Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 3: 5 Toughest Calls on the Schedule

With the third weekend of NFL games approaching, you're probably having a few problems deciding who to put in your starting lineup this week.

Whether it's due to your player facing a tough opponent or dealing with an injury, there are plenty of matchups in Week 3 that will make fantasy owners second guess their decisions.

The best defenses always deter owners. For instance, the New York Jets always pose a challenging threat to your team. Many owners will bench whoever they have playing against Rex Ryan's defense.

There a several cases this week that you may need some help deciding whether to start them or place them on your bench.

Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne would clearly be a better-looking choice for your starting lineup if Peyton Manning was playing. Unfortunately, he's stuck with the 38-year-old Kerry Collins.

If that wasn't bad enough, the Colts will face the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. The Steelers were blown out in Week 1, but last week they demolished the Seattle Seahawks.

Yes, Seattle is far below the level of the Baltimore Ravens. But I don't expect Pittsburgh to look as bad as they did in Week 1 very often. 

Wayne only had four catches for 66 yards against the Cleveland Browns. Collins is completing just over 50 percent of his passes right now, and it's not looking good for his stats this week.

I would sit Wayne if you can. If you're not very deep at receiver, go ahead and stick him in your lineup, but don't expect a big day from the veteran.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Here's a guy that people continue to wonder if he's a viable fantasy starter. This week, I say yes.

Ryan Fitzpatrick had a dreadful performance in his last game against the New England Patriots. But that was last season.

This year the Harvard alum has passed for seven touchdowns and just one pick in two games. Put him in your lineup this week and don't look back.

The Patriots rank 31st in the league in passing defense. They are averaging 381 passing yards allowed per game so far. Things might pick up a little for them, but Fitzpatrick is going to have great success this week.

Eli Manning

Didn't this guy say he was in the same class as Tom Brady? Well, I hate to break it to you, Eli, but you sure don't look like it.

Manning has thrown two touchdowns and two picks in first first two games, not the kind of numbers you want to see if you're a fantasy owner. 

He will face the Philadelphia Eagles this week, who rank fifth in the league in passing yards allowed. They did give up four touchdowns to Matt Ryan last week, but they still picked off two passes and only allowed 195 yards.

Manning did not look his best in their win against the St. Louis Rams. Several passes he threw barely even made it to his receivers. He will be tested this week, and I don't think he's going to pass. Hopefully he's not your main quarterback.

Steven Jackson

There are two reasons Steven Jackson doesn't look like a good player to start this week. He is dealing with a quad injury, and he's playing the Ravens.

Baltimore has allowed an average of just 70 rushing yards per game this year. Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Johnson were both unable to get anything going against the Ravens' rush defense.

Jackson is questionable to play right now, but go ahead and throw him on your bench. He's not going to do you much good this week.

Calvin Johnson

As long as Calvin Johnson doesn't have a big "O" next to his name, put him in your lineup.

Johnson has shown great chemistry with Matthew Stafford, especially in the red zone. He's going to be dealing with that ankle injury all week, but even if he misses more practice time, he should be a good bet for Sunday.

Megatron always seems to play with some type of lingering issue. You don't need to worry about him.

The Vikings rank sixth in allowing points to opposing wide receivers, but they haven't faced Johnson yet. Ignore what those rankings say and start him.