Injuries were prominent in week two, so we break down who starts and who sits in week three of fantasy football.
Last week, we thought starting Sterling Shepard and Travis Benjamin were good plays. Each had over 100 yards, while Benjamin grabbed two touchdowns. We also mentioned sitting Vincent Jackson and Jared Cook, who were both held to under 50 yards while neither reached the end zone.
Fantasy football is now in full swing. Player roles have become much more defined, fringe players are gaining or losing trust of their teammates and coaching staff, and it’s becoming slightly more clear who is going to get more playing time. However, just when things were becoming clear, the injury bug struck.
Week two’s biggest storylines came from the injury report. Adrian Peterson‘s torn meniscus, Danny Woodhead‘s ACL, and Jonathan Stewart‘s hamstring highlighted a week full of devastating injuries.
If you’ve been diligent on the waiver wire and stashed back-ups for these types of situations, your prudence may be rewarded in week three.
Additionally, we’ve seen some hot starts and cold beginnings in 2016, but that could be changing in the near future. Your week three start ’em or sit ’em picks are below.
Start ‘Em
Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hurns found the end zone 10 times in 2015, but hasn’t registered any scores thus far. However, his production suggests that could be about to change. He has 9 catches for 139 yards over the first two games and was targeted a team high 10 times on Sunday. Hurn’s fortune could be shifting for the positive.
The Jaguars have been playing from behind thus far and have found little success running the football. At home against a solid Baltimore defense, Hurns is still worthy of a start as your FLEX given his production and targets. He may not be able to replicate his stellar 2015, but he should be in line for a solid season one way or another.
Sit ‘Em
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Buffalo Bills
Blessed with olympic speed, Goodwin torched Darell Revis in week two for an 84 yard touchdown reception. However, he only finished with two catches. While he did record 112 yards and a score on the day, the big play threat is too hit or miss to be relied upon in week three.
The Bills face one of the best secondaries in the league against Arizona. Fresh of allowing just seven points and grabbing four picks against James Winston, Goodwin is better off sticking to the bench this week.
While Goodwin may not be the right play this week, monitor Sammy Watkins‘s foot injury as the season progresses. Goodwin could see additional playing time at a later date.
Start ‘Em
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns
A useful player from the Browns? You bet. Crowell ran for 133 yards and a touchdown last week, and has a clear edge over Duke Johnson for the bulk of the running back work load.
He’ll face a Miami defense that ranked 28th against the run last year at just over 126 yards per game, and has allowed over 136 per game through two weeks this season.
The Browns will also start a rookie quarterback in Cody Kessler next week, which could mean more carries for Crowell to take the pressure off the young signal caller.
Sit ‘Em
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Boyd is someone that you want to keep on your roster for the long haul. He can play on the outside or in the slot, and he should usurp Brandon LaFell as the wide receiver opposite of A.J. Green in time. The rookie has serious versatility and should be watched moving forward. However, he’s not an ideal play this week.
After a disappointing week one, Boyd’s impressive 6 catch and 78 yard performance were a cause for optimism in week two. Don’t get too excited though, as he’ll have to face off with Denver’s defense, and one of the deepest secondaries in the league. Boyd will have value, just not this week.
Start ‘Em
Phillip Dorsett, WR, Indianapolis Colts
The former first round pick has not been a prime target for Andrew Luck, but could see an uptick in targets. Donte Moncrief‘s injuries woes may have just opened the door for the speedy Dorsett to make his presence felt.
His encouraging 94 yard performance in week one should overshadow his paltry one catch performance from last week. The Colts’ offense struggled as a whole on the road against arguably the league’s best defense.
At home versus a San Diego defense that has allowed 324.5 yards per game through the air thus far could be a recipe for success. If you’re in need or receiver help next week, Dorsett deserves consideration.
Sit ‘Em
Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams
It’s only week three, but it’s hard to continue playing Gurley. Averaging just 2.7 yards per carry, the production just isn’t there, and it doesn’t look like better days are ahead. Until Jared Goff emerges as a legitimate quarterback, the Rams have a QB disaster on their hands. The results are teams stacking eight or so defenders in the box, giving Gurley little room to run.
The Rams will travel to Tampa Bay next week, who have allowed just 76.5 yards per game on the ground this year. This might not be a fluke either, as the Bucs finished eleventh against the run last year.
Until Gurley and the Rams’ offense shows signs of life, it’s hard to say the second year pro warrants a start.
