Sit em, Start em – Week Three
Start em
Michael Crabtree – Fifth in the NFL in targets, top 12 in receptions and top 25 in receiving yards after two weeks it is time to believe that Derek Carr can indeed support two fantasy relevant receivers in Crabtree and Amari Cooper. Crabtree is a solid PPR play and DFS play this week against the Browns as he should remain in a high target role for the Raiders and push to maintain his seven reception, twelve target average. Crabtree is a WR3 option in PPR leagues and was one of the hottest pickups of this week with good reason.
Devin Smith – With Eric Decker dealing with a PCL injury it is Devin Smith who is expected to step up from the Jets receiving core. Billed as an NFL ready deep threat coming out of college Smith should be thrust into a high upside role on offense and we love his potential especially considering he will get to practice against Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie every week. Smith looks like a high upside flex2 option heading into week three and if he gets the green light to go could breakout as soon as this week. Those in the shallower formats may want to consider starting the rookie if Decker is ruled out this week while those in deeper leagues should get him into your lineups.
Ameer Abdullah – Abdullah is not a favourite of many this week in a matchup against the Broncos at home. The rationale here is sound as the Lions are expected to be playing from behind limiting rushing opportunities for the Lions backfield; however one can posit that this actually works in Abdullah’s favour as it should mean less touches for Joique Bell as gameflow will likely dictate a need for the passing down back and playmaker in Abdullah. We have Abdullah as an RB2 in PPR formats and have highlighted him as a solid DFS value as well. The Lions should also look to lean on the ground game early with Matthew Stafford banged up giving more reason for optimism. Start Abdullah where possible.
LaGarette Blount – Look for the Patriots to go into clock killing mode early in this one with Vegas opening with the Pats as 13.5 point favourites at home versus the Jaguars. Blount was an afterthought in the week two game plan but we expect him to be much more involved this weekend with gameflow likely calling for his skillset. Look at Blount as an upside RB3 play and solid DFS value after a pitiful week two kept his salary value down as expected. Start Blount where possible and he should find the end zone at least once this week.
Matthew Stafford – Matthew Stafford has been a mild disappointment through two weeks of the season especially with the upgrades he saw to his arsenal in a healthy Megatron, rookie running back Ameer Abdullah and sophomore tight end Eric Ebron who has already shown that he has made leaps since last season. We suggest rolling with Stafford this week in a matchup where we expect the Lions to fall behind and be forced to throw often. Hopefully the Lions can provide some protection against the Broncos nasty front seven early but if they cannot we can expect to see a major dose of garbage time for Stafford and the Lions offense.
Sit em
Cole Beasley – With Tony Romo on injured reserve Cole Beasley’s already tenuous fantasy value has taken a major hit. It was Beasley and not Devin Street who was expected to find some fantasy upside following the Dez Bryant injury but Weeden taking over as starter is essentially a death knell to Beasley’s upside. Beasley is nothing more than an end of the bench desperation bye week filler at this point and should not be in any lineups in week three.
C.J Anderson – Unfortunately it is unlikely that most owners can afford to sit someone they likely drafted in the first few rounds but for owners with other options we advise sitting Anderson and taking a wait and see approach going forward. Ronnie Hillman while still unimpressive as always has been outplaying CJ and that has raised alarm bells throughout the fantasy landscape. Sit Anderson until further notice if you can afford to.
Joseph Randle – Joseph Randle is going to have a tough time running against all the stacked boxes he is destined to see with opposing defenses not respecting Brandon Weeden and the Cowboys passing game. Randle moves from potential RB2 to a low floor RB3 for the time being and does not have a very firm grip on his job and may see less and less touches based on gameflow with two superior receiving backs on the roster breathing down his neck.
Eddie Royal – A banged up Eddie Royal with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback with Kam Chancellor returning to the lineup, pass. In all seriousness Eddie Royal despite leading the Bears in targets last week has a very low floor against what is sure to be an inspired legion of boom. Royal looks like a WR5 play to employed in the deepest of leagues only, those whose leagues start less than 60 wide receivers may be able to find more intriguing options this week.
Brandon Weeden – Yes, it is true Brandon Weeden looked good in limited action this past weekend but deep league owners need to look elsewhere in a non bye week. Weeden literally has a bottomless floor and we may see even him yanked if he implodes like he has done throughout his career. Keep Weeden on fantasy benches for the time being, even in the deepest of leagues.
