Fantasy Football: Need help for the flex spot in Week 3? Joel Smyth has you covered

We're on to Week 3 of the fantasy season! As we look for every advantage this season, the X-factor position is the FLEX. To break it all down, analyst Joel Smyth goes through eight players in the consensus rankings flex zone for your flexes, double flexes or even third-WR slots.

Set & ForgetJalen Coker vs. CLE

Coker has been a mainstay of the article so far and has worked his way up to the Set & Forget territory. It seems odd with Tetairoa McMillan also there, but with the lack of other target competition, Coker currently ranks 10th in WR target share, following up his 12 targets from the Panthers' wild card game to end 2025.

Carolina should have plenty of scoring opportunities in Cleveland, and when the Panthers have reached the red zone, they have a top-five pass rate since the start of last season. With Bryce Young being more aggressive downfield this season, Coker is a perfect mix of a floor and ceiling play in your flex position.

Bhayshul Tuten vs. NE

I don't believe people are fully caught up to the Tuten hype. As a player drafted for his offense and situation, Tuten's volume has been really solid from the get-go, a worry early on in the season even for those who selected him. Tuten currently has 18.9% of Jacksonville's expected fantasy points based on his volume. Travis Etienne Jr.'s was 18.7% last season, when he finished as the RB12. Tuten's been explosive and has a clear edge in touches, as well as the early advantage in the red zone and receiving role.

Flex StartsAaron Jones Sr. vs. TB

Tampa has a good run defense up front, but the matchup can be overcome with volume. The Vikings leaned on their veteran heavily in Week 2 with a severe lack of experience behind Jones in the RB room. That led to 23 carries in a modest fantasy performance. With Kyler Murray stepping back in, I wouldn't expect Jones to see less than 20 touches, making it difficult to sit him even in an average-at-best matchup. Minnesota's trust in Jones can lead to another 100-yard rushing day, with hopefully more receiving volume than he's had in the first couple of weeks.Just make sure to monitor the undisclosed injury that showed up in practice this week, though it's likely just veteran rest/maintenance.

Devaughn Vele vs. LV

Vele has got to be tired. His per-route efficiency is just average, but when you lead the NFL with 94 routes, that becomes far less important. The Saints play fast and have plenty of passing volume to go around, and Vele's short-area role gives him a nice floor in PPR leagues especially. The Raiders' young secondary will have their hands full with Chris Olave, allowing Vele to work underneath. After proving that his fantasy production in Week 1 wasn't a fluke versus a tough Ravens defense last week, I'm happy to trust Vele versus Las Vegas.

Double-Flex StartsDontayvion Wicks vs. CHI

Chicago's defense was not one that could afford hitting the injury bug.

After two strong weeks with Philadelphia, Wicks will need to be counted on even more on Monday Night Football with Dallas Goedert sidelined. Eagles pass catchers have historically had amazing fantasy points per target with Jalen Hurts, and Wicks is continuing that trend this season. Compared to Makai Lemon, his role is much more as a downfield threat, with his targets being high value. Against this defense, Wicks will only need six to seven targets to hit, and he may get much more than that.

Adonai Mitchell vs. DET

The Lions defense has struggled to get off the field to begin this season and it sets up Mitchell for a good fantasy week. It won't be this way all season, but Mitchell is currently out-targeting Garrett Wilson this season; point is, he's legit.

The offseason praise from Geno Smith has carried over, and his role in the offense has made the third option in New York's passing game an afterthought. With New York keeping Geno Smith protected, Mitchell's downfield targets have been able to play a big part in the offense's first couple of weeks. Detroit has allowed nearly 36 fantasy PPG to Saints and Bills WRs, even without DJ Moore. Mitchell won't need to out-target Wilson to pay off in this one.

Booby TrapsDK Metcalf vs. CIN

It's been a rough two weeks for DK Metcalf, who's been targeted more than most. In Week 2, New England decided to shadow Metcalf with their top corner Christian Gonzalez, who held Metcalf to four receptions for 27 yards. With very little motion or usage in the slot, it's easy for defenses to stick their top corner on Metcalf without trouble. The Bengals used this same tactic in 2025, and I'd expect the same in 2026. DJ Turner shadowed Metcalf twice last season, holding Metcalf to single-digit PPR points in each. With one offensive touchdown for Pittsburgh in two games, I'm not thrilled to have Metcalf in any starting lineup.

Luther Burden III vs. PHI

I'm a fan of Burden's game and think there are better days ahead ... I just don't think that day is Monday. There are just too many issues to overcome in this one. The Eagles make it extremely difficult on WRs, whether lining up in the slot or on the outside. On top of the matchup, Burden'll most likely be without his starting QB and his backup QB, while still struggling to stay on the field in two-WR sets.

I would search for better flex options on your bench or on waivers than taking the dart throw this weekend.