Be sure to check out Part Two of our Week 3 NFL Matchup Previews. (out Friday)
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – September 22, 2016
8:30 PM EST
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
QB Brock Osweiler: I like him this week. Although Thursday Night Football games are notorious for being low scoring, the Patriots defense allowed 389 passing yards to Ryan Tannehill last week and Osweiler is on a much better offense than the Miami Dolphins.
RB Lamar Miller: Tough matchup for Miller but I am not benching him. He will get plenty of opportunities in this game and will give you decent fantasy production even against the stingy Patriots run defense.
WR DeAndre Hopkins & Will Fuller: You have to love both of these options in this game. I expect Hopkins and Fuller to get plenty of targets and eat up yardage against New England.
QB Jacoby Brissett: I do not have confidence Brissett can lead the Pats to success on offense against the Texans. Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as doubtful but will dress and be active as the backup. If by some crazy chance Jimmy Garopollo plays, he will not be 100%. I wouldn’t recommend starting a New England Patriots QB this week.
RB LeGarrette Blount: Has a very good chance to have the most productive game on the Patriots offense. With that said, Houston is tough against the run so I do not like Blount more than a flex option this week.
WR Julian Edelman: Will get plenty of targets. His value may depend on who is throwing to him. I still see him getting 7-9 receptions and 70+ yards in this game at the very least (if he isn’t playing quarterback and still providing you fantasy value).
TE Rob Gronkowski: Giant question mark for this week. Regardless if he plays, I don’t see him being on the field a ton which leads to less production. I would keep him on the bench this week.
TE Martellus Bennett: It will be interesting to see what Bennett’s role will be if Gronk does play. I expect Bennett to be boom or bust this week. There are plenty of better options available Week 3 at the tight end position.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
SUNDAY – September 25, 2016
1:00 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills
QB Carson Palmer: Has too many offensive weapons not to have a very productive game against a defense that just gave up a ton through the air vs the New York Jets last week. Play Palmer as you normally would. 
RB David Johnson: An every week starter and this week is no different. He will have plenty of opportunities to produce big fantasy numbers even if the Cardinals involve Chris Johnson more as they did last week.
WR Larry Fitzgerald & company: Right now, besides Fitz, it’s a crapshoot of who else to start at WR in Arizona. Floyd is the number 2 option but had 8 total yards last week. For now, continue to start Fitz if you have him and bench any other Cardinals WR until someone truly establishes themselves as a consistent option on this offense.
QB Tyrod Taylor: I do not like Taylor this week and most weeks if I’m being honest. If it weren’t for a couple of desperate deep balls thrown last week, Taylor would have had a terrible stat line. I do not see him producing fantasy value vs the Cardinals this week. They have a much better secondary that will not allow Tyrod to do what he did against the Jets.
RB LeSean McCoy: He has more value in PPR this week. Buffalo most likely will be playing from behind which leaves fewer carries for Shady. It’s hard to sit him but he had it rough last week and will be up against a better defense Week 3. I see him as a shaky flex play this week given his matchup.
WR Sammy Watkins: Look for Sammy Watkins to get some garbage time points this week and maybe even a late TD. I like Watkins as WR3 with WR2 upside vs Arizona.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
QB Sam Bradford: Looked great last week against the Packers in his first game as the Vikings starting QB. He has one of the best talents at wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. That said, I would keep Bradford on the bench this week. The Carolina defense is scary good and I do not see Bradford putting up great fantasy production Week 3.
RB Jerick McKinnon & Matt Asiata: One of the most sought after waiver wire pickups this week, Jerick McKinnon will look to get most of the carries in the run game with AP out with a meniscus tear. I do not like McKinnon this week vs Carolina. It’s hard to imagine the Vikings will rely heavily on the run game this week. Matt Asiata will cut into the minimal Vikings carries as well. Stay away from the Vikings backfield this week.
WR Stefon Diggs: Just because I believe Bradford will not have a productive day for fantasy purposes at the QB position doesn’t mean Diggs can’t have a stellar day at the WR position. He will be Bradford’s number 1 option that will be targeted early and often. Even against this tough defense, I still see Diggs as a WR1 in Week 3.
Kyle Rudolph: Could find some opportunity if/when Bradford will be throwing the ball a ton to keep up with Carolina’s offensive attack. Consider him a low-end TE2 this week.
QB Cam Newton: The Minnesota Vikings defense is the real deal. They held the Green Bay Packers in check last week. Do not sit Cam, however. Newton presents so many looks to a defense and can truly produce both on the ground if needed and through the air to his 2 main targets, Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. I do not expect Newton to throw over 300 yards this game but he could easily have multiple TDs.
