New York Giants (1-2) @ Washington Redskins (1-2)-Thurs. 8:25, CBS/NFL Network
Matchup To Watch: Giants RB Rashad Jennings vs. Redskins Run Defense
For all the talk of how bad the 'Skins are defensively, they've only allowed 65 rushing yards per game so far this season, and that wasn't against a few pushovers either. They did give up 103 yards to Arian Foster in Week 1, but kept him out of the endzone. In Week 2 they faced the lowly Jaguars, and quarterback Chad Henne (who has now been displaced as the starter by rookie Blake Bortles) was the Jags' leading rusher (17 yards on three carries). And last week, in a shootout loss to the Eagles, they held LeSean McCoy to 22 yards on 19 carries. Rashad Jennings blew up last week against Houston (right after I traded him in fantasy), running the ball 34 times for 176 yards and a touchdown. We'll see if he can keep that going against a defense that contained "Shady" McCoy and Darren Sproles last week.
Winner: Jennings (13 carries, 55 yards)
Bold Prediction: Kirk Cousins and Eli Manning will both throw for over 300 yards.
Cousins threw for 427 yards last week in a barn-burner against Philly, while Eli threw for 234 yards in a win over Houston. Fortunately for Eli, he'll be going up against a defense that has allowed 309 yards passing per game. The question will be whether the Giants throw the ball enough, especially with Rashad Jennings' breakout.
Bold Prediction: Kirk Cousins and Eli Manning will both throw for over 300 yards.
Cousins threw for 427 yards last week in a barn-burner against Philly, while Eli threw for 234 yards in a win over Houston. Fortunately for Eli, he'll be going up against a defense that has allowed 309 yards passing per game. The question will be whether the Giants throw the ball enough, especially with Rashad Jennings' breakout.
Result: Incorrect. Eli threw for exactly 300 yards (he played great, but I needed one more yard!) and Cousins struggled, throwing for 257 yards.
Start 'em: Giants WR Victor Cruz
He started off the season nonexistent in the first two games (7 total receptions, 80 total yards), but then finally got to do the salsa for the first time this season last week against Houston (5 receptions, 107 yards, TD). And, as I noted earlier, he's going up against a porous pass defense. You can start inserting him back into your starting lineup again.
Start 'em: Giants WR Victor Cruz
He started off the season nonexistent in the first two games (7 total receptions, 80 total yards), but then finally got to do the salsa for the first time this season last week against Houston (5 receptions, 107 yards, TD). And, as I noted earlier, he's going up against a porous pass defense. You can start inserting him back into your starting lineup again.
Stats: 6 catches, 108 yards
Sit 'em: Giants RB Rashad Jennings
Yes, he did have a great week last week and will more than likely have more great weeks, but this week he is going up against a defensive front that contained LeSean McCoy last week. He will not replicate his Week 3 performance this week.
Sit 'em: Giants RB Rashad Jennings
Yes, he did have a great week last week and will more than likely have more great weeks, but this week he is going up against a defensive front that contained LeSean McCoy last week. He will not replicate his Week 3 performance this week.
Stats: 13 carries, 55 yards
Pick 'em up: Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (Owned in 29.4% of ESPN Leagues)
I can't believe more people don't own Cousins. He's not an amazing quarterback, but he's produced big fantasy numbers in the games he's played, and he has weapons around him. By ESPN Standard scoring, here are the point totals in the two games he's played in this year: 18 and 27. And he didn't even start the game he got 18 in. The Redskins are going to continue to air it out with Cousins, and his fantasy owners will benefit.
Pick 'em up: Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (Owned in 29.4% of ESPN Leagues)
I can't believe more people don't own Cousins. He's not an amazing quarterback, but he's produced big fantasy numbers in the games he's played, and he has weapons around him. By ESPN Standard scoring, here are the point totals in the two games he's played in this year: 18 and 27. And he didn't even start the game he got 18 in. The Redskins are going to continue to air it out with Cousins, and his fantasy owners will benefit.
Stats: 19-33, 257 yards, TD, 4 INT
Top Scorer: Giants QB Eli Manning (28-39, 300 yards, 4 TD, INT)
Pick: Redskins 34, Giants 31
This could have the makings of another high-scoring game for Washington, as neither defense is really strong, and both offenses put up big numbers last week. In the end, Cousins will make enough big plays to beat Eli and the Giants.
Result: Giants 45, Redskins 14
Player of the Game: Giants TE Larry Donnell (7 catches, 54 yards, 3 TD)
Green Bay Packers (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Bears TE Martellus Bennett vs. Packers Defense
In the three games the Packers have played so far this season, opposing tight ends only have a total of seven catches for 66 yards. Bennett has been one of the best tight ends in the league, catching 20 passes for 161 yards and four touchdowns and being a favorite of Jay Cutler's (tied for team lead in targets with Cutler's best friend Brandon Marshall). Bennett will pose the toughest test at tight end thus far for the Packers.
Bold Prediction: Matt Forte will rush for over 90 yards and a touchdown.
Forte, Chicago's versatile running back, has started a little slow this season, totaling only 136 yards on the ground through three games. He also has not found the endzone yet, but I think he will on Sunday. Green Bay hasn't done a great job stopping the run, giving up 110 yards and two touchdowns to Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, 146 yards and two touchdowns to New York, and 94 total yards and a touchdown to Detroit's Reggie Bush and Joique Bell.
Start 'em: Bears QB Jay Cutler
Cutler is having the breakout season many envisioned with his many weapons, ranking fourth among quarterbacks in fantasy points. He should be able to continue that Sunday in what could be a shootout against a below-average Green Bay defense.
Sit 'em: Bears TE Martellus Bennett
There is no obvious choice for the "Sit 'em" category, so I'll go with Bennett against a defense that has allowed the fewest points per game to opposing tight ends. I do think Bennett is the best tight end the Packers have faced, and he has a good chance of having a decent game, but the numbers never lie, and the numbers suggest you sit him.
Pick 'em up: Packers TE Anthony Quarless (2.1%)
There are slim pickings here, but Quarless is the Packers' starting tight end and did score last week, so someone in need of a tight end in a deep league could pick him up. However, I wouldn't recommend playing him this week against a pretty stout Bears defense.
