Fantasy Football Week 3: Start’em / Sit’em
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WR
Alshon Jeffrey @NYJ (72%, 12) – Played on a bum leg last week and still managed 3 catches and 47 yards. With the extra day of rest before Monday nights game against the Jets, expect a healthier Alshon and a mismatch for any of the Jets corners. He’s the Bears best deep threat and I think Jeffrey and Cutler connect on at least one long one in week 3.
Victor Cruz HOU (68%, 11) – Had 3 uncharacteristic drops last week one of which would have led to a TD and a big fantasy day. Cruz is too good of a receiver to repeat last weeks’ performance and the Giants O actually showed signs of life late last week.
Marques Colston MIN (59%, 11) – Don’t over-react to last week’s 0 catch, 0 target game, it was the first time in 87 games that Colston didn’t have a catch and there is no way it happens again this week. Colston got smothered by Joe Haden last week and the Vikings don’t have any corners capable of doing that to Colston. Similar to how the Cardinals went to Larry Fitz early and often after his 1 catch game in week 1, I think Brees will go out of his way to get Colston involved.
Brandin Cooks, MIN (47%, 10) – Two Saints? Damn right. The Saints are a desperate team right now and I am expecting a route in New Orleans this weekend. Brees is a much better QB indoors and Cooks on the fast Superdome turf is dangerous.
Sammy Watkins SD (43%, 12) – This guy was wide open all game in week 2. His crossing routes were so sharp, that literally no Dolphins corner could stay with him. E.J. Manuel hasn’t been as bad as expected and I’m exepcting another 100 yard game out of Watkins. Trade for him now while you still can.
DeAndre Hopkins @NYG (25%, 9) – Only averaging 5 targets per game, but has made the most of them with 2 TDs already this season. Hopkins has a breakout game coming and it could very well be this week in New York.
Sleepers
Mohammed Sanu TEN (10%, 11) – I’m not a huge fan of Sanu’s talent, but he has reliable hands and should lead the Bengals in targets with both A.J. Green (maybe) and Marvin Jones out with injuries.
Davante Adams @DET (1%, 8) – Is about to take over as the starting WR opposite Jordy Nelson (with Cobb in the slot). Adams played more snaps than current #2 Jarrett Boykin last week and it’s just a matter of time until he is on the field in most sets. It could be a shoot-out this week against the Lions and I’m expected a solid day from Adams.
TE
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Zach Ertz WAS (63%, 8) – If Foles were a little more accurate in week 2, Ertz would have had a breakout 20+ game. Foles missed him on a wide open 35-yd TD and a few other times as well. Ertz has a knack for getting open and if Foles starts playing better, Ertz’s value will skyrocket. This could be the week against a mediocre Redskins secondary.
Antonio Gates @BUF (52%, 11) – Wow. Gates might be the slowest receiving TE in the league, but he can still catch and is a wily veteran who knows how to find holes in zone coverage. Rivers and Gates have a great rapport and Gates will continue to be Rivers safety-valve as long as he stays healthy.
Martellus Bennett @NYJ (52%, 8) – Off to a great start and is moving better this season since he’s not plagued by the nagging injuries that limited his snaps last year. Cutler has been looking for Bennett in the red zone often and Bennett should continue to put up 10+ points per week.
Larry Donnell HOU (20%, 9) – Eli loves his TEs and Donnell has proved to be a reliable option which is more than I can say for the rest of the Giants receiving core. Donnell should continue to get 7-8 targets per game and put up borderline TE1 fantasy stats.
Travis Kelce @MIA (17%, 7) – His targets only increased by 1 in week 2, but his snaps increased from 19 to 32 and should continue to trend upwards as the Chiefs realize that Kelce is their most dynamic receiving option right now.