Week 3 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Last Minute Lineup Decisions

Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) vs. Jacksonville

Newton had another very productive game to start his NFL career in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, as he passed for 432 yards and a touchdown along with 53 rushing yards and a touchdown in the game.  He did throw three interceptions against Green Bay, but he looks likely to make it three straight nice outings in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The Jaguars have allowed two passing touchdowns in each game so far this season, and despite intercepting three passes have not faced a quarterback with the physical talent of Newton to this point in the season. 

The No. 1 pick from Auburn is virtually certain not to maintain the pace he is on through two games, but his ability as a runner enhances his fantasy value. 

Owners who have Newton on their roster should not expect another 400-yard game through the air, but a solid game with multiple touchdowns would not be surprising and he makes for a nice QB2 for those that can start two signal callers.

Potential QB Sleeper Pick of the Week

Rex Grossman (Washington Redskins) at Dallas

Grossman failed to top 300 passing yards in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, but that does not mean he was not productive.  He passed for 291 yards and two touchdowns (for the second straight game) with two interceptions in the game, and has averaged 298.5 passing yards per game heading into Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Cowboys have allowed 257 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks through two games, but did allow 335 yards through the air to New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in Week 1. 

Dallas has forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries) from opposing quarterbacks this season and Grossman’s propensity for turnovers at times could lead to a poor performance. 

Even if cornerback Terence Newman (groin) is able to play next Monday night, the Cowboys have a lot of other holes in their secondary and should surrender a fair amount of yardage. 

Grossman possesses a lot of upside for fantasy owners that have to start two quarterbacks and want to take a chance on him having a third straight productive game to start the season.

Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers) vs. Kansas City

Mathews got exactly 12 carries for the second straight game last week against the New England Patriots, but he had 126 total yards and found the end zone for the first time in 2011.  He will look to build on that success in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs in what looks to be a very favorable matchup. 

The Chiefs have allowed the third-most fantasy points (25.5 per game) to opposing running backs and the four total touchdowns they’ve allowed to the position rank among the highest in the league as well. 

Mathews had some success himself against the Chiefs as a rookie in 2010, as he totaled 143 rushing yards on 36 carries along with one touchdown on the ground.  He has also been a frequent target in the passing game so far, with 10 receptions (on 14 targets) for 135 yards. 

Mathews looks likely to see a significant workload even with the presence of Mike Tolbert, so he is usable as a RB2 for his fantasy owners this week.

 

Week 3 Start and Sit: START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM 

Week 3 Rankings:  QB |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  | K  |  DEF