Week 3 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Why You Should Start Dexter McCluster

For Jamaal Charles owners, Dexter McCluster was the waiver wire acquisition you simply had to have this week. Thomas Jones will likely take the bulk of Charles’ carries, but McCluster has the playmaking ability you look for in a fantasy back.

He has excellent speed and is a great receiving option out of the backfield.

If you were lucky enough to land him, you should start him on the road this week against San Diego.

3. The Chiefs Will Be Playing from Behind

The Chiefs are terrible. To say that they have struggled through the first two weeks would be an understatement. Their defense is porous without Eric Berry, and their offense can’t stay on the field.

This will actually work in the favor of McCluster owners. Once the Chiefs fall behind early, they’ll be forced to try to make it happen through the air. While Thomas Jones will get the bulk of the carries, McCluster is a dynamic option out of the backfield. He has great pass-catching ability and actually spent 2010 lining up as a receiver.

He should get a lot of targets as the game wears on and has the speed to make the most of them. He’ll be even more valuable in PPR leagues as he could pull-in up to eight receptions.

2. He's the Chiefs' Only Playmaker

Matt Cassell looks terrible, which keeps Dwayne Bowe from making plays. Thomas Jones will move the ball, but he’s past his prime and doesn’t have the game changing speed that McCluster does.

The Chiefs are desperate. The only guy on their team that has the speed and elusiveness to score on any play is McCluster. They’ll test him in Week 3 and create plays for him as a receiver out of the backfield.

If he finds himself in open space either on a screen or off a wheel route, he could use his speed to break out for a long touchdown and double-digit fantasy points.

1. Dual Eligibility WR/RB

During last season’s fantasy playoffs, owners had the opportunity to start quarterback Joe Webb of the Vikings at Wide Receiver. Finding loopholes in player eligibility is a popular strategy of the more experienced fantasy owner.

In several formats, including the ever popular Yahoo Sports, McCluster is eligible at wide receiver. This gives you the opportunity to start an extra running back, rather than a shaky third receiver. McCluster will see a lot of touches and will have more opportunities to score than most wide outs.

Take advantage of this loophole this week and whenever the Chiefs are likely to be blown out.

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