RB Fozzy Whittaker & Cameron Artis-Payne: Fozzy stepped in for the injured Jonathan Stewart last week and produced 131 total yards. Do not let his production last week fool you into starting him this week. Much tougher matchup Week 3. There are talks of C.A.P. being the featured back, even if he is, I would avoid this backfield as a whole this week.
WR Kelvin Benjamin: Locked in as a WR1 this week. He will see his normal amount of targets and should have himself another productive week.
TE Greg Olsen: The best TE in fantasy at the moment. A must start every week. Last week, Olsen had a 78 yard TD that gave him a monster fantasy week but he still added another 44 yards receiving. If you have Olsen on your roster, he should never see the bench on active weeks.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
QB Trevor Siemian: This Denver Broncos team is productive through their number one defense and a successful run game. If Siemian can’t produce against a terrible Colt’s defense, don’t expect him to do so against the Bengals.
RB C.J. Anderson: He will be in for another workload as the Broncos try to control the clock with the run game. Play C.J. Anderson as your RB1 Week 3 vs the Bengals.
WR Demaryius Thomas & Emmanuel Sanders: Tough call for both receivers. My advice, bench them until Siemian can produce or see if anyone is up for a trade. There are plenty of number 2 WRs that are much better than either of these Denver WR options.
TE Virgil Green: When a quarterback is struggling they tend to lean on the TE position. I see that happening this week. I like Green as a high-end TE2 Week 3.
QB Andy Dalton: No confidence in most quarterbacks vs the Denver defense and Dalton falls into that category. There are plenty of better options this week to play ahead of Dalton. I would advise you look into it.
RB Jeremy Hill & Giovani Bernard: It’s hard to like either of these options most weeks because you never know who will be the bigger producer if either produce at all. I do not see either producing in a game against the NFL’s best defense.
WR A.J. Green: Tough game last week totaling 38 yards. Don’t bench him this week even against the Broncos. Just don’t expect over 100 yards and a TD either. I’d say he’s safe for a WR2 type game. He is too good to have 2 terrible weeks in a row.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
QB Matthew Stafford: Tough matchup last week but I see Stafford bouncing back in what should be a shootout game. Look for Stafford to have 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns this game. He’s a top 5 option this week vs the Packers.
RB Theo Riddick: Riddick should now be owned in all leagues with Abdullah on IR for the Lions. Look for Riddick to have plenty of opportunities to produce in both the run and pass game. This week, consider Riddick an RB2.
WR Marvin Jones Jr & Golden Tate: Tate is supposed to be the top option in this offense but is not. I would hold on to Tate but keep him on the bench to see if he wakes up. Marvin Jones Jr. on the other hand is a safe WR2 with WR1 upside this week and could continue being the number one target for Stafford as he continues to produce.
TE Eric Ebron: Ebron has hovered around 50 receiving yards in the first 2 weeks. I can easily see him surpassing that number this week receiving a few scoring opportunities in Week 3 vs the Packers. Consider Ebron a TE2 with TE1 potential this week.
QB Aaron Rodgers: Look for Rodgers to have a much better game than both of his first 2 games this Sunday vs the Lions. They have given up nearly 300 yards passing per game in the first 2 weeks. This is a perfect game for Rodgers to take his frustrations out on a terrible defense and make his owners very happy. He’s a QB1 this week, no question.
RB Eddie Lacy & James Starks: Lacy has been a disappointment for his owners averaging 13 carries a game in the first 2 weeks. I do not see that improving this week in a matchup that is sure to involve a heavy pass game from both teams. I do not like Lacy more than a desperate flex option. Starks could get involved in the pass game but don’t see him producing any fantasy relevant numbers here.
WR Jordy Nelson & Randall Cobb: I love both of these WRs in Week 3. As I’ve said, I expect this to be a shootout which will lead to plenty of opportunities for Nelson and Cobb. Consider Nelson a WR1 and Cobb a WR2 with WR1 upside this week.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars
QB Joe Flacco: I don’t feel confident this week in Flacco even in a game against a defense that has given up the 4th most fantasy points so far this season. They have faced Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers, both much better options at the QB position than Flacco. He does have a favorite deep ball target in Wallace and a healthy Dennis Pitta but I still wouldn’t trust Flacco to give you consistent fantasy production as he has never been the type. Not a terrible option in 2 QB leagues but nothing more than that this week.
RB Justin Forsett: Baltimore’s run game is fantasy irrelevant at this time. I’m not even sure Forsett is even worth a bench spot right now.
WR Mike Wallace: Has scored 3 touchdowns in his first 2 games. I don’t think he can keep up the pace and Pitta is back as Flacco’s top target. Wallace has value in the red zone. Play him until his production slows down.
