With two games under our belts this season, the fantasy football picture is starting to become more clear as we move away from using last year as a basis for predicting this season’s production and instead use the limited sample size of the 2015 season to set our fantasy lineups this week. So with that in mind let’s take a look Inside the Numbers of Week 3.
Washington Redskins at New York Giants
Even with the Giants having allowed at least 356 yards per game to quarterbacks in 2015, keep Washington’s Kirk Cousins far from your fantasy team. The signal caller has been pretty terrible this season averaging just 199.5 yards per game with two touchdowns and two interceptions in 2015. Not much should change in this one as the young quarterback has averaged just 213 yards and has three interceptions against the Giants in his career.
After signing Eli Manning to a contract extension, the quarterback hasn’t done much to prove he was worth the big bucks. In 2015 he has averaged only 242.5 yards per game and has thrown just two scores in two games. With Washington having allowed just two passing touchdowns this season and the fourth-fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position, don’t look for Eli to justify the new cash in Week 3, especially considering that the QB has averaged just 229 passing yards and 1.1 touchdowns in 21 games versus the Redskins in his career.
Don’t have high aspirations for the Redskins’ Alfred Morris in this one even with the Giants having allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in the early portion of this season. The running back has been just average in his career against New York with a 74-yard average in six games. In addition to the mundane numbers against the G-Men, Morris is also looking over his shoulder. In Week 2, Morris was out-carried by rookie Matt Jones, who finished the game with 123 yards and two touchdowns.
If you are going to start a New York running back in this one, look to Shane Vereen. The Redskins have allowed a total of just 79 rushing yards in two games this season so don’t expect much from Rashard Jennings in this one. Vereen on the other hand, who has scored more fantasy points than Jennings this season anyways, has been productive in the passing game. He has 122 receiving yards in two games as a member of the Giants’ organization.
Pierre Garcon has recorded six receptions in each of his last two games and seems like a good bet to close in on that number again this week. In six games in his career against the Giants he is averaging five catches a contest. While he might get his catches in this one, don’t count on him finding the end zone though. He has just one score against the Giants in his career and this year’s New York defense has allowed just one touchdown to the wide receiver position through two games. Use Garcon strictly in PPR leagues.
After a slow Week 1, the Giants’ Odell Beckham rebounded nicely in Week 2 and now has recorded at least 90 yards in 10 of his last 11 games. With the Redskins having allowed 185 receiving yards to wide outs this season, the second-year pass catcher should get his in this one and remains a must start on a weekly basis.
Rueben Randle has been non-existent this season with just 28 yards in 2015. With a 25.3 yards per game average against Washington in his career, expect Randle to be a non-factor again in Week 3.
The Redskins’ Jordan Reed should have himself quite the game in Week 3. Not only has he recorded at least six receptions in each game this season but also the tight end has a solid matchup with the Giants. New York has allowed the third-most fantasy points to the position so far this season.
No need to worry about getting New York’s Larry Donnell into your lineup this week. The tight end has only seven receptions on the season and the Redskins have allowed just 10 catches to tight ends in 2015. And Donnell has done very little in the past against the Redskins to have any faith in him. In four games against the division opponent, Donnell is averaging just 16.3 yards per game.
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys
Although Matt Ryan is racking up some yardage this season with 661 yards, he is missing out on being a top fantasy option because he is failing to reach the end zone. He has just three touchdown passes through two games this season. With the Cowboys having allowed just one passing score this season don’t look for Ryan to break out in this one, especially because he is averaging just one touchdown per game in his career against Dallas.
The Cowboys’ Brandon Weeden went 7-for-7 with 73 yards in relief of Tony Romo last week but don’t look for the Dallas quarterback to go crazy in this one. The Falcons have allowed just three passing touchdowns in two games this season.
At first glance this doesn’t look like a great matchup for the Falcons’ Devonta Freeman with Dallas allowing just 78 rushing yards this season. But he might have a better game than you might expect. The young running back has at least 29 yards receiving in each of the first two games this season and the Cowboys have struggled to defend running backs in the passing game so far this season. They have allowed 122 yards on 15 catches out of the backfield in 2015.
