Week 2 was not the most enjoyable for fantasy owners, as injuries constantly popped up around the league. If you made it out with your starting lineup unscathed, you’re one of the lucky ones.
Fantasy football start/sit, Week 3
You might be struggling with injuries this week in your starting lineup. Here are some other options of players who can fill in for Week 3, along with the names you need to avoid.
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If you’re not as fortunate as others and you need new options for your team, take a look at the following players you should consider starting in Week 3. Make sure you also take note of the guys you need to keep on the bench for now.
Start
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, at Giants
The Giants are allowing 19.8 points per game to quarterbacks after two weeks, ranking No. 16 overall in the league. That includes a game they played against Drew Stanton.
Fitzpatrick hasn't turned the ball over so far in 2014. The Giants also don't have any interceptions. If you're looking to stream a quarterback, Fitzpatrick will probably be worth two touchdowns for Week 3. If the Giants can actually make a game of it, the Texans will be forced to throw more often than they have been.
QB Jay Cutler, at Jets
Cutler looked like he was going to put up a dud of a game in Week 2 until he came up with three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter against the 49ers. This week won't be nearly as tough, as he takes on the team that has allowed the fifth-most points to quarterbacks in 2014.
While Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are still dealing with injuries, the Bears have enough firepower to make Cutler a star for fantasy owners once again. You should feel comfortable with Cutler in most weeks with the way he's going.
RB Jeremy Hill, vs Titans
Giovani Bernard is averaging 2.7 yards per carry over his last 80 attempts. Jeremy Hill already looks like a better runner inside the numbers, plus he's a good receiver.
Hue Jackson wanted to get Hill more involved in the offense last week, and he delivered on that discussion. Hill rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. The Titans kept the Chiefs in check on the ground in Week 1, but DeMarco Murray shredded their defense last Sunday.
The Bengals can continue to rely on the run game with Bernard and Hill working as a tandem. Expect the rookie to stay in the mix and continue to gain the trust of his coaches. Hill is worth a flex play.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw, at Jaguars
Trent Richardson is still in the mix, but it's safe to say Bradshaw is worth starting as your flex with RB2 upside if he can repeat last week's efforts. The Jaguars are the second worst team in terms of allowing fantasy points to running backs in 2014. It's a great opportunity for Bradshaw to stand out.
WR Andrew Hawkins, vs. Ravens
After two games, Hawkins has 22 targets in 2014. That’s good enough to be tied for fifth place among all receivers. Someone has to catch the ball in Cleveland.
Hawkins was underrated in drafts coming into the season. While he’s a short slot receiver who probably won’t score much, he racks up points in PPR leagues. Unless he’s playing a top-ranked defense such as Seattle, Hawkins can make an impact in your lineup in 12-team or deeper leagues.
WR Brian Quick, vs Cowboys
Quick saw one deep ball in Week 2 bounce right off his hands. Aside from that mistake, he was reliable for the Rams and should continue to be heavily targeted going forward. Quick has 14 receptions on 18 targets.
The Cowboys actual look decent on paper against wide receivers in 2014. However, their first game was a blowout from the start, and last week was against Jake Locker. The Rams might not have a quarterback better than Locker, but they should be able to get Quick the ball against a Dallas defense that will eventually break.
TE Delanie Walker, at Bengals
Jake Locker targeted Walker 14 times last week against the Cowboys. Walker turned that into 10 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. He’s scored in both games in 2014.
With Locker likely to struggle against a strong Bengals defensive front, Walker should continue to be his safety valve. I would keep Walker starting until he proves you wrong.
Sit
QB Geno Smith, at Bears
Smith helped fantasy owners out last week by adding 26 rush yards and a touchdown against the Packers. However, when Eric Decker left the game with a hamstring injury, the offense didn't quite look the same. A top receiver can do that.
The Bears’ secondary has only allowed two passing touchdowns so far. Decker might be available by Monday night, but Smith is still unlikely to pay off for those owners living on the stream.
QB Jake Locker, at Bengals
Cincinnati struggled with Joe Flacco at times in Week 1, but a large part of the points the Bengals gave up came on an 80-yard touchdown toward the end of the game. This is still one of the league's better defenses.
Locker did not take advantage of an easy matchup last week against the Cowboys. After watching the Bengals stifle the Falcons offense at home, no one should feel confident about Locker facing them on the road.
RB Eddie Lacy, at Lions
The buy-low period for Lacy should extend into next week after he faces the Lions. Aside from LeSean McCoy’s ridiculous 217-yard game last year, Detroit hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since the end of 2012.
In 2013 Lacy rushed for 16 yards on 10 carries in Detroit. Aaron Rodgers typically fares well against the Lions secondary. The Packers can let his arm carry the team in Week 3. Lacy will bounce back eventual, just not this week.
RB Frank Gore, at Cardinals
Arizona ranks No. 6 in points allowed to opposing running backs. The Cardinals only allowed one 100-yard rusher last season (of course, it was Gore), a trend that could easily continue in 2014.
Gore’s last trip to Arizona: 13 carries for 14 yards. Improving on that poor showing won’t be difficult, but don’t expect a huge return. The Cardinals are stout against the run at home.
WR James Jones, at Patriots
What a game Jones had in Week 2. He ended up with nine catches, 112 yards and a touchdown. He's starting to fit in with the Raiders, but his next matchup is not going to help him sustain that success.
Jones is the likeliest candidate for a trip to Revis Island in Week 3. The Patriots should put their top corner on Jones throughout the game, and while Derek Carr will force targets his way, Jones isn't the type of receiver to make top corners pay.
WR Torrey Smith, at Browns
We’ll keep this one short. Until Smith shows any sign of life, don’t start him. He caught one pass on three targets last week. Whatever reason the Ravens aren’t throwing to him, let them figure that out while he’s on your bench.
TE Jason Witten, at Rams
St. Louis gave up a touchdown to Kyle Rudolph in Week 1, but the Rams have only allowed five receptions in two games to tight ends. Witten continues to be a non-factor in the Cowboys offense. This isn't a great formula for a breakout.
Witten has four or fewer catches in 11 of his last 13 games. We keep wanting to believe he isn’t losing a step, but Witten is hitting the age where tight ends start to decline. There are better options at this position for Week 3.
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