Fantasy Football Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: 3 Definite Duds to Avoid

Are you having a rough go of things in your fantasy football league? Or are you dominating just two weeks into the 2011 NFL season?

Whether you're looking to turn your luck around or let the good times roll, be sure to steer clear of these three dudes who are destined to be duds in Week 3.  

Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos

All things considered, Kyle Orton actually played decently well last week against Cincinnati, though his numbers (195 yards, two touchdowns) weren't exactly fantasy-friendly, per se.

They don't figure to improve much against a Tennessee Titans defense that shut down Joe Flacco in Week 2 and with a receiving corps that may still count Tim Tebow among its active members. Unless you really think Eric Decker's going to come up with 200 yards at wide receiver, don't expect Orton to have much of a fantasy impact this week, neck beard or no. 

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

Speaking of injured wide receivers, Hakeem Nicks is still a bit hampered by a gimpy hamstring, which doesn't bode well whatsoever for his fantasy productivity against the Eagles. Injury or no, Nicks will be blanketed by All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha all night.

Not that Eli Manning will necessarily have any time to get off a half-decent throw. Philly's pass rush is among the best in the NFL, with nine sacks in two games to its credit.

So, unless Nicks proves to be 110 percent and the Eagles D trips over a sprinkler or two, he'll be lucky to register as even a blip on the fantasy radar.

Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

If the distraction of an impending suspension doesn't keep Cedric Benson from putting up good fantasy numbers on Sunday, then the 49ers run defense certainly will. Benson managed only 59 yards on 16 carries against a Broncos defense that surrendered 190 rushing yards to the Raiders in Week 1.

Meanwhile, San Francisco comes into Week 3 with the stingiest run defense in the NFL, having allowed just 54.5 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry. Benson might as well start serving his three-game ban now since he's not likely to contribute much anyway.

Follow @J0shMart1n