Pick: Bears 31, Packers 27
The Bears have rebounded from a season-opening loss to Buffalo in overtime, looking sharp in wins over the Niners and Jets. The Packers, meanwhile, struggled against the Lions last week, and the Bears are similar to the Lions in that they have some explosive players on the offensive side of the ball and a defense that can create havoc at times. I do think Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy will get back on track after slow starts, but Chicago will take this rivalry game.
Buffalo Bills (2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bills WR Sammy Watkins
Both of these Clemson products lead their respective teams in receiving yards (Watkins: 13 receptions, 167 yards, TD; Hopkins: 13 receptions, 227 yards, 2 TD), and they are going up against defenses that are 26th (Buffalo) and 18th (Houston) at defending the pass.
Bold Prediction: C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will each run for at least 80 yards.
The Bills' two-headed running back monster of Spiller (37 carries, 147 yards) and Jackson (25 carries, 119 yards) isn't amazing, but it's solid, and it's going up against a Texans defense that gave up 176 yards to Giants running back Rashad Jennings last week.
Start 'em: Bills RB C.J. Spiller
Although he shares carries with Fred Jackson and only had 25 yards on 10 carries last week, he is Buffalo's lead ball carrier, and they will run the ball a lot against a weak run defense (142.7 yards per game). Be confident that Spiller will have a big game this week.
Sit 'em: Texans RB Arian Foster
There are a few reasons I would not start Foster this week, even after a Week 2 performance that saw him gain 138 yards on 28 carries: 1. He is questionable for this week's game after sitting out last week with a hamstring injury. 2. Even if he does play, he probably won't get a big workload. 3. The Bills have only allowed 83.7 rushing yards per game.
Pick 'em up: Bills K Dan Carpenter (16.3%)
Yes, I'm so desperate I've chosen a kicker. But he's currently ranked fourth among kickers in fantasy points, playing for a team who's offense is improved but still not quite there yet.
Pick: Texans 24, Bills 13
The Texans will need to stop the run, but if Ryan Fitzpatrick plays more like the first two games of the season (345 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) against his old team and less like last week (289 yards, TD, 3 INT), then the Texans should be able to beat a team that still has a shaky quarterback in E.J. Manuel.
Tennessee Titans (1-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Colts Defense
The Colts are not a very good pass defense (28th in the NFL) and they have given up 13 receptions, 206 yards, and three touchdowns (the three touchdowns were all from Denver's Julius Thomas) to tight ends. Walker torched Dallas in Week 2 for 142 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. However, there are some variables with Walker. First, he's questionable against the Colts with a shoulder injury he suffered last week against the Bengals. Second, his quarterback, Jake Locker, is hurt, so journeyman backup Charlie Whitehurst will be under center.
Bold Prediction: Shonn Greene will run for at least 80 yards and a touchdown.
Greene gets the majority of the touches in the Tennessee backfield (30 to Bishop Sankey's 18) and he had 10 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown in a blowout loss to the Bengals where the Titans were throwing early and often. With Whitehurst starting at quarterback this week and an opposing defense that's not much better at stopping the run then it is at stopping the pass, Greene could have a solid game.
Start 'em: Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw
Bradshaw is still only owned in 81.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues, even though he's second on the Colts in fantasy points (to Andrew Luck, of course). I understand that he's technically not the starter, but he is better than Trent Richardson, and he still gets a good amount of carries. Plus, as a bonus for players in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, he is the receiving back for the Colts. While he will probably cool off a bit after a hot start, and he is pretty brittle, right now he's a smart start, especially against a slumping Titans team.
Sit 'em: Titans WR Kendall Wright
I picked Wright in one of my fantasy drafts (PPR league) and expected the talented receiver to play well in an improved Titans offense. Unfortunately, poor quarterback play has plagued him once again. He'll still get targets, but with Whitehurst at quarterback this week, he's hard to trust.
Pick 'em up: Colts D/ST (11.1%)
For those of you who stream defenses based on matchup, the Colts are a decent play this week. They're playing a Titans offense that has struggled this season, averaging 14.3 points a game and has turned the ball over five times in three games, and some good defenses are on bye this week. Plus, they get to face Whitehurst instead of Locker.
Pick: Colts 27, Titans 17
The Titans aren't as bad as the Jaguars, whom the Colts destroyed 44-17 last week, but they still aren't good, especially without their starting quarterback. The Colts are probably enjoying these games against weak AFC South foes after starting with losses to Denver and Philadelphia.
Carolina Panthers (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. vs. His Old Team
Steve Smith spent the first 13 years of his NFL career in Carolina, usually as the best player on many bad teams. He was a fan favorite and team leader. Then Carolina cut him in the offseason to shed salary. Now Smith is starring for the Baltimore Ravens and the Panthers are hoping they've found a new deep threat in rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Smith is a fiery competitor, and although he says he's moved on, you would be silly to think he's not motivated to perform well against his former team.
Bold Prediction: Steve Smith Sr. and Kelvin Benjamin will each score at least one touchdown and gain at least 90 yards.
See "Matchup To Watch" and "Start 'em".
Start 'em: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin, the tall rookie receiver from Florida State, has impressed so far, including an eight catch, 115 yard, one touchdown outing last week in a loss to Pittsburgh. He's owned in 73% of ESPN fantasy leagues, and that number should only keep increasing, as Benjamin will keep improving and he and tight end Greg Olsen are Cam Newton's only real receiving threats.
Sit 'em: Ravens RB Bernard Pierce
Pierce, who was already sharing carries with Justin Forsett, watched as rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro (from Coastal Carolina) tore up the Browns to the tune of 91 yards and a touchdown after Pierce injured his hip. Now it looks like all three will share carries, with Taliaferro looking the most impressive so far. I wouldn't even keep Pierce on my roster, as he will be part of a three-man backfield-by-committee.
Pick 'em up: Ravens TE Owen Daniels (7.9%)
Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta injured his hip again last week and was put on IR, so Daniels will take over at tight end. Daniels will be an important part of the offense, and those looking for a tight end could do worse than him. Remember, he was a solid contributor in Houston (when Matt Schaub was a pretty good quarterback, which seems like ages ago).
Pick: Panthers 17, Ravens 13
Steve Smith Sr. will be motivated to beat the Panthers, but the Panthers will also be motivated to beat him. They're looking to rebound after an ugly loss to Pittsburgh last week, while Baltimore just scraped by Cleveland. Carolina is a better team, and they should be able to pull this one out.