TE Dennis Pitta: Has great chemistry with his quarterback and will see plenty of targets as Wallace and Smith Sr. open up the field for Pitta as they did last week. I like Pitta as a TE2 with TE1 upside because of his target potential.
QB Blake Bortles: Baltimore has the best defense against the pass so far this season. Bortles is not a great finisher but does put up yardage. Look for him to flirt with 300+ yards for the third game in a row and throw for a TD or 2 and a couple of INTs.
RB T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory: Yeldon has done nothing to keep his starting job this season. Chris Ivory is still ailing from an unknown illness. I am not confident Yeldon does anything Week 3 to better his odds of keeping the starting job. If he has a decent game, I recommend you sell high on him. Chris Ivory will dramatically eat into Yeldon’s carries once he is back at 100% and could even take the job.
WR Allen Robinson & Allen Hurns: Neither has done anything in the first two weeks that make them jump off the page. These two typically end up with similar numbers and go back and forth on outproducing the other. I still consider both as WR2 options in fantasy with Julius Thomas look like he has returned to his best form.
TE Julius Thomas: Not the top target on this offense but a TE1 consideration for the workload he has received in the first two weeks of the season. I look for his production to continue this week against the Ravens and he could easily see some end zone targets as well.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins
QB Cody Kessler: First NFL game. A non-fantasy option this week.
RB Isaiah Crowell : I’m not sure if the Browns QB situation helps or hurts Crowell this season. I do know that he will be dealt a heavy workload with a rookie QB at the helm. I like Crowell as an RB2 this week vs the Dolphins.
All Browns WRs: Stay clear of all. Corey Coleman just broke his hand in practice yesterday. He was their only option I would have considered this week. You can’t rely on that situation right now, especially with a rookie QB throwing to them.
TE Gary Barnidge: Has done very little in the first two weeks. I’ve said it before, quarterbacks love targeting the tight end position when they are in uncomfortable situations. Cody Kessler will be nervous in his first game and could very well lean on Barnidge this week. I like Barnidge as a sneaky flyer for the TE position this week.
QB Ryan Tannehill: Not the best matchup for Tannehill this week but he did just put up almost 400 yards on New England and will be without Arian Foster. You can count on the Dolphins utilizing the passing game often this week especially with DeVante Parker back on the field.
RB Jay Ajayi & Kenyan Drake: Would not be surprised to see a full blown RBBC this week vs the Cleveland Browns. I do not trust any RB option in Miami right now until Foster is back and even then it hasn’t been impressive.
WR Jarvis Landry & DeVante Parker: Both are viable options this week. They will see plenty of targets in a game where the run game will be close to non-existent. Consider both as WR2s with WR1 upside.
TE Jordan Cameron: Jordan Cameron was more involved in the offense last week as the Dolphins were forced to throw a ton and play catch up with the Patriots. With DeVante Parker on the field, it really opens up more opportunities for Cameron. A tough play this week but worth keeping a close eye on production wise going forward.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants
QB Kirk Cousins: Cousins has posted 300+ yard performances in each of the first 2 games this season. I see him doing it again in a divisional game that can easily become a pass heavy game for both sides. I like Cousins as a top 12 QB this week.
RB Matt Jones & Chris Thompson: Jones has a tough matchup against a great run defense in the first 2 weeks. It’s very hard to say he will produce this game even after his encouraging game last week. Bench him for now. Chris Thompson is only valuable in PPR formats. Thompson could provide another 10+ points vs the Giants.
WR DeSean Jackson: Did not practice on Wednesday so keep an eye on that this week. If he plays, I still expect him to get his fair share of targets and could break one loose for a TD. He is a WR2 for me this week if he plays.
TE Jordan Reed: Look for Reed to be the top targeted option for Cousins vs the Giants. Reed has plenty of success against them and I see him scoring his first TD of the season Week 3. Play him as your TE1.
QB Eli Manning: A QB1 consideration play this week in a game that will be heavy in the passing game. Eli Manning has so many talented options that he will target early and often. He could easily have over 300 yards passing and multiple TDs.
RB Rashad Jennings & Shane Vereen: Look for Shane Vereen to out-produce Jennings in a game that will feature a very small run attack. Vereen will be involved in many pass attempts and could have himself a big game. Bench Jennings and play Vereen in this one, even in standard leagues.
WR Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Victor Cruz: These two WRs are must starts Week 3 vs the Washington Redskins. They will see plenty of targets. I consider both of these wide receivers as WR1s this week. Don’t forget about Victor Cruz who could have his best game of the season on Sunday. If you are looking for a flyer in a flex spot, Cruz isn’t a bad option this week.
-The Fantasy Footballers’ Preview on YouTube (coming soon)
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