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Fantasy Football – Week 3
QB's Start 'Em
Eli Manning (New York Giants) I have recently overheard people talking about things like the New York Giants (0-2) and even QB Eli Manning (812 YDS, 5 TD, 75.9 RAT) "falling off" - you're kidding, right?! I understand that only 12% of NFL teams make it to the playoffs when starting 0-2, statistically - I'm sure the G-Men do, too. I also see the cause for alarm due to the turnover ratio, giving the ball up 10 times in just two weeks. The thing about the Giants that is probably most perplexing is the fact that while they're dead-last (32nd) in offensive rushing (36.5 YPG), they top the list in passing (390.5 YPG). Furthermore, let's not forget that Eli and company just visited an undefeated and Super Bowl favorite Denver Broncos (2-0) team on the road immediately following a dismal, six turnover game against the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) - and still should've beaten them. This week the Giants head to visit the winless Carolina Panthers (0-2) where they attempt to exploit a very suspect passing defense, allowing nearly 300 yards-per-game, currently ranked 22nd overall. I look for Eli to absolutely dominate this game from beginning to end and allow the Giants to get over the proverbial winless hump and be back in action.
Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) Last week reminded fans of last season with Detroit Lions (1-1) QB Matthew Stafford (635 YDS, 4 TD, 102.0 RAT) - a decent game on paper resulting in a loss. This weekend Detroit heads out to face a winless Washington Redskins (0-2) team who have given up a combined 71-points. Expect Stafford to exploit holes in the Redskins secondary like Jerry Sundusky exploited... you know what, even I catch myself sometimes. Just start Stafford.
Matt Schaub (Houston Texans) Although the running game is prevalent with the Houston Texans (2-0), QB Matt Schaub (644 YDS, 6 TD, 92.8 RAT) typically throws up decent passing stats, regardless of whether or not star WR Andre Johnson (20 REC, 222 YDS, 0 TD) has seen the field about as much as Chad Ochocinco. What? Too soon? Regardless, Schaub will have Johnson this weekend against a Baltimore Ravens (1-1) giving up an average of 319 yards-per-game throughout their first two. Start Schaub this weekend and count on some decent points to help you offset my sit of the week this Sunday... say it with me - TOM BRADY! Bahahahahaha! FINALLY! Ok, ok... sorry. We'll get to that d-bag shortly.
RB's Start 'Em
Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) Ladies and gentlemen, we've got ourselves a CJ2K sighting for the first time this season! Tennessee Titans (1-1) RB Chris Johnson (50 CAR, 166 YDS. 0 TD) is due to have a big game and I'm calling it at home when the San Diego Chargers (1-1) visit LP Field allowing 110 yards-per-game on the ground, while also ranking last in passing defense by giving up 370.0 yards-per-game through the air. How have the Bolts won a game?! Jesus! Look for all of that to catch up with San Diego this Sunday and maybe we can start hearing talk of CJ2K buying his linemen more vehicles while also showing my fantasy opponents how much of a guru I am by drafting this goon with my first few picks in different leagues. (Enter tweaked-out emoticon here)
Frank Gore (San Francisco 49'ers) As much as I hate to admit it, the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) are going to have a tough time with the San Francisco 49'ers (1-1) since they were handed an absolute embarrassing loss by the hands of undefeated Seattle Seahawks (2-0) and the 12th Man. The Colts are currently ranked 29th in stopping the run, giving up 136.0 yards-per-game on the ground, not to mention allowing a 100-yard rusher and two starting backs to score touchdowns alone in week one. I told you to sit Gore last week and I was right on the money (per usual). Trust me when I say I hope I end up being wrong about starting him today... ughhh!
DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys) In Dallas Cowboys (1-1) RB DeMarco Murray's (32 ATT, 111 YDS, 0 TD) rookie season, he put up a staggering, franchise record 253-yards and 1 touchdown against the St. Louis Rams (1-1). Although this Rams team is defensive better on paper, especially on stopping the run (5th - 61.0 YPG), they have yet to face a decent running back. Besides, it was a coin-flip between telling you to start Murray in this position or QB Tony Romo (561 YDS, 3 TD, 94.6 RAT) and we know no one wants to see that.
WR's Start 'Em
Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) Although WR Hakeem Nicks (9 REC, 197 YDS, 0 TD) has yet to find pay dirt nor the New York Giants (0-2) find a win, Nicks has put up solid numbers. I see the entire Giants offense teaching not only the home team Carolina Panthers (0-2) but also the entire NFL, doubters and critics alike, a lesson by dismantling Carolina with their 1st-ranked passing attack (390.5 YPG). Look for Nicks to surpass 100-yards receiving and finally get that elusive score this week. **Places crystal ball back into case. Locks case. Stores case with ball in closet.**
Anquan Boldin (San Francisco 49'ers) Here we go again with these San Francisco (1-1) players against my Indianapolis Colts (1-1) - hate it. Truth be told, San Francisco is pretty darn good and they have the athletes to prove it. Premier WR Anquan Boldin (14 REC, 215 YDS, 1 TD) is the epitome of an athlete and will more than likely show you why today, facing a visiting Colts squad ranked 16th in the league, allowing 249.0 yards-per-game through the air. Just start him and let's not discuss anyone from San Francisco any further throughout the day. Deal?
Wes Welker (Denver Broncos) Why no one else has Denver Broncos (2-0) WR Wes Welker (12 REC, 106 YDS, 3 TD) on their breakout watch is beyond me? Ok, maybe it has something to do with his ankle "injury", but I think it's far to minor and feel that he'll be cutting through the middle and catching wide open touchdown passes from his quarterback gunslinger, especially with the young Oakland Raiders (1-1) defense coming to Mile a High Stadium this Monday. And USA Football writer and my personal puppet... ummm, buddy... Nick Ragsdale says Welker's not Hall of Fame material. PSHHHH!!!
QB Sit 'Em - Seriously, don't you even think about it, young man!
Tom Brady (New England Patriots) MY GOD, DOES THIS FEEL ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! After a few years, I can finally, truthfully and confidently tell you to sit New England Patriots (2-0) dreamy heartthrob of a QB Tom Brady (473 YDS, 3 TD, 74.1 RAT) this week when they await the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2). New England could and, in my opinion, should be winless to start the season, barely getting out of games in which they were outplayed. Facing a defense that held New Orleans Saints (2-0) QB Drew Brees (679 YDS, 3 TD's, 87.4 RAT) to just 322 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT is a testament to how good this defensive secondary truly could be - we're talking about a guy who puts up video game numbers on the regular! Sit Brady, I say... as I chuckle a bit, sit back and kick my feet up... savoring this moment. Ahhhhh!!!
RB Sit 'Em - Did I stutter?!
Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) This weekend the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) and RB Maurice Jones-Drew (25 ATT, 72 YDS, 0 TD) travel to face the Seattle Seahawks (2-0). That is all the explanation you need. Carry on.
WR Sit 'Em - Think about it again and you'll be grounded for TWO weeks, mister!
Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) Even though Atlanta Falcons (1-1) star WR Roddy White (5 REC, 40 YDS, 0 TD) will probably play this weekend against a Miami Dolphins team (2-0) who is downright terrible at defending the pass (30th - 346.5 YPG), it doesn't mean it's going to be a good decision for your team. For the second straight week, sit White and look for another option. Hell, see what TO's doing.