Detroit Lions (2-1) @ New York Jets (1-2)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate vs. Jets Secondary
Calvin Johnson, of course, is the best receiver in the NFL, and so far this season he has 19 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns. His new running mate Golden Tate has also prospered, racking up 201 yards on 16 catches. The already suspect Jets secondary is banged-up, with corner Dee Miliner still recovering from ankle and quad injuries. However, the Jets have only allowed 209 passing yards per game so far this season.
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory will gain over 100 total yards.
Earlier this week, head coach Rex Ryan said that they may give Ivory more carries. Ivory is a bruising runner, and has played much better than running back mates Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell. Ivory had 96 total yards last week, and more snaps should mean more production.
Start 'em: Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford didn't need to do much last week, as the defense did most of the work in a win over the Packers. Stafford scored just three fantasy points (246 yards, 2 INT, Fumble). But other than that, he has played very well, and he will surely get back to his gun-slinging ways this week against a depleted Jets secondary.
Sit 'em: Lions RB Joique Bell
Bell has been a popular fantasy draft choice the past two seasons due to his pass-catching ability and Reggie Bush's injury history, but he hasn't made much noise thus far this season, although he has still gotten double-digit carries each game. Even with his decent workload, he's going up against a pretty stingy rush defense.
Pick 'em up: Lions D/ST (38.1%)
The Lions dominated Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week, and there point totals so far this season have been 10, 4, and 17. They have questions in the secondary, but their line brings so much chaos that it is made up for. The Jets aren't horrible on offense, but there also not an offensive juggernaut.
Pick: Lions 27, Jets 19
The Lions looked really good last week, and they've looked good all season so far. The Jets have looked okay, but Geno Smith is still erratic at quarterback (3 TD, 5 INT) and going up against a defense that has troubled opposing quarterbacks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Steelers Offense vs. Buccaneers Defense
Pittsburgh's offense struggled from halftime in Week 1 to the end of Week 2, but they exploded for 37 points in a blowout over Carolina. They are averaging 419.3 yards per game (2nd in AFC) and have one of the league's best wideouts (Antonio Brown) and running backs (Le'Veon Bell). The bumbling Bucs were blown out by Atlanta 54-16 last Thursday, and gave up 488 yards. They are a mess right now.
Bold Prediction: Mike Glennon will pass for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Glennon came in after Josh McCown injured his thumb in the blowout last week, going 17 for 24 with 121 yards and a touchdown. In 13 games last season, Glennon had 19 touchdowns and nine picks. He's also going up against a defense that's so banged up they signed 36-year-old linebacker James Harrison, who played with them from 2002 to 2012. Even if it's in garbage time, Glennon should be able to accomplish this.
Start 'em: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Tampa gave up 286 yards on 21 passes and three touchdowns to Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan last week, and now Big Ben, who was 22 for 30 with 196 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, gets to face the awful Buccaneers.
Sit 'em: Buccaneers RB Doug Martin
After getting injured early in Week 1, it looks like Martin will return this week. But with the production of backup Bobby Rainey and the struggles of the Tampa Bay offense, Martin probably won't get many points. In fact, at this point, especially with Martin's injury problems, Rainey is probably the better bet for the rest of the season.
Pick 'em up: Steelers K Shaun Suisham (33.3%)
Yes, it's another kicker. Suisham is second among kickers in fantasy points, playing with an offense that is up and down and relies heavily on the run. This week against Tampa, he's likely to get many points in what could be a blowout.
Pick: Steelers 38, Buccaneers 21
Tampa will play better this week (it's not hard to do that), and maybe Glennon will wake up this offense that has some playmakers (although probably not). Pittsburgh impressed in a thumping of the Panthers last week, and should cruise this week.
Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (0-3)-1:00, CBS (Played at Wembley Stadium in London, England)
Matchup To Watch: Dolphins Offense vs. Raiders Offense
Both of these offenses are struggling mightily right now. The Raiders are last in the NFL in points per game with 12.3. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr has done what many expected, which is struggle a bit. He has 588 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has struggled as well. In fact, there was controversy earlier this week when coach Joe Philbin wouldn't commit to Tannehill as his starter this week (he is starting). Since week one, when Miami beat New England 33-20, the Dolphins have scored just two touchdowns.
Bold Prediction: Caleb Sturgis and Sebastion Janikowski will each kick at least three field goals.
With the struggles of these two offenses, the kickers get a lot of work. Janikowski scored all of Oakland's points in a 16-9 loss to New England last week, and Sturgis has attempted eight field goals (and made seven) already this season.
Start 'em: Dolphins RB Lamar Miller
Miller is currently the feature back in Miami after Knowshon Moreno broke his arm in Week 2,and he ran for 103 yards on 15 carries in a loss to Kansas City last week. The Dolphins are going to continue leaning heavily on the run game with the inconsistent Tannehill at quarterback, and he's facing the second-worst rush defense in the NFL.
Sit 'em: Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Jones-Drew scored a grand total of two points in Week 1 sharing the backfield with Darren McFadden, and he missed the last two games with a hand injury, so I'm surprised he's still owned in 91.9% of leagues. But anyway, he won't get much action this week coming back from injury.
Pick 'em up: Dolphins D/ST (17.1%)
The 'Fins are a good defense to stream this week. They scored 10 fantasy points in Week 1 and Week 3 (Week 2 they scored -1) and they're facing a team that's last in the NFL in yards and points per game.
Pick: Raiders 22, Dolphins 20
Some strange things could happen in London, including Oakland's first win of the season and Derek Carr's first career win in the NFL. Carr has shown some encouraging things, and the Dolphins are in a bit of turmoil with the head coach's mistrust in the starting quarterback (one or both of them will probably lose his job if they lose this game).
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @ San Diego Chargers (2-1)-4:05, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars QB Blake Bortles vs. Chargers Defense
Bortles, the third overall pick out of Central Florida, will make his first career (regular season) start against the Chargers. He was supposed to have a 'redshirt" season, but head coach Gus Bradley decided to put him in for the ineffective Chad Henne at halftime of a blowout loss to Indianapolis last week. Bortles showed good mobility but also made some mistakes in garbage time against the Colts, and he'll try to make the most of this weak offense.
Bold Prediction: Bortles will throw for at least 300 yards.
