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Enjoy my first ever fantasy football Start/Sit article.

Start Of The Week

Tom Brady

I’m expecting a huge week 3 performance out of Brady. Tom Brady is facing the weak Jags defense and this match up is a lock for the Pats. I would also start Julian Edelman and maybe even Danny Amendola this week, plus obviously GRONK. Aaron Dobson is even a good Week 3 sleeper. This isn’t because of my fandom, anyone would go Pats galore in week 3.

QB

Start ‘Em

Eli Manning (NYG vs. WSH)

Manning hosted the ‘Skins and did amazing, just as I had predicted. Teams who started Manning should have decent results this week, as long as they start my other recommendations and all the must starts. Manning could be an amazing sleeper in future weeks, but this match up is so priceless, he’s better than just a sleeper.

Nick Foles (STL vs. PIT)

Foles looked great in his first two weeks with the Rams. Expect Foles to keep up the good work in this Super Bowl XIV rematch. The Rams will be especially fired up to get their revenge in this Week 3 brawl. And this is year of the Rams, so it’s time to take action. He should find Tavon Uastin and Kenny Britt, rebounding sleepers for touchdowns, especially if Todd Gurley is out again. The Rams should go heavy passing on a rushing focused Steelers D. Most of their best guys are defensive lineman or linebackers, although their star Troy Polamalu is a safety. But he’s the only guy really that you need to look out for on a relatively weakened Steelers secondary. Foles is looking much better as a fantasy option than he did two weeks ago. I think he may be coming close to surpassing Sam Bradford soon even.

Ryan Tannehill (MIA vs. BUF)

I have underrated Tannehill all season, and this week is his time to shine, in what appears to be an easy match hosting the division rival Bills. The homefield advantage means a lot in this one. Don’t think they’ll go all run to Lamar Miller. Tannehill will get chances to score passing TDs with not just Jarvis Landry, but also sleeper receivers added this off season, Kenny Stills and former star Greg Jennings. They also should have a better use for tight end Jordan Cameron than his old team. Use him as an extra companion to Landry too. This team hasn’t discovered how good their core passing game is.

Sleepers
Matthew Stafford (DET vs. DEN) – Upset? Coming right up!!
Carson Palmer (ARZ vs. SF) – I underrated him in weeks one and two. He’s emerging into a star.
Philip Rivers (SD @ MIN) This week brings a better match up than you might think.
Johnny Manziel (CLE vs. OAK) If McCown struggles, he’ll jump in.
Ryan Mallett (HOU vs. TB) Even if they struggle on offense, WATT will finish ’em off.

Sit ‘Em

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT @STL)
As I was saying, St. Louis’ confidence will lead to dominance, causing the whole Steelers offense to be afraid, and end up being fantasy busts for the week.

Andy Dalton (CIN @BAL)
Baltimore’s recent history of hosting Cincinnati shows almost all wins for the Ravens. Dalton and crew will be under a lot of pressure, and will continue as that third, decent team in the division that squeezes its way to the playoffs. I’m even worried about Cincy’s playoff hopes this year. There’s no way to escape the pressure of Baltimore, and they will most likely end up suffering a surprise blowout.
Peyton Manning (DEN @ DET)

Manning has the pressure of Stephen Tulloch covering his main receivers, and better worry about sacks from DeAndre Levy and Ha’toli Ngata. Not to mention that Manning is running out of steam after a long career of record-breaking, almost unbeatable, years.

BUST ALERT

Matt Ryan (ATL @DAL)

Ryan may be playing an injured, broken down Cowboys squad but they aren’t giving up, especially the relatively healthy D. The rest of the Falcons offense had a miracle in a first two weeks. What a fluke! With Tevin Coleman out, they will focus on passing, but Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr should do a nice job making the Falcons offense look foolish this week. Matt Ryan is left weapon less, if Jones and White are covered heavily, and Tevin Coleman is hurt.
RB

Start ‘Em

Fred Jackson (SEA vs. CHI)

Jackson will have an extended role in week 3 if starting running back Marshawn Lynch is out. Lynch is currently questionable for Sunday’s game vs the Bears. Jackson was kicked out of Buffalo when LeSean McCoy joined the team, but after Seattle traded both Robert Turbin and Christine Michael, they needed him as a handcuff to Lynch. It’s Jackson’s time to shine and prove that he’s not too old to do well yet.

