Unheralded Browns wide receiver might be a huge steal
Duo of Newton, Benjamin poised for big weekend against Saints defense
Need some quick tips to assemble your fantasy lineup for Week 3? We’ve combed the far reaches of the internet and culled only the choicest fantasy tips and advice for your quick consumption. Below you’ll find easily digestible nuggets from multiple fantasy experts, addressing some of the critical situations fantasy owners will face from week to week.
Dig in. And dominate.
INJURY DECISIONS
Sam Bradford, QB, Vikings: The Minnesota quarterback was ruled out Friday after being limited in Thursday’s practice. Bradford will see an orthopedic specialist so his status going forward becomes unclear. After a great opening week, and coming off the heels of a full season, the injury bug has caught back up to Bradford.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals: Cincinnati’s offense has not looked good and the team won’t have Eifert in Week 3 when the Bengals play Green Bay on Sunday. Eifert has been dealing with a variety of issues and would have been a tough play to recommend.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: Gronkowski took it easy all week, but appears to be good to go as of Friday afternoon. New England has a home game vs. Houston so the only concern for Gronk owners is if the Patriots get up big early. If that happens, the tight end could get some additional rest.
Jordan Howard, RB, Bears: Chicago’s tailback had his shoulder in sling after Week 2 so this is looking like a tough decision. He’s obviously had a slow start so we’ll see how he progresses.
Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins: He’s been listed on injury reports (knee) but isn’t in danger of not playing Sunday vs. the New York Jets.
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts: He’s been ruled out for Week 3 and rumors persist that he may sit out the entire 2017 season. Hopefully you drafted accordingly; otherwise Trevor Siemian of the Denver Broncos may be available. He’s owned in just 29 percent of ESPN leagues. Siemian also happens to be one of the top fantasy scorers through the first two weeks.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans: A hamstring injury kept him out of practice Thursday and he was limited in Friday’s drills as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Tennessee rode the legs of Derrick Henry last week and that’s likely the case again this weekend.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers: The Green Bay wide receiver practiced in full this week so there’s few concerns heading into Week 3.
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: There’s no doubt the quarterback is banged up, but there doesn’t appear to be anything that will prevent him from a good matchup against the Saints’ secondary.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins: He’s dealing with an ankle injury, but was back at practice Friday and should be fine for Week 3.
Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins: Washington’s tight end was on the practice field Thursday after sitting out Wednesday, so his situation needs to be monitored, probably right up to game time.
FRINGE STARTER
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers: With Newton nursing injuries and the Carolina offense looking rather bleak during the first two weeks of the season, Benjamin has failed to produce much for his owners. And while the Newton-Benjamin connection we saw two seasons ago in the Panthers’ run to the Super Bowl may not appear, Week 3 offers a reason for optimism: the secondary of the Saints. If Benjamin can’t provide a solid fantasy result come Sunday, then it’s worse than previously imagined. With tight end Greg Olsen out, Benjamin and Devin Funchess figure to see an uptick in targets. And if the first two games are any indication, the visiting Saints should provide even a gimpy Newton without his full arsenal of offensive weapons the opportunity to produce a solid fantasy weekend. That means good things for Benjamin, who has his supporters.
LOTTERY TICKETS THAT COULD PAY OFF
Orleans Darkwa, RB, Giants: While his name might sound unfamiliar, this New York running back is owned in less than 1 percent of ESPN leagues, making Darkwa a true long shot. The Giants’ offense has been pitiful the first two weeks of the season so all bets are off when it comes to getting it back on track. What that potentially means for Darkwa is an increase in touches, but any expectations beyond that should be tempered.
Rashard Higgins, WR, Browns: Corey Coleman was one of my preseason picks for a breakout season, but an injury has put him on the shelf. Higgins stepped up in Week 2 and received a team-high 11 targets. In Week 3, Cleveland pays a visit to Indianapolis. Through two weeks, the Colts have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Higgins is getting some hype, but remains widely available as he is owned in just 3 percent of ESPN leagues. He has tremendous upside in Week 3 and beyond.