Whether you're 2-0, 1-1, or 0-2, you need to remember that there's a lot of football still to be played. I mean, I don't know about your league's, but the ones I'm a part of dont' hand out a trophy after just two weeks of play. Nope, you're in it for the long haul, whether you like it or not. As such, 15 more weeks of crucial line-up decisions need to be made, but as always, the Bruno Boys are here to help you through it.
So, take a gander at the Week 3 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em report below.
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QUARTERBACKS - START 'EM
Jay Cutler (Denver Broncos) vs. New Orleans
After two weeks of the NFL season, it's not Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, or Drew Brees dominating the passing statistical categories. Nope, it's Denver's young gun, Jay Cutler, who leads the NFL with 650 passing yards and shares a tie of the league lead with Philip Rivers with 6 TDs. Cutler should easily add to both those totals this Sunday as the Broncos draw the 28th ranked pass defense in the New Orleans Saints for week 3. Cutler needs to be in your fantasy line-up for this one and perhaps from here on out. No excuses.
Eli Manning (New York Giants) vs. Cincinnati
We covered this in our Week 3 Quarterback Rankings, but we feel it bears repeating. Many fantasy football owners will analyze and analyze their players' match-ups in an attempt to make sure they have the right squad going on Sunday. In doing that, many will stumble upon the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals currently rank 3rd against the pass, thereby seeing Eli as a poor play for week 3, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the Bengals rank 3rd against the pass at the moment, but that's largely due to the fact that they faced a team with a rookie QB in week one that was more than happy to just rely on the run and then played a week 2 game against the Titans that took place in extremely strong winds. Eli and his excellent rapport with wide receiver Plaxico Burress should make the Bengals pass D drop dramatically in the rankings.
JT O'Sullivan (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit
After week one, it looked like the San Francisco 49ers made a mistake going with O'Sullivan as their starting QB this year, but O'Sullivan rebounded nicely from his 195 yard and 3 turnover debut, torching the Seahawks for 321 yards and a TD in week 2. Perhaps, JT will be Mike Martz's latest and greatest project, following in the steps of Kurt Warner or Jon Kitna, though it is still too early to tell. However, one thing is for certain, we love O'Sullivan in week 3 against the Lions. Not only do the Lions rank 25th against the pass this season, but you know Martz is going to want to score an absurd amount of points against his former employee, thereby letting O'Sullivan loose.
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QUARTERBACKS - SIT 'EM
Derek Anderson (Cleveland Browns) @ Baltimore
The Ravens have already made short work of one struggling QB from Ohio in Carson Palmer, holding the Bengals QB under 100 passing yards, look for them to do it again in week 3 against Anderson. Coming off of a surprising 2007 in which he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 TDs to 19 INTs, Anderson has not lived up to his fantasy owners' lofty expectations after two weeks of football in 2008, sporting just 280 passing yards, 1 TD, and 4 turnovers. The bad news is that those owners will most likely have to wait until week 4 and a match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals before Anderson's woes come to an end.
Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) @ New York Giants
After getting outscored in fantasy points by Chad Henne in week 2, how can you put your faith in Palmer? The truth is you can't. Something is serriously awry with the Bengals passing game right now, and until they prove it's fixed, Palmer is much more likely to appear in the sit 'em portion of this article than the start 'em. Expect another disappointing outing as Palmer faces the New York Giants, who rank 5th in the league against the pass despite being without Michael Strahan (retirement) and Osi Umenyiora (injury).
Matt Schaub (Houston Texans) @ Tennessee
With the weapons he has around him, Schaub makes for an excellent fantasy play when the match-up is right as he can turn to Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels, three pass catchers that can make plays happen. Unfortunately, this week 3 battle with the Tennessee Titans isn't a good one for Schaub. On the year, the Titans have allowed just 1 passing TD, while intercepting opposing quarterbacks a total of 4 times. They've also been stingy in the yardage department, giving up just 141.5 passing yards a week.
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RUNNING BACKS - START 'EM
Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit
With the arrival of Mike Martz to the Bay Area, Gore has once again become a dynamic fantasy back after a somewhat disappointing 2007. Gore, currently, ranks as the 7th best fantasy back and after his week 3 match-up with the Detroit Lions he could be moving up the list even more. The Lions have all but forgot how to stop opposing offenses, especially when it comes to the run, ranking dead last in the league in rush defense. In fact, Detroit's giving up a jaw-dropping 220.5 rushing yards a game. All signs point to a good game here.
Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. Oakland
Yes, the Raiders just shut down Larry Johnson in week 2, holding him to just 22 yards, but stopping the run is easy to accomplish when you can stack the box, something the Raiders were able to do on a regular basis against the Chiefs with Tyler Thigpen under center. In their week 3 match-up with the Bills, they won't have that luxury as Trent Edwards will keep them honest. And, if you recall the Raiders week one match-up against the Broncos in which they got torched for 141 rushing yards, you'll remember the Raiders struggle when having to play things straight up. Start Lynch with confidence.
Michael Turner / Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Kansas City
Obviously, Turner's status as a must start will depend largely on his ankle, but if the back is able to go, expect him to have a outing that resembles his week 1 thrashing of the Lions more than his week 2 disappointment against the Bucs. You see, the Chiefs are just one notch up above the Lions when it comes to rush defense, ranking 31st in the NFL, allowing 213 rush yards per game. That's good news for Turner's owners. It's also good news for Norwood's owners, who is a must start this week at the flex position. Even if Turner goes, Norwood should get a good deal of carries as the Falcons will look to keep Turner's ankle fresh and with as bad as the Chiefs are at stopping the run, Norwood should put up solid fantasy points with those carries.
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RUNNING BACKS - SIT 'EM
Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Chicago
Graham's final stat line for week 2 was impressive as he finished the week with 116 rush yards and a TD; however, keep in mind that the TD was a 68-yard score. Take that away, and you're looking at a 48 yard day. What's even more concerning is the fact that veteran, Warrick Dunn, received 12 carries to Graham's 15, indicating the the Bucs back may very well be part of the latest running back by committee. Add all that to a match-up with Da' Bears who are giving up just 83.5 rushing yards per game, and Graham is an easy week 3 sit.
Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) @ Minnesota
The rookie made a strong case as to why he should be getting the greater number of carries in the Panthers' running back by committe in week 2, going for 77 yards and 2 scores; however, whether head coach John Fox gives Stewart those carries or not doesn't really matter for week 3. Even if Stewart gets the Lion's share of touches, he'll still have difficulty putting up fantasy points against the Vikings. After all, the Purple People Eaters are giving up just 82 rushing yards a game.
Laurence Maroney / Sammy Morris / LaMont Jordan / Kevin Faulk (New England Patriots) vs. Miami
There are great deal of things to play that revolve around the number 4. Connect Four! Four-Square! NCAA's Final Four Brackett! However, the New England four-man running back by committe is one thing involving 4 that we advise you to stay away from. There's just no telling which back will get the fantasy points each week. Will Sammy Morris get another goal-line try? Will LaMont Jordan lead the team in carries again? Will Laurence Maroney finally be given a chance to shine? Or, will Kevin Faulk outscore the other three thanks to a long receiving score? It's just not worth the gamble right now!
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WIDE RECEIVERS - START 'EM
Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) @ San Francisco
After two weeks of football, one thing is obvious, the hype surrounding Calvin Johnson, aka Megatron, was well-founded. Already, in this young season, Johnson has hauled in 13 passes for 236 yards and 2 scores. It's helped that the Lions have had to turn to the pass early and often as they've been playing catch up, but don't fear, even if they keep this match-up with the 49ers close, Johnson will still get his opportunities as he's now the team's number one receiving option. Sorry Roy!
Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) @ Minnesota
If you happened to watch the San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos game last Sunday, you know full well what a motivated and talented wide receiver can do as Brandon Marshall, fresh off his one game suspension, corralled 18 passes for 166 yards and a score. Now, Smith, who has completed a two game suspension, may not match Marshall's number, but he should still put up a good deal of fantasy points. For one thing, you know Jake Delhomme will be looking for his old friend often, happy to finally be on the field with him again (the two have not played a regular season snap together since week 3 of last season). Secondly, his return coincides with a match-up versus the Minnesota Vikings, not known for their pass defense (they rank 24th in the league).
DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Pittsburgh
While it was DeSean Jackson's bonehead move, in which he decided to dispense of the football prior to crossing the goal-line, that garnered headlines after Monday Night's match-up with the Dallas Cowboys, it is important to note that rookie receiver surpassed the 100-yard mark for the second straight week. It is obvious that McNabb trusts the rookie and loves his playmaking ability, so even in a tough match-up with a state foe, the Pittsburgh Steelers, we recommend using Jackson.