The Jags are sure to air the ball out a ton, and they'll take chances with the rookie. Bortles had 223 yards in the second half last week (albeit probably against a lot of backups), and the Jaguars running game is almost nonexistent. Even if it's in garbage time, Bortles will throw a lot and rack up yards.
Start 'em: Chargers RB Donald Brown
Chargers starting running back Ryan Matthews sprained his MCL in Week 2 and will miss at least a month, and third-down back Danny Woodhead fractured his fibula and ankle last week and is out for the season. So Brown now gets a king's share of carries (he had 31 last week) and gets to run against the worst run defense in the NFL (160 rush yards allowed per game). Brown is a must-start this week.
Sit 'em: Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart
Poor Toby Gerhart. He was Adrian Peterson's backup for years, and then he finally gets a starting spot in Jacksonville, but it's for a team with an atrocious offensive line and pass-heavy offense (plus they're always down, so they're always throwing). Plus after Peterson's child abuse incident, he won't be playing for a while (and maybe never again for the Vikings), so backup Matt Asiata is taking advantage. Oh wait, but he's still a starter in the NFL and making tons of money. Drop Gerhart now. He has 2.4 yards per carry this year and has only gotten double-digit carries in one game.
Pick 'em up: Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (1.7%)
All is not gloomy in Jacksonville (okay, yes it is). The rookie from Penn State has become the most-targeted receiver for the Jaguars, scoring seven fantasy points in each of his last two games. He's a good pick-up in PPR leagues, since he's the most-targeted receiver in a pass-heavy offense.
Pick: Chargers 48, Jaguars 27
San Diego has looked great since a season-opening loss to the Cardinals in which they were winning late, beating Seattle and Buffalo convincingly. The Jaguars have looked like the Jaguars. They will improve under Bortles, but they're still not good.
Atlanta Falcons (2-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater vs. Falcons Defense
Yet another rookie quarterback makes his first start this week as Teddy Bridgewater will start in place of Matt Cassel, whom he came in for last week after Cassel broke his foot. Unlike Jacksonville with Bortles, Minnesota was pretty conservative with Bridgewater last week. He'll make his first start against a defense that is giving up 387 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Bridgewater will throw at least two touchdown passes.
Bridgewater may not throw as much as Bortles, since the Vikings are being conservative and do have some semblance of a running game, but he could throw for some touchdowns against the league's fifth-worst pass defense.
Start 'em: Vikings RB Matt Asiata
Atlanta has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Asiata is a solid flex start as the Vikings' main back and a threat in the short passing game.
Sit 'em: Falcons RB Steven Jackson
At this point, Jackson is probably not worth starting unless you have to start him. Last week was his best game of the season, when he had 14 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. With Matt Ryan throwing it to his bevy of weapons, the Falcon's running game is not worth banking on in fantasy.
Pick 'em up: Falcons K Matt Bryant (43.5%)
Yes, another kicker. He is a solid veteran kicker who plays his home games in a dome and kicks for a usually-explosive offense. His point totals thus far this season are 18, 5, and 7. Very good for a kicker.
Pick: Falcons 34, Vikings 27
I think Minnesota will make it close because Atlanta doesn't have a strong defense and Teddy Bridgewater is an upgrade over Chad Henne. However, the Falcons are the far superior team. The Vikings lost 9-20 to the Saints, who lost to the Falcons in Week 1 34-37.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles vs. 49ers Front Seven
McCoy and Sproles are always dangerous and elusive, but were quiet last week in a shootout win over Washington. McCoy, who was out part of the game after a hit to the head, had only 22 yards on 19 carries. Sproles didn't get many looks (for some reason), rushing twice for 20 yards and catching three passes for 30 yards. The always-tough Niners rush defense has allowed just 85.7 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Colin Kaepernick will throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown.
Kaepernick has not thrown over 300 yards in a game yet this season, but he'll probably do it against the Eagles. Philly has given up 266 yards and two touchdowns to Chad Henne, 172 yards (???) and three touchdowns to Andrew Luck, and 427 yards and three touchdowns to Kirk Cousins. San Fran is a run-heavy team, but against Philly, it may be a shootout.
Start 'em: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick
See "Bold Prediction".
Sit 'em: 49ers D/ST
The vaunted Niner defense hasn't fared very well the past two weeks, giving up 28 points to Chicago and 23 points to Arizona. That probably won't end against the high-flying Eagles offense that ranks second in the NFL in points per game.
Top Scorer: Giants QB Eli Manning (28-39, 300 yards, 4 TD, INT)
Pick: Redskins 34, Giants 31
This could have the makings of another high-scoring game for Washington, as neither defense is really strong, and both offenses put up big numbers last week. In the end, Cousins will make enough big plays to beat Eli and the Giants.
Result: Giants 45, Redskins 14
Player of the Game: Giants TE Larry Donnell (7 catches, 54 yards, 3 TD)
Green Bay Packers (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Bears TE Martellus Bennett vs. Packers Defense
In the three games the Packers have played so far this season, opposing tight ends only have a total of seven catches for 66 yards. Bennett has been one of the best tight ends in the league, catching 20 passes for 161 yards and four touchdowns and being a favorite of Jay Cutler's (tied for team lead in targets with Cutler's best friend Brandon Marshall). Bennett will pose the toughest test at tight end thus far for the Packers.
Bold Prediction: Matt Forte will rush for over 90 yards and a touchdown.
Forte, Chicago's versatile running back, has started a little slow this season, totaling only 136 yards on the ground through three games. He also has not found the endzone yet, but I think he will on Sunday. Green Bay hasn't done a great job stopping the run, giving up 110 yards and two touchdowns to Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, 146 yards and two touchdowns to New York, and 94 total yards and a touchdown to Detroit's Reggie Bush and Joique Bell.
Start 'em: Bears QB Jay Cutler
Cutler is having the breakout season many envisioned with his many weapons, ranking fourth among quarterbacks in fantasy points. He should be able to continue that Sunday in what could be a shootout against a below-average Green Bay defense.
Sit 'em: Bears TE Martellus Bennett
There is no obvious choice for the "Sit 'em" category, so I'll go with Bennett against a defense that has allowed the fewest points per game to opposing tight ends. I do think Bennett is the best tight end the Packers have faced, and he has a good chance of having a decent game, but the numbers never lie, and the numbers suggest you sit him.
