ZB’s Start Em’ Sit Em’ Week 3 & TNF Preview

QB that needs to be in your lineup in Week 3:

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Matchup: vs. Buffalo

Week 2 Stats: 425 Passing YDS, 4 Passing TD, 1 INT, 33.5 PTS

As much as I think Kirk Cousins’ signing was a curse for the up-and-coming Minnesota Vikings, he played decent enough in Week 2 against a hobbled Aaron Rodgers to lead his squad to end in a tie up at Lambeau. A matchup this weekend against the horrid Buffalo Bills, who are an absolute mess with no polarizing options whatsoever, should put in the blueprint for a Vikings blowout lead by the former Michigan St. Spartan.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

QBs I like in Week 3:

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Matchup: at Eagles

Week 2 Stats: 179 Passing YDS, 2 Passing TD, 2 INT, 11.4 PTS

I’m expecting quite the shootout this weekend at Lincoln Financial Field. Luck has gradually been getting back to his normal self two games removed from his absence due to shoulder concerns. He lost grasp of the lead in Week 1 against Cincinnati in a nail-biting defeat, but turned it around in Week 2 in the nation’s capital, completely dismantling the supposedly revamped Redskins defense. With Carson Wentz returning this weekend, look for Luck to get going quickly as the former sheds his rust.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears

Matchup: at Cardinals

Week 2 Stats: 200 Passing YDS, 2 Passing TD, 2 INT, 14.4 PTS

Matt Nagy’s second-year signal-caller hasn’t shown the strides aerially that the Chiefs Patrick Mahomes has shown in his sophomore campaign. Let it be said that the former North Carolina alum is still learning the new schemes, but this team shouldn’t be .500. After the trade for superstar pass-rushing phenom Khalil Mack and the selection of Roquan Smith, the defense has been carrying the Monsters of the Midway. If Trubisky can gel with his new weapons in Allen Robinson, Trey Burton, and Taylor Gabriel, watch out.

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QB to keep an eye on in Week 3:

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup: vs. Colts

Look who’s back! Carson Wentz returns to the the field for Doug Pederson’s ball club for the first time since tearing his ACL and LCL late in Week 13 in 2017, missing the entire postseason, including the Eagles’ first ever Super Bowl victory. He’s been rehabbing and he’s ready to roll. Nick Foles played like Nick Foles during the preseason and throughout the first two weeks of the new campaign, barely getting past the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener, and falling too far behind Ryan FItzpatrick and the Buccaneers on Sunday, looking completely out of sorts, leading to their .500 record. Look for Wentz to regain his stride this weekend against the Colts to cement his role as the franchise player in the City of Brotherly Love.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

QB I’m hesitant about in Week 3:

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders:

Matchup: at Dolphins

Week 2 Stats: 288 Passing YDS, 1 TD, 15.5 PTS

Derek Carr hasn’t gotten off to the start most people would’ve expected after the arrival of QB-Guru Jon Gruden. Amari Cooper put up a decent showing last week in their loss to Denver, Jared Cook put up a decent outing in the opener against the Rams, but there hasn’t been any consistency. He’s thrown three times as many interceptions as scores through the first two games, and the revamped defensive unit he’s going up against in South Beach should make for another forgettable outing from Carr and the Raiders.

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

QB that I’m avoiding in Week 3:

Case Keenum, Denver Broncos

Matchup: at Ravens

Week 2 Stats: 222 Passing YDS, 1 INT, 16 Rushing YDS, 1 Rushing TD, 14.5 PTS

I’m a fan of the new signal caller up in Denver. I loved seeing his career resurgence last season in Minnesota, he earned every penny of the contract that he agreed to for the Broncos and has gotten them off to a great 2-0 start. That being said, he hasn’t seen a defense like Baltimore’s in a LONG time. Since last season, the Ravens lead the NFL in interception rate against opposing passers. Keenum already has given away four of them through his first two games, and both have been victories by narrow margins. I’m curious to see how Denver’s rookie backfield-tandem performs, but Keenum isn’t getting close to my starting lineup.

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

RB that needs to be in your lineup in Week 3:

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants:

Matchup: at Texans

Week 2 Stats: 28 Rushing YDS, 14 Receptions, 80 Receiving Yards, 24.8 PTS

After completely throttling both of my teams in Week 2, I’m all aboard the Saquon bandwagon. Eli Manning is a mess, their offensive line still is garbage, but I don’t think theres another halfback suiting up this weekend that will touch the ball more than the former Nittany Lion. When Manning gets pressured, he dumps it off to Barkley, and that happens quite a lot. If he scores this weekend, he will eclipse the 30 PT threshold in PPR. He’s the best option this week at the position.

