Fantasy Football Rankings Week 3: 3 Backups Bound To Boom

Every NFL season a few backups get the chance to shine for the first time, whether replacing an injured starter or merely making the most out of their opportunities.

So far this season, three players in particular are gaining the attention of fantasy football fanatics everywhere and figure to continue their success for the rest of 2011.

Here are three backups bound to boom (based on how I see them performing the rest of the way).

3. Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos

Eric Decker's emergence this season has been one of the biggest surprises. A third-round pick in 2010, Decker only caught six balls all season in 14 games. The only reason he's getting an opportunity this season is because of vast injuries in the Broncos' receiving corps.

Well, it's safe to say Decker is making the most out of his opportunity, amassing 166 receiving yards and three total touchdowns (two receiving, one returning). His breakout game was against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, catching five balls for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton is underrated. All he's done is produced since he came to Denver. He rebounded in Week 2 and Decker will benefit from Orton being under center instead of, say, Tim Tebow.

2. Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders' fifth-round pick this year, all Denarius Moore has done since training camp is impress. He impressed during training camp, he impressed during the preseason and now he's impressing in the regular season.

Moore showed in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills that he figures to be one of those players drafted way too late in the draft. This kid's explosive, athletic and works his tail off. He caught five balls for 146 yards and a score in Week 2. That score happened to be a 50-yarder in which he jumped in the air and wrestled the ball away from two Bills defenders. I think this kid is going to be the real deal.

1. James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers

Through two games, Packers' backup running back James Starks has 24 touches, while starter Ryan Grant has 19 touches. Coming back from an injury, I think this trend will continue for Grant this season as Starks has proven he's a dependable running back.

Starks has 142 rushing yards and a touchdown so far, and has also added 30 receiving yards. On top of that, he's immersed in the Packers' explosive offense. He's going to get more opportunities to score and make an impact. He's averaging 6.8 yards per carry through two weeks.