While some may be disappointed in the play of the Cowboys’ Joseph Randle, the running back continues to out carry his competition in the Dallas backfield. In Week 2 he had 18 rushes compared to Darren McFadden’s 10. With Tony Romo out and the Atlanta Falcons allowing the most fantasy points to running backs in this young season, look for the Cowboys to lean heavy on Randle in this one.
Even with the Cowboys allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide outs this season, Julio Jones is a must start. The pass catcher has recorded at least 135 yards in each of the first two games this season.
Roddy White saw just one target in Week 2 so probably a good idea to avoid the veteran in Week 3.
Leonard Hankerson saw 11 targets in Week 2 and turned that into a 77-yard, one-touchdown day. However, with Dallas allowing just one touchdown to wide receivers this season, this weekend isn’t the time to count on the veteran wide out to be a consistent contributor to the offense.
With Dez Bryant missing time due to an injury, Terrance Williams has assumed the role of No. 1 wide receiver for Dallas and has done a fine job. In his first two games this season, he has recorded at least 60 yards receiving and had a touchdown grab in Week 2. With the Falcons allowing the fifth-most catches to wide outs this season, Williams should continue to shine in his new role.
Although Jason Witten has seven or more receptions as well as at least 56 yards in each game this season, you may want to reconsider starting him in Week 3. The Falcons have allowed a total of 83 yards to tight ends so far this season.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Andrew Luck owners are not going to like to hear this but after throwing for less than 250 yards in each of the first two games this season, the quarterback’s struggles should continue this week. The Tennessee Titans always seem to play him well with the quarterback averaging just 246 yards, 1.3 touchdowns and .8 interceptions in six games against the Titans. If you are looking for a silver lining the Titans have allowed two touchdown passes in each of the last two games this season.
Rookie Marcus Mariota has six touchdown passes on the season but has just 466 passing yards in 2015. With the Colts’ defense allowing just 219.5 passing yards per game this season, you will probably want to bench the young quarterback in Week 3.
Even though Tennessee is allowing 4 yards per carry this season, the Colts’ Frank Gore needs to be on your bench because of a lack of touches. With just 23 carries through two weeks, the veteran running back just isn’t getting the volume he needs to be fantasy relevant in Week 3.
Avoid the Titans’ backfield until more clarity is made of the situation. Bishop Sankey finished Week 1 with 86 offensive yards and two touchdowns but in Week 2 the second year back was out carried by teammate Dexter McCluster. So without a great matchup to exploit with the Colts only allowing 96 rushing yards per game in the first two weeks of the 2015 season, pass on a Titans’ runner this weekend.
Donte Moncrief has seen 19 targets thrown his way in two weeks and appears to be pulling away in the race for the second receiver job behind T.Y. Hilton.
Speaking of Hilton, the pass catcher has not topped 88 yards in a game yet in this young season and with the Titans giving up just 14 catches to wide receivers so far this season it could be another long game for the Colts’ No. 1 option in the passing game.
Your avoid of the week belongs to the Colts’ Andre Johnson. The veteran pass catcher has just seven catches for 51 yards on 17 targets this season. Johnson and Luck just aren’t on the same page and that shouldn’t change this week against a pretty good pass defense.
Even though the Titans’ Kendall Wright had just 17 yards this past Sunday, he needs to be in your lineup this weekend. Over his last five games, he is averaging 66 yards per game. With the Colts’ having allowed 331 yards and three touchdowns to wide receivers in 2015, the pass catcher should have a decent return on Sunday.
The Colts’ Dwayne Allen has just three catches through the first two weeks of the 2015 season. So unless you are desperate for a touchdown, you should be finding another tight end. The only thing going for Allen is that he has 10 touchdowns in his last 16 games. So it is touchdown or bust for fantasy owners of the Indianapolis tight end.