Pick 'em up: Packers TE Anthony Quarless (2.1%)
There are slim pickings here, but Quarless is the Packers' starting tight end and did score last week, so someone in need of a tight end in a deep league could pick him up. However, I wouldn't recommend playing him this week against a pretty stout Bears defense.
Pick: Bears 31, Packers 27
The Bears have rebounded from a season-opening loss to Buffalo in overtime, looking sharp in wins over the Niners and Jets. The Packers, meanwhile, struggled against the Lions last week, and the Bears are similar to the Lions in that they have some explosive players on the offensive side of the ball and a defense that can create havoc at times. I do think Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy will get back on track after slow starts, but Chicago will take this rivalry game.
Buffalo Bills (2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bills WR Sammy Watkins
Both of these Clemson products lead their respective teams in receiving yards (Watkins: 13 receptions, 167 yards, TD; Hopkins: 13 receptions, 227 yards, 2 TD), and they are going up against defenses that are 26th (Buffalo) and 18th (Houston) at defending the pass.
Bold Prediction: C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will each run for at least 80 yards.
The Bills' two-headed running back monster of Spiller (37 carries, 147 yards) and Jackson (25 carries, 119 yards) isn't amazing, but it's solid, and it's going up against a Texans defense that gave up 176 yards to Giants running back Rashad Jennings last week.
Start 'em: Bills RB C.J. Spiller
Although he shares carries with Fred Jackson and only had 25 yards on 10 carries last week, he is Buffalo's lead ball carrier, and they will run the ball a lot against a weak run defense (142.7 yards per game). Be confident that Spiller will have a big game this week.
Sit 'em: Texans RB Arian Foster
There are a few reasons I would not start Foster this week, even after a Week 2 performance that saw him gain 138 yards on 28 carries: 1. He is questionable for this week's game after sitting out last week with a hamstring injury. 2. Even if he does play, he probably won't get a big workload. 3. The Bills have only allowed 83.7 rushing yards per game.
Pick 'em up: Bills K Dan Carpenter (16.3%)
Yes, I'm so desperate I've chosen a kicker. But he's currently ranked fourth among kickers in fantasy points, playing for a team who's offense is improved but still not quite there yet.
Pick: Texans 24, Bills 13
The Texans will need to stop the run, but if Ryan Fitzpatrick plays more like the first two games of the season (345 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) against his old team and less like last week (289 yards, TD, 3 INT), then the Texans should be able to beat a team that still has a shaky quarterback in E.J. Manuel.
Tennessee Titans (1-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Colts Defense
The Colts are not a very good pass defense (28th in the NFL) and they have given up 13 receptions, 206 yards, and three touchdowns (the three touchdowns were all from Denver's Julius Thomas) to tight ends. Walker torched Dallas in Week 2 for 142 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. However, there are some variables with Walker. First, he's questionable against the Colts with a shoulder injury he suffered last week against the Bengals. Second, his quarterback, Jake Locker, is hurt, so journeyman backup Charlie Whitehurst will be under center.
Bold Prediction: Shonn Greene will run for at least 80 yards and a touchdown.
Greene gets the majority of the touches in the Tennessee backfield (30 to Bishop Sankey's 18) and he had 10 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown in a blowout loss to the Bengals where the Titans were throwing early and often. With Whitehurst starting at quarterback this week and an opposing defense that's not much better at stopping the run then it is at stopping the pass, Greene could have a solid game.
Start 'em: Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw
Bradshaw is still only owned in 81.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues, even though he's second on the Colts in fantasy points (to Andrew Luck, of course). I understand that he's technically not the starter, but he is better than Trent Richardson, and he still gets a good amount of carries. Plus, as a bonus for players in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, he is the receiving back for the Colts. While he will probably cool off a bit after a hot start, and he is pretty brittle, right now he's a smart start, especially against a slumping Titans team.
Sit 'em: Titans WR Kendall Wright
I picked Wright in one of my fantasy drafts (PPR league) and expected the talented receiver to play well in an improved Titans offense. Unfortunately, poor quarterback play has plagued him once again. He'll still get targets, but with Whitehurst at quarterback this week, he's hard to trust.
Pick 'em up: Colts D/ST (11.1%)
For those of you who stream defenses based on matchup, the Colts are a decent play this week. They're playing a Titans offense that has struggled this season, averaging 14.3 points a game and has turned the ball over five times in three games, and some good defenses are on bye this week. Plus, they get to face Whitehurst instead of Locker.
Pick: Colts 27, Titans 17
The Titans aren't as bad as the Jaguars, whom the Colts destroyed 44-17 last week, but they still aren't good, especially without their starting quarterback. The Colts are probably enjoying these games against weak AFC South foes after starting with losses to Denver and Philadelphia.
Carolina Panthers (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. vs. His Old Team
Steve Smith spent the first 13 years of his NFL career in Carolina, usually as the best player on many bad teams. He was a fan favorite and team leader. Then Carolina cut him in the offseason to shed salary. Now Smith is starring for the Baltimore Ravens and the Panthers are hoping they've found a new deep threat in rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Smith is a fiery competitor, and although he says he's moved on, you would be silly to think he's not motivated to perform well against his former team.
Bold Prediction: Steve Smith Sr. and Kelvin Benjamin will each score at least one touchdown and gain at least 90 yards.
See "Matchup To Watch" and "Start 'em".
Start 'em: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin, the tall rookie receiver from Florida State, has impressed so far, including an eight catch, 115 yard, one touchdown outing last week in a loss to Pittsburgh. He's owned in 73% of ESPN fantasy leagues, and that number should only keep increasing, as Benjamin will keep improving and he and tight end Greg Olsen are Cam Newton's only real receiving threats.
Sit 'em: Ravens RB Bernard Pierce
Pierce, who was already sharing carries with Justin Forsett, watched as rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro (from Coastal Carolina) tore up the Browns to the tune of 91 yards and a touchdown after Pierce injured his hip. Now it looks like all three will share carries, with Taliaferro looking the most impressive so far. I wouldn't even keep Pierce on my roster, as he will be part of a three-man backfield-by-committee.
Pick 'em up: Ravens TE Owen Daniels (7.9%)
Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta injured his hip again last week and was put on IR, so Daniels will take over at tight end. Daniels will be an important part of the offense, and those looking for a tight end could do worse than him. Remember, he was a solid contributor in Houston (when Matt Schaub was a pretty good quarterback, which seems like ages ago).
