Fantasy Football: Week 3 Staff Must Start, Must Sit and Sleeper Picks
Sep 15, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) attempt to tackle Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 29-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Wincherauk:
Must Start Player: Marshawn Lynch (RB) Seattle Seahawks
SKITTLES! Marshawn ran over a very good San Francisco 49ers defense in a 29-3 drubbing in Seattle on Sunday Night Football last week, and I’m guessing he isn’t going to be stopping anytime soon against the Jacksonville Jaguars and their putrid team. If Lynch is able to put up two touchdowns against the Niners, then I’m guessing he’s going to have a field day with the Seahawks most likely up very big by halftime. Sit back, and let this stud do his thing, and win you a fantasy matchup.
Must Sit Player: Tom Brady (QB) New England Patriots
I think it’s time Mr Brady took a seat on your fantasy bench. This isn’t because Brady has magically become a bad player, unable to make the throws he used to, but it’s because he’s not going to have much value with his receivers dropping half of his pass attempts. At least for this week, put Brady on your bench, because Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to return next week against the Atlanta Falcons and that’s going to be a massive boon for the Patriots offense. Until then, Brady take a seat, because it looks like Kenbrell Tompkins and Aaron Dobson aren’t ready to take you anywhere… Just yet.
Sleeper Pick: Tavon Austin (WR) St. Louis Rams
Last week this young star caught his first and second touchdown passes of his short career so far. Austin is going to quickly become one of Sam Bradford’s favorite targets, and should be getting a lot more targets. Throw in the fact that he’s going to get some running plays, along with return opportunities if your league gives points to the player for return yards and touchdowns, and Austin is quickly becoming a must play player each week because of his explosive abilities. But for now, he’s still a bit of a sleeper, as not too many owner are starting him. I will gladly put Austin in my lineup at the flex, or even receiver two, especially with the way that Sam Bradford has really improved.
Celia Westbrook
Must Start Player: Russell Wilson (QB) Seattle Seahawks
If Russell Wilson had a hard time last week against the San Francisco 49er’s and still was able to turn around against a though defense and a strong offense, then imagine what he can do going against the Jacksonville defense? Another alternative would be Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford. So far he has thrown for 635 yards and four touchdowns. I believe he will be able to put up some points on the board against a troubled Washington Redskins.
Must Sit Player: Roddy White (WR) Atlanta Falcons
Roddy White has been unproductive (in fantasy and real football) as he’s nursing a high ankle sprain. He did not practice on Wednesday in the hope of getting ready for Sunday’s match up against the Miami Dolphins in the Dolphins territory.
Sleeper: Martellus Bennett (TE) Chicago Bears
Jay Cuttler is fighting for his life and he found hope in Martellus Benenett. Bennett caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Just monitor his progress since he has been limited in practice due to a shoulder injury prior to halftime. The match against the Pittsburgh Steelers should be a good one, since Chicago will want to take the lead to 3-0 record in their division and the Steelers are in a dire need to move up to a 1-2 record before it’s too late.