Fantasy Football Week 3: Most Surprising Studs of the Week

The early NFL games of Week 3 had a bevy of shocking fantasy stars, and I'm willing to bet you probably didn't start the three guys I'm about to mention.

After reading this, you may want to think about scouring the free-agent pool in your league for these three names:

*All fantasy scoring via ESPN Standard Leagues

Andre Brown, New York Giants

Starting for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, running back Andre Brown made the most of his opportunity in Carolina on Thursday night.

Brown rushed for a career-high 113 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, netting fantasy owners a surprising 25 points.

Brown's shiftiness in the backfield and pass-catching ability in the passing game makes him a worthy addition to your fantasy squad, even once Bradshaw returns from injury.

Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans

It wasn't a breakout day for Nate Washington fantasy-wise, but was still an unlikely and productive performance for the eight-year wideout.

Washington made the most of his three receptions, going for 112 yards and a touchdown and rewarding his owners with 17.2 fantasy points.

Going forward, Washington's owners should be pleased with the passing attack displayed by Tennessee QB Jake Locker.

He may not be your first free-agent option, but Nate Washington is definitely worth a second look.

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

No one (including myself) gave Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings a chance to beat the San Francisco 49ers and that impeccable rushing D.

Well, either Ponder is emerging as a legit QB or San Fran's passing D isn't what we thought it was, because Ponder had himself a day.

Ponder threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns, resulting in 25.2 points for owners, who likely sat him against the Niners.

The fact that the Vikings beat a quality opponent without the help of Adrian Peterson should have Ponder owners giddy.

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