Not many teams have had a demoralizing loss like the Kansas City Chiefs had in Week 2, when they went from “ahead by a touchdown” to “behind by a touchdown” within a few seconds of game play, including a late fumble when they were just trying to send the game to overtime. The Green Bay Packers have had no such worries, winning both of their games in 2015 by at least eight points. Monday, the two finish off the NFL’s Week 3 against one another.
Fantasy football advice, Week 3: Who to start/sit for Chiefs vs. Packers on Monday night
The Packers look to finish Week 3 by remaining undefeated, while the Chiefs try to get over a crushing Week 2 loss.
The Chiefs enter Monday night’s game basically healthy, from a fantasy perspective, with no relevant names considered anything like a risk for missing the game. The Packers have no such luck. Running back Eddie Lacy and wide receivers Randall Cobb and Davante Adams are all banged up. Cobb appears to be good to go as he recovers from a shoulder injury, and while Adams and Lacy are still dealing with ankle problems, both appear likely to play Monday night.
Monday’s game will be played in Green Bay, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
CHIEFS
Start ‘em: After a crushing end to Week 2, expect Jamaal Charles to come out strong in Week 3. He’s still a must-start. ... Jeremy Maclin has found himself with subpar production though two weeks, though between good defenses, a minor injury and gameflow, it’s hard to say he’s actually been disappointing. Week 3 should be the week he gets back on track. ... Travis Kelce is one of the game’s top tight ends.
Start ‘em?: Through two weeks, Cairo Santos has 15 fantasy points. That’s fine. Not remarkable, not must-start, but fine.
Sit ‘em: It was a miserable Week 2 for Alex Smith, who was eaten up by a stout Denver defense. While that won’t continue, he just doesn’t carry the upside of a lot of other quarterbacks. ... The Chiefs’ defense isn’t bad by any means, but against the Packers in Green Bay? No way.
PACKERS
Start ‘em: There’s no reason to shy away from Aaron Rodgers at all, even with some of his weapons banged up. ... Assuming he plays, and this looks increasingly likely, Eddie Lacy is still a must-start fantasy option. ... Randall Cobb hasn’t had a huge game yet, but he’s averaging 10 fantasy points a game, and he’s still a surefire starter. ... Mason Crosby continues to be one of the game’s best fantasy kickers.
Start ‘em?: If things for Lacy take a turn and he’s scratched on Monday, then James Starks would be a more-than-fine fill-in option. ... Davante Adams is still getting far more targets than James Jones, though Jones is finding the end zone. Both are low-end flex options. ... The Packers’ defense has underwhelmed so far, though it’s faced two decent offenses. It’s on the edge of starting territory.
Sit ‘em: Despite his Week 2, with 10 fantasy points, Richard Rodgers doesn’t look like he’ll be consistent enough for regular fantasy use.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jamaal Charles, Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby
Start if you’re desperate: Cairo Santos, James Starks, Davante Adams, James Jones, Green Bay defense
Bench: Alex Smith, Kansas City defense, Richard Rodgers
