Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 3: Answers for Tough WR Matchups

Few wide receivers stand out in fantasy football and that only makes finding those starters more difficult.

But with this position as the deepest in most, if not all, leagues, there will be plenty of second- and third-tier players to count on.

Well, combine that with facing a rough defense, and Week 3 provides us a challenge. Take Eric Decker of the Denver Broncos for example.

Although he's one of Denver's more reliable targets, the Broncos line up against the Houston Texans on Sunday and Peyton Manning is coming off one dismal game. So, is Decker worth starting against a top defense?

Move on to find out, because Decker isn't the only receiver in that position this week.

Nate Washington, Titans (vs. Lions)

The Tennessee Titans desperately need to get some production offensively.

Running back Chris Johnson has been isolated through two games, and someone needs to step up for the Music City.

In Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, Nate Washington must take that role. After all, for as much as the Lions have improved defensively, stopping the pass consistently remains a concern as we learned against San Francisco. Plus, the Titans have some optimism to count on as well.

Per John Glennon of The Tennessean earlier last week:

"

The Titans should get a boost in the passing game against the Lions on Sunday at LP Field as Nate Washington and Kenny Britt continue to see their health improve.

“I’m assuming Nate is over the hump with his leg, so he should be okay as far practicing on Wednesday,” coach Mike Munchak said. 

"

Start or Sit: Start

Donnie Avery, Colts (vs. Jaguars)

Donnie Avery is really helping with the development of Andrew Luck.

We knew coming into 2012 that Reggie Wayne was going to remain the No. 1 target.

Still, the Indianapolis Colts needed a No. 2 receiver to step up with tight end Coby Fleener being a rookie. Well, through two games Avery has collected 148 yards on 12 catches and one score.

Getting the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, Luck will have to spread the field to keep Mel Tucker's unit from blanketing in man coverage. Avery is good enough to split zones and his knack for solid yards after the catch will pay off.

Provided the running game sees minimal production, Avery will get set up nicely off of play action as well.

Start or Sit: Start

Malcom Floyd, Chargers (vs. Falcons)

Regardless of who is in the backfield for the San Diego Chargers, they must run the rock to defeat the Atlanta Falcons.

Although it's early in 2012, Atlanta has defending exceptionally well against the pass but has left itself vulnerable to the run. Despite failing to win, the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos each saw impressive success between the tackles against the Falcons.

So, the Chargers need not play any different because controlling the tempo and keeping Matt Ryan off the field is key. In short, with a slower game pace, the Bolts don't air it out and Malcom Floyd's opportunities are significantly limited.

Not to mention Atlanta is well-versed in any coverage and quite capable of isolating him one on one.

Start or Sit: Sit

Andre Roberts, Cardinals (vs. Eagles)

Andre Roberts only has six receptions for 56 yards on the year, but the man also has two touchdowns.

By no means are these impressive numbers; however, Roberts' efficiency is what has certainly helped the Arizona Cardinals passing game.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals get the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 and who are loaded in the secondary. Expect much attention to go toward Larry Fitzgerald, so Roberts will see more single coverage.

That said, the Eagles are skilled enough to lock him down man-to-man and Philly's stellar front seven will apply quarterback pressure. Therefore, Roberts sees few targets and Arizona's passing attack lacks once again.

Start or Sit: Sit

Eric Decker, Broncos (vs. Texans)

One thing we're seeing from Eric Decker in this young season is consistency.

In Game 1 the Denver Broncos receiver caught five passes for 54 yards. He then followed that with four catches for 53 yards in Week 2.

It's obvious that Peyton Manning wants to keep Decker involved, and dishing the ball around is how Denver can execute versus the Houston Texans. Arguably the NFL's top defense, Houston is a vehement challenge for Decker and Manning.

Still, the Texans will have to put attention toward Demaryius Thomas as well as shutting down the run. So, Decker will likely face more single coverage and receive more targets as a result. At that point it's just a matter of him being a reliable playmaker.

Start or Sit: Start

Brandon Lloyd, Patriots (at Ravens)

Currently Brandon Lloyd is listed as questionable for Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

According to CBS Boston on Friday:

"

The Patriots will be without tight end Aaron Hernandez for Sunday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Receiver Brandon Lloyd and offensive lineman Logan Mankins are two of the 10 Patriots listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s game in Baltimore. Both had been limited at practice throughout the week (Lloyd all three days with Mankins just Thursday and Friday), and now are 50-50 to go on Sunday.

"

With that, even if Lloyd suits up for the Patriots this is an unfavorable matchup. The Baltimore Ravens are excellent in every phase defensively, and the pass rush alone will limit Tom Brady's time in the pocket. Lloyd will likely get a few more targets with Hernandez out, but Baltimore can still lock him down one-on-one.

Start or Sit: Sit

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