Frank Gore (IND @TEN)

Gore has had an embarrassing first two weeks to the season. He barely got any touches compared to rookie Josh Robinson. Gore was supposed to fill in the holes Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw’s departure made. Him and Andre Johnson will be in the spotlight as scouts will watch to make sure that Gore and Johnson still have some steam in them and still have years left in their careers. These guys used to be stars, and I guarantee you, if they don’t look like stars against Marcus Mariota’s young Tennessee Titans, they’ll regret it, and guys like Mariota and Bishop Sankey will grow to be better current players than older guys like Gore or Johnson. These two guys are doubted at their age. Come on guys, prove yourselves! Give him a shot. If he disappoints you, just bench him completely. Find a new starter, unless he can shine this week.
This is his moment.
Ryan Mathews (PHI @NYJ)

If DeMarco Murray is out Sunday, it’d be no surprise if Ryan Mathews here just completely breaks out. He is a former starter. He’ll be able to act like one, even under the pressure of Sheldon Richardson, Jets defensive lineman. Mathews and Murray, just the entire Eagles rushing game has been depressing so far. It’s time the best part of this team, really steps up and does something. Otherwise, the Eagles will just keep on losing, and all these guys will be busts.
Chris Johnson (ARZ vs. SF)

Chris Johnson was outran by David Johnson in week 2. Now it’s his turn. The Johnsons will battle for the handcuff position of Andre Ellington, who is out at least another week or two. Chris Johnson came in to New York last year and challenged Ivory for his job, but late in the year he stunk. The old Chris Johnson is still in there somewhere. Johnson is still relevant this season.

Shane Vereen (NYG vs. WSH)

Vereen and crew didn’t get many touches, but when he went he went far. Start him more in match-ups like this one.

Sleepers
Darren McFadden (DAL vs. ATL) – Should make an impact with Romo, Bryant and possibly Witten sitting
Darren Sproles (PHI @NYJ) – If Murray sits, he’s the backup to Mathews.
Jacquizz Rodgers (CHI @SEA) – Despite the tough match-up, he hasn’t been watched all year when he’s Forte’s handcuff
Danny Woodhead (SD @MIN) – This match-up isn’t what it looks like
Melvin Gordon (SD @MIN) – What’s not to love about this guy?
Andre Williams (NYG vs. WSH) – Not many yards, but got his fair share of scores
Todd Gurley (STL vs. PIT) – If he’s healthy, he’ll help Nick Foles run the show in his NFL regular season debut
Sit ‘Em

Doug Martin (TB @HOU)

Martin is left facing J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Vince Wilfork and Brian Cushing. Any running back would panic in Houston vs. the Texans defense. Even the best like Marshawn Lynch sometimes suffer to Watt’s crew. Doug Martin will be on a ton of pressure alone, while the whole team also has a horrible match-up for Tampa. Martin’s lucky if he rushes for just 50 yards, let alone score a single touchdown.

Alfred Morris (WSH @NYG)

Morris will soon be sharing the touches with rookie Matt Jones. They are slowly aiming at him loosing his job. Morris barely got any work in Week 3, and this is not the only hard game on a tough, tough schedule. Morris only scored 1 fantasy point using CBS Sports scoring. Morris is not in a good position this week against the Giants.
Jeremy Hill (CIN @BAL)

This is practically the same story as Andy Dalton, except worse. The Bengals alone already suck in Baltimore. Now, Jeremy Hill is in a situation where he has almost the entire core of the Ravens defense on him, Dalton, Gio, and the offensive line. Elvis Dumervil, Timmy Jernigan and C.J. Mosley are all covering the Cincy running backs. Even Terrell Suggs would be if he was healthy.

DeAngelo Williams (PIT @STL)

After a great first two weeks, Le’ Veon Bell, possibly the best in the league back from suspension, Williams is in a bad place to even start at all this season on your team. If you have anyone like, Dexter McCluster or better on your waiver wire, (not including Starks if Lacy plays), pick them up, and yes, drop DeAngelo Williams. I know he scored 25-35 points in most leagues last week, but it’s time to MOVE ON. Bell is back, and he’ll steal the show as usual.

Bobby Rainey (TB @HOU)

This is more disappointing of a story than Martin’s. Although he’ll get less defensive attention, he still is doomed under J.J’s pressure. Don’t expect him to even get a positive amount of fantasy points. Yes, he could actually lower your team’s score and get NEGATIVE amounts if you put him in your DFS or regular fantasy lineup this week.
Bust Alert

Bishop Sankey (TEN vs. IND)

Sankey could already suffer a sophomore slump, but to make matters worse, he’ll have D’Qwell Jackson watching every step of his failure. Sankey clearly gets my vote for bust alert.

WR

Start ‘Em
Eric Decker (NYJ vs. PHI)

Both Decker and Brandon Marshall have an easy match-up against a breaking down Eagles secondary. The Eagles defense is focused on the rush. Expect lots of passing in this game, which means Marshall and Decker should have huge games. Eric Decker is bound for an amazing week. The Jets alone are getting better this season, better than you might even expect. Decker and Marshall are must-starts.
Julian Edelman (NE vs. JAX)

Edelman will be part of the Week 3 Brady’s Bunch montage. Edelman is primed for an amazing week against an easy Jaguars defense. Edelman should put up a ton of points along with Brady, Gronk, Amendola and Chandler against this defense. Expect Edelman to score at least 1, possibly two touchdowns in Sunday’s game.

