Week 3: Busts of the Week
As with any NFL season there are surprises that no one can anticipate. The first two weeks of the season have showed us a preview of things to come. Some teams will start their road to a bounce back season in Week 3, while others will continue to falter. Many coaches, players and fantasy owners are frustrated at this stage with teams and players not performing up to predicted standards. Cincinnati has struggled significantly, Cleveland is sub par, Oakland has no air game and I could go on. This week, Cincinnati faces a New York defense that has stood strong, Cleveland will have to work hard against Baltimore and other teams will face adversity in their quest for success. This week some of the notable busts include: Randy Moss, the Cincinnati air attack and a few struggling running backs and wide outs.
I am predicting that New England will once again keep Cassel's long passing game at bay, New York and Baltimore will shut down the Cincinnati and Cleveland offenses respectively and a few touted tight ends will continue to put up poor numbers.
QB Carson Palmer, ---
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Palmer has thrown zero touch downs, tossed only 228 yards and thrown 3 picks to date. This is the ultimate poor QB performance through two games. Carson's QB ratings for the first two games this season (35.3 and 41.3 respectively) are his two worst ratings ever in his professional career. Something is not right in Cincinnati and if it is not fixed, the offense will continue to struggle in the AFC North. Palmer did sprain his ankle in Week 2, but reports state that this should not set back his ability to start Week 3. However, I would hesitate to start Palmer against a strong New York defense and even question starting him until he shows his prowess as a number one QB option. Palmer has wide out options, but just has not been able to connect. T.J. and Chad are also questionable starts this week.
RB Ryan Grant, ---
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Ryan Grant's value is dropping quickly, like a stone. Grant was questionable for starting the season healthy after injuring his hamstring in the preseason, but his abilities and potential to lead the Green Bay ground game kept him ranked high in most RB circles. At this stage, with Grant's injury and his inability to be effective out of the backfield, Brandon Jackson looks like he might be the go-to guy in this scheme. Green Bay is being listed as a highly ranked team this season and if Grant does not perform well, he will have his carries limited or sit.
RB Jamal Lewis, ---
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Lewis has just 32 carries and 100 yards in 2 games and now he faces Baltimore in Week 3. Sure this is his old team and he will be out for a win, but the Cleveland air attack has been suffering as well and this does not bode well for open running lanes. If Anderson, who actually looks good, can connect with a struggling Edwards, things could change. However, I do not see this happening this week.
RB Ricky Williams, ---
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Ricky Williams and the Miami ground game are struggling. Williams has only amassed 52 yards on 21 carries and Ronnie Brown has stolen the only rushing touchdown so far this season. Despite Brown's return from injury and the likelihood that Williams will get carries and some reception looks, he is not the best option at RB (especially vs. New England this week). Williams will likely see a decrease in his role and therefore his production as Brown works fully back into the mix. In Week 3, I anticipate New England really shutting down the Miami offense since New York and Arizona did so quite effectively.
WR Braylon Edwards, ---
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Kellen Winslow seems to be the go-to man in Cleveland. Where does this leave Braylon Edwards? Edwards was anticipated to be a fantasy stud this season and has yet to show his worth. With 5 receptions for 46 yards over two games, Edwards is truly a detriment to his team so far. I think Edward's slump will continue this week vs. Baltimore, who had their bye early due to Ike and will be well-rested and ready to shut down the Cleveland offense.
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, ---
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With the poor performance of Carson Palmer, T.J. (who has 6 receptions for 70 yards) may go scoreless again this week at New York. Houshmandzadeh must be frustrated by the poor playing of his team and will be looking to get the ball and make a difference, but inaccurate passing and lack of opportunity will continue to plague this talented receiver until his guys all gel. I simply do not like his chances this week away at New York.