The Titans’ tight ends are off to a great start in 2015 with a touchdown in each of the season’s first two weeks but don’t look for much out of the group this week. The Colts have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season while allowing just 43 yards to the position.
Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns
The Raiders’ Derek Carr could be a sneaky play this week. He has been decent this season, while the Browns have allowed two touchdown passes in each of the last two games.
Although it absolutely is not recommended, if you are feeling especially brave you could start the Browns’ Josh McCown in this one. The Raiders have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks through two games this season.
Latavius Murray is as close to a must start as one could get this week. Not only does the running back have 167 offensive yards in two games this season, the Browns have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs to start the season.
Even though the Raiders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season, starting a member of the Browns’ backfield is no home run. The Browns’ Duke Johnson had just three less carries than Crowell in Week 2 so it could be tough to figure out which runner the coaching staff will choose to see the carries in Week 3.
The Browns have allowed just 18 catches to wide receivers this season so the only pass catcher to consider from the Raiders is Amari Cooper. The rookie finished Week 2 with 109 yards and a touchdown. A factor working in his favor is the Browns have allowed three touchdowns to wide receivers in the first two weeks of the NFL schedule.
One of this week’s toughest decisions belongs to the Browns’ Travis Benjamin. The wide out, who had three catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns last weekend, faces an Oakland defense that has allowed 367 yards to wide outs in two games this season. While this seems like a great play, the Raiders have yet to allow a score to wide outs this season.
If you are in need of a Hail Mary at the tight end position, look no further than the Browns’ Gary Barnidge. Oakland has allowed two touchdowns to tight ends in each of the first two weeks of this young NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Andy Dalton has completed two touchdown passes in each of his last two games. With the Ravens allowing 351 yards and three touchdowns without Terrell Suggs last week, the Bengals’ quarterback should have no problem making it three in a row with multiple touchdown tosses.
Even after a big game last Sunday don’t roll with the Ravens’ Joe Flacco this weekend. The Baltimore signal caller still has more interceptions than touchdowns this season and has a tough matchup with the Bengals. Cincinnati is allowing the ninth fewest fantasy points in 2015 and has done a nice job against Flacco in the past. In 14 games against the Bengals, the Ravens’ field general has averaged just 191 yards, 0.9 touchdowns and 1.3 interceptions.
The Bengals’ backfield is a mess after Jeremy Hill’s fumbling issues. With the turnovers, Hill has opened the door for Giovani Bernard to have fantasy importance once again. Last week, Bernard had 23 touches while Hill had just 11. With the Ravens’ allowing just 72 rushing yards per game in 2015, it might make sense to avoid all members of the backfield until the backfield roles shakes outs.
Justin Forsett hasn’t done much to warrant fantasy excitement this season as he has rushed for no more than 68 yards in a game yet this season. But with Cincinnati allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs so far this season, this is the week that Forsett breaks out.
Look for the Bengals’ A.J. Green to be solid in this one. In six games against the Ravens in his career, the wide receiver is averaging 77.5 yards per game. With Baltimore allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, Green should have no problem having his best game of this young season in this one.
Cincinnati’s Marvin Jones was on the field for 53 snaps on Sunday.
After putting up his first 100-yard game of the season last week, the Ravens’ Steve Smith should have another productive day on Sunday. In five games against Cincinnati in his career, the elder Smith is averaging 89 yards per game.
Despite having three touchdowns already this season, tight end Tyler Eifert’s chances at a big Sunday don’t appear to be big. In two career games against the Ravens, the tight end has struggled. He is averaging just 46 yards per contest in those matchups. With the Baltimore having allowed just 40 yards receiving to the position in two games this season, Cincinnati’s leader in targets is in for a disappointing game in Week 3.
Even though he had two touchdowns last weekend, the Ravens’ Gillmore is not a fantasy option in Week 3. The Bengals have allowed just 52 yards to the tight end in 2015.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots
Even though the Patriots are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, it is tough to imagine that Blake Bortles has a big enough game in him to draw any serious fantasy consideration this weekend. The second-year quarterback is averaging just 228 passing yards per game in 2015.