Michael Crabtree (OAK @CLE)

Crabtree? Most people would consider him a sleeper but I think he’s one of the most underrated receivers. Michael Crabtree does have a relatively tough match-up, but Joe Haden is watching Cooper. Justin Gilbert is still left for him though. And this should be a close game. Crabtree is in a good situation this week and he’ll take advantage of it. I know Oakland isn’t the best team, but this is one of about 3 weeks that that they’ll even come close to winning a game. A tough schedule just makes it worse, and the division is tough.
Amari Cooper (OAK @CLE)
Cooper is in a similar situation to Crabtree, but he has Joe Haden on his watch. He won’t be as sharp as Crabtree, but will still have an okay week.
Again, this is one of the only chances that Cooper has to shine, along with the rest of the Raiders.

DeAndre Hopkins (HOU vs TB)

Hopkins will have a good week. He’s expected to play against an empty Bucs secondary. I’ve underrated him all season and now and can’t say he won’t do well in probably the second most lopsided match-up behind Pats-Jags.
Sleepers
Malcom Floyd (SD @MIN) – Steve Johnson will get more targets, but Floyd still has a role
Dwayne Bowe (CLE vs. OAK) – Bowe should get healthier in Week 3, and in an easy match-up, his odds for a breakout are good
Tavon Austin (STL vs. PIT) – Expected to get more Week 3 targets
Greg Jennings (MIA vs. BUF) – Him and Stills should get more work than expected behind Jarvis Landry
Danny Amendola (NE vs. JAX) – A super sleeper in an easy match
Rueben Randle (NYG vs. WSH) – Randle started well behind Beckham with Cruz hurt
Kenny Britt (STL vs. PIT) – In similar situation to Tavon Austin

Sit ‘Em
Harry Douglas (TEN vs. IND)

Douglas hasn’t fallen through yet with his new crew. Already Kendall Wright is getting the workload. He’ll be off Vontae Davis’ mind, but backup corners are watching him. The Colts defense actually isn’t so bad, and the Colts offense is already going to shock the D. Douglas doesn’t have much of a chance to score.
Roddy White (ATL @DAL)

Julio Jones is already under pressure, but not enough to sit. But RODDY WHITE? I could go on for days. The Cowboys have enough guys to keep both Julio and White double covered ALL GAME LONG. Expect J.J. Wilcox and Brandon Carr to guard White, while Julio takes on Morris Claiborne. This Cowboys D is so strong, that the Falcons’ fate depends on their weak defense. However, the Cowboys offense is weak when dinged up.
Pierre Garçon (WSH @NYG)

Garçon got the workload with DeSean Jackson out until at least next week. He was a decent start for the week, but, let’s get serious. One, the Giants secondary was tough. Two, Jordan Reed was the guy who really got exposed. Reed got 60 more yards and two ALMOST touchdowns. Yup, that’s how much of a let down all of the Redskins are.

Mike Evans (TB @HOU)

Evans is still trying to recover from his injury and will still be limited in the game. Vincent Jackson should be attempted more. On the bright side, Evans and Jackson get more work with ASJ out. But this entire match is ruined if the Texans defense gets to them. No Bucs receiver or tight end will come out “alive”.
Eddie Royal (CHI @SEA)

Royal is going to get more attempts with Jeffery out, but Royal earns himself coverage from Richard Sherman and possibly additional coverage from Kam Chancellor, who will return to action just in time for the first likely blowout. Royal or any of the Chicago wideouts will have trouble against the restrengthening Seahawks secondary, including, Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas III.

Bust Alert
Vincent Jackson (TB @HOU)

Evans’ situation of doom + JOHNATHAN JOSEPH = Jackson’s Week 3 Performance. Don’t expect much out of Vincent Jackson. Don’t even expect anything at all. 😉
TE

Start ‘Em

Jermaine Gresham (ARZ vs. SF)

Gresham may have not looked like the starting tight end when he came to Arizona, but with the way Ifeanyi Momah and Troy Niklas are doing, now he is. The coverage will be focused on Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald, and besides, the Niners don’t really have much of a secondary anyway. He’ll be able to sneak past any defenders that are in his way to score, even more than Fitzy, John Brown or Floyd. Expect a one of a kind better than usual day for Jermaine Gresham.

