hasn't materialized through two weeks, as he currently sits as TE26 overall, according to Fantasy Pros.
Despite the slow start, it's far too early to abandon Kraft, who has demonstrated elite skills in the past. Recall that he ranked as TE4 overall in 2025 before his season ended prematurely.
Additionally, Kraft has a favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that is tied for the third-most fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends, per CBS Sports. Fire Kraft up in your starting lineup in Week 3.
Verdict: Start
Jordan Love: Start
Jordan Love has been serviceable but not spectacular over his first two games, ranking as QB13 overall, which makes him a fringe starter in 12-team leagues. That means matchups are key for Love, and this one against the Falcons is promising.
The Falcons are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, and they will be without their top cornerback, A.J. Terrell, who was placed on injured reserve this week.
There is some concern about Atlanta's pass rush, which has generated 47 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus. However, that's not enough to bench Love against a defense that was torched by Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.
Verdict: Start
Kaleb Johnson: Sit
When the Packers acquired Kaleb Johnson amid the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs being placed on the Commissioner's Exempt list, it didn't seem like a significant move. But that changed drastically in Week 2, when Johnson had more carries (eight) than both MarShawn Lloyd (six) and Chris Brooks (four).
Johnson also led the way with four yards per carry, thanks in part to a 12-yard run. Neither Brooks (3.6 yards per carry) nor Lloyd (three yards per carry) have matched that average.
It's way too early to declare a changing of the guard at running back, so Johnson can't be recommended as a starter in what might be the messiest backfield situation in the NFL. However, fantasy managers should strongly consider picking up the former Pittsburgh Steelers third-round pick off waivers and stashing him if roster space allows.
Verdict: Sit
Originally reported by yahoo.