After two weeks of NFL action, the Patriots’ Tom Brady is on pace for 6,032 yards and 56 touchdowns. He is a must-start until further notice.
The Jaguars’ T.J. Yeldon continues to be the man in Jacksonville. Despite not rushing for more than 70 yards in a game yet as a member of the Jaguars, the running back continues to get the touches. In Week 2, he finished with 25 rushes while his back ups finished with just four. The volume alone makes him interesting this week especially against a Patriots team that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards through two weeks.
The Patriots’ Dion Lewis was on the field for 70 of New England’s snap last week, while Blount finished with just seven carries. But after two fumbles in two weeks, look for Lewis to get the Stevan Ridley treatment from Bill Belichick this week. If you believe that Belichick will see past the fumbles, Lewis is the better of the two New England running backs to play this week as Jacksonville has allowed 18 receptions out of the backfield already this season.
If you are starting a Jaguars wide receiver this week, it has to be Allen Robinson. The pass catcher, who had 155 yards and two touchdowns last week, has a nice matchup with New England. The Patriots have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide outs in the first two weeks of the 2015 season.
New England’s Julian Edelman has reached 97 yards receiving in each of the last two weeks. With the Jaguars allowing 26 receptions for 357 yards to wide receivers in two games this year, Tom Brady’s favorite target should continue to pile up the catches and yards in this one.
A week after allowing 80 yards and touchdown to the tight end position, Jacksonville is in for a long day trying to cover the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski this Sunday. The tight end has averaged over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns in his first two games of this season.
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
The Saints’ Drew Brees is listed as questionable for this weekend’s contest. Even if he is cleared to play, steer clear of the Saints’ captain in this one. The quarterback, who has only two touchdown passes in 2015, has struggled in the past with Carolina. In 18 games against the Panthers he is averaging just 1.7 touchdowns per game. With the Carolina defense only allowing two touchdown tosses so far this season, you could expect more of the same for Brees if he suits up in this one.
With a lack of playmakers around him, the Panthers’ Cam Newton has struggled this season. He is averaging just 185 passing yards in the first two games of 2015. If you were looking for a one-week gamble on the big quarterback, this appears to be the weekend. After two games played, the Saints are allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in the league.
In his last start against the Panthers, Mark Ingram was limited to 43 yards rushing. Count on another small rushing total by the Saints’ running back this week. The Panthers have allowed just 125 yards on the ground this season.
Jonathon Stewart has rushed for over 50 yards in each of the first two games this season and should look to improve on that number in Week 3. In his career he is averaging 5.3 yards per carry against the Saints and this year’s New Orleans’ defense is allowing 4.4 yards per carry.
If Brees misses this game, obviously the Saints’ receiving core takes a major dip in fantasy consideration. But either way, don’t count on a lot from this group in Week 3 as the Panthers have allowed just 29 receptions on 61 targets to the wide receiver position for 282 yards and one touchdown this season.
Brandin Cooks has been held to 62 yards or less this season and had just 38 yards in a game against the Panthers in 2014.
The Saints’ Marques Colston shouldn’t be owned in your league with just 98 yards through two weeks and he certainly isn’t a threat to have a big game this Sunday.
After a decent Week 1, New Orleans’ Brandon Coleman was a huge disappointment in Week 2 and has been held to 41 yards or less in the first two weeks of NFL action. Temper any expectations on the pass catcher.
Carolina’s Ted Ginn has at least 41 yards receiving in each of the first two games but it is tough to imagine the idea of trusting your fantasy football team’s success to the journeyman.
