Minding My Manners: Your Week 3 Fantasy Scoutlook
There are no mulligans in this game, but every now and then I’d like a Minding My Manners mulligan. Last week, was one instance where that was the case. Sure, Tony Romo had a bad game, just as I predicted, but we won’t even talk about some of the other picks. This week the NFL schedule doesn’t provide too many good watches for fans, but there should be some fantasy standouts by the time the weekend winds down.
I’m back to resuscitate my reputation as I pick the Week 3 must starts and must sits for your fantasy football team. And if these picks don’t pan out this week, just stop the CPR, turn the ambulance around and pull the plug. Or just call me bad names like “loser” or “chump” or “Brad Evans”…
Yes, Please. I’d Love Some…
Eli Manning – QB New York Giants
Through two weeks, Eli has done his best to show why he deserved the NFL’s richest contract for a quarterback. He’s dug deep to make something out of nothing with no star wide receivers on the Giant’s roster. Losing Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer has had little to no effect on Manning, who’s found gold in Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. Should Dominik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks come backin good health within the next few weeks, Little Manning could have the weapons he needs to get back to the Pro Bowl. This week the Giants take on Tampa Bay’s inexperienced defense that gave up career high yardage to Tony Romo through the air. Look for Eli to get plenty of good looks downfield, especially if Brandon Jacobs can’t make much happen on the ground. Week 3 Scoutlook: 315 yds passing, 2 TDs, 3 rushes for 15 yds.
Fred Jackson – RB Buffalo Bills
This is Jackson’s last week to prove he’s worthy of starting over Marshawn Lynch, who will be coming off his 3-week suspsension. Ready Freddie will take advantage of a mediocre Saints defense, while the Bills try to play catch-up against Drew Brees. Whether the Bills are run-heavy or throwing the ball, Jackson is sure to be involved, being one of the game’s best backfield receiver. Week 3 Scoutlook: 21 rushes for 96 yds, 6 receptions for 68 yds, 1 TD.
Jerricho Cotchery – WR New York Jets
Mark Sanchez has found a comfort zone with Cotchery, who’s recorded over 85 receiving yards in each of the Jets first two games. This week, the Jets will face a Tennessee defense that gave Houston QB Matt Schaub a career day last week, and 100+ yard games for both Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes in Week 1. Expect Mark Sanchez to get a lot of pressure in the pocket from the Titans’, using Cotchery as a checkdown option. When the Jets get to the red zone, he’ll be looking for Cotchery and Dustin Keller, should the run game fail. Week 3 Scoutlook: 7 receptions for 105 yds, 1 TD.
Greg Olsen – TE Chicago Bears
For those of you who have given up on Olsen, this is not the week to bench, trade or drop him. Jay Cutler had a rough season opener, but played well at home last week. The Bears head to Seattle this week, a team that hasn’t faced a top 25 fantasy QB thus far. Greg Olsen will get plenty of open looks in Week 3, and could very easily lead the Bears in receiving yards. The chemistry will emerge and finally pay dividends for Olsen owners. Week 3 Scoutlook: 6 receptions for 78 yds, 1 TD.
San Francisco 49ers – DEF
I’ve heard this defense described as “a bunch of animals on the field.” That’s the power of Mike Singletary’s presence at head coach. After six consecutive losses going into Week 11 of last year, the team has gone 7-2, a pretty impressive turn around. Patrick Willis will do his best to keep Adrian Peterson from breaking into the secondary. Pass rush will limit the looks downfield, forcing unsuccessful screens and plenty of third and longs. Week 3 Scoutlook: 17 pts allowed, 3 INTs, 2 sacks, 1 TD.
