The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 0-2 (bad). But they've been within a touchdown in both games, and have a point differential of only minus-8 (good). Then again, they lost to Carolina's backup quarterback and St. Louis' backup's backup (bad). Their running back in Week 2 was great (good). But he only started because their starter got injured in Week 1 (bad). You get the idea.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 3: Buccaneers vs. Falcons
Tampa Bay has had a chance at winning its first two games this season, but is still 0-2. Can the team get on track?
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Meanwhile, an Atlanta Falcons team that imploded last year had a big win in Week 1 before losing by two touchdowns last Sunday. Thursday night, at 8:25 p.m. ET in Atlanta, the two teams face off in a divisional matchup. Here's a look at the fantasy players worth keeping an eye on:
Buccaneers
Start in every league: ...
Start if you're desperate: Josh McCown, Doug Martin, Bobby Rainey, Vincent Jackson, Patrick Murray, Defense/special teams
Even against a subpar Atlanta defense, there aren't any must-starts among the Buccaneers. McCown's stock is up a little after a small improvement in Week 2. ... Martin or Rainey would be a great fantasy play if either one was his team's lone running back entering the game, but they will likely split carries (with Mike James playing a role as well). There might not be enough touches to go around. ... Still waiting for the eventual Jackson breakout. It'll come. ... Six total fantasy points for the kicker Murray through two games, which is not an inspiring total, but again, a bad defense could create scoring opportunities. ... The Buccaneers' defense is supposed to be better than it has been so far, so better days ought to be ahead.
Evans is going to be a good receiver, but it’s probably too early to count on him just yet. ... Myers has been a better fantasy tight end than Seferian-Jenkins so far, but neither has been anything worthwhile.
Falcons
Start in every league: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Matt Bryant
Start if you're desperate: Steven Jackson
Bench: Levine Toilolo, Defense/special teams
As bad as his Week 2 was, Ryan’s Week 1 was still the best fantasy day in the whole league. No, he’s not headed for an MVP season, but he’s still a QB1, or close. ... There aren’t any questions about Jones, while there are some minor injury ones about White, but both should be on the field and in fantasy lineups. ... Bryant should be a clear fantasy starter among kickers.
It's been a tough go for Jackson, but even with Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith and Devonta Freeman lined up behind him, he's the team's obvious No. 1. He's a low-end flex play, but with some injured guys around the league, he's a possibility.
I maintain Toilolo has long-term potential, but let’s see some more out of him before using him in fantasy. ... The Falcons’ defense is a new leading candidate for the worst in the league.