With teams knowing that he is the only real threat in the passing game, Greg Olsen has been held in check so far this season. He did finish Week 1 with six catches for 70 yards but it took 14 targets to get there. In 10 career games the Saints have limited him to 31.6 yards per game so expect another disappointing fantasy day for the tight end.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
Sam Bradford has struggled mightily this season with five turnovers to just two touchdowns through two weeks of action. Those struggles will continue this weekend with the Jets having allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2015. Find yourself another quarterback to man your team in Week 3.
The Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick could be a nice sleeper option for Week 3. The quarterback has four touchdowns in two weeks and is facing an Eagles defense that has allowed at least 267 passing yards in their first two games of 2015.
The early returns on the Eagles’ Demarco Murray have been disappointing. The running back has just 11 rushing yards in 2015. He has added nine catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns. If he is going to be effective in this one he will need to continue to do it in the air. The Jets have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the running back position in 2015 and have given up just 115 rushing yards on 40 carries.
Chris Ivory, who has 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season, should have a nice outing this Sunday. The Eagles have allowed 297 offensive yards to running backs this season.
There is not a lot of room for the Eagles’ wide outs to have big games in this one. The Jets have allowed just one touchdown to wide receivers in each game played in 2015. If an Eagles pass catcher is going to do any damage look for it to be Jordan Matthews. The second-year player has reached 100 yards or scored a touchdown in both games this season.
With the Eagles’ defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and the most overall since the start of last season, the Jets’ wide outs are all solid plays in Week 3. In his two games as a Jet, Brandon Marshall has put up at least six receptions, 62 yards and a touchdown in each contest and is a must start this week.
If Eric Decker can play on Sunday, he has a touchdown grab in each of the first two games played in 2015. In one game in his career against Philadelphia, the wide out finished with five receptions for 88 yards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
Jameis Winston has averaged over 200 yards passing in each of his first two games in the NFL. With the Texans allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, the rookie signal caller gets a bump in fantasy value for this weekend.
Despite Tampa Bay allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, no need to consider the Texans’ Ryan Mallett in this one.
Doug Martin has failed to top the 78-yard plateau this season. With Houston allowing just 3.9 yards per carry this season, this won’t be the week that Martin goes off.
Even with Tampa Bay allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in the early goings of the 2015 season, starting a Houston running back might not be in your best interest. Alfred Blue has just 59 yards from scrimmage this season and Chris Polk led the team in attempts with 13 rushes in Week 2.
A healthy Mike Evans was on the field for 41 of the Buccaneers’ 66 offensive snaps in Week 2 but finished with zero catches. With Houston having not allowed 60 yards to a single pass catcher yet this season, Evans is in for another disappointing performance in Week 3.
If you have to start a Tampa Bay receiver consider Vincent Jackson. The veteran has passed the 50-yard mark in each of the first two games played in 2015.
DeAndre Hopkins has reached at least five receptions and 53 yards in each of his first two games played this season, while his teammate Nate Washington has at least 60 yards in both games. Both wide receivers should be in play this weekend as Tampa Bay has allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers since the start of the 2014 season and they allowed 16 receptions to wide outs in Week 2.
San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings
Look for Phillips Rivers to have a solid day at the office this Sunday. The quarterback has averaged 266 passing yards against the Vikings in his career and has thrown for two touchdowns in each of his first two games this season.
Minnesota’s Teddy Bridgewater is off to a slow start this season with just two touchdown passes after two games. But with San Diego having allowed five such passes this season, expect the second-year quarterback to pick up the pace a bit in Week 3.
Danny Woodhead is the sixth-highest fantasy scoring running back after two weeks played and ranks second on the team in targets. With a touchdown in his only career game versus the Vikings, look for the running back to find the end zone again this week as Minnesota has allowed two rushing touchdowns in as many weeks.
The Vikings are allowing 4.7 yards per rush so the Chargers’ Melvin Gordon should get his too in this one.
After finally giving the ball to Adrian Peterson last week, the Vikings’ Pro Bowl runner now has 247 offensive yards on the year. With San Diego allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2015, All Day is a nice play this Sunday especially when you consider the runner is averaging 197 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game against the Chargers in his career.
