Fantasy Football Week 3: Tony Romo and 3 Injured Players to Take a Chance On

There is one word that strikes fear into the hearts of every fantasy owner. Its mere mention can derail a promising week and essentially cost you a win. That word is "questionable." Hearing that one of your players is questionable means it's decision time, and more often than not, the wrong decision is made.

It seems to happen all the time where a questionable player, who isn't even supposed to play, suits up and puts on a heroic performance. Here are three questionable players that I expect to play and put up big numbers for your fantasy team.

Peyton Hillis—Cleveland Browns

Everything looked fine for Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis as the week wore on, but he suddenly came down with an undisclosed illness that caused him to miss practice Friday. This mysterious illness leaves fantasy owners in a precarious position, but Browns coach Pat Shurmur seems to think Hillis will play.

Hillis has a pretty favorable matchup on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, so sitting him could definitely come back to haunt you. Hillis got off to a rough start in Week 1, but he was much better last week against the Indianapolis Colts as he rushed for two scores. Unless you have a great running back option on the bench, start Hillis and do so with confidence.

Antonio Gates—San Diego Chargers

Apparently there was a reason for San Diego Charger tight end Antonio Gates' perplexing goose egg last week against the New England Patriots. Gates was targeted just once by quarterback Philip Rivers and failed to make a single catch. Gates is listed as questionable against the Kansas City Chiefs this week with a foot ailment. 

Gates has been plagued by foot injuries over the past few years, and last season in particular. Gates' poor performance last week may scare some fantasy owners away from starting him, but I think it's worth the risk. Gates is used to dealing with the injury, so I expect him to play. Also, the Chiefs have been cut up by opposing tight ends this season, due in part to the loss of safety Eric Berry. If Gates plays, he should have a big game. 

Tony Romo—Dallas Cowboys

Despite suffering cracked ribs and a punctured lung last week, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo admirably led his team to a comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers and threw for over 300 yards in the process. While Romo is listed as questionable, he is expected to play provided he can fight through the pain.

The Cowboys have a huge Monday night game against the 2-0 Washington Redskins and a win would be big for their positioning in the NFC East. Dallas has gotten little out of the running game this season and with Felix Jones limited by a shoulder injury, that is likely to continue. Romo proved last week that he can excel when compromised by injury, and I think he'll do it again this week.