Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Fantasy Football Starts/Sits (WK3)

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Fantasy football is truly hell for us fantasy sports experts. More specifically , it a huge struggle. The number of highly stouted players in an early season slump is just outstanding to me. 3 of the top 6 overall picks are busts (so far). In fact 33 of the top 100 ( based on ADP) players have failed to meet our standards. That 33% folks. Insame. This makes predicting starts and sits much more challenging. Through two weeks , I am 25 of 41 (Roughly 62% correct) on my picks. Lets get rolling on week 3.

Start -

Quarterbacks:

Andrew Luck - Luck is becoming more elite relevant each game. His abilities can be ranked among the league top Quarterbacks. In week 3 , he get an juicy matchup vs Jacksonville. The Jags made Washington offense look dominate. I wonder what the Colts gonna look like.

Russell Wilson - Wilson can be one the best players at home. It really unbelievable how good Wilson been at home against AFC teams. Denver represents a slightly tougher matchup then two weeks ago (against Green Bay) , but expect similar results from Wilson.

Jay Cutler - Cutler isn't the most prized Quarterback to step on the field , but he been very strong in his 2014 campaign. In two games in 2014 , his stats look like: 57/83 (68.7%) , 6 Touchdowns (3 TDs/ Avg. Per Game) , 2 Ints (1/ Avg. Per game), and 525 yards (262.5 yards/ Avg. Per Game). Solid stats and good enough to be a weekly starter. I expect him to top those stats vs the Jets. The same secondary which was slaughtered by Rodgers in week 2.

Running Backs -

Knaile Davis: Andy Reid offensive schemes and play calls seems to benefit his running backs. They did in Philly and that same trait have follow in Kansas City. Davis last week tear it up after Charles exited early on. Charles is expected to miss some time , so plug in Davis. The latest Dolphins trends against runners are in Davis favor.

Ahmad Bradshaw: Move over Trent Richardson , this is a man job! Richardson looked solid on Monday night (despite 2 fumbles). But Bradshaw looked that much better. Including 2 TDs. I don't think Bradshaw get the entire backfield , but TRich will lose more touches. Jacksonville represents an nice matchup. Start him as your 3rd RB (or Flex).

Stevan Ridley: I would also start Shane Vereen , but Ridley was also in week 2. Had 25 carries for 100+ yards , and 1 TD. Is Ridley an lock for 25 carries? Heck no , but Ridley worth least a flex. Oakland is a favorable matchup and one many wouldn't pass up. 

Wide Receivers:

Alshon Jeffery - With an extra day of rest (Monday night game) , Jeffery should eat up the at best average Jets secondary. Jeffery stumbled in week 1 & 2 , but week 3 looks pretty favorable in every type of format. No defensive  team in fantasy football have allowed more points to Wide Receivers. Then of course the Jets.

Jeremy Maclin - The Redskins defense been inconsistent at best , so playing Maclin sounds like a fantastic idea. Just wait its get even better! 3 of the past 4 matchups against Washington , Maclin have topped 100 yards receiving. Play him and enjoy JMaclin show.

Andre Johnson - Johnson isn't having the best season , but neither are the Giants. The Giants defensively have struggled to contain Wide Receivers. Actually ranked among the top 10 in points allowed. Johnson is the primary pass target. Expect Johnson to have a stellar afternoon against the Gmen.

Tight Ends:

Greg Olsen - Olsen been one the best options to have early in the season so far. Keep him in you lineup this weekend as Pittsburgh have allowed a sizable amount of points against Tight Ends in 2014. Olsen is an top 10 option at this position.

Dwayne Allen - DAllen isn't widely owned in shallow leagues , but he still should make a nice option. The Jags rank inside the top 5 with points allowed to Tight Ends. Weather he an top 10 option could depend on him scoring a TD. As I expect the Colts to turn heavy run after gaining an large lead.

Sits -

Quarterbacks:

Big Ben - Big ben failed to score in week 2 against an tough Ravens defense. Things get worse against an Carolina defense. This defensive unit rarely allow Touchdowns on their home turf. There are better options with more favorable matchups.

Andy Dalton - Dalton been much better at home then on the road. Most weeks that would stand out ,but this week however it doesn't. The possibility of AJ Green being inactive makes Dalton an risky plan against an Titans Defense. An defense which can causes problems for any Quarterback.

Running Backs -

Montee Ball: Ball who was super hyped in the offseason have yet to impress his owners in the first two weeks. In week 3 , Ball get his toughest matchup vs Seattle. Very few running back fair well in Seattle. Two weeks ago , Lacy looked like a inexperienced freshman in college against an all-american defense. He really did. Seattle is almost unbeatable at home.  I know most will start Ball anyways , but consider benching him (given you have nice depth.)

Frank Gore - Gore have drawn an tough matchup this week. The Arizona Cardinals. Similar to Seattle , Arizona rarely allows teams to successful run the ball. Gore value goes down even more with Hyde taking carries away from him. At best Gore an flex. Even though there probably better options with more favorable matchups.

Doug Martin - Martin and the Bucs backfield can be described as a Christmas present. You're gonna like what inside or you're gonna hate it. In this week situation , I am guessing us Martin owners will hate it. As the word was Thursday morning , Rainey and Martin to share carries. Anytime your starter get downgraded to "share carries" , its time to worry. I wouldn't start either until the backfield is more clear.

Wide Receivers -

Victor Cruz: I have a feeling Cruz will end up on this list a lot this season. Cruz bring unbelievable potential to the table. Sadly the Giants don't know to use him correctly in an offense led by Eli Manning. Cruz have been just horrible at home lately. 0 Touchdowns in previous 8 home games. I don't think it will change this week either.

Torrey Smith: There two Smith(s) in Baltimore , and Torrey isn't the one getting the ball. Joe Flacco in week 2 barely looked Torrey way. The Browns are next up for Torrey. Harden will all over Torrey on Sunday.. I have a bad feeling about  Torrey Smith. Bench him until we have a better view of this situation.

Roddy White: White remains a question mark to me. Despite reports he will play , I am not convinced he will be 100%. Especially on a short week. Is he really worth it? Add in he haven't faired well against the Bucs lately.

Tight Ends -

Dennis Pitta: Pitta have been better at home then on the road! It been a contestant struggle to produce solid numbers for him in his career. Its doesn't help Joe Flacco have a new favorite target in Steve Smith Sr. Will most start anyhow? I expect so , especially in deeper leagues.

Heath Miller: Miller did nothing last week and similar results this week. Miller lack of productive is placed on Big Ben shoulders. As he is a Wide Receiver first type guy this season. In the first two weeks , Big ben haven't targeted Tight Ends much. Carolina should only make matters worse.

Twitter - @MattAleza