Week 3 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Tom Brady and Calvin Johnson, or to bench Kerry Collins and Jason Snelling? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 3 of the 2011 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Kevin Kolb, QB, Cardinals at Seahawks. After two weeks, Kolb is teetering on the fringes of fantasy respectability, while the Seahawks have just two sacks and no interceptions to their credit. Given the pathetic state of affairs in Seattle, this should be a breakout game for Kolb & Company.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers vs. Chiefs. Mathews is doing his best to muscle Mike Tolbert (calf) out of his backfield. When healthy, Mathews is the more productive rusher, and he nearly matched his teammate’s receiving output in Week 2. Against the staggering Chiefs, both are great plays; but the pendulum is swinging Mathews’ way.

Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins at Browns. The rookie ran strong against the Texans in his first action of the season, relegating Reggie Bush to a bit role. Though Bush will surely get more touches this week, Thomas is a much better inside runner. He should score his first TD against Cleveland’s sub-par run defense.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals vs. 49ers. The rookie has a great chance to score in his third consecutive game against a secondary that just coughed up three TD passes to Miles Austin. Green was targeted 14 times in Week 2, underscoring his prominence in the Bengals’ passing attack.

Deion Branch, WR, Patriots at Bills. Branch has quietly racked up 222 yards on 15 receptions. With Aaron Hernandez (knee) out and Chad Ochocinco still searching for his mojo, Branch should have no trouble reaching the end zone Sunday in what could be an aerial showcase.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Hasselbeck, Cam Newton; RBs Fred Jackson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ben Tate, LeGarrette Blount; WRs Stevie Johnson, Nate Burleson, Brandon Lloyd, Anquan Boldin, Mike Williams (Bucs), Mike Sims-Walker.

Roll ‘em back

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys vs. Redskins. I’d be worried enough if the only concern was his broken rib and punctured lung. Assuming Romo plays, he’ll also be missing Miles Austin (hamstring) and possibly the knuckle-headed Dez Bryant (thigh), who had not practiced through Thursday. Washington’s pass defense has given up just two TD passes so far. I’m looking for a safer option this week.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears vs. Packers. In his four outings against Green Bay since becoming Chicago’s starter, Cutler has passed for just 875 yards, with 4 TDs and 9 INTs. He’s already been sacked 11 times this season, including a shot to the throat that is still affecting him. The Packers have given up big numbers to QBs so far this season, but they won’t have sympathy for Cutler on Sunday.

Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins at Cowboys. Hightower is off to a strong start in Washington, but Roy Helu is already cannibalizing some of his carries. Dallas’ run defense has been among the league’s stingiest (though two weeks isn’t much to bank on). I’m not optimistic about Hightower’s chances under the Monday night lights.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, RBs, Panthers vs. Jaguars. Carolina’s line has apparently decided that it no longer needs to run-block with Newton at the controls. Though Stewart offered value as a receiver last week, Williams has been a complete dud. Neither is likely to prosper against the Jags’ stout run defense.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs at Chargers. Now that Jamaal Charles is gone, Bowe is the Chiefs’ most dangerous weapon. As poorly as Matt Cassel has been playing, San Diego should have little problem shutting down the connection. After all, they held him to two catches for 16 yards over two games in 2010, when Bowe was en fuego.

More thumbs down: QBs Eli Manning, Rex Grossman, Cassel, Kyle Orton; RBs Arian Foster, Joseph Addai, Thomas Jones, Cadillac Williams, Felix Jones, Knowshon Moreno, Ryan Grant; WRs Michael Crabtree, Denarius Moore, Percy Harvin, Malcom Floyd, Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham.

Taking a flier

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets at Raiders. Greene has gotten off to a slow start, though he found his way into the end zone last week. More encouraging was LaDainian Tomlinson’s bit role against Jacksonville. Greene should build on the positive momentum against an Oakland run defense that was just gashed by the Bills.

Don’t be the bonehead who…fails to grab Bernard Scott off the waiver wire, especially if you’re a Cedric Benson owner. The NFL has suspended the Bengals’ workhorse for three games, beginning in Week 4, for his latest off-field transgressions. Though Benson is expected to appeal the decision, the speedy Scott should offer nice value during a stretch of favorable matchups. If he performs well, there’s no guarantee that the oft-troubled Benson will reclaim his starting gig.

