2012 Fantasy Football Week 3: Wide Receivers (WR) Rankings / Projections

It’s time to squash any doubts you may have had about Victor Cruz’s production falling off after his breakout year in 2011. New York found themselves in a similar situation last week to many of their games last season—playing from behind and needing some big plays to win the game.

Cruz delivered with an 80-yard touchdown on his way to close to 200 yards receiving. An electric receiver, Cruz is still a WR1 this year and should be considered matchup proof as a starter.

The defense still has problems at corner back and the running game hasn’t been the driving force of this offense since around 2008. Expect the Giants to lean on Eli Manning and the passing game if they are to head back to the playoffs in 2012.

What Did We Learn From Week 2?

- The Patriots struggles with pass protection continue and it cost them what looked to be an easy win against the Cardinals at home. Brandon Lloyd was matched up against Patrick Peterson much of the afternoon and only managed 60 yards on the day.

Wes Welker was demoted for Julian Edelman, but Welker still put together a strong performance, proving he will be an active piece in the Patriots offense. His value is increased with the loss of Aaron Hernandez, but forgive me for only listing him as a WR3 this week. Let’s see him put another quality performance together and hopefully his snap count total will increase.

- Dez Bryant continues to look immature on the football field and Miles Austin is still the top receiver on this team. Until Bryant figures things out (if he ever does), we should look to Austin as a safe WR2 most weeks, especially now that he appears to be back from his hamstring ailment.

- Stevie Johnson will probably battle a groin problem all year, but he proved he could play through the same issue last season. Johnson has a touchdown catch in both games this year. The long touchdown last week was encouraging that his ailment won’t completely sap his big play potential.

- Don’t be surprised if Larry Fitzgerald continues to struggle as opposing teams focus on taking him out of the equation. And why wouldn't they? The Cardinals lack a respectable No.2 receiver, a quality running game or even a decent tight end.

Sean’s Week 3 Watch List

- Vincent Jackson had a big game against the Giants weak secondary, but this week he will be matched up against Brandon Carr. A good matchup for sure, it will be interesting to see if Jackson can threaten for 100 yards receiving or find the end zone.

- Greg Jennings missed last week with a groin injury, but should be back against the Seahawks. Trouble is Seattle has some really good corners so this will be a tough matchup for Jennings and company.

1	Calvin Johnson	@ Titans
2	Julio Jones	@ Chargers
3	Dwayne Bowe	@ Saints
4	Victor Cruz	@ Panthers
5	Antonio Brown	@ Raiders
6	Andre Johnson	@ Broncos
7	Reggie Wayne	Jaguars
8	Steve Smith (I)	Giants
9	Hakeem Nicks (I)	@ Panthers
10	A.J. Green	@ Redskins
11	Miles Austin	Bucs
12	Brandon Marshall	Rams
13	Jordy Nelson	@ Seahawks
14	Vincent Jackson	@ Cowboys
15	Demaryius Thomas	Texans
16	Percy Harvin	49ers
17	Roddy White	@ Chargers
18	Mike Wallace	@ Raiders
19	Eric Decker	Texans
20	Brandon Lloyd	@ Ravens
21	Dez Bryant	Bucs
22	Greg Jennings (I)	@ Seahawks
23	Stevie Johnson (I)	@ Browns
24	Pierre Garcon (I)	Bengals
25	Wes Welker	@ Ravens
26	Brandon LaFell	Giants
27	Larry Fitzgerald	Eagles
28	Marques Colston	Chiefs
29	Malcom Floyd	Falcons
30	Torrey Smith	Patriots
31	DeSean Jackson	@ Cardinals
32	Michael Crabtree	@ Vikings
33	Danny Amendola	@ Bears
34	Mike Williams	@ Cowboys
35	Donnie Avery	Jaguars
36	Nate Washington (I)	Lions
37	Greg Little	Bills
38	Anquan Boldin	Patriots
39	Andrew Hawkins	@ Redskins
40	Sidney Rice	Packers

Week 3 Standard Rankings – QB | RB |  TE | Flex |  D |