Welcome to week 3 of this crazy NFL season. Week 2 may have been one of the strangest weeks in fantasy football that I can remember being a part of, and I have been playing for over 20 years. Hopefully, things come back to normal this week. Too many studs are under performing and too many key players getting hurt. Its only week 3 and so many owners have had multiple ups and downs already. If you are one of the owners dealing with under performs or injuries and you need help figuring out who to start, I am here to help. If the guy you are stressing over is not on this list feel free to hit me up at @mikekelleydlp with any additional sit/start questions you might have.

NoHalftime START of the Week:

RB Melvin Gordon (SD)

Since the preseason I have been preaching about how this year will be very different for Gordon. Here we are entering week three and Gordon has a slash line of 38/159/3, good enough to be the seventh ranked RB. He should be able to pad those numbers taking on the Colts this weekend. The Colts are last in yards and touchdowns given up to running backs this year. They are also second to last in fantasy points to running backs in the early part of the season. Factor in the season-ending injury to Danny Woodhead and Gordon figures to be in for a bell cow work load this weekend. I could easily see Gordon going off and getting 125 rushing yards on 26 carries and at least one trip to the end zone, maybe even two trips.

NoHalftime SIT of the Week:

QB Andy Dalton (CIN)

I feel like this spot should be reserved for whoever is playing Denver Bronco’s defense is no joke. Something will have to give here, Dalton has thrown for the most yards averaging 366 yards per game, and the Broncos are second in pass yards allowed with 195 a game. Chances are it will be closer to the 195 than the 366. Andrew Luck from passing for 385 yards in week one to 197 last week against the Broncos. Any way you look at it, the odds are not in Dalton’s favor to have a good week. 25-for-40 for 230 yards one touchdown with 1 interception is what I think Dalton owners can expect from him.

Quarterback

START Matt Ryan (ATL)

This week Matt Ryan faces off against the Saint’s. I will admit I was down on Ryan going into this season because of his extremely tough schedule on paper, while I am more optimistic, nothing I have seen so far has changed my mind. Fortunately, this week is not one of those on paper tough ones. Ryan has started red hot and he should be able to carry it over into this week’s matchup. The Saints are 29th in passing yards allowed and in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points given up tp quarterbacks. If Ryan can keep spreading out the ball and continue to limit his turnovers he could produce another fantastic week for owners. I look for Matty Ice to go 26-for-33 for 310 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Other STARTS:

• Andrew Luck (IND)
• Drew Brees (NO)
• Ryan Tannehill (MIA)
• Marcus Mariota (TEN)

SIT Jameis Winston (TB)

I truly believe Winston will be a star in the NFL if he continues on his current path. I am also aware that he is still learning a lot and will go through some growing pains here and there. I think this is one of those times. The Rams have actually played well on defense this year. The Rams are in the top 10 in passing yards allowed, touchdowns allowed, and fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. So like last week’s test against a top defense, I think Winston struggles yet again. Maybe not as bad, but certainly not as good as he performed in week one. If he can limit the turnovers he might not hurt you too bad, but 22-for-40 for 260 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, might be the best you can hope for.

Other SITS:

• Cody Kessler (CLE)
• Jacoby Brissett (NE)
• Blaine Gabbert (SF)

Running Back

START Todd Gurley (LA)

I don’t normally put studs here, but I have been fielding a lot of questions regarding Gurley lately, so I felt the need to stress his start status. Yes, Tampa Bay is one of the worst in the league in yards from scrimmage to running backs, but they have managed to do well in keeping them out of the end zone, only allowing one trip their. Something tells me this is the week Gurley gets back on track, I just have a gut feeling here. He is too good to keep down for too long and if the Rams want any chance of winning they will need his help to make it happen. I think he breaks the century mark for the first time this year and finds the end zone at least one time this week. I am starting him in every league I have without hesitation.

Other STARTS:

• Matt Forte (NYJ)
• Lamar Miller (HOU)
• C.J. Anderson (DEN)

SIT Jeremy Langford (CHI)

After two weeks Langford has scored 22.7 points in PPR leagues. 12 of those points are on two one-yard touchdown runs. Both touchdowns were set up by Alshon Jeffery getting pass interference calls inside the five-yard line. So it’s not even like Langford helped drive the ball down field and then was reward with the punch in, it was Jeffery doing all the work and Langford vulture’s two touchdowns. So take away his touchdowns and he has put up a sad 10.7 PPR points. This week does not get any easier either. Going up against Cowboys in Dallas is never an easy task, and Cowboys have actually done will limiting running backs so far this year. The running back situation in Chicago is not looking good right now. I would not be surprised if Langford is held under 40 yards with no touchdowns.

