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Week three, and all it’s craziness are in the books. The replacement refs will return for tonight’s game between the Ravens and Browns and maybe they can return some sanity. The regular Refs will return and no doubt will be praised early on even if they make some horrible calls initially, but eventually, just like all refs, they will be bashed and harassed and we may even demand the replacement refs back! While I didn’t think the replacement refs were good, there was definitely a lot overreaction in the media in my opinion. But the good news is, you don’t have replacement writers here at Fp911. My Girlfriend will not be filling in for me this week, nor will my Aunt Cindy be making my selections. No, no, there will be none of that. I am here and would never compromise our product. Paul Greco Dan Stack, Dan Leason, Colin Hager, Chuck Anderson and the rest of the guys are all here and will remain here week to week to provide you with the best Fantasy Football information we possibly can.
You won’t see the obvious names on here, that would be pointless. Maybe occasionally to give you a reminder, but rather we are looking to identify some guys that you may be on the fence with and encourage you to either start or sit them. Matchups will be broken down, stats will be used, some projections will be provided and some “gut” feeling will be mixed in. But when it comes down to the come down, it’s your “gut” you need to roll with.
*Players listed in order of projected effectiveness in the start ‘em category and ineffectiveness in the sit ‘em category.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Peyton Manning vs Oakland
I’ve been off on Manning for two weeks in a row, but this week I “guarantee” I will be right as he will produce nicely for your fantasy teams. Manning got the job done last week against an extremely tough Texan defense by throwing for 330 yards with two TD’s and has been great at home thus far throwing for nearly 600 yards with 4 TD’s and no INT’s. He stays in Denver this week against Oakland and should have his way against this secondary that is ranked 27th overall in defending Fantasy QB’s.
Joe Flacco vs Cleveland
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland’s secondary is just not the same without Stud CB Joe Haden and it’s showing in the numbers. The last two weeks they’ve been eaten up by Andy Dalton and Ryan Fitzpatrick and as a result are ranked 28th against Fantasy QB’s. Flacco may not have a huge yardage night but expect him to finish with around 250 yards passing with at least 2 TD’s.
Andy Dalton @ Jacksonville
Dalton could be coming into his own this season throwing back to back 300-yard three touchdown games. The matchups have helped against a Joe Haden less Browns secondary and an injury riddled Skins team, but nonetheless he’s producing at a high level. Jacksonville’s secondary hasn’t been bad this year ranked 10th overall against Fantasy QB’s, but I am a believer in Dalton and his weapons. The Bengals should have plenty of possessions with Blaine Gabbert’s ineffectiveness, so look for Dalton to get plenty of chances to score and find the endzone a few times.
Sit ‘Em
Jay Cutler @ Dallas
Cutler has been brutal after his big Week 1 showing, being held under 200 yards twice while throwing just 1 TD with 5 INT’s. Unfortunately for Jay, it does not get much easier against Dallas and their new and improved secondary. Dallas is currently allowing the fewest points to Fantasy QB’s and they will stay atop the charts after facing Cutler.
Jake Locker @ Houston
Locker was terrific against Detroit in Week three throwing for 378 with two TD’s, but the sledding gets rough this week against the Texans. I would not expect him to fare well against this top defense, so I advise you to keep the youngster reserved in this matchup.
Cam Newton @ Atlanta
Let’s hope this is the first and last time we have to put Newton on this list this season, but if he continues to play like he did last week against the Giants we might be seeing him here more often. Atlanta’s secondary has been great ranked 5th best in defending Fantasy QB’s as CB’s Asante Samuel and Dunta Robinson have been holding it down in the absence of CB Brent Grimes. Cam Newton also doesn’t have have great numbers against the Falcons with just two TD’s and 5 INT’s. You may not have a better option than Cam on your bench, but if you do, consider reserving him in this game.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Stevan Ridley @ Buffalo
Ridley was taken out of the gameplan last week against Baltimore but should return this week against Buffalo. The Patriots should be running often in this game as they should hold the lead for the majority of the game. Look for Ridley to approach 100 yards rushing and have a couple shots to reach the endzone.
Ryan Mathews @ Kansas City
Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
Mathews made his 2012 season debut last week, but was somewhat limited in his return from his shoulder injury. It also didn’t help that the Chargers got blown out and Mathews didn’t have a chance to really produce. Expect Mathews to get going against Kansas City as he gets it done in both the passing and running game. I expect over 100 total yards with 4 to 5 catches and a possible score.
Cedric Benson @ New Orleans
To my surprise, Benson has been fairly involved in the Packers offense. He’s received nearly 40 carries in his last two games and is even catching some passes out of the backfield. He should definitely be in the gameplan this week against New Orleans and their last ranked Rush Defense. Benson should approach 100 yards and find the endzone in what will be a shootout at the Superdome.
