Fantasy Football's Week Three Dark Horses

John Arias, fantasy columnist at Fantasy Football Maniaxs

Did you have Anthony Gonzalez or Julius Jones in your starting lineup last week? Well, let me tell you this, I predicted they would both breakout in Week Two.

Seven of the eight Dark Horses listed last week came through, having breakout games coming close to my projected numbers, which translate to an 88 percent success rate. I like those odds, and so should you.

Who will make the cut for Week Three? There is only one way to find out, which leads me to this week’s predictions.

1. Chris Chamber, WR - Chargers

With the injuries to Antonio Gates and the apparent injury to LaDainian Tomlinson, Chambers has become the focal point of the offense. His three receiving touchdowns have him tied for first and his average of 25.4 is among the elite in the NFL.

Chargers play the Jets at home and have a lot to prove after two devastating losses.

Prediction

Expect five receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.

2. Isaac Bruce, WR - 49ers

The ageless wonder is at it again. After not recording a catch in Week One, he blew up in Seattle. With four receptions for 153 yards, Bruce has proven to be J.T. O’Sullivan’s favorite target. and do not forget, Mike Martz trusts Bruce.

Look for a high-scoring game in San Francisco when the Lions come into town. Also, expect the ball to be flying and Mike Martz to try and run up the score on his former team. Players on both sides of the ball should get much attention for starting in fantasy lineups.

Prediction

Expect six receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.

3.  Kevin Smith, RB - Lions

Oh, what it is to be a running back in Detroit? Ask, Kevin Smith. He only has 26 rushes on the season for 88 yards, but has looked well.

Rudi Johnson has not affected his production and his eight receptions ranks fourth among all running backs in the NFL.

The Lions play in San Francisco and if you read my column last week, I predicted Julius Jones would do well against the running defense of the 49ers; Smith should do the same.

Prediction

Expect 20 carries for 96 yards; five receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.

4. Lee Evans, WR - Bills

Trent Edwards looks like an effective quarterback, who knew? That being said, he and Lee Evans have started to have the relationship any quarterback and receiver needs to be productive.

In the young season, he has been the most consistent receiver. He has eight receptions for 179 yards (ranks ninth in the NFL). The Bills play the Raiders at home and we all remember what the Broncos did to that secondary.

Prediction

Expect six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown

5. Justin Gage, WR - Titans

His numbers are not off the chart, but with Kerry Collins at the helm for the foreseeable future, Gage will benefit the most. He caught five receptions for 59 yards and scored a touchdown.

With teams putting eight men in the box to stop the run, look for Gage to have similar games. The Titans play the Texans at home, and their secondary was pitiful against the Steelers.

Prediction

Expect six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.

6. Michael Turner, RB - Falcons

Well, we all learned that he is not the second coming of LaDainian Tomlinson, but he also is not that bad. He struggled because of the inconsistency of his quarterback, but that comes with the territory of having Turner on a team.

Look for him to rebound this week at home against the Chiefs. Darren McFadden (DMC) had a fabulous game vs. Kansas City, so look for Turner to have at least a “normal” game.

Prediction

Expect 23 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

7. Tony Scheffler, TE - Broncos

Having Jay Cutler as your quarterback and Mike Shanahan as your coach makes any tight end effective; Scheffler proved last year he and Cutler have a good relationship and it showed Sunday.

He ranks near the top in the NFL among tight ends in receiving yards (136). The Broncos play at home against the Saints and with the play of their secondary; Scheffler should once again have a great game.

Prediction

Expect seven receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.

8. John Carlson, TE - Seahawks

Due to the devastating injuries to the receiving corps in Seattle, Carlson has become Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite receiver. In two games in the young season, he has 10 receptions for 130 yards. He currently ranks third among tight ends in receptions and second in receiving yards.

The Seahawks play the Rams at home and are looking to rebound after their tough loss against the 49ers. The secondary in St. Louis is horrible; look for a great day for Carlson and the Seahawks on Sunday.

Prediction

Expect seven receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.



Player to Watch for in Week Three!

LaMont Jordan, RB - Patriots

Yeah, I know, it is not a misprint.

Jordan came into the game and torched the Jets on the ground. He had 11 carries for 67 yards after Maroney left the game. Maroney was not effective (eight carries for 16 yards), and if he returns, look for him to share the carries with Jordan.

The Pats play the Dolphins, and we all know it is going to be a long season for Dolphin fans. If Maroney cannot go, look for Jordan to be very effective in Week Three.