Other SITS:

• Theo Riddick (DET)
• Justin Forsett (BAL)
• Jeremy Hill (CIN)

Wide Receiver

START Allen Robinson (JAC)

Robinson is one big play from busting out and getting back on track. I am starting him everywhere I have him. Right now the Ravens secondary has posted some pretty good numbers, but if you look closely the Ravens were successful in stopping the Bills and the Browns. In fact, they were not really all that successful at stopping rookie wide out Corey Coleman. Over the last few years, the Ravens have struggled with the deep ball and I see the Jaguars using that to their advantage. I am expecting Blake Bortles to find Robinson on more than one big play this week. I can see them connecting on eight passes for 130 yards and at least one touchdown.

Other STARTS:

• T.Y. Hilton (IND)
• Jeremy Maclin (KC)
• Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
• Tajae Sharpe (TEN)

SIT A.J. Green (CIN)

Hopefully, after witnessing the birth of his son Easton Ace Green, A.J. is ready to come out with a heightened passion and extra motivation to dominate the stingy Bronco’s secondary. Did that sound too desperate? I hate putting A.J. on this list, but Denver’s D is just that scary to me. Last year against the Bronco’s A.J. managed only five receptions for 57 yards, but he thankfully did manage to get a touchdown that night, I remember it well because I won my championship on that catch. A.J. will have to find the end zone again if he is going to salvage his fantasy day because I just don’t see him getting more than six receptions for 50 yards against a very good Broncos secondary.

Other SITS:

• Sammy Watkins (BUF)
• Julian Edelman (NE)
• Torrey Smith (SF)
• Michael Crabtree (OAK)

Tight End

START Delanie Walker (TEN)

I think everyone expected a regression from Walker this year. The Titans added a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball and now they do not have to lean on him so much. Too often though people assume regression means no longer viable. Regressing from 94 reception to 72 is a regression but still keeps Walker at the TE1 status, and this week you should start him with the confidence of a TE1. The Titans are home against the Raiders this week and the Raiders have not stopped anyone on defense this year. Tight ends have feasted on the Raiders and this week should be no exception. I look for Walker to haul in seven passes for 90 yards and one touchdown.

Other STARTS:

• Dennis Pitta (BAL)
• Eric Ebron (DET)
• Dwayne Allen (IND)

SIT Gary Barnidge (CLE)

This week Browns face the Dolphins in Miami. The Dolphins have actually been pretty generous to tight ends so far this season, but with the Browns starting their fifth quarterback in as many weeks, dating back to last season, I do not know how you can rely on any of the Browns players. With news that Corey Coleman has a broken hand and out for a few weeks, Barnidge might be in line for an increase in receptions, but I don’t see him getting the ball down field. PPR owners might salvage the day with seven receptions, but with only 40 yards and zero touchdowns, his standard value is not looking good.

Other SITS:

• Martellus Bennett (NE)
• Zach Miller (CHI)
• Jesse James (PIT)

Defense

START Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are better than their 0 – 2 record. The Browns with their top two wide receivers out and having to start their rookie third-string quarterback are worse than their 0 – 2 record. Is that possible? I think you get my point. Finally getting their home opener this weekend I expect the Dolphins to be all over the Browns. They will bring relentless pressure, which should result in multiple turnovers and a couple of sacks. They should also be able to limit the Browns scoring opportunities. Resulting in a nice spot start for the Dolphins defense.

Other STARTS:

• Arizona Cardinals
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SIT Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have wins against the Bills and the Browns, I am not impressed, especially since they barely won the Browns game. This week they face the 0 – 2 Jaguars, who I think are very hungry to get their first win. I think Jacksonville will be looking to put points on the board and turn their season around this weekend. The Ravens secondary is suspect and I look for Jacksonville to attack it and attack it often. The Ravens might get a turnover or a couple of sacks, but if you get negative points for points allowed I would look else where for my defense this week.

Other SITS:

• San Diego Chargers
• New Orleans Saints

Michael Kelley is a member of the Going For 2 team. You can check out his website Dynasty League Problems for more writings or find him on Twitter @mikekelleydlp spreading fantasy knowledge for the masses.
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