Week 3: Sit 'Em
This weekly column will feature players that are normally solid bets for fantasy production, but not worth starting in a particular week.
Tonight I cannot help but think Frank Gore looks awful good this season. New Orleans and San Francisco did not seem like much of a match-up in my book, but this game has been worth a watch through the half. Through nearly two full weeks we have seen some interesting things happen this season. The biggest in my book being Michael Vick's surprise performances and now benching. My bet is that Kolb flops and Vick surges back into the limelight, but who really knows? - Oops, spoke too soon, Vick is back in the starting role. Maybe Philadelphia's coaching staff can make up their minds for those of us considering Vick a viable option. Another mistake many made on draft day was Shonn Greene. LT looks decent and is the best runner in New York. There have been other unlikely heroes of games and do not forget those players who have let us down. How about Jahvid Best? Somehow Adrian Peterson has managed to steal yardage despite a poor offensive line and passing game. Anything can happen and we will see more unpredictable outcomes in Week 3.
Now for the Week 3 call: This week given team strategy, match-up or inconsistency, the following guys have made my short list:
Carson Palmer was solid in Week 1, poor in Week 2 and now faces a Carolina defense that has allowed passing scores. I think you should look elsewhere.
Jamaal Charles is losing the battle to keep his starting job from Thomas Jones.
Jerome Harrison has caught a nasty case of Peyton Hillis.
Brandon Jackson has big shoes to fill with Ryan Grant out. I think Green Bay will be shopping running backs soon enough.
Felix Jones has received 15 touches for 45 yards over two games. Need I say more.?
Bernard Berrian had a forgettable preseason and first two games of the season. With Favre looking disheveled and the passing game ineffective for the most part, Berrian's value as a number one wide out is dropping fast. Get out while you can.
Dwayne Bowe is not in the best circumstance. Yes, his team is winning, but his quarterback is struggling and the offense needs help.
Steve Smith hits the list this week after Jimmy Clausen has been named the starter over Matt Moore. This passing game will need some time to take form.
Ryan Mathews has the fumble bug and an ankle injury.
QB Carson Palmer, ---
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I enjoyed watching Palmer in Week 1. I reminisced of the old days. Then we watched the train wreck for Palmer in Week 2 despite the win. Palmer has me doubting again and I have seen similar situations with him in the past. One or two solid performances followed by poor games. Palmer is good for a few hundred yards and most likely one score with an interception, but are we not all looking for the point scoring quarterback? Palmer might be an option in some leagues and on paper might be viable against a Carolina team that allowed two touch downs to Freeman last week, but I would look elsewhere.
RB Jamaal Charles, ---
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San Francisco's run defense looked pretty good on Monday night. Charles was solid in Week 1 with 11 carries for 90+ yards, but has not received the number of carries anyone expected given his status as starter. Thomas Jones has cut into his workload and had double the carries in Week 2. I am personally looking to bench Charles this week as there are plenty of alternative options out there in most leagues. Take a look at your waiver wire for some options that might pay off or if Charles was your flex, consider a wide out.
RB Jerome Harrison, DET
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Peyton Hillis is a Jerome Harrison killer. Hillis played a significant role in Denver before his injury a few seasons back and has potential; but, to take the number of carries and scoring opportunities that he has was unexpected. Harrison was thought to be the go-to-guy, but he has been overshadowed so far this season. Keep an eye on this running duo. Week 3 vs. Baltimore is probably not the best week to test hunches. Wait and see who fully takes this starting role if either back steps it up.
RB Brandon Jackson, ---
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Jackson did have a touch down in Week 2, but only rushed for 29 yards against a woeful Buffalo line. This does not bode well for Jackson and his hopes of filling the big shoes that Ryan Grant has left to fill. Rodgers can only carry this offense so far with the passing game. Every great quarterback needs a solid running back pairing. Rodgers and Green Bay will not hesitate to shop around if need be to fill this void. Jackson could be on the chopping block if his performance does not increase and quickly. I would be cautious of playing Jackson until we find out the exact running strategy that will be employed.
RB Felix Jones, ---
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Jones is owned in 95% of most leagues and was touted as having an upside and value in the Dallas running scheme. However, Jones has seen little in terms of opportunities so far this season. His 15 carries over two games for 45 yards is not quite what most fantasy owners expected. Jones is a backup though he was thought to be worked into this system at a higher level this season. Jones was a nice flex option in many a fantasy owners mind come draft day and he is now an early disappointment. Sit him if you've got him.