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

RB I like in Week 3:

Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup: vs. Colts

Week 2 Stats: 30 Rushing YDS, 1 Rushing TD, 5 Receptions, 55 Receiving YDS, 19.5 PTS

After an impressive showing in the Eagles’ Week 2 loss vs. Tampa, Corey Clement established himself as one of if not the biggest sleepers this year in the National Football League. Darren Sproles is out this weekend against the Colts, if Jay Ajayi isn’t ready to go on Sunday, look for Clement to be in for another marvelous outing.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

RB to keep an eye on in Week 3:

Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup: vs. Titans

After sitting out practice last week with a hamstring injury, it was widely-accepted that the second year stud out of Baton Rouge would be a no-go against New England. Blake Bortles decided to pursue the air more often after T.J. Yeldon put up a slow start, and the former number three pick lead Doug Marrone’s squad to victory. With a rested Fournette that should be ready to roll on Sunday, the Titans are in for quite an afternoon.

Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

RB I’m hesitant about in Week 3:

Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons:

Matchup: vs. Saints

Week 2 Stats: 107 Rushing YDs, 4 Receptions, 18 Receiving YDS, 16.5 PTS

In the wake of the injury to Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman rocketed up most rankings into top-15 RB territory. He had a fine outing against Carolina, but didn’t establish himself as the red zone option that Dan Quinn’s club desperately is searching for. The Saints’ defense has been embarrassed in back-to-back weeks, and they are ready to dominate.

Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

RB that I’m avoiding in Week 3:

Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans:

Matchup: at Jaguars

Week 2 Stats: 42 Rushing YDS, 1 Reception, 1 Receiving YD, 5.3 PTS

I want no part of the disaster of an offense that Mike Vrabel will be shelling out against the best defense in football. Dion Lewis was obliterated in his last matchup with the Jaguars in January as a member of the Patriots where they held him 3.8 yards per carry. With Marcus Mariota still not up to snuff and with Derrick Henry struggling, I’ll gladly pass on Lewis or any member of the Titans’ offense this weekend.

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WRs that need to be in your lineup in Week 3:

Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

Matchup: vs. Bills

Week 2 Stats: 12 Receptions, 131 YDS, 1 TD, 31.1 PTS

If you haven’t heard already, Adam Thielen’s scheduled defender for Week 3 decided to end his pro-football career last Sunday afternoon around halftime. With what is already considered the worst defense in the NFL, I wouldn’t start anyone other than Antonio Brown over Thielen this Sunday afternoon. His box score will be something to remember.

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T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts

Matchup: at Eagles

Week 2 Stats: 7 Receptions, 83 YDS, 1 TD, 21.3 PTS

T.Y. Hilton made a mockery of the “revamped” secondary in D.C. on Sunday afternoon, using his blazing speed to make catch after catch against all-pro corner Josh Norman. This week he lines up against Jalen Mills, who aside from his turf-styled haircut hasn’t shown me anything unique that gives me any confidence in him as a starting cornerback in the NFL. Hilton should be in for another great outing.

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WRs I like in Week 3:

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers

Matchup: at Buccaneers

Week 2 Stats: 13 Receptions, 121 YDS, 1 TD, 31.1 PTS

Albeit a disappointing start for Mike Tomlin’s club to start 2018, that hasn’t been the case at all statistically for his second-year stud wideout. JuJu Smith-Schuster has established himself has a must start option every week until further notice, especially this Monday in a terrific matchup with the Buccaneers secondary that has been awful after the losses of Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves. Look for the sophomore star to put up another magnificent performance.

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Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns

Matchup: vs. Jets

Week 2 Stats: 5 Receptions, 69 YDS, 11.9 PTS

Despite being limited in practice this week, I fully expect Jarvis Landry to light it up on Thursday Night Football against the Jets. After the departure of Josh Gordon, Landry should see the ball coming his direction a whole lot more often, and last season’s NFL reception leader should be ready to make fantasy owners glad they drafted him.

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WR to keep an eye on in Week 3:

Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins:

Matchup: vs. Packers

Week 2 Stats: 4 Receptions, 37 YDS, 7.7 PTS

Josh Doctson needs to establish himself this weekend against Green Bay. An injury plagued rookie season in 2016 lead to very high expectations in 2017 after the departures of Pierre Garćon and DeSean Jackson. The former TCU star showed flashes of the potential to be the number one option in his sophomore campaign, but dropped the ball (literally) in his progression. Year 3 will put the spotlight on Doctson and through the first two games, he has gradually got more involved in the offense. Doctson needs to put on a show this weekend against a very young Packers secondary to give the Redskins’ faithful a glimmer of hope.

