What a first 2 weeks of Fantasy Football. In week 2 we had even more surprises than we did in week 1. Eddie Royal caught 3 TDs (5 in two games), Knowshon Moreno ran for 2 scores and Sam Bradford threw for 352 yards with 3 TDs against the Falcons. So “Anything is Possible” should be the theme for the first 2 weeks of the season. I have my Fantasy Football Sleepers for week 3 ready but, before we get to them, I’ll give you a review of who made me look good and bad last week.
Sleepers I hit
EJ Manuel made me look good throwing for 296 and a TD. I had him down as a solid QB2 and he produced those types of numbers. Brandon Myers caught 6 balls for 74 yards. (Which isn’t terrible). The Oakland Raiders D shut down the Jaguars, holding them to 248 total yards, 9 points and sacked the QB 3 times.
Sleepers I whiffed on
Vick Ballard got injured the day before my last piece and I’m probably to blame for this. DeAngelo Williams wasn’t terrible, but wasn’t great either (86 total yards). Mike Williams and Jerome Simpson totaled a whopping 4 catches for 58 yards (Sorry?).
So it was a pretty even split down the middle, some hit and some didn’t. You can’t win them all, can you? Alright enough about week 2…
My Week 3 Fantasy Football Sleepers
Matt Schaub vs. Baltimore Ravens
I really like this matchup for Schaub this week. I would keep an eye out for the status on Andre Johnson, but he played really well in the 4th quarter and OT without him. The Ravens D did a good job of shutting down the combination of Weeden/Campbell. Let’s be honest though, neither of those guys are really good at being QBs. Schaub has led two 4th quarter comebacks in back-to-back weeks with over 600 yards and 6 TDs through the first two games. He didn’t get to 6 TDs until his 4th game last year and he only threw for 1 TD in the first 2 games last season. I think he is a borderline QB1 this week.
Alex Smith vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Did anyone see Alex Smith out there running around like he was RGIII on Sunday? Boy was that fun to watch. This Eagles pass D isn’t very good, as we have witnessed over 700 total yards and 6 TDs over the first 2 games. We also have Andy Reid coming to town to face his old team. I think Reid has revenge on his mind. He has done a great job in utilizing Smith so far. I think, minus the rushing yards, Smith’s stats (maybe a bump in yards) should resemble those of the game against the Cowboys.
Knowshon Moreno vs. Oakland Raiders
Oh my God, am I really recommending starting Moreno in 2013? He had a really solid game against the Giants this past week (107 yards and 2 TDs). He has a bit of a tougher matchup this week against a surprisingly good Raider Run D. I believe however, that Monday Night the Broncos are going to try to set up the run again to slow down the pace and keep Pryor & Company off the field. They will make big plays but I think Moreno produces RB2/Flex numbers.
Deangelo Williams vs. New York Giants
So I Williams made me look bad last week, but I am giving me one more chance to show me something, and I think you should too. The Giants let Moreno run all over them last week and Williams has received a bulk of the touches in Carolina. He has hit 80+ yards in two straight but I believe finds the endzone in week 3, giving him solid RB3/Flex ranking.
Nate Burleson vs. Washington Redskins
I still think Aaron Rodgers is throwing for touchdowns on the Redskins as I am typing this. The Redskins pass D is atrocious and isn’t getting any better by the end of the week. Burelson has garnered 16 targets (catching 13 of them) in the first 2 games. I think the Redskins are going to “attempt” to take Calvin Johnson out of this game, which will give Burelson and company a chance to shine.
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Hopkins had a coming out party against the Titans in the 2nd half and OT. With the possibility of Andre Johnson either not playing or being limited, the Texans could rely heavy on Hopkins. He has 18 catches so far in the season, 10 of which have come in the 2nd half. I am big on Schaub this week and big on his #1 target from last week. Hopkins is a WR3/Flex play for the week.
Tony Gonzalez vs. Miami Dolphins
Starting tight ends have 13 catches, 177 yards and 2 TDs through 2 games. Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez is coming to town on Sunday. I look for him to be a solid TE1 this week with this favorable matchup.
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
The Jets did a great job of playing defense against the Patriots and the Buccaneers. They are giving up an average of 248 totals yards (181 passing & 59.5 rushing) a game, which is good for 2nd best in football. EJ Manuel and the Bills are coming in playing good but not great football. The Jets D could be a great play for you this week, especially if you are into streaming defenses.
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The Sports Script 