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WIDE RECEIVERS - SIT 'EM
Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Atlanta
Fantasy football owners know what's it like to not be able to control your own destiny. After all, week in and week out, we sit and watch our guys play, utterly helpless when it comes to what's happening on the field. No matter how much we urge for that extra yard or that quick 6 points from a touchdown, in the end, we have no hand in what our guy does. Dwayne Bowe is going to know that feeling well, too, after this Sunday. Due to injuries to both Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, the Kansas City Chiefs will start Tyler Thigpen at quarterback and because of that Bowe sees a drop in value, not because of anything he did, but because his destiny will lay with Thigpen's arm.
Chad Ocho Cinco (Cincinnati Bengals) @ New York Giants
What a rough start to the 2008 season for Mr. Ocho Cinco. First, Reebok won't produce "Ocho Cinco" jerseys unless the wide receiver throws down more than $4 million dollars to buy the already produced "C. Johnson" ones out there. Now, opposing defenses are keeping the wide receiver in check. Through two games, Ocho Cinco has totaled just 59 yards and has yet to be able to pull out one of those TD celebrations he was undoubtedly working on all off-season long. Don't expect things to get better this week as the Bengals face the 5th best pass defense in the league in the New York Giants.
Laveranues Coles (New York Jets) @ San Diego
The arrival of Brett Favre was supposed to increase Coles' value this 2008 season, but the wide out has yet to get on the same page as the future Hall of Famer. As such, Coles' 77 yards after two games, puts him 3rd on the team behind both Jerricho Cotchery and Chaunsi Stuckey. Until Coles and Favre's rapport builds, we'd keep Laveranues on the bench.
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TIGHT ENDS - START 'EM
Chris Cooley (Washington Redskins) vs. Arizona
In week 1, the Redskins' couldn't get anything going in the passing game, resulting in a 1 catch 7 yard effort for Cooley, but upon their return home in week 2, things began to click. Jason Campbell threw for 321 yards and a score versus the Saints, with 72 of those yards going Cooley's way. What's even more promising for Cooley's owners is that after seeing only one pass thrown his way in the season opener, Cooley saw 6 passes in week 2. With the success they had in week 2 with Cooley involved, you can bet the Redskins make a point of throwing the ball his way again this Sunday.
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TIGHT ENDS - SIT 'EM
Alge Crumpler (Tennessee Titans) vs. Houston
The only off-season addition to the Titans pass catching corps isn't working out quite as planned. In two games with Tennessee, Crumpler has managed a meager 20 yards. Crump-daddy was a disappointment in 2007, and it's looking like 2008 will be more of the same. With the Titans emphasizing the run, fantasy points are going to be hard to come by for Crumpler. If he manages to match his 41 yard career average against the Texans in Sunday's game, be thankful.
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KICKERS - START 'EM
Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers) vs. New York Jets
Sure, the Chargers find themselves entering week 2 with an 0-2 record, but it's not for a lack of points. In their two losses, the Chargers have put up a combined total of 62 points, not too shabby. We always talk about grabbing kickers' with a high powered offense, and Kaeding fits that description to the tee. A match-up with the Jets, who gave up 4 Field Goals to Stephen Gostkowski in week 2, is a promising sight.
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KICKERS - SIT 'EM
Dan Carpenter (Miami Dolphins) @ New England
In fantasy football a good offense usually translates into a good fantasy kicker, well the same is true for the opposite. A bad offense will lead to a bad fantasy kicker. Through two games this season, Carpenter has registered just 6 fantasy points. He may very well exit week 3 with that same 6 points as the New England Patriots are playing motivated football in the wake of losing Tom Brady.
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DEFENSE - START 'EM
(New England Patriots) vs. Miami
Speaking of the New England Patriots, they are our Defensive Start 'Em for week 3. Neither the Kansas City Chiefs nor the New York Jets were able to put up more than 10 points against the Pats, and we don't see the Miami Dolphins doing any better than those two squads. Further strengthening the Pats cause is the fact that in 9 career games against the Pats, Dolphins' QB Chad Pennington has just 9 TDs to go along with 9 INTs, and those numbers were put up when Pennington actually had wide outs to throw to.
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DEFENSE - SIT 'EM
(Green Bay Packers) vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Packers are coming off a monstrous week 2, putting up 22 fantasy points against Detroit, but make sure they're on your bench for week 3 as they'll have to deal with the Dallas Cowboys and their juggernaut offense. The Cowboys, currently rank second in total offensive yards, trailing only the Broncos, and are averaging a rather healthy 34.5 points a game. This may end up being a close game, but if it is, it's because both teams will be lighting up the scoreboard.
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WEEK 3 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Also, make sure the check out the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 3 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Report (click to view)
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Current Waiver Wire Articles (click to view)
Waiver Wire - Week 2 (Sunday Edition)
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