No, Thanks. I’ll Pass…
Brett Favre – QB Minnesota Vikings
As mentioned above, the Vikings will have a tough matchup when facing Singletary’s cannibalizing defense. Brett Favre will be the first to make a mistake, as he has many times in his career when receivers can’t get open. The patented Favre heaves downfield will put the 49ers defensive backs into receiver mode. Though the game will be a close battle, the success of Minnesota will bank on Peterson pounding the middle with 25+ touches. There’s still no connection between Favre and Bernard Berrian, leaving rookie Percy Harvin to pick up the pieces. Week 3 Scoutlook: 160 yds passing, 0 TD, 3 INT, 2 rushes for 8 yds.
Kevin Smith – RB Detroit Lions
For Detroit, the hopes of ending their19 game losing streak will need to fall on the shoulders of rookie QB Matthew Stafford, rather than RB Kevin Smith. He’ll struggle to run the ball against Albert Haynesworth and the Skins defensive line. There’s been talk that this is the week the Lions win, with the putrid Redskins coming to town, but I’m not buying it. The Washington defense is too good to allow that to happen, even on the road. Smith will have to run to the outside to have any success, and that’s really not his running style. Combine that with his current 2.6 yards per carry in 2009, and he’s, well, screwed. Week 3 Scoutlook: 19 rushes for 48 yds, 0 TD.
Eddie Royal – WR Denver Broncos
Let’s face it, the Broncos are lucky to be at 2-0 early on in the 2009 season, but it’s been no thanks to Royal. He’s been pretty quiet thus far while adjusting to life without Jay Cutler. He’s got just 38 receiving yards through two weeks and the Oakland’s cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha won’t give Eddie Royal any room to make a play. Kyle Orton will have better luck looking for Brandon Stokely. Brandon Marshall is still not familiar with Josh McDaniel’s playbook and will continue to be unreliable for the Broncos in key passing situations. Denver’s passing game is certainly not the reason they are undefeated at this point in the season. Week 3 Scoutlook: 3 receptions for 32 yds, 0 TDs.
John Carlson – TE Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks leading receiver will need QB Matt Hasselbeck behind center to have any success in Week 3, but his health is in question at this point with a cracked rib. Carlson and the Seahawks will welcome Chicago to Seattle, and will face a very tough defense. Should Seneca Wallace start the game, the run game may put up some decent numbers, but the passing game will be nearly nonexistent. T.J. Houshmandzadeh will provide a big target for Wallace, but Carlson is less likely to see many looks. Week 3 Scoutlook: 4 receptions for 44 yds, 0 TDs.
Dallas Cowboys – DEF
Always a popular pick for defense, but they rarely prove fantasy-efficient. The hopes of Cowboy fans is that Demarcus Ware and Terrance Newman will carry the defense is delusional. Under the spotlight of Monday Night Football, the Cowboys will welcome the Panthers to their new, state-of-the-art stadium. Jake Delhomme has been media gold with his sloppy Week 1, but he improved Week 2 in their loss to the Falcons. The 0-2 Panthers are desperate for a win, and Julius Peppers and the defensive squad will provide their only hope at stopping Tony Romo’s Cowboys. But throw in a Marion Barber injury, and the Panthers look to be in decent shape to get their first 2009 victory. Week 3 Scoutlook: 27 pts allowed, 1 INT, 2 sack, 0 TD.
Adam Hutcheson
Adam Gori
David Brick
Josh Brick
Grant Howard
Alex Lopez
Joe Giglio
Who to start: WR- R Moss, D Bowe, G Jennings, S Smith (NYG)… need 3
RB- Tomlinson(inj?), R Rice, K Moreno, L Washington… need 2
If Tomlinson is able to start, he’s worth a spot in your lineup, but monitor his situation. I’d have to go with Ray Rice as the 2nd. If LT is no good, go with Leon Washington. I think the Jets will use him to exploit the Tennessee defense. Moreno hasn’t proved enough yet to rely on him. But definitely keep an eye on Tomlinson.