A week after finishing with just two receptions, the Chargers’ Keenan Allen is in for another rough day this weekend. Minnesota is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
With San Diego allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, look for the Vikings’ receiving core all to be held in check in this one.
If Ladarius Green is able to play it looks like you can book the tight end for five receptions in Week 3. He has had five catches in each of the first two games this season while the Vikings have allowed five receptions to tight ends in their first two games of 2015, as well.
The San Diego Chargers have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in each of the first two games this season, so look for Kyle Rudolph to make it two in a row with a touchdown grab.
Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams
Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for over 350 yards in each of the first two weeks this season.
The Rams’ Nick Foles is a nice under the radar play for this weekend, especially in DFS contests. Pittsburgh’s secondary has played terrible in 2015 and have allowed six passing touchdowns in their first two games this season.
DeAngelo Williams has been nothing but awesome in replacing Le’Veon Bell, who was suspended, in the first two weeks of the season. He accumulated 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his time as a starter. Bell is expected to be back in the lineup this week and should pick up right where Williams left off with the Rams’ having allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season with 275 rushing yards against.
With the Rams’ backfield in flux this weekend as Todd Gurley is expected to make his NFL debut, avoid all the St. Louis backs as there is no way to determine how the coaching staff will split carries among the different running backs. Also the Steelers have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position in the first two weeks of the season anyways.
Antonio Brown continues to show why he is the top wide receiver in the game. He has recorded nine receptions, at least 133 yards and a touchdown in each of the first two games this season. The Rams have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to wide outs this season but their opponents were Seattle and Washington so no need to fear St. Louis’ secondary. Brown is a must start as usual.
Markus Wheaton has recorded at least 55 yards in each of his last two games.
The Steelers’ secondary has allowed 32 receptions to wide receivers this season so there is some room for a Rams wide receiver to make some plays in this one. The problem is picking which one. No St. Louis pass catcher has more than eight targets or four catches in a game this season. If you have to gamble on one, pick Kenny Britt. He is averaging 41 yards per game this season.
Heath Miller has been solid this season with a touchdown or 80 yards in each of the first two games this season. With St. Louis allowing six receptions to tight ends in each contest this season, Miller should have another nice afternoon on Sunday.
The Rams’ Jared Cook has caught five balls in each of the Rams’ games in 2015. With the Steelers being absolutely terrible against tight ends in 2015, expect more of the same from Cook in this one. The Steelers have allowed 14 receptions, 178 yards and four touchdowns to tight ends through two games this season.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Don’t expect Colin Kaepernick to put up great numbers this week against Arizona. The 49ers’ quarterback is averaging just 1.8 touchdowns per game in five career games against the Cardinals.
Carson Palmer has been lights out of late. He has seven touchdowns in 2015 and has a great match up this week. The 49ers allowed Pittsburgh’s Big Ben to thrash them for 369 yards and three touchdowns just last week. Palmer is a must start in Week 3.
The Cardinals have been decent against the run this season allowing just 3.3 yards per carry. But there is some room for the 49ers’ running backs to put up some fantasy numbers in the air. Arizona has allowed 19 receptions for 198 yards to running backs this season.
San Francisco has allowed three touchdowns to running backs in two games this season so look for Chris Johnson or David Johnson to hit pay dirt in this one for the Cardinals.
Torrey Smith continues to be a big game or bust type of player. The veteran wide receiver followed up a disappointing Week 1 performance with a 120 yard, one touchdown showing in Week 2. With Arizona having allowed just one touchdown to wide receivers through two weeks of action, look for Smith to be more bust than boom in Week 3.
In five career games against his old team, Anquan Boldin has averaged 87.8 yards per game. The wide receiver has had at least four catches in each game this season and is a solid flex option in Week 3.
After watching the Steelers’ wide outs have their way with the 49ers last week, the Cardinals’ pass catcher have to be licking their chops in anticipation of this one. The Pittsburgh group piled up 339 yards and two touchdowns last week. Look for Larry Fitzgerald to stay hot after his three touchdown performance last week against the Bears. The veteran receiver is averaging 75 yards per game in 22 appearances versus the 49ers.
