Week 3

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The NFL season is two weeks old, and a lot of the fantasy top stars have righted their ship after partially dismal performances a week ago. Peyton Manning, once again, proved he is the top QB, Tomlinson had 2 rushing TDs, and Alexander also had one. Still, the best performance last week came from – gasp – Rex Grossman. While we thought his 262 yard performance in week 1 was unusual and a result of a weak Green Bay defense, he shredded the Lions for 289 yards and 4 TDs. Did you start him? Kudos if you did. We admit we did not have him on our start list last week, but we still went well with our suggestions to start Drew Brees and Alex Smith, while benching Delhomme and Culpepper. Want to get our views of week 3? Here is our column start & sit to help you set your lineup.

 
START

QB:

Mark Brunell, Was: The Redskins offense simply looked horrible in the first two games, and it should be a release for them to face the woeful Texans this week after playing against Dallas and Minnesota. Look for Brunell to bounce back – at least for one week.

Michael Vick, Atl: While he still cannot be trusted as a pure passer, Vick looks like his old himself again this year, doing lots of damage on the ground. The Saints have played respectfully on defense so far, but will be overmatched against the Falcons ground attack. Look for them to stack the box with 8 or 9 men, giving Vick opportunities to burn them through the air.

Others to start:
Eli Manning, NYG
Jake Delhomme, Car
Brett Favre, GB
Byron Leftwich, Jax
Drew Brees, NO
Tom Brady, NE
Chad Pennington, NYJ
Alex Smith, SF

No-brainers:
Peyton Manning, Ind
Carson Palmer, Cin
Donovan McNabb, Phi
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea
Marc Bulger, StL
Kurt Warner, Ari

RB:

Jamal Lewis, Bal: Lewis got some nice yardage last week, but was still a bit of a disappointment. Yet, the Ravens are relying on him to carry their offense. He goes against a Browns team that has allowed 158 yards per game on the ground this week. Lewis is a good start on Sunday.

DeAngelo Williams, Car: This really looks like a long shot here, but we would not be surprised if Williams surpasses 100 yards and scores a TD. Williams and Foster split carries last week and Williams who looked like the better back. Against a Tampa running defense, whose name is more frightening than their actual play, Williams should find lots of space to run.

Others to start:
Tatum Bell, Den
Deuce McAllister, NO
Reggie Bush, NO
Willis McGahee, Buf
Fred Taylor, Jax
Corey Dillon, NE
Ladell Betts (if Portis cannot go!!!)
Rudi Johnson, Cin
Carnell Williams, TB
Edgerrin James, Ari
Frank Gore, SF

No-brainers:
Shaun Alexander, Sea
Steven Jackson, StL
Clinton Portis, Was (if healthy!!!)
Warrick Dunn, Atl
Brian Westbrook, Phi (if healthy!!!)
Ronnie Brown, Mia
Willie Parker, Pit
Tiki Barber, NYG

WR:

Javon Walker, Den: Walker finally looked healthy again last week, so look for him to get more involved in the passing game. Despite the Broncos struggle to move the ball, Walker should have enough success against the Patriots to deserve a lineup spot on your team.

Joe Horn, NO: Horn had a good game last week, finishing with 88 yards after a poor start last week. Despite the large number of weapons the Saints possess, Horn looks like he is on the same page with Brees, which is good news for his owners. The Falcons have a strong defense, but they can be beaten through the air, so be ready to have Horn in your lineup.

Others to start:
Plaxico Burress, NYG
Reggie Wayne, Ind
Lee Evans, Buf
Andre Johnson, Hou
Laveranues Coles, NYJ (if healthy!!!)
Roy Williams, Det
Drew Bennett, Ten
Troy Williamson, Min
KeyShawn Johnson, Car
Derrick Mason, Bal
Joey Galloway, TB
Braylon Edwards, Cle
Donald Driver, GB
Rod Smith, Den (if healthy!!!)
TJ Houshmandzadeh, Cin (if healthy!!!)

No-brainers:
Marvin Harrison, Ind
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari
Anquan Boldin, Ari
Torry Holt, StL
Chad Johnson, Cin
Hines Ward, Pit
Antonio Bryant, SF
Darrell Jackson, Sea
Chris Chambers, Mia
Donte Stallworth, Phi
Santana Moss, Was

TE/K/D:

Randy McMichael, TE, Mia: Going hand in hand with the poor play of QB Culpepper, McMichael did not produce expected numbers so far. With the game at home against the lowly Titans ahead, this should change this week.

Jason Hanson, K, Det: If you need a bye week replacement for Nate Kaeding, Hanson could be your man. The Lions offense should finally come to life against the Packers, and Hanson always has kicked reliable at his domed home.

Washington: While the Redskins offense has struggled so far, their defense has been solid. Against the Texans, who have not yet found any rhythm offensively, the Redskins defense is a good start.

 
SIT

QB:

Steve McNair, Bal: McNair has played well in the Ravens first two games, although his fantasy outputs were not spectacular. While you might expect the Ravens to win in Cleveland, this will be a tight game with not too many points, so don’t rely on McNair too much.

Rex Grossman, Chi: Ok, we did not trust him last week, and we don’t trust him this week. The Vikings defense has been nothing but spectacular so far, holding Washington and Carolina to a combined 321 passing yards. This defense will put a real test on Grossman, and he will not pass it.

RB:

Chester Taylor, Min: Tough call here, especially as Taylor really had a breakout game last week. Still, the Bears rushing defense plays on a different level than the Panthers one, and Taylor will have a hard time gaining more than 70 yards. If you have other options, keep Taylor out of your lineup.

Ahman Green, GB: Detroit has kept Shaun Alexander and Thomas Jones well below 75 yards in the first two weeks. Expect them to play equally tough on Green, too. You’d be wise to bench him.

WR:

Amani Toomer, NYG: Toomer once again proved that he is a good receiver. But unfortunately he tends to disappear in games against tough opponents (he just had 41 yards in week 1). The Seahawks held both Boldin and Fitzgerald under 70 yards and without a score last week, and will shut down Toomer on Sunday as well.

Chad Jackson, NE: Jackson surprised last week by scoring a TD and 42 yards after being out with an injury practically the whole preseason and week 1. He still is an unproven rookie who you should avoid for now. Denver has a solid passing defense, and chances for Jackson to immediately repeat his performance are slim.

TE/K/D:

Desmond Clark, Chi: Ok, we have to admit he surprised us for a second consecutive week, but we are still not ready to welcome Clark as a weekly fantasy starter at the TE position. We think the Bears passing game will take a serious hit on Sunday, as this will be their first real challenge. They are not up to it, and Clark’s number will tell you that.

Ryan Longwell, K, Min: Sure, Longwell threw for a touchdown last week, but this won’t happen anytime soon again. Playing against the Bears, this game will be very low scoring. Play it safe, and use someone with more upside.

Tampa Bay: It looks like the age of their defense is finally catching up with them, as they haven’t really played well so far. With the Panthers coming to town having something to prove, we do not think this defense will give you much to work with.

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