Week 3: Start 'Em
Week 2 was definitely much more exciting than week 1. Two players had ridiculous fantasy weeks: Frank Gore rushed for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, to go along with 5 catches for 39 yards and he wasn't even the stud of the week. That honor goes to Chris Johnson. Johnson rushed for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with 9 catches for 97 yards and another touchdown. There were fantasy starters out with injuries -- Donovan McNabb, LT, Pierre Thomas, Wes Welker (and now it looks like Marion Barber and possibly Desean Jackson will join them), not to mention would-be fantasy studs not playing up to par, like Steve Slaton, Brandon Jacobs and Brandon Marshall. If you have an injured player or one of your "regular" players hasn't played up to par so far, here are some players you might want to consider starting.
QB Trent Edwards, OAK
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When the Bills brought in T.O. there were expectations that that Trent Edwards would be able to put up good fantasy numbers. So far, so good. In week 1, Edwards passed for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns and then last week he passed for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week the Bills will be at home to face the New Orleans Saints, a great match up for Edwards. The Saints are giving up 24.5 points per game and 288 yards per game through the air. Look for Edwards to try and exploit the Saints' defense and go deep to T.O. and Lee Evans. Give Edwards a chance to start this week.
QB Eli Manning, ---
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In most leagues on most weeks over the past 3 seasons, Eli Manning has not been a fantasy starter. The Giants' running game has been too good and so there is not as much need to pass the ball. Not so this season, teams seem to be playing 8 men in the box to try and stuff the run and have been daring Manning to beat them downfield. Even without his old favorite weapon Plaxico Burress, (serving time in jail) he has done so and looks great so far doing it. In 2 games this season he has already thrown for 586 yards and 3 touchdowns. This week he plays a Tampa team that is giving up 282 yards per game and 5 passing touchdowns this season. Make sure to have Eli Manning in the line up this week
RB Willis McGahee, ---
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With all the talk in Baltimore about Ray Rice, Willis McGahee was able to drop in most fantasy drafts and is looking like a great sleeper pick so far. He has been sharing the ball with Rice and McClain, but is still getting all the important goal line carries, and has already scored 4 touchdowns (3 rushing and 1 receiving) on 123 rushing yards and 41 more receiving yards after the first 2 weeks. McGahee was healthy going into the season and seems be running very well with this 3 headed running attack. This week Baltimore is facing the Cleveland Browns who have given up 411 yards rushing in the first 2 games. Start McGahee this week.
WR Johnny Knox, ---
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When Johnny Knox was taken in the 5th round of this year's draft, most thought he would really only help in the return game. Knox came from small college, Abilene Christian and no one was sure he was ready for the NFL; all they knew was that he had speed (ran 4.32 in the combine). By the end of training camp he had impressed the coaches so much that he pretty much secured the slot receiver position. After 2 weeks he hasn't disappointed, in week 1 he was targeted 4 times, catching 2 balls for 82 yards. This past week he led the Bears in targets with 9, catching 6 balls for 70 yards and 1 touchdown. Before Earl Bennett even knows it, Knox might have taken his starter's spot. Give Knox a look as a possible starter this week.
WR Laurent Robinson, ---
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Not much news was made when Laurent Robinson was traded from Atlanta to St. Louis, but after 2 games he has stepped into the number 1 receiver role. Torry Holt is gone and 2nd year receiver Donnie Avery has been a disappointment so far this season. So QB Marc Bulger has leaned on Robinson as his go to receiver. Over the first 2 weeks, Robinson has been the most targeted wide out in St. Louis, having 19 balls thrown his way. So far this season Robinson has 11 catches for 141 yards and 1 touchdown. As long as Robinson is the #1 target in St. Louis he should be in your starting line up. The Rams will be losing most games and need to throw to try and come back, giving Robinson plenty of opportunity to put up points.