I think your WR are pretty easy to choose. I’d never bench Moss or Jennings, while Bowe is borderline must-start each week too. But this week, and this week only, bench Bowe and go Smith. Eli is gonna have a big game against Tampa, and Smith will play a big role in that. (I love your WRs)
Who to start? Need 3. Fred Jackson vs. Saints, Felix Jones vs. Panthers, DeAngelo Williams vs. Cowboys, and Clinton Portis vs. Lions
Sorry also need 2 WR’s…. T.O vs. Saints, Cothchery vs. Titans, Manningham vs. Bucs, Hester vs. Seattle, also have Antonio Bryant supposedly coming off the injured list this week, worth a shot?
RBs- Fred Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, Clinton Portis
Marion Barber is trying to play this weekend still. If he does, he’ll be limited, but Tashard Choice also lurks at stealing carries
WRs- Manningham (Bucs’ secondary is not that good) and I might go Cotchery against the Titans. Tennessee has given up the most passing yards this season (678 total/339ypg)
I’m with Gori, but I think T.O. will play a big part in keeping the Bills in the game on Sunday as they try to keep up with the Saints. With that said, I’d go with Cotchery and T.O.
Looks like you’ve got yourself a good team.
Hey need some RB help
I have to start 2 of these three guys
Fred Jackson vs Saints, DeAngelo Williams vs Dal and Brandon Jacobs vs TB
I’m leaning towards Jackson and Williams but TB run defense is horrible. What do you think???
First off, you have some real good backs right there. And I would start Jacobs for one. TB has the 4th worst rush defense. The only thing that worries me about that, is that they’ve only allowed 1 TD. It’s only week 3, though, so Jacobs should put up good numbers. I would go Williams over Jackson. Jackson should get decent numbers, but the Saints have a ridiculous aerial attack, meaning the Bills will have to do much of the same. Dallas gives up more ypg than NO as well.
Thanks for the input
My only concern in benching jackson is that he is a HUGE part of there passing attack thru the first two weeks and if thier playing from behind all night (which they will be) he could see a lot of balls.
Oh ya and I am in a PPR league if that changes things.
Yes. Sit Jacobs this week. In that PPR league, this could be the last week you get full-time service from Jackson. There is no better time than now against the Saints.
I don’t think either of these guys will hurt you this week.
If you’re in a PPR league, you might not be able to go wrong. Williams averages 3.5 catches per game and Jackson averages 5.5 per game. I have a feeling they’ll both be pretty involved in receiving the ball this week. I would expect Williams to end up with 4 catches and Jackson to end up with about 5. So either of them should get you extra points there, where Jacobs might catch 1. I just don’t know how you can bench Jacobs against TB. I’d still go Williams and Jacobs, but that doesn’t mean Jackson won’t score some points, too.
Who to start?
WR- Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chris Henry, Pierre Garcon, Kenny Britt.. I Need 3..
(NOTE: I saw your recommendation with Moss earlier.. but now that his lower back injury has been announced and he’s questionable.. what should the plan be? At least the early injury report will be out for that game.. Assuming game-time decision, unless you know something we don’t).
RB- Thomas Jones, Reggie Bush, Tashard Choice, Ricky Williams, Mewelde Moore
I definitely like a fully healed Wes Welker and if you keep a close eye on the Moss situation, he’ll be efficient if he plays. I’ll take Chris Henry as your 3rd. Ocho will be hard-pressed for looks against the Steelers, but Henry could be good for a big downfield play.
Appreciate the input.. As for RB.. Need 2. Who to start?
RB- Thomas Jones, Reggie Bush, Tashard Choice, Ricky Williams, Mewelde Moore
For RBs, gotta go Jones at least. He’s the only guy there that’s basically assured touches. Other than that, I’d probably go Choice unless the Cowboys announce Barber is definitely playing. He’s been real limited lately. Doesn’t help that Wade Phillips said they had a plan as to who is getting the bulk of the carries, but their not announcing it. Also doesn’t help that they play Monday night. Expect Barber to be limited even if he does play. Choice and Felix Jones will most likely split time, with Choice have a good amount of catches. I’d avoid Moore, especially with Mendenhall. And Buffalo has a good rush defense for Bush. He’s hit or miss. So is Williams.