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WRs I’m hesitant about in Week 3:

Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears

Matchup: vs. Cardinals

Week 2 Stats: 10 Receptions, 83 YDS, 18.3 PTS

Mitch Trubisky’s newly signed weapon has started off 2018 rather slowly, but he’s been given a short-cushion after moving across the country to the Windy City just a year removed from tearing up his ACL after a breakout season in Jacksonville. His target share jumped in Week 2 in the victory over the Seahawks, but as stated above, it has been the defense carrying the load. A contest Sunday against the depleted Cardinals defense should provide Trubisky more opportunities than normal to take the turf, but with star-corner Patrick Peterson most likely shadowing Robinson, I expect a big ground attack, and would keep the former Nittany Lion on the bench.

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Michael Crabtree, Baltimore Ravens

Matchup: vs. Broncos

Week 2 Stats: 5 Receptions, 56 YDS, 10.6 PTS

Michael Crabtree is the type of weapon that Joe Flacco hasn’t had in quite some time. He exuded his athletic prowess in the season opening destruction of the Buffalo Bills, but struggled to remain a top-fantasy option in their second contest against the Bengals. This weekend back in Charm City, he will be lined up against All-Pro cover corner Chris Harris Jr. and the Denver Broncos defense, and I wouldn’t take the chance.

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WR that I’m avoiding in Week 3:

Josh Gordon, New England Patriots

Matchup: at Lions

If you haven’t listened already to our brand-new weekly fantasy football podcast that dropped earlier this afternoon, I went into detail about why Flash Gordon will not be in any of my lineups in Week 3. He will be on a short leash in Foxborough this weekend if he even takes the field. New England runs a strict program that doesn’t allow for any off-field drama. If Gordon can get his life together, he will give Tom Brady a dynamic option he hasn’t had in years, but the margin of error is sky-high. If you have him, see what you can get for him, because this time next week, he will either be untouchable in your lineup, or his value will have depleted and you’ll be contemplating when to drop him.

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

TE that needs to be in your lineup in Week 3:

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings:

Matchup: vs. Bills

Game 2 Stats: 7 Receptions, 72 YDS, 14.2 PTS

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been too high on Kyle Rudolph. Even with the lack of star power at the position, he has never come to mind when I think of the top options available. He’s always been a yearly streaming option for me, due to the fact that he puts up decent numbers, just not great numbers. This week as an exception, I see him finishing as a top-3 option against the Buffalo Bills, who are a complete mess, with no silver linings on the horizon of any kind, and a disgruntled locker room who can’t seem to keep up with any opponent they’ve come across so far. Look for Rudolph to put up his best outing of the season. I’m all in.

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

TE I like in Week 3:

Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks:

Matchup: vs. Cowboys

Week 2 Stats: 3 Receptions, 42 YDS, 1 TD, 13.2 PTS

In what most people expected to be a standalone outing in Week 1 for Will Dissly were pleasantly surprised when he reeled in his second consecutive score on Monday Night Football against the Bears. Currently ranked as TE3, if he can produce another productive outing against a stingy Cowboys squad, he will be at the top of my waiver wire list for Week 4.

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

TE to keep an eye on in Week 3:

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup: vs. Colts

Week 2 Stats: 0 Receptions, 0 YDS, 0 PTS

I will be paying very close attention to rookie tight end Dallas Goedert’s role this weekend with the return of their starting signal caller. With Wentz looking to air it out, aside from Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz, Goedert is close to the next best option. Look to see his snap count go way up with the injury to Mike Wallace and the absence of Alshon Jeffery. Do not start him this Sunday, but he’s worth the stash just to see how he performs with an added role.

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

TE I’m hesitant about in Week 3:

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers:

Matchup: at Chiefs

Week 2 Stats: 2 Receptions, 22 YDS, 4.2 PTS

This was supposed to be a breakout year for George Kittle. He showed flashes in Week 1 when he narrowly missed the 20-point threshold after dropping a more than catchable deep ball that would’ve been a touchdown from Jimmy Garoppolo, and then followed it up against a poor Lions defense in Week 2 by putting up a dud. Hopefully he can regain stride against a depleted Chiefs secondary or he might be hitting the waiver wire in Week 4.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

TE that I’m avoiding in Week 3:

Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers

Matchup: at Buccaneers

Week 2 Stats: 3 Receptions, 26 YDS, 5.6 PTS

In what most people expected to be a potent option for Big Ben, Vance McDonald has been quite the disappointment through the first two games of the season while his counterpart Jesse James has been grabbing most of the spotlight. Even with a good matchup against a struggling Tampa Bay secondary, I would not roll the dice on him.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Thursday Night Football Starts & Sits

Week 3: New York Jets (0-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-1-1)

Jets:

Sam Darnold: Sit

Isaiah Crowell: Flex

Bilal Powell: Sit

Robby Anderson: Flex

Quincy Enunwa: Flex

Terrelle Pryor Sr. Sit

Jets D/ST: Start

Browns:

Tyrod Taylor: Stream

Carlos Hyde: Start

Duke Johnson: Sit

Jarvis Landry: Start

Antonio Callaway: Sit

David Njoku: Sit

Browns D/ST: Start