Fantasy Football Week 3: Start ‘em / Sit ‘em
WR:
DeAndre Hopkins (68, 11): I made the mistake last week of riding Boldin & Cook after their big weeks and neither showed up in week 2. That makes me a little cautious on Hopkins, but I’ve watched every game he has played (including preseason) and I am a believer. It sounds like Andre Johnson will play, which is actually good since it keeps Hopkins from being matched up on the Ravens #1 corner. I think Hopkins earned Shaub’s trust in OT last week and will get enough targets to easily surpass the 11 points projected.
Anquan Boldin (70%, 12): I just mentioned getting burned by Boldin last week, but I’m going back to the well. I thought Boldin would be able to beat Seattle’s physical press coverage last week, but I have to hand it to Richard Sherman. I have mixed feelings about his trash-talking and self-promotion, but he is a hell of corner. Boldin has it much easier this week against a Colts pass defense that gave up a 300 yard game to Ryan Tannehill last week.
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Tavon Austin WR @DAL (35%, 9): I thought there would be significantly more buzz on Austin after the rookie scored 2 TDs in week 2, but apparently his lack of preseason stats and a mediocre week 1 are still lingering in the minds of Austin owners because he is only started in 35% of Yahoo leagues. I’m starting him at flex in a few leagues over guys like Miles Austin, Stevie Johnson, & Cecil Shorts (@SEA!) who are all being started in more Yahoo leagues. The Rams face a bottom 10 defense (Dal), Austin’s is averaging 9.5 targets per game, and he’s one of the most explosive receivers in the league. Get him in your lineup.
TE:
Jordan Cameron @MIN (48%, 10): I know TE is deep this year, but Cameron is the 4rd ranked fantasy TE so far and even with Josh Gordon back he is the most talented receiver the Browns have. Cameron has averaged 10 targets per week and I don’t think that will change much even with Brian Hoyer or Jason Campbell at QB. The Vikes gave up a huge game to TE Martellus Bennett in week 2 and I am expecting similar results from Cameron this week.
Sleeper:
Chris Givens @DAL (13%, 8): A popular preseason sleeper, fantasy owners seem to of soured on Givens after a relatively slow start. He hasn’t scored yet, but had a 105 yard game in week 2 on 8 targets. The Rams passing offense is improved this year, but they seem to be spreading the ball around quite a bit (Pettis?) which isn’t helping anyone’s fantasy value. Givens is the Ram only legit deep threat so I expect his targets to be relatively consistent going forward.