Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 3: who to start for Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills
Dan Ciarrocchi reviews who needs to be in your fantasy lineup or on the bench for a matchup that features two of the NFL’s top running backs
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Start ‘em
Larry Fitzgerald not only has a commanding lead over his teammates in targets drawn, but is cashing in on them. With three touchdowns and 158 yards to start the season, Fitzgerald has reasserted himself as the No. 1 receiver on the team. He also projects to have another favorable matchup in the slot while Michael Floyd and John Brown will have to deal with Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore, who are capable on the perimeter. Fitzgerald is a borderline WR1, and Floyd also has WR3 value despite the tougher matchup.
Carson Palmer remains another asset in fantasy leagues of all sizes, drawing a Bills defense that surrendered 370 passing yards and 37 points to a Ryan Fitzpatrick-led offense in Week 2. He will be a firm QB1 on Sunday.
David Johnson continues to be matchup-proof, totaling 275 yards over the season’s first two games. He is an elite RB1 as usual.
Sit ‘em
Though there is plenty of fantasy wealth to be had amid 2015’s No. 1 offense, John Brown isn’t cashing in or getting the usage that puts him in a position to do so. Until fantasy owners see a change, he needs to stay on benches across the board.
Buffalo Bills
Start ‘em
With Sammy Watkins held out of practice all week, LeSean McCoy could be the focal point of the game plan once again, but to absurd levels. That’s easier said than done against a stout Cardinals defense, but if the Bills are going to be successful, it will be on the legs of their workhorse back. McCoy should garner heavy usage, but expect him to be held in check as a RB2.
Start ‘em?
Tyrod Taylor’s dual threat nature will always present upside, and he answered a terrible Week 1 performance with a monstrous one on Thursday night. These two games are the perfect example of what Taylor provides fantasy owners. When he’s on, he’s on, and when he’s not, his fantasy output can be among the worst in the league. He is an extremely volatile QB1/QB2 against a tough defense. Charles Clay will be his top target and deserves low-end TE1 consideration.
Sit ‘em
Should Watkins suit up, he is not worth trusting in any format after suffering a setback on his surgically repaired foot in practice. Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin also remain off the radar.
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