Week 3 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Matt Schaub and Chris Johnson, or bench Ryan Fitzpatrick and Dwayne Jarrett? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 3 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons at Saints. After a rough opener, Ryan got back on track with an outstanding effort against the Cardinals last Sunday. He’ll need to stay sharp to keep pace with the Saints, especially if Michael Turner isn’t back to full strength.

Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins at Rams. By releasing Larry Johnson, Washington has confirmed that Portis will remain the unchallenged workhorse in their offense. Though he’s been lacking in the yardage department, the veteran managed to find the end zone twice last week. Look for even smoother sailing against a Rams defense that is surrendering 4.7 yards-per-carry to date.

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets at Dolphins. LaDainian Tomlinson averaged seven yards per rush in Week 2, but Greene was given more carries. More importantly, the youngster held onto the ball. The two backs will continue to share touches, but the Jets will keep increasing Greene’s workload to keep LT fresh for the whole season. Greene is a good start against the Dolphins, who were torched by Adrian Peterson last week.

Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys at Texans. The rookie was targeted a dozen times in the opener, but only twice last week, though he still managed 52 yards, plus the punt-return TD. Now, Tony Romo & Co. face a Houston secondary that’s given up huge passing yards to the Colts and Redskins. We know Dallas can’t run, and Jason Witten may not be 100 percent after returning from a “minor” concussion. Despite his sore ribs, Bryant should be very busy in this Texas shootout.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles at Jaguars. Suddenly, Michael Vick is all the rage, and for good reason. Going up against a Jacksonville defense that is bombarded regularly, Maclin is a good bet to notch his third TD in as many weeks.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Vick, Donovan McNabb, Alex Smith; RBs Jahvid Best, Pierre Thomas, Darren McFadden, Mike Tolbert, Matt Forte, Correll Buckhalter, Joseph Addai, Ahmad Bradshaw; WRs Kevin Walter, Donald Driver, Michael Crabtree, Santana Moss, Mike Sims-Walker, Malcom Floyd, Mark Clayton, Jerricho Cotchery.

Roll ‘em back

Brett Favre, QB, Vikings vs. Lions. How can you sit Favre against Detroit, of all teams? Start with his current 1:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Then add in the deficiencies in his receiving corps, and the fact that Minnesota can win on the strength of Adrian Peterson’s running alone. Favre shouldn’t be trusted right now.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs vs. 49ers. Thomas Jones has turned out to be a bigger threat to Charles’ production than expected, and he remains the starter. Charles will get his carries, but the Niners are playing solid run defense. He’ll have to produce more as a receiver in order to deliver decent fantasy returns this week.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers at Bears. He didn’t do enough in his starting debut to convince anyone that he can fill Ryan Grant’s cleats. Even John Kuhn out-rushed him, though Jackson notched the short TD plunge. Look for more sharing, and fewer opportunities, against a solid Chicago run defense.


Steve Smith, WR, Giants vs. Titans. One of last season’s shooting stars has gotten off to a rough start in 2010, with just nine catches for 78 yards and no TDs to date. Tennessee’s secondary has played well thus far, so look for more lackluster production from the forgotten man in the Giants’ receiving corps.

Hines Ward, WR, Steelers at Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s secondary has been solid against mediocre passing attacks thus far this season. With Charlie Batch at the controls, Pittsburgh presents yet another mediocre challenge. Ward was held to a single 9-yard reception last week. It may not get much better until Big Ben returns.

More thumbs down: QBs Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco, Eli Manning, Kyle Orton; RBs Brandon Jacobs, Ryan Mathews, Cadillac Williams, CJ Spiller, Jonathan Stewart, Cowboys RBs, Browns RBs; WRs Steve Smith (CAR), Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Jabar Gaffney, Braylon Edwards, Steve Breaston, Mike Wallace.