Pick: Panthers 17, Ravens 13
Steve Smith Sr. will be motivated to beat the Panthers, but the Panthers will also be motivated to beat him. They're looking to rebound after an ugly loss to Pittsburgh last week, while Baltimore just scraped by Cleveland. Carolina is a better team, and they should be able to pull this one out.
Detroit Lions (2-1) @ New York Jets (1-2)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate vs. Jets Secondary
Calvin Johnson, of course, is the best receiver in the NFL, and so far this season he has 19 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns. His new running mate Golden Tate has also prospered, racking up 201 yards on 16 catches. The already suspect Jets secondary is banged-up, with corner Dee Miliner still recovering from ankle and quad injuries. However, the Jets have only allowed 209 passing yards per game so far this season.
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory will gain over 100 total yards.
Earlier this week, head coach Rex Ryan said that they may give Ivory more carries. Ivory is a bruising runner, and has played much better than running back mates Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell. Ivory had 96 total yards last week, and more snaps should mean more production.
Start 'em: Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford didn't need to do much last week, as the defense did most of the work in a win over the Packers. Stafford scored just three fantasy points (246 yards, 2 INT, Fumble). But other than that, he has played very well, and he will surely get back to his gun-slinging ways this week against a depleted Jets secondary.
Sit 'em: Lions RB Joique Bell
Bell has been a popular fantasy draft choice the past two seasons due to his pass-catching ability and Reggie Bush's injury history, but he hasn't made much noise thus far this season, although he has still gotten double-digit carries each game. Even with his decent workload, he's going up against a pretty stingy rush defense.
Pick 'em up: Lions D/ST (38.1%)
The Lions dominated Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week, and there point totals so far this season have been 10, 4, and 17. They have questions in the secondary, but their line brings so much chaos that it is made up for. The Jets aren't horrible on offense, but there also not an offensive juggernaut.
Pick: Lions 27, Jets 19
The Lions looked really good last week, and they've looked good all season so far. The Jets have looked okay, but Geno Smith is still erratic at quarterback (3 TD, 5 INT) and going up against a defense that has troubled opposing quarterbacks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Steelers Offense vs. Buccaneers Defense
Pittsburgh's offense struggled from halftime in Week 1 to the end of Week 2, but they exploded for 37 points in a blowout over Carolina. They are averaging 419.3 yards per game (2nd in AFC) and have one of the league's best wideouts (Antonio Brown) and running backs (Le'Veon Bell). The bumbling Bucs were blown out by Atlanta 54-16 last Thursday, and gave up 488 yards. They are a mess right now.
Bold Prediction: Mike Glennon will pass for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Glennon came in after Josh McCown injured his thumb in the blowout last week, going 17 for 24 with 121 yards and a touchdown. In 13 games last season, Glennon had 19 touchdowns and nine picks. He's also going up against a defense that's so banged up they signed 36-year-old linebacker James Harrison, who played with them from 2002 to 2012. Even if it's in garbage time, Glennon should be able to accomplish this.
Start 'em: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Tampa gave up 286 yards on 21 passes and three touchdowns to Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan last week, and now Big Ben, who was 22 for 30 with 196 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, gets to face the awful Buccaneers.
Sit 'em: Buccaneers RB Doug Martin
After getting injured early in Week 1, it looks like Martin will return this week. But with the production of backup Bobby Rainey and the struggles of the Tampa Bay offense, Martin probably won't get many points. In fact, at this point, especially with Martin's injury problems, Rainey is probably the better bet for the rest of the season.
Pick 'em up: Steelers K Shaun Suisham (33.3%)
Yes, it's another kicker. Suisham is second among kickers in fantasy points, playing with an offense that is up and down and relies heavily on the run. This week against Tampa, he's likely to get many points in what could be a blowout.
Pick: Steelers 38, Buccaneers 21
Tampa will play better this week (it's not hard to do that), and maybe Glennon will wake up this offense that has some playmakers (although probably not). Pittsburgh impressed in a thumping of the Panthers last week, and should cruise this week.
Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (0-3)-1:00, CBS (Played at Wembley Stadium in London, England)
Matchup To Watch: Dolphins Offense vs. Raiders Offense
Both of these offenses are struggling mightily right now. The Raiders are last in the NFL in points per game with 12.3. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr has done what many expected, which is struggle a bit. He has 588 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has struggled as well. In fact, there was controversy earlier this week when coach Joe Philbin wouldn't commit to Tannehill as his starter this week (he is starting). Since week one, when Miami beat New England 33-20, the Dolphins have scored just two touchdowns.
Bold Prediction: Caleb Sturgis and Sebastion Janikowski will each kick at least three field goals.
With the struggles of these two offenses, the kickers get a lot of work. Janikowski scored all of Oakland's points in a 16-9 loss to New England last week, and Sturgis has attempted eight field goals (and made seven) already this season.
Start 'em: Dolphins RB Lamar Miller
Miller is currently the feature back in Miami after Knowshon Moreno broke his arm in Week 2,and he ran for 103 yards on 15 carries in a loss to Kansas City last week. The Dolphins are going to continue leaning heavily on the run game with the inconsistent Tannehill at quarterback, and he's facing the second-worst rush defense in the NFL.
Sit 'em: Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Jones-Drew scored a grand total of two points in Week 1 sharing the backfield with Darren McFadden, and he missed the last two games with a hand injury, so I'm surprised he's still owned in 91.9% of leagues. But anyway, he won't get much action this week coming back from injury.
Pick 'em up: Dolphins D/ST (17.1%)
The 'Fins are a good defense to stream this week. They scored 10 fantasy points in Week 1 and Week 3 (Week 2 they scored -1) and they're facing a team that's last in the NFL in yards and points per game.
Pick: Raiders 22, Dolphins 20
Some strange things could happen in London, including Oakland's first win of the season and Derek Carr's first career win in the NFL. Carr has shown some encouraging things, and the Dolphins are in a bit of turmoil with the head coach's mistrust in the starting quarterback (one or both of them will probably lose his job if they lose this game).
