Week 3: Start 'Em
Here are a list of players you might want to consider starting if you're in a jam this week and need a starter. Good luck this week, feel free to reach out to me for any questions on twitter. @dkalles8
QB Alex Smith, ---
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So far so good in Kansas City with new quarterback Alex Smith. Not only have the Chiefs won their first two games, but also Smith has been great -- passing for 296 yards, four touchdowns and rushing for 82 yards. Smith has looked great running new head coach Andy Reid's offense, and will look to help him put up a big win as the Chiefs go into Philadelphia this week to face Reid's former team, the Eagles. This is a great matchup for the quarterback as the Eagles' D has given up a ridiculous 720 yards passing in their first two weeks. If you're looking for some help at quarterback, Smith is definitely worth a look in this above average matchup.
RB Rashard Mendenhall, ---
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Expectations were pretty low for Rashard Mendenhall going into the season. While he hasn't ripped it up over the first two weeks, he has been productive. In Week 2 Mendenhall rushed for 66 yards and one touchdown and added two receptions for 28 yards. He now has 158 total yards after the first two games. This week Mendenhall has an above average matchup as he faces a New Orleans Saints defense that is coming off a game where they gave up 160 yards rushing to Tampa Bay. Arizona has made the ex-Steeler its lead back and are giving him ample touches. That makes Mendenhall a worthy flex start or very low end RB2 if you're dealing with some injury issues.
RB Knowshon Moreno, ---
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It seems that ever since the Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, they have been looking to replace him. They signed Willis McGahee as a free agent, drafted Ronnie Hillman two years ago and then Montee Ball this past year. Somehow, through all this Moreno has become the running back most trusted by Peyton Manning and the Broncos Offense. Despite Denver giving Ball and Hillman every chance to take over as the number 1 back, it was Moreno starting each of the first two games, leading the Broncos in rushing with 121 yards and two touchdowns. Then tack on catching all six of his targets for 51 yards. Over the same two games, Denver has given Ball an opportunity with 20 carries (two less than Moreno), but the rookie only has 40 yards on those carries. Until further notice - and especially this week against the Raiders - Moreno is a very solid start as your number 2 running back or as a flex starter.
RB James Starks, ---
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Rookie running back Eddie Lacy went down with a concussion Sunday, taking down some fantasy teams along with him. In stepped James Starks with one of the best games of his career -- rushing for a career high 132 yards with one touchdown, as well as four receptions for 36 yards. He became the first Packer in a 45-game stretch to rush for over 100 yards. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, Starks had his best training camp by far en route to beating out Alex Green and rookie Jonathan Franklin for the backup spot behind Lacy. It looks like Lacy will miss at least Week 3's matchup at Cincinnati (Green Bay has a bye the following week) meaning Starks should continue to get the bulk of the running back touches. If you need help with your No. 2 running back or flex, give Starks a look.
WR Kendall Wright, ---
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If you are in a point per reception league, Kendall Wright might be your guy to start this week. Don't expect Wright's numbers to blow you away when you look at them, but in PPR leagues he definitely brings value this week. The Titans face the San Diego Chargers, who have given up an NFL worst 751 yards passing over the first two games. While not so impressive, Wright leads the Titans in targets with 15, catching nine of them for a meager 65 yards. He did help fantasy teams last week with his first TD of the season. If you're in a deep league and are dealing with one of the many injuries suffered over the first two weeks of the season, Wright makes for a very solid start at flex. The former Baylor burner can even be put into a WR3 spot if you are really stuck.
(Thursday update - Wright has missed the last few days with concussion symptoms. If he sits out, fellow Titans WR Nate Washington becomes more appealing).