Jared Cook (STL vs. PIT)

Cook, unlike Gresham has Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor on the opposing secondary. But, like Gresham, they should be onto receivers Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt before they come to him. However, he will be watched more than Gresham, he is known to be a top Rams receiving player. But still, Cook can sneak a TD or two, while Austin and Britt get majority of the direct coverage.
Zach Ertz (PHI @NYJ)

Ertz has the disadvantage of being one of the stronger Eagles receivers. Antonio Cromartie may guard him over second string receiver Nelson Agholor. Also, the Jets secondary is tough. But Cromartie may switch off a bit, giving him opportunities here and there to run free and score touchdowns. The may do the the nickel defense, but otherwise, Ertz may not have a full time guard.

Sleepers
Larry Donnell (NYG vs. WSH) – Donnell got his share vs The Skins.
Coby Fleener (IND @TEN) – Allen is out, so it’s Fleener’s week to himself.
Jordan Cameron (MIA vs. BUF) – Cameron is left with rookie corner Ronald Darby, who has been to problemo to anyone recently.

Sit ‘Em

Travis Kelce (KC @GB)

In this Super Bowl I match, Kansas City will be fired up, and they’ll come close, but they can’t win if Green Bay is at Lambeau. Rodgers has never been intercepted off at home. Kelce’s situation faces a decent secondary, with lousy corners, but some good safeties for double coverage. Kelce will get double covered some of the game. This is just not a reliable match-up for Kelce to be started in. He’s still only an NFL sophomore.
Martellus Bennett (CHI @SEA)

Bennett, not directly faces, but will see his brother in this lock match-up. The match-up is clearly in Seattle’s favor, and expect Bennett to get Richard Sherman as his defender. There’s no way Bennett can work around that. It is very unlikely he’ll get any touchdowns let alone much completions. Bennett is just in a horrible match-up that you can’t work around in Week 3.
Jordan Reed (WSH @NYG)

This isn’t the best advice, because of the fact that Reed went for 100+ yards but the guy had two or three touchdown attempts and couldn’t even get a single completed touchdown. Reed did not look good in clutch moments on week 3, and definitely contributed into a Redskins’ red zone failure that helped craft loss number two. He just didn’t show up when they needed him. He must’ve cared more about his personal stats than trying to score for his team.

Bust Alert
Heath Miller (PIT @STL)

St. Louis doesn’t have much of a secondary. Their defense is rush based. But Heath Miller’s expectations are a little too high. With Bell facing the tough rush defense, Big Ben will pass, using Antonio as usual, and Heath Miller as his WR2. Miller has been overused as a receiver during Martavis Bryant’s suspension. It’s more work than he’s used to getting each game. Remember, this is a tight end, not a flex-like WR2. He may be a decent flex option if that’s what to want to use him for.

K

Start ‘Em

Randy Bullock (HOU vs. TB)

Bullock can be sure his teams score a lot of touchdowns against the Tampa Bay defense. Lots of touchdowns means lots of extra points. And the Bucs defense is good enough to shut them down sometimes, so Bullock’s long distance accuracy WILL come in handy.
Sleepers
Dan Bailey (DAL vs. ATL) – A dinged up offense means more field goals.
Justin Tucker (BAL vs. CIN) – Baltimore should have a scoring party hosting Cincy
Sebastian Janikowski (OAK @CLE) – An underrated star has one of his better match-ups this week.
Sit ‘Em
Phil Dawson (SF @ARZ)

Dawson and the 49ers offense have a tough match-up. This tough Cardinals defense consists of Patrick Peterson, LaMarr Woodley, Sean Weatherspoon and Matt Shaugnessy. That tough defense should really limit San Fran’s scoring and make it hard for Dawson to have a good game. This defense cold have an amazing shut down day and make sure the Niners rarely even reach field goal range.
DST

Start ‘Em

Cowboys (DAL vs. ATL)

This game will be defense focused if the Cowboys want to win. The offense as suffered their fair share of injuries, while the defense stays pretty healthy. Greg Hardy and Orlando Scandrick are still out, but besides them, this defense looks great led by Morris Claiborne, Sean Lee and Barry Church. They have an easy match-up against an also dinged up, slow going, young Falcons offense. I can see a big game out of everyone on the defense.
Sleepers
Jets (NYJ vs. PHI) – Revis Island is primed for a great game
Packers (GB vs. KC) – The Pack should have an easy Super Bowl I rematch
Colts (IND @TEN) – The Titans offense is so bad, it doesn’t matter if this D really sucks
Sit ‘Em

Saints (NO @CAR)

This defense has a lot of weapons, and the Panthers have many injuries, but the Panthers offense is still strong. This match-up is by far in Carolina’s favor. You could say this is a bust this week for the Saints. This is one week to sit them, but in most weeks, I would start them. Use the sitting advice for the Saints this week only.

So, you can hope for a great week with my recommended starts. This is based on my match-up analysis combined with my player analysis. Time you set your lineup. Good luck, game on and as always, GO PATS!!!!!!!