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @ San Diego Chargers (2-1)-4:05, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars QB Blake Bortles vs. Chargers Defense
Bortles, the third overall pick out of Central Florida, will make his first career (regular season) start against the Chargers. He was supposed to have a 'redshirt" season, but head coach Gus Bradley decided to put him in for the ineffective Chad Henne at halftime of a blowout loss to Indianapolis last week. Bortles showed good mobility but also made some mistakes in garbage time against the Colts, and he'll try to make the most of this weak offense.
Bold Prediction: Bortles will throw for at least 300 yards.
The Jags are sure to air the ball out a ton, and they'll take chances with the rookie. Bortles had 223 yards in the second half last week (albeit probably against a lot of backups), and the Jaguars running game is almost nonexistent. Even if it's in garbage time, Bortles will throw a lot and rack up yards.
Start 'em: Chargers RB Donald Brown
Chargers starting running back Ryan Matthews sprained his MCL in Week 2 and will miss at least a month, and third-down back Danny Woodhead fractured his fibula and ankle last week and is out for the season. So Brown now gets a king's share of carries (he had 31 last week) and gets to run against the worst run defense in the NFL (160 rush yards allowed per game). Brown is a must-start this week.
Sit 'em: Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart
Poor Toby Gerhart. He was Adrian Peterson's backup for years, and then he finally gets a starting spot in Jacksonville, but it's for a team with an atrocious offensive line and pass-heavy offense (plus they're always down, so they're always throwing). Plus after Peterson's child abuse incident, he won't be playing for a while (and maybe never again for the Vikings), so backup Matt Asiata is taking advantage. Oh wait, but he's still a starter in the NFL and making tons of money. Drop Gerhart now. He has 2.4 yards per carry this year and has only gotten double-digit carries in one game.
Pick 'em up: Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (1.7%)
All is not gloomy in Jacksonville (okay, yes it is). The rookie from Penn State has become the most-targeted receiver for the Jaguars, scoring seven fantasy points in each of his last two games. He's a good pick-up in PPR leagues, since he's the most-targeted receiver in a pass-heavy offense.
Pick: Chargers 48, Jaguars 27
San Diego has looked great since a season-opening loss to the Cardinals in which they were winning late, beating Seattle and Buffalo convincingly. The Jaguars have looked like the Jaguars. They will improve under Bortles, but they're still not good.
Atlanta Falcons (2-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater vs. Falcons Defense
Yet another rookie quarterback makes his first start this week as Teddy Bridgewater will start in place of Matt Cassel, whom he came in for last week after Cassel broke his foot. Unlike Jacksonville with Bortles, Minnesota was pretty conservative with Bridgewater last week. He'll make his first start against a defense that is giving up 387 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Bridgewater will throw at least two touchdown passes.
Bridgewater may not throw as much as Bortles, since the Vikings are being conservative and do have some semblance of a running game, but he could throw for some touchdowns against the league's fifth-worst pass defense.
Start 'em: Vikings RB Matt Asiata
Atlanta has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Asiata is a solid flex start as the Vikings' main back and a threat in the short passing game.
Sit 'em: Falcons RB Steven Jackson
At this point, Jackson is probably not worth starting unless you have to start him. Last week was his best game of the season, when he had 14 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. With Matt Ryan throwing it to his bevy of weapons, the Falcon's running game is not worth banking on in fantasy.
Pick 'em up: Falcons K Matt Bryant (43.5%)
Yes, another kicker. He is a solid veteran kicker who plays his home games in a dome and kicks for a usually-explosive offense. His point totals thus far this season are 18, 5, and 7. Very good for a kicker.
Pick: Falcons 34, Vikings 27
I think Minnesota will make it close because Atlanta doesn't have a strong defense and Teddy Bridgewater is an upgrade over Chad Henne. However, the Falcons are the far superior team. The Vikings lost 9-20 to the Saints, who lost to the Falcons in Week 1 34-37.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles vs. 49ers Front Seven
McCoy and Sproles are always dangerous and elusive, but were quiet last week in a shootout win over Washington. McCoy, who was out part of the game after a hit to the head, had only 22 yards on 19 carries. Sproles didn't get many looks (for some reason), rushing twice for 20 yards and catching three passes for 30 yards. The always-tough Niners rush defense has allowed just 85.7 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Colin Kaepernick will throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown.
Kaepernick has not thrown over 300 yards in a game yet this season, but he'll probably do it against the Eagles. Philly has given up 266 yards and two touchdowns to Chad Henne, 172 yards (???) and three touchdowns to Andrew Luck, and 427 yards and three touchdowns to Kirk Cousins. San Fran is a run-heavy team, but against Philly, it may be a shootout.
Start 'em: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick
See "Bold Prediction".
Sit 'em: 49ers D/ST
The vaunted Niner defense hasn't fared very well the past two weeks, giving up 28 points to Chicago and 23 points to Arizona. That probably won't end against the high-flying Eagles offense that ranks second in the NFL in points per game.
Pick 'em up: Eagles WR Jordan Matthews (13.6%)
Matthews broke out last week in the war with Washington with 59 yards and two touchdowns. He's become the number two wide receiver behind Jeremy Maclin, and he could be a good pick up in a deeper league.
Pick: Eagles 35, 49ers 32
I just can't pick against Philadelphia. They make it interesting and go down early, but then they cruise the rest of the way and they're 3-0. The Niners could take this at home, but until the Eagles lose, I'm picking them to win.
New Orleans Saints (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)-8:30, NBC
Matchup To Watch: Cowboys Offense vs. Saints Offense
Both of these teams are dangerous offensively and have multiple weapons. Dallas has the league's leading rusher in DeMarco Murray (385 yards) and the ever-dangerous deep threat Dez Bryant. The Saints, although they've struggled stopping teams from scoring, haven't really struggled to score themselves. They are sixth in the league in rush yards per game (140.3), and Drew Brees has a variety of targets, including Jimmy Graham and speedy rookie receiver Brandin Cooks.
Bold Prediction: Each team will have at least 450 yards of total offense.
Both of these teams have weak defenses and lethal offenses. The Saints are averaging 422 total yards a game and Dallas had 448 total yards last week in a win over the Rams.
Star 'em: Saints WR Brandin Cooks
The rookie Cooks (from Oregon State) has become Drew Brees' favorite target, leading the team in catches and yards last week (8 catches, 74 yards). The Cowboys defense is still the Cowboys defense, so this one could be a shootout, and Cooks will get lots of looks.