And don’t forget about John Brown. The second-year speedster has recorded at least four catches in each of the first two games this season and is one big play away from putting up monster numbers on any given Sunday.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
After two weeks of NFL action, the Bills’ Tyrod Taylor has scored the fifth-most fantasy points at the quarterback position. He should be challenged this week by a Miami defense that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to the position this season.
Last week the Patriots’ Tom Brady sliced the Bills’ defense through the air and they are now allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position, which helps’ Ryan Tannehill’s fantasy stock in Week 3.
The Miami defense has yet to allow a rushing touchdown to a running back this season so don’t count on the Bills’ LeSean McCoy getting his first score of the season in this one. In his only career game against the Dolphins, Shady was held to 38 yards on 27 rushing attempts.
Lamar Miller’s tough start to the 2015 season should continue in this one. It is tough to imagine the Dolphins’ running back eclipsing the 54-yard mark for the first time this season against a Buffalo defense that has allowed just 89 rushing yards this season. Sit Miller if you can in Week 3.
Miami is allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season so both Percy Harvin, who has at least four catches in each game this season, and Sammy Watkins see a bump in their fantasy value here in Week 3.
The Bills have given up 200 yards to wide outs in each of the first two games this season so Jarvis Landry should definitely get his again this week. The second-year wide receiver has recorded eight receptions in each of the last two games.
The Dolphins did not allow a single reception to a tight end in Week 2, so Charles Clay may have to wait to get revenge on his former team until next time these two teams meet.
Clay’s replacement in the Miami offense, Jordan Cameron, has had at least 62 yards receiving in each of his first two games as a member of the Dolphins and is a solid TE option for your fantasy team in Week 3.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have allowed 273 passing yards per game in 2015 to go along with four total touchdowns, but you would still have to be crazy to start Jimmy Clausen this week. After Jay Cutler was injured against the Cardinals, Clausen finished with a mediocre 121 yards and an interception.
With the Bears allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2015, thanks mostly to seven touchdown passes allowed, Russell Wilson’s fantasy arrow for Week 3 is pointing up.
Matt Forte has eclipsed 100 total offensive yards in each of the first two games this season but will have a hard time being a real factor in this one. The Seahawks’ defense is allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season.
Marshawn Lynch has a high of just 73 rushing yards in the beginnings of this season. But with the Bears’ allowing 4.3 yards per carry, expect to see a lot of Beast Mode on Sunday.
Between the injuries, the new quarterback and the Seattle defense there is not a lot to like about the Bears’ wide receivers in Week 3. With the Seahawks having allowed just one touchdown to a wide receiver so far this season, stay away from all Chicago receivers in this one.
Doug Baldwin is the one Seahawks’ pass catcher that is seeing consistent looks in the passing game. He has recorded seven receptions in each of the first two games while being targeted 17 times in 2015. With the Bears’ defense having allowed seven touchdowns to wide receivers in just two games, Baldwin should be in for a monster fantasy Sunday.
Teams could score on the Seahawks last season with their tight end and it appears that not much has changed this season. Seattle has allowed a touchdown to the position in each of the first two games this season. With the Bears’ Bennett having at least four receptions in each game this year, he has a good as a chance as any Chicago pass catcher to find pay dirt in Week 3.
While the Bears have been busy giving up touchdowns to the receivers, they have actually been pretty good against the tight end position so far in 2015. They have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to the position in the first two weeks of this season. So don’t count on Jimmy Graham being any happier after this weekend.
Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are allowing 278.5 passing yards per game this season so the Broncos’ Peyton Manning has a decent matchup in Week 3. In three career games against the Lions the Hall of Famer has averaged 281 yards and 3.3 touchdowns per game. So you could do worse for your fantasy team than Manning in Week 3.