Love most of the picks, but I don’t see why the 49ers D is there. Wouldn’t the Ravens D be a better play, particularly if Jamal Lewis can’t take the field?
Paul
peoplespigskin.wordpress.com
The Ravens D is nearly always a good play. I’m looking to point out an under the radar option. With Peterson banged up and Favre being careless with the ball, the 9ers could put up some big fantasy points.
Need a #3 WR. B. Marshall, J.Knox, or E. Bennett in a non-ppr league?
Thanks
I’d go with Earl Bennett this week. Next week will be Marshall’s big breakout. Neither Knox nor Bennett have played enough NFL games to be a sure thing, but with Marshall facing the lockdown Raiders secondary, I’d give to nod to Bennett this week. He and Knox are a coin flip.
who to start?
Vincent Jackson…Johnny Knox…Berand Berrian… need 2 of the 3
Dustin Keller or Kellen Winslow need 1
Frank Gore..Ryan Grant..Carnell Williams..Marion Barber need 2 of the 4
I’d go Jackson and Berrian. Knox had a good week last week, he had 82 yards in week 1, but only on 2 catches. I’d like to see him be more consistent with the receptions before I pick him over #1 guys like Jackson and Berrian. Tennessee gives up the most passing yards so I’d go Keller for your TE. RBs go Gore and Cadillac. Gore is a must-start every week. If Barber plays, he’ll be limited. The Giants have quietly given up 168 rush yards per game and 4 rushing TDs. Rams have only given up 1 (Grant plays the Rams). Ward is getting about the same amount of carries as Cadillac, but last week, he came out of the backfield with 7 catches.
No, no no. Not Cadillac. Word out of Tampa is Derrick Ward is starting over Cadillac this week because of an injury. Definitely go with GORE and GRANT.
In a ppr league I have a flex postion so pick 3.
Forte
Addai
P. Thomas
Moreno
McCoy
L. Washington
(.9 PPR)
Thanks
I like Forte for this week. His 2009 has been rough, but it’s time for him to turn it on. A must start in PPR. If Westbrook is limited for Philly this week, McCoy will be a great play. As your third back, I like Pierre Thomas. I know he hasn’t done much lately, but Mike Bell out, they’ll need him in the game, especially for goal line runs. Forte, McCoy, Thomas.
If gametime comes around and it looks like Westbrook will play, Leon Washington could be a good PPR play. Good luck.
I need to start 2 wide receivers Roddy White, who will start but for my number 2 Desean Jackson,Lee Evans, or Kevin walter. Running backs I’m starting Forte but for number 2 Fred Jackson, Steve Slaton, or Ray Rice
You have a lot of good options here, man. I like Desean Jackson a lot, but if his groin slows him down he’s not the safe bet he usually is. I’d say choose him or Lee Evans. Kevin Walter, coming off of injury, is still risky.
Your backs are just as stacked. Slaton would normally be a must start, but that weight he put on during the off-season seems to be hindering more than helping. Go with Fred Jackson who is guaranteed some good looks.
Should I start Buckhalter or Reggie Bush?
and as for my 3rd slot for WR: Sims-Walker, Bobby Wade or Nate Washington?
Hi,
I have to decide between Celek and Shockey at tight end. Both have good matchups, but I’m not sure who you think is a better option. Also, at WR, I’m in a tough spot for my WR3. I have Fitz and V Jack at 1 and 2, but Bowe was my third and I’m not sure about starting him against Philly even if he isn’t out (which he may be). Yet other options are kind of slim. I’ve got Roy E. Williams, D. Hester, and Burleson (or Mike Sims-Walker as a F.A.). Roy is the obvious choice but he killed me last week. Do I cross my fingers and hope for the best with him?
K. Winslow or F. Jones? Thanks!