The Philadelphia Eagles have started 0-2 in disappointing fashion, with the offense barely able to get out of its own way in either game. The New York Jets, meanwhile, have started 2-0, pairing an unsuprising win over the Cleveland Browns with an unexpected beatdown of the Indianapolis Colts. Sunday, the two take one another on, with the Jets looking to stay undefeated and the Eagles look to get on the board.
Fantasy football advice, Week 3: Who to start/sit for Eagles vs. Jets
One of the league’s most disappointing teams through two weeks takes on one of its biggest surprises.
Most of the Eagles’ fantasy-relevant players come into Week 3 healthy, with the very notable exception of running back DeMarco Murray, who is dealing with a hamstring injury and is likely to be questionable heading into Sunday’s game, but is expected to play. The Jets are dealing with far more on the injury front. Wide receiver Chris Owusu is out for this game, with positionmate Eric Decker looking likely to join him on the sideline. Running back Chris Ivory, working with quad and groin injuries, will possibly miss Sunday, as well.
The Jets will host the Eagles on Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy considerations:
EAGLES
Start ‘em: Going up against Darrelle Revis might scare you off of Jordan Matthews, but he’s almost literally been Philadelphia’s only offensive weapon so far. They’ll force him the ball one way or another.
Start ‘em?: You have to expect better days in the future for DeMarco Murray, who is banged up but at least has the upside to be a strong fantasy option. It’s a scary opponent, though. ... The Eagles’ defense has been mediocre so far. With all the players the Jets could be missing Sunday, though, there’s some potential here.
Sit ‘em: It’s been a miserable start to a Philadelphia tenure for Sam Bradford. He very well could figure things out, but you can’t run him out there unless and until you see some signs of promise. ... The Philadelphia running game has to get things turned around eventually. If Murray were out, you might be able to make an argument for Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles as flex plays, but with Murray active, you have to shy away. ... We’ve seen very little out of these three to make us think Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor or Zach Ertz are strong fantasy options. ... Cody Parkey was a fantasy monster a year ago, but until this offense gets its kinks worked out, he’s a tough one to use.
JETS
Start ‘em: The one seemingly sure, healthy thing in the New York offense is Brandon Marshall, who has 28 fantasy points through two games. ... Nick Folk should be a fine fantasy option most of the year. ... The Jets’ defense appears to be one of the strongest units in the league.
Start ‘em?: Through two games, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been good-not-great. With a strong offense around him, he has reasonable QB2 potential. ... If Chris Ivory were healthy, he’d be a must-start. With his injury concerns, though, he’s a question mark, and if he’s out Bilal Powell just doesn’t carry the same upside.
Sit ‘em: Even if Eric Decker surprises us and plays on Sunday, he won’t be at full strength, and you can’t use him, and in Decker’s absence, Quincy Enunwa and Devin Smith don’t have a lot of immediate upside. ... The Jets have yet to target a tight end all year; avoid Jeff Cumberland at all costs.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jordan Matthews, Brandon Marshall, Nick Folk, New York defense
Start if you’re desperate: DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia defense, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell
Bench: Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Zach Ertz, Cody Parkey, Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, Devin Smith, Jeff Cumberland
