After a week of injuries and surprises, plenty of players will see extended opportunities this week, providing exploitable matchups that owners can put to use in week four.
Quarterback
Start:
Philip Rivers (SD): Coming off of a fluky 326-yard, zero-touchdown performance, Rivers may continue to fly under the radar. Feel free to fire him up against the Saints’ weak pass defense.
Matt Stafford (DET): So far this season, Stafford has been phenomenal, tallying the third most quarterback points in ESPN Fantasy standard scoring. Expect him to dominate in a mismatch against the Bears.
Sit:
Russell Wilson (SEA): Wilson’s mobility is cut down as he battles leg injuries. With his ability to consistently produce from a fantasy perspective now limited, there are better options than Wilson, as he faces a stout Jets defense.
If you’re desperate:
Kirk Cousins (WAS): Cousins has not played up to the potential he demonstrated last season. This week is a great opportunity for him to get back on track, as he faces a soft Browns defense at home.
Running back
Start:
Christine Michael (SEA): Michael took last week’s opportunity and ran with it, literally. He is the undisputed workhorse for the Seahawks and should see more responsibility with Wilson’s injury.
Jordan Howard (CHI): With Jeremy Langford sidelined, Howard now has a great chance to prove himself as the Bears’ top running back. He should see around 20 touches Sunday.
Sit:
Giants RBs: The Giants’ RB situation is incredibly murky, with Shane Vereen out and Rashad Jennings unlikely to play. Against an elite Vikings defense, this is a running game to avoid on Monday night.
If you’re desperate:
Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR): Artis-Payne leads a Panthers backfield in what could be a shootout against Atlanta. His upside is limited by Cam Newton’s running ability, but he should see enough work to warrant playing him.
Wide receiver
Start:
Marvin Jones (DET): Jones has exploded onto the scene in Detroit, leapfrogging Golden Tate for the top receiving duties. He is poised to keep it going against a Bears defense that has been anything but productive.
DeSean Jackson (WAS): After burning a stout Giants’ secondary, Jackson’s matchup eases up significantly against the Browns. He should be able to take the top off the defense for another long connection or two.
Sit:
Brandon Marshall (NYJ): With Eric Decker’s shoulder injury, the Seahawks can now afford to double Marshall without conceding yards elsewhere. Nursing leg injuries of his own, Marshall goes into Sunday with a very low floor.
If you’re desperate:
Terrelle Pryor (CLE): As the teams top wideout, Pryor is heavily involved in his offense’s game plan. He should be fed the ball frequently this week.
Tight end
Start:
Coby Fleener (NO): After I wrote him off last week, Fleener proved me wrong and had a great game Monday night. He should enjoy a good day against the Chargers’ lax defense against tight ends.
Jason Witten (DAL): Dez Bryant is out with a hairline fracture, and Witten is now the safest target in the Cowboys’ passing game. He should get a ton of targets underneath against a very weak 49ers defense.
Sit:
Jimmy Graham (SEA): Graham looked great last week, but his matchup gets significantly tougher against the Jets. The game will likely be dominated by the run, which will be to Graham’s detriment.
If you’re desperate:
Hunter Henry (SD): If Antonio Gates remains out, which seems likely, Henry should see plenty of targets over the middle as Rivers’ checkdown option. He has a great chance of finding the end zone against the Saints.