Fantasy Football: Week 3 Staff Must Start, Must Sit and Sleeper Picks
Sep 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) runs after a catch for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
Gary Wolff:
Must Start Player: Joique Bell (RB) Detroit Lions
With Reggie Bush dinged up, Bell, whose put up good numbers so far, is sure to get more touches. He’s playing against a tough Washington run defense, but Bell has good hands and will be very active in Bush’s role in the passing game.
Must Sit Player: Ray Rice (RB) Baltimore Ravens
An obvious must sit this week is Ray Rice. He’s said to be day to day, but he’s not practicing and even if he does suit up, he’s sure to be very limited.
Sleeper Pick: Fred Jackson (RB) Buffalo Bills
Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills would be a good pick this week as a flex player. He’s playing a familiar foe in the NY Jets, and given the aggressive and tough Buffalo defense, I suspect the Bills will have some short fields due to turnovers, and Jackson is likely to get his share of opportunities to punch the ball into the endzone this week as he’s a more physical runner than CJ Spiller.
Hal Bent:
Must Play Player: DeSean Jackson (WR) Philadelphia Eagles
I have Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson in about five different fantasy leagues and this guy has been carrying me (along with quarterback Michael Vick). If there is anyone still out there waiting to see if his start is for real, or if the Chip Kelly offense is just a fad that will fade away, make that person a trade offer as soon as possible for Jackson. Jackson has been a supreme talent for years, and with Chip Kelly known for getting the most out of these speedsters while in Oregon, it looked like a natural fit in the offseason and Jackson is putting up Calvin “Megatron” Johnson numbers. It’s for real: load up on Eagles and enjoy the ride.
Must Sit Player: Ahmad Bradshaw (RB) Indianapolis Colts
Any fantasy football league player worth their salt was peeking at Ahmad Bradshaw last week to see if he was available in the league when word that Indianapolis running back Vick Ballard was injured. However, Bradshaw was let go by the running back needy New York Giants and available all offseason for a reason: he is not very good. He will get carries, but they may not translate into yards. Bradshaw faces a tough, angry 49ers defense. Pick him and stash him for a rainy day, just sit him this week!
Sleeper Pick: Alex Smith (QB) Kansas City Chiefs
Well, last week my sleeper was the Raiders defense and they crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars holding running back Maurice Jones-Drew to 27 yards rushing and keeping the Jaguars out of the end zone until garbage time (the Raiders on the right side of garbage time…what a concept!). This week the sleeper is a guy that may still be available on your league’s waiver wire: Alex Smith. Last week against a tough Dallas defense Smith tossed two touchdowns and over 220 yards. This week he gets the sieve-like defense in Philadelphia in what could be a high scoring track meet. Take the over for points–if you gamble–but taking Alex Smith as your sleeper pick is the kind of gamble that pays off big.
Mike Liberty:
Must Start Pick: Minnesota Vikings (D/ST)
Weeden out and ex-Pats QB Brian Hoyer getting the start… Richardson gone leaving only unproven RBs on the squad… Minnesota should be a hot pickup this week.