Even if Matthew Stafford does play this weekend do not risk playing him for your fantasy team. The Denver defense has been dominant against the pass this season. They have yet to allow a passing touchdown and have held the opposing quarterbacks to less than 191 yards passing in each of the first two games this season.
Denver has allowed 4.4 yards per rush this season so look for the Lions to try to control this game on the ground. With that said it is tough to say which running back benefits. After a great Week 1, Abdullah finished Week 2 with just six rushes for 19 yards.
Trying to predict the Denver backfield isn’t going to be any easier. C.J. Anderson hasn’t rushed for more than 29 yards in a game yet this season and is now splitting reps with Ronnie Hillman. In Week 2 Anderson was on the field for 42 snaps, while Hillman saw 31 plays. If you have faith in one of the backs this is a nice week to get them into your lineup though. The Lions have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
In the first two weeks of the NFL season, the Detroit Lions have surrendered 29 receptions to wide receivers so look to get both the Broncos’ top options in the passing game into your lineup this week. Demaryius Thomas has reached the 100-yard mark in four of his last five games and has at least seven receptions in each game this season.
Emmanuel Sanders has had eight receptions and at least 65 yards in each of the Broncos’ first two contests this season.
This isn’t the week to rely on the Lions’ wide outs. Denver has allowed the fewest fantasy points in the league to the position this year. They have only given up a remarkable 51 yards to wide receivers this season. Not only does Calvin Johnson face the tough foe, he seems to be struggling getting into the flow of the offense. Sure he had 83 yards and a touchdown last week but it took 17 targets to reach such numbers.
Golden Tate has failed as the No. 2 in the Detroit offense with just 10 catches for 104 yards and zero touchdowns this season.
Detroit has allowed a touchdown in each of the last two weeks to the tight end position, so if you are feeling lucky, Owen Daniels could be your guy in Week 3.
The one place in the passing game where the Denver defense has shown a weakness this season is against the tight end. They allowed the Kansas City tight ends to catch six passes for 112 yards last week. With Eric Ebron having caught a touchdown in two straight games, he is the only pass catcher in silver and blue to consider for your fantasy team in Week 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers
Alex Smith has been held to just 243 yards per game this season. With the Packers allowing just 215.5 in the air in 2015, don’t look for Alex Smith to carry your fantasy team to a win in Week 3.
The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Look for Aaron Rodgers to do what he does and that’s throw the ball exceptionally well. He is averaging 2.5 touchdowns per game this year and should have no problem reaching that total in this one especially because he will have to throw a ton considering how good the Chiefs’ run defense is.
Jamaal Charles has reached 100 offensive yards and scored a touchdown in each of the first two weeks this season. With Green Bay having allowed two scores to running backs this season, there is no reason to believe that the Kansas City running back doesn’t have himself another good fantasy day.
The Chiefs’ run defense has yet to surrender a touchdown to a running back this season and has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to the running position. Whether it is Eddie Lacy or Starks don’t count on much from the Packers’ run game in this one.
Jeremy Maclin has recorded at least 52 yards in each of his first two games as a Chief but still hasn’t helped the Chiefs’ receivers score a touchdown. With Green Bay having allowed just one score to a wide receiver so far this season, it is not likely he finds the end zone in this one either.
Through two games this season, the Chiefs’ pass defense has been awful. Opposing wide receivers have been running wild against them. In just two weeks, Kansas City has allowed 41 receptions, 506 yards and four touchdowns to receivers. So feel confident starting any of the Packers’ three pass catchers in this one. Obviously the top choice will be Randall Cobb. The wide receiver has reached 100 yards or a touchdown in each of the first two games this season.
Devante Adams is averaging 4.5 receptions per game in 2015, while James Jones is touchdown-catching machine. The veteran receiver has just five catches this season with three of them taking place in the end zone.
Travis Kelce is a must start on a weekly basis. He has at least four receptions and 58 yards in each game this season.
The post Fantasy Football: Inside The Numbers Week 3 appeared first on Today's Pigskin.