TAKING A FLIER

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots vs. Bills. I wouldn’t rush out to grab him, but don’t be surprised if Green-Ellis emerges as the lead back in New England’s no-longer-crowded RB stable this week. Now that Laurence Maroney has been shipped to Denver, and Kevin Faulk (knee) is on injured reserve, only the ancient Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris (one carry in 2010) remain. I’m just saying…

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…sits Tony Romo against the Texans. While he’s piled up the yards, Romo has posted only two TDs against three INTs in his first two outings of 2010; and we can’t even blame Jessica Simpson. Meanwhile, Dallas can’t run to save their lives. Romo will be forced to air it out to keep pace with Houston’s offensive firepower, and the Texans’ secondary won’t offer much resistance. Though the Cowboys could easily head into their bye winless, Romo will take good care of his fantasy owners.

Week 3 Starters & Benchwarmers

You don’t need me advising you to start Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson, or to bench JaMarcus Russell and Arnaz Battle. So I’ll spare you the obvious recommendations, focusing instead on the players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 3.


Watch ‘em roll

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens vs. Browns. It’s hard to believe the second-best passer in Fantasyland is still available on many waiver wires. The young gun should have no problem exploiting a Cleveland secondary that has yet to pick off a pass this season.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys vs. Panthers. Dallas leads the NFL in rushing, and Jones was a key part of the mix on Sunday night. With Marion Barber (quad) limited at best Monday night, a healthy, game-breaking Jones will be the primary ball carrier against one of the league’s softest run defenses.

Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens vs. Browns. The veteran is more than just a touchdown poacher (four TDs in two games). He’s rushed for 123 yards and caught six passes for 41 more – just 38 combined yards fewer than Ray Rice. Even better, Cleveland has given up five rushing scores already.

Steve Smith, WR, Giants at Buccaneers. In all the gushing over Mario Manningham’s spectacular emergence, let’s not forget that Smith remains Eli Manning’s top target. Both receivers should be starting against Tampa Bay’s woeful secondary, especially in point-per-reception leagues.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets vs. Titans. Tennessee’s secondary has been the defense’s Achilles heel, responsible for losing games to both Pittsburgh and Houston. Rookie Mark Sanchez is still not ready for fantasy primetime, but Cotchery has posted games of 90 and 87 receiving yards and is overdue for a trip to the end zone.

More thumbs up: QBs Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, Trent Edwards; RBs Brandon Jacobs, Ryan Grant, Darren Sproles, Fred Jackson; WRs Greg Jennings, Vincent Jackson, Devery Henderson, Santana Moss.


Roll ‘em back

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers at Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed just two passing TDs and leads the league in sacks (nine), while Pittsburgh’s offensive line has struggled to protect Big Ben (sacked six times to date). The Steelers will likely jump-start their running game in this matchup.

Thomas Jones, RB, Jets vs. Titans. As Leon Washington gets more involved in the offense, Jones’ value declines. Facing the NFL’s second-stingiest run defense, the veteran could be watching from the sidelines a lot since his backup is a more lethal receiving option.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals vs. Steelers. The workhorse of the Bengals offense heads into a very tough matchup with a sore ankle. Though he’s expected to start, bench him against a defense that has already held Chris Johnson and Matt Forte out of the end zone this season.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns at Ravens. Baltimore is not a fun place to visit when your quarterback is struggling, as Brady Quinn is. Edwards had a decent game in Week 2, but expect a performance more like the opener (1 reception, 12 yards) as the Browns will be lucky to score on the Ravens at all.

Justin Gage, WR, Titans at Jets. Jets CB Darrelle Revis has shut down Andre Johnson and Randy Moss in consecutive weeks. If you think he’s going to have any trouble covering Gage, well, there’s not much I can do for you.

More thumbs down: QBs Brett Favre, Byron Leftwich, Kyle Orton; RBs Joseph Addai, Jamal Lewis, Larry Johnson, Julius Jones; WRs TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry, Eddie Royal, Earl Bennett.

TAKING A FLIER

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Cardinals vs. Colts. While everyone expects this game to be a shoot-out, Arizona should have its greatest success on the ground against an Indy team that is virtually defenseless against the run. Beanie Wells has had fumble problems, and Tim Hightower is still the top back; but Wells’ 5.2 yards-per-carry average suggests the rookie could be poised for a breakout game on the big stage.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Tony Romo after his awful game on Sunday night. Not only is he facing a Panthers secondary that has surrendered five passing TDs already, but he has a well-documented history of bouncing back nicely after poor performances. Romo will excel on Monday night.