We’re back! Here for the third week of the NFL season still trying to help figure out those last minute fantasy lineup decisions. So let’s dive into it!
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 3
Start ‘Em
Carlos Hyde, RB
The 49ers have made it clear over the first two weeks that Hyde is their number one option out of the backfield. Last week, he exploded for 143 total yards of offense against the Seattle Seahawks. That’s a pretty good defense and to see numbers like that makes him appealing in this week three matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams let the Washington Redskins run them up and down the field generating a team total 229 rushing yards. Look for Carlos Hyde to get the first 49ers touchdown of the season.
Ravens D/ST
If you have not realized yet, the Ravens have the best fantasy defense in the first two weeks. The defense already has amassed 10 turnovers as well as being stout against the run and pass. This week they get to play the Blake Bortles led Jacksonville Jaguars. As much as the Jaguars want to run the ball, they can not hide Bortles’ mistakes when they face a good team. The Ravens will be able to stop the run and force Bortles to throw the ball, which will more than likely end up in Raven’s Defenders’ hands a few times.
Jesse James, TE
James is a touchdown-dependent TE that is surrounded by loads of other receiving talent. But this big man has found a relationship with Ben Roethlisberger. We could quickly see James’ stock rise with the trust he has in the red zone. This week against the bears, Big Ben could be looking for James in the red zone against a Bears’ defense who has not been good in the first two weeks. I know they were two high-powered offenses back to back but the Steelers have potential to be better than both the Buccaneers and Falcons on offense. James will be a factor in this potential blowout.
Derrick Henry, RB
Henry is loving his sophomore season. An injury to Demarco Murray in the preseason allowed Henry to show his growth from last season and the Titans seem to be increasing his workload this season. Last week against the Jaguars he posted starter numbers and this week, his matchup is against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle’s been on the wrong side of the league average when it comes to rushing yards allowed, allowing 121 rushing yards per game. Henry should be able to produce low-end RB1 numbers, especially with his red zone opportunities increasing.
Ty Montgomery, RB
As much as I hate to say it the Bengals have been one of the worst teams so far this season. They have been thrashed by average offenses, especially in the running game. The packers come in a little embarrassed with their performance against the Falcons in week two and will look to show off their offensive power against a 0-2 team. Montgomery will see an increase in receiving opportunities with injuries to Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson and has not really seen much competition in running the ball. Expect Montgomery to be a top 10 fantasy back this week.
Sit ‘Em
Leonard Fournette, RB
As mentioned earlier in the article, the Ravens’ defense has been a strong group early this season. Fournette’s looked good his first two weeks but the Baltimore defense should prove too much to handle for his offensive line and his quarterback is guaranteed to turn the ball over a few times. This week you need to sit the rookie and find a better matchup.
Mark Ingram, RB
The reasoning to sit Mark Ingram this week is almost the same reasons as to why I said sit Leonard Fournette. The Panthers’ defense has been one of the best in the league the first two weeks. The Saints running back committee is not working out for Ingram so far. Alvin Kamara and Adrian Peterson have both been taking away Ingram’s touches. The Saints could easily be down by 14 or more points in the first half and turn it into a mostly passing attack. If you need a Saints running back I would say start Alvin Kamara.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR
As much as it hurts to sit a top fantasy draft pick, you can find better matchups this week than Hopkins. The Patriots have struggled on defense this season but they always try to take away the best playmaker on the field. With the Texans, that is by far Hopkins who has been targeted 29 times so far this season. Expect him to face double coverage all game and for the rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson to face defensive disguises and as much pressure as they can get on him. This matchup is too one-sided to justify Hopkins starting over someone else.
Cameron Brate, TE
Brate is still a starter on this Buccaneers team and seemed to be holding off rookie O.J. Howard his first week. However, his week one performance was crushing if you started him. He only had two receptions even though he had a favorable matchup. This week he goes to Minnesota who has been tough on tight ends and needs to have a show it week. I would find Evan Engram or Jesse James to replace him.
Tyrod Taylor, QB
The quarterback to sit this week is Tyrod Taylor. Going against a top defense for the second week in a row will mean the same results for the fantasy value of Taylor. The Broncos have been mean and nasty to their opponents so far this season and the Bills’ do not have the firepower to stretch out this defense. A loaded box will limit Taylor’s running potential and the Broncos’ secondary has been elite for the past few seasons.