Sit ‘Em
Chris Johnson @ Houston
If you have traded Chris Johnson, I can’t blame you with his atrocious 1.4 yards per carry. I mean what the hell happened to this dude? 1.4 ypc? I’m pretty sure you and I could go out there and average at least 2 yards per carry. Anyway if you can’t deal him he needs to remain benched until proven otherwise, plus, this matchup sucks. Hopefully Jake Locker continues to emerge this season and helps open up some holes for him.
Steven Jackson vs Seattle
Here is another guy that you will regret drafting. I spoke on it last week, I never understand the infatuation with this guy. I ranted on it already, but steer clear of Jackson against Seattle. The Seahawks defense is legit.
Ryan Williams vs Miami
Good news for Williams owners as Beanie Wells will be out until November with a turf toe injury. Williams also showed some life against Philly by rushing for 83 yards on 13 carries. But, keep Williams benched this week against Miami and their top 10 Run Defense.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Vincent Jackson vs Washington
Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Bucs
Jackson was a recommended sit last week against the Cowboys but he is a must-start against this injury decimated Washington Defense. The Skins secondary has allowed the most points to Fantasy WR’s in 2012 getting torched by Danny Amendola and A.J. Green the last two weeks.
Brandon Lloyd @ Buffalo
Lloyd and Brady are looking better and better every week and It could finally all come together in Buffalo. Lloyd has seen 25 combined targets the last two weeks and look for Brady to look his way often again on Sunday. Lloyd doesn’t have a score so far and only has one 100-yard game so there is still some time to buy low.
Torrey Smith vs Cleveland
I had Smith on my sit list last week, but had I known he was going to play despite his brothers death, I would of recommended him. We see it a lot where something tragic happens to these players and they go out, play and have a special performance. Much respect to Smith who went off for two TD’s against New England. After a slow start to the season I expect last week’s game to catapult Smith and he should enjoy another nice game tonight.
Sit ‘Em
Nate Washington @ Houston
There is that Houston defense again. Washington had an amazing catch last week which went for a TD, but reserve him in this game.
Brandon Marshall @ Dallas
Brandon Carr shutdown Vincent Jackson last week and I expect him to matchup with Brandon Marshall this week and contain him as well. Cutler has been brutal, the Dallas secondary has been superb, stay away from Marshall.
Danny Amendola vs Seattle
Amendola was slowed down against Chicago after he exploded against Washington and he could be slowed even more against Seattle and their physical corners. Brandon Browner and Co. will be up in the face of Amendola and I expect him to struggle. I like Amendola, I hate this matchup.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Kyle Rudolph @ Detroit
Rudolph has 3 TD’s already this year and is proving to be Christian Ponder‘s favorite redzone target. Look for Rudolph to produce against the Lions who are allowing the 2nd most point to Fantasy Tight Ends.
Dennis Pitta vs Cleveland
Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens
Pitta seems to be Joe Flacco‘s favorite option and it shows in the targets numbers as Pitta leads all Baltimore receivers with 31. Pitta should enjoy another nice game against Cleveland and is turning into an every week start.
Owen Daniels vs Tennessee
Daniels is finally healthy and has been steady so far this year. He finally reached the endzone last week and could return there again facing the Titans who are allowing the most points to Fantasy Tight Ends.
Sit ‘Em
Jared Cook @ Houston
Cook is the the 4th Titan to make the sit em list this week. Cook got into the endzone last week, but did come off a fluky big play. I expect Cook to remain inconsistent this year and he needs to be benched in unfavorable matchups such as this one.
Jason Witten vs Chicago
I thought Witten would get off the schnide last week, but he disappointed once again. Romo probably won’t have a bigtime game against Chicago, so that should mean Witten most likely will struggle again. Things will get better for Witten, but he needs to show it first before you start reinserting him back into your lineups.
Fred Davis @ Tampa Bay
After two slow weeks to start the season, Davis enjoyed a nice game last week going for 90 yards on seven catches. I’m still not convinced he’s going to be a favorite of RG3 this year or at least not right away so I am sitting him this week. Tampa Bay is also in the top 10 at defending the Tight End position.
IDP
Start ‘Em
Chris Clemons @ St. Louis
The undrafted Clemons had a monster game last week against Green Bay sacking Aaron Rodgers four times. Clemons has a great matchup against the Rams who allowed the most sacks in the league last year and are allowing the 2nd most sacks this year. Expect another nice performance.
Ed Reed vs Cleveland
Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Ed Reed vs Brandon Weeden on National TV? Look for Reed to pick off Weeden at least once and possibly take one to the house.
Sit ‘Em
Cliff Avril vs Minnesota
Avril hasn’t gotten off to the start many people expected with just one sack this season after finishing with eleven last year. Keep him benched until he proves last season wasn’t a fluke.
Derrick Morgan @ Houston
Arian Foster and Ben Tate will be centerfolding this offense as usual, so Morgan won’t have many sack opportunities on Matt Schaub. The Texans offensive line has also allowed the 3rd fewest sacks.
Fantasy Savvy 