Fantasy Football Week 3: Stars Who Are Set Up to Shine

Stevan Ridley hasn't had a huge game yet this season, but he's in position to explode on Sunday. Ridley and the New England Patriots take on the lowly Oakland Raiders in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

The Raiders are ranked 32nd in the league in opponent's rushing yards. The Pats have leaned heavily on the arm of Tom Brady up to this point, but head coach Bill Belichick knows how to attack a team's weakness.

Because of that, the Raiders can expect to see a steady diet of Ridley and Shane Vereen. If you have the choice between the two, take Ridley. He's had 20 more carries than Vereen this season.

Here's a look at a few other fantasy options who will be in position to score big for fantasy owners.

Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill

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The Cincinnati Bengals have gotten off to a great start. Yes, the defense has been stout allowing just 13 points per game, but the rushing attack has supplied the offense with great balance.

The team is averaging just under 125 yards on the ground. Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill have been almost equally productive.

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Bernard has 138 yards rushing and Hill has 91, both have found the end zone once. Against a Tennessee Titans team that's allowing 143 yards per game on the ground, Bernard and Hill should play well.

Hill has value as the back likely to get the look in short-yardage and/or goal-line situations. Bernard is the more versatile, big-play guy.

If you have a shot at playing either, you probably can't go wrong.

Houston Texans Defense

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Eli Manning has continued his penchant for turning the ball over this season. Last year, he led the league with 27 interceptions.

Through two games in 2014, Manning is up to his old tricks. Manning has been picked off four times through two games. In the same time span, the Houston Texans have six takeaways as a team.

The Texans have the benefit of being able to get pressure without blitzing. J.J. Watt's presence will cause Manning to force a pass or two. The Texans secondary and/or linebackers will reap the benefits.

The turnovers will likely make the Texans the highest-scoring fantasy defense of the week.