Drama and Politics Didn’t Take Away From Week Three Action That Saw Fantasy Contributors Who Started Off Slow Show Signs of Life Once Again
Although The Pug may have been a little off (yeah a lot off, was just trying to soften the blow) on his advice concerning quarterbacks last week, the suggestion of pulling trades off for the guys who were under performing was second to none.
That statement leads off what we learned in week three….
The Reintroduction of Past Participants
Many of our beloved fantasy contributors that disappeared during the first two weeks of the season resurfaced in week three. Russell Wilson broke out of his two-week slump and was the second highest scoring QB behind only Tom Brady. Jordan Howard and Carlos Hyde became major contributors again finishing 2nd and 6th respectively in fantasy running back rankings. Brandin Cooks, Sammy Watkins, Larry Fitzgerald, A.J. Green and Odell Beckham Jr. all finished in the top ten of fantasy rankings for wide receivers. Rob Gronkowski had a second straight strong week, holding down the two spot for fantasy tight ends this week, proving that he is still on top of his game. Perfect examples this week of not giving up on players too soon, and taking advantage of the managers who do.
Keep it short and sweet here since The Pug doesn’t mix fantasy football and politics…on to week 4….
Must Start
Jarvis Landry- WR- Miami Dolphins- Look for the Dolphins to use this early London game to wake up after their offense decided to spend last week sleeping. Landry is a big time play maker and cannot be contained forever, even with Jay Cutler throwing the ball around. Against the Saints and their 30th ranked pass defense is a good place for him to get going.
Zach Ertz- TE- Philadelphia Eagles- After a few seasons of being overvalued, this season saw him drop in the rankings. Just when I get away they pull me back in. Ertz has been great this season and is currently the second highest ranked tight end so far. Look for the Eagles to look his way often in front of the tens and tens of fans in LA this Sunday.
Jared Goff- QB- Los Angeles Rams- Bold prediction here, but there is a solid chance their game against below average Cowboys passing defense becomes a shootout. Goff broke the top ten in fantasy points by a QB last week with a solid (shootout) performance against the 49ers, and may even improve upon those numbers this week.
Jordan Howard- RB- Chicago Bears- The Packers defense has been kind to opposing running back this season. Howard bounced back with a solid performance against the Steelers last week. It has to be obvious to the Bears personnel that their only chance at winning this season is to be successful in the running game. Howard should go back to being a must-start every week.
Tyrell Williams- WR- Los Angeles Chargers- Call it a hunch, but after watching the Eagles re-ignite the missing Giants passing game last week, the Chargers could be in for some serious yards through the air. Especially if they are playing from behind. Keenan Allen can’t do it all right?
Players To Avoid
Chris Hogan- WR- New England Patriots- This match up may look intriguing given how well the Patriots offense clicked last week , but the Panthers have been scary good shutting down the passing game so far this year. Keeping the Saints and Drew Brees to just 213 yards passing is no easy task.
Ty Montegomery- RB- Green Bay Packers- Sure, he ranked 7th last week in points by a running back, but this week is different. On a short week, the Packers face the Bears, who surprisingly rank 8th against the rush. Montegomery does find most of his value in the passing game, but on a short week, The Pug recommends other options.
C.J. Anderson- RB- Denver Broncos- Anderson had a coming to Earth game after a fantastic week two. Look for the Raiders to dare Trevor Siemian to beat them through the air, and stack the box against the run. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Anderson’s stock.
Derek Carr- QB- Oakland Raiders- After a bad call with QB’s last week, it would be wise to assume The Pug would stay safe with his players to avoid on the quarterback side. Not true. The Broncos defense will be seeing red in this divisional match up after suffering an L at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Look for them to take their aggression out on the Raiders, who may have to turn to Marshawn Lynch to wear out the Broncos defense.
Kyle Rudolph- TE- Minnesota Vikings- For as much talent as he has, Minnesota just hasn’t been including him in their game plan all that often. In a week where the passing offense went nuts against the Tampa defense, Rudolph was only targeted twice. Take a wait-and-see approach with him before deploying him in your fantasy lineup.
Waiver Wire Gems
Wendell Smallwood- RB- Philadelphia Eagles- Darren Sproles went down last week with a torn ACL and broken arm. That means his season is done. Look for Smallwood to take all of his touches, and essentially fill his shoes. He could be a flex option going forward.
Marqise Lee- WR- Jacksonville Jaguars- This guy was once a huge receiving prospect out of college. Injuries saw him buried behind Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson on the depth chart, but with Robinson on the shelf for the season and the Jaguars actually playing well, it’s Lee’s time to shine. He has had 11 catches for 141 yards the last two weeks, and his stock is on a major rise right now. Marcedes Lewis won’t be taking all the touchdowns to himself every week….
Vernon Davis- TE- Washington Redskins- Once a top-tier tight end, Davis proved he can still make big plays with Jordan Reed on the shelf. He had five grabs for 58 yards and a touchdown last week, and with Reed visiting the doctor more than I visit with my mother, he is a solid play moving forward.
Deshaun Watson- QB- Houston Texans- If you need a viable backup on your roster, but you aren’t sure who to pick, snag Watson. Watson broke 300 yards and two touchdowns, while putting his team in a position to beat the world champs. Quite impressive for a rookie. he also had 41 yards rushing, and is a strong boom or bust candidate to start in a given week.
Paul Richardson- WR- Seattle Seahawks- With Jermaine Kearse (another WR to possibly pick up) being traded to the Jets and now Doug Baldwin being injured, there is a new sheriff in town. His numbers may be inflated until Baldwin steps back on the field, so take advantage of him while you can!