Sit 'em: Cowboys TE Jason Witten
Witten has been a consistent commodity for years, but this year he's only caught a total of 10 passes and has not yet found the end zone. He's still a decent play at tight end, but if you have someone like Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker, Antonio Gates, Zack Ertz, or Travis Kelce, don't play Witten.
Pick 'em up: Saints WR Brandin Cooks (69.3)
Mostly everybody in this matchup is heavily owned (as they should be), so I'm going to break a rule I just instituted and go with Cooks, who's owned in more than half of ESPN fantasy leagues but should be owned in more (and should be owned in all PPR leagues).
Pick: Cowboys 38, Saints 35
The Cowboys have shown they can win and have a very productive rushing attack, while the Saints have not yet shown they can stop people (the Vikings without Adrian Peterson do not count). They also haven't shown they can play well outside of the cozy Superdome. Cowboys in a shootout.
New England Patriots (2-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)-Mon. 8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs Running Backs vs. Patriots Defense
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis might find some running room against New England (or might not). The Patriots have only given up 104 rushing yards per game, but in Week 1 they gave up 134 rushing yards to Miami running back Knowshon Moreno in a loss to the Dolphins. Davis ran for 132 yards on 32 carries in a win over Miami last week, but it looks like Charles is a go this week (he's listed as probable).
Bold Prediction: Tom Brady will throw for 200 yards or less.
Brady hasn't been outstanding through three weeks this season, averaging 210.7 yards per game. He faces a Kansas City pass defense that has allowed 223.7 yards per game, and one of the three quarterbacks they've played is Peyton Manning (of course, the other two are Jake Locker and Ryan Tannehill, but still).
Start 'em: Patriots WR Julian Edelman
Edelman is far and away Tom Brady's favorite target, as he has twice as many catches as any other Patriot receiver. The Chiefs aren't very strong against the pass (I know what I said in "Bold Prediction") and Edelman is sure to get targets (he had 10 for 84 yards last week).
Sit 'em: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
Neither of these guys has been very productive this season. Ridley is averaging 3.4 yards per carry and Vereen is averaging 5.8 yards per catch, and they are already in a time share at running back. They aren't horrible options, but you can do much better.
Pick 'em up: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (34%)
Kelce is the Chiefs leading receiver and is 11th among tight ends in fantasy. He will continue to see targets and scoring opportunities after finding the endzone for the first time last week.
Pick: Chiefs 24, Patriots 19
The Patriots are 2-1, but they haven't been pretty wins. They beat Oakland last week thanks to a holding penalty that negated a Raider touchdown and a Vince Wilfork interception off a deflection. The Chiefs haven't looked great either, but they almost beat Denver and crushed Miami, who dispatched of New England in Week 1, last week.
Both of these teams are dangerous offensively and have multiple weapons. Dallas has the league's leading rusher in DeMarco Murray (385 yards) and the ever-dangerous deep threat Dez Bryant. The Saints, although they've struggled stopping teams from scoring, haven't really struggled to score themselves. They are sixth in the league in rush yards per game (140.3), and Drew Brees has a variety of targets, including Jimmy Graham and speedy rookie receiver Brandin Cooks.
Bold Prediction: Each team will have at least 450 yards of total offense.
Both of these teams have weak defenses and lethal offenses. The Saints are averaging 422 total yards a game and Dallas had 448 total yards last week in a win over the Rams.
Star 'em: Saints WR Brandin Cooks
The rookie Cooks (from Oregon State) has become Drew Brees' favorite target, leading the team in catches and yards last week (8 catches, 74 yards). The Cowboys defense is still the Cowboys defense, so this one could be a shootout, and Cooks will get lots of looks.
Sit 'em: Cowboys TE Jason Witten
Witten has been a consistent commodity for years, but this year he's only caught a total of 10 passes and has not yet found the end zone. He's still a decent play at tight end, but if you have someone like Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker, Antonio Gates, Zack Ertz, or Travis Kelce, don't play Witten.
Pick 'em up: Saints WR Brandin Cooks (69.3)
Mostly everybody in this matchup is heavily owned (as they should be), so I'm going to break a rule I just instituted and go with Cooks, who's owned in more than half of ESPN fantasy leagues but should be owned in more (and should be owned in all PPR leagues).
Pick: Cowboys 38, Saints 35
The Cowboys have shown they can win and have a very productive rushing attack, while the Saints have not yet shown they can stop people (the Vikings without Adrian Peterson do not count). They also haven't shown they can play well outside of the cozy Superdome. Cowboys in a shootout.
New England Patriots (2-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)-Mon. 8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs Running Backs vs. Patriots Defense
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis might find some running room against New England (or might not). The Patriots have only given up 104 rushing yards per game, but in Week 1 they gave up 134 rushing yards to Miami running back Knowshon Moreno in a loss to the Dolphins. Davis ran for 132 yards on 32 carries in a win over Miami last week, but it looks like Charles is a go this week (he's listed as probable).
Bold Prediction: Tom Brady will throw for 200 yards or less.
Brady hasn't been outstanding through three weeks this season, averaging 210.7 yards per game. He faces a Kansas City pass defense that has allowed 223.7 yards per game, and one of the three quarterbacks they've played is Peyton Manning (of course, the other two are Jake Locker and Ryan Tannehill, but still).
Start 'em: Patriots WR Julian Edelman
Edelman is far and away Tom Brady's favorite target, as he has twice as many catches as any other Patriot receiver. The Chiefs aren't very strong against the pass (I know what I said in "Bold Prediction") and Edelman is sure to get targets (he had 10 for 84 yards last week).
Sit 'em: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
Neither of these guys has been very productive this season. Ridley is averaging 3.4 yards per carry and Vereen is averaging 5.8 yards per catch, and they are already in a time share at running back. They aren't horrible options, but you can do much better.
Pick 'em up: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (34%)
Kelce is the Chiefs leading receiver and is 11th among tight ends in fantasy. He will continue to see targets and scoring opportunities after finding the endzone for the first time last week.
Pick: Chiefs 24, Patriots 19
The Patriots are 2-1, but they haven't been pretty wins. They beat Oakland last week thanks to a holding penalty that negated a Raider touchdown and a Vince Wilfork interception off a deflection. The Chiefs haven't looked great either, but they almost beat Denver and crushed Miami, who dispatched of New England in Week 1, last week.
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