Week 3 .. the week we learn everything! Or so we hope. After getting two looks at everyone around the league, Week 3 is when we can start to apply some of our found knowledge toward being better fantasy football owners. Then again, when the "No Figure League" raises its perplexing head, all bets are off.
Analysis: With Steven Jackson questionable, Daryl Richardson will get his opportunity this week. It won't be a huge game on the turf at Soldier Field, but could result in 70-80 yards. Danny Amendola should once again be a PPR star for the Rams. Look for Jay Cutler to bounce back from his Week 2 disappointment and bring Brandon Marshall along with him. That duo could hook up for a couple of scores.
Analysis: The Browns secondary has been surprisingly forgiving this year, which is good news for Stevie Johnson. C.J. Spiller should continue to excel against a front line that has been soft against opposing running games. Brandon Weeden should have another solid week, including a couple of touchdown tosses. Greg Little has value as a flex option in deeper leagues.
Analysis:Doug Martin should "muscle" up against the Cowboys this week and could find his way into the end zone, but it could be tough sledding for the rest of the Buccaneers offense. Beware of Vincent Jackson pulling a disappearing act, though Mike Williams could have a decent day. Look for Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to run wild through Tampa's secondary. Both are must-starts this week.
Analysis: If there's a week for Maurice Jones-Drew to return to his previous form, this is it. Blaine Gabbert should produce this week and Justin Blackmon is poised to have his first breakout day. Donald Brown has big sleeper potential against the Jaguars' run defense while Adam Vinatieri is a solid kicker start this week inside the dome.
Analysis: Both starting running backs -- Shonn Greene and Reggie Bush -- are solid plays in this longtime AFC rivalry. Dustin Keller is worth a look at tight end as he could find his way into the painted area. Even with Darrelle Revis back in action, Davone Bess could see a number of targets. Still, he should be considered no better than a flex option in deep leagues.
Analysis: This week has the potential to be big for Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree. Frank Gore could be slowed a little on Sunday, but could still pick up a touchdown. It's hard to sit Adrian Peterson, but be warned ... things don't look good for him against the Niners defense. However, there should be room for both Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph to maneuver in the secondary.
Analysis: This has the makings of a shootout. Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe should all make their fantasy owners pretty happy this week. However, it might not be so great for Kevin Boss and Tony Moeaki. Kansas City's defense has been abysmal this year, which bodes well for just about any Saints you might have on your fantasy roster.
Analysis:Matthew Stafford will finally start to get on track this week and he could do it by finding Brandon Pettigrew plenty of times over the middle. Kevin Smith is positioned for a huge game that could include a couple of scores. Chris Johnson could finally have a respectable game this week. It likely won't be great, but it should be better than anything he's produced so far. This could also be the week that Kenny Britt makes a fantasy impact. Consider him a solid WR2 start this week.
Analysis: Expect a heavy dose of Red (Andy Dalton) and (A.J.) Green this week against the Redskins, with a little Jermaine Gresham thrown in for good measure. BenJarvus Green-Ellis should post numbers closer to his opening week effort. Robert Griffin III will continue his impressive march through the league, which should benefit Aldrick Robinson and Leonard Hankerson with Pierre Garcon unlikely to play. Likewise, Alfred Morris should post another quality outing and could find the end zone at least once.
Analysis:Michael Vick could be an enigma once again, but fantasy owners should expect at least one interception from the QB. LeSean McCoy will continue to struggle against the Cardinals' front seven. Kevin Kolb won't have a good day against his former team, although Beanie Wells might finally produce a touchdown for fantasy enthusiasts. Look for the Cards to target Larry Fitzgerald, but his production will be limited by Philly's solid secondary.
Analysis: The Chargers defense might be the first to somewhat slow Matt Ryan and the high-flying Falcons. However, expect the passing game to still produce decent numbers against a banged up secondary. Michael Turner will continue to be a disappointment. Ryan Mathews should have a good day in his return to the field. Malcom Floyd could find the endzone, though Philip Rivers will be picked off at least once.
Analysis: The dynamic duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate will find the going tough against the Broncos. But it should be Matt Schaub's time to shine. Look for Schaub to get Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels heavily involved this week. Johnson should score at least once. Willis McGahee could back up his nice game from Week 2. But it will be another rough day for Peyton Manning and the Bronco receivers.
Analysis:Jonathan Dwyer has huge potential against the Raiders' shoddy run defense this week. Look for Ben Roethlisberger to spread the ball around between Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown -- both receivers should perform well this week. The lack of Troy Polamalu should help Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore on Sunday. Darren McFadden won't find a lot of running room, but could pick up some yardage as a receiver -- especially with James Harrison on the sideline. The Raider defense might give up a lot of yards, but should pick up a few sacks as well.
Analysis: With Aaron Hernandez out and Brandon Lloyd questionable, this should be Wes Welker's return to fantasy football relevance. Gronk will be Gronk, as usual, and Stevan Ridley should continue a solid fantasy season. Ray Rice could be held down this week, but look for Torrey Smith to have a big day, including a touchdown.
Analysis: The slow start to Aaron Rodgers' season will continue on Monday night, but James Jones has sleeper potential with Greg Jennings likely to miss another week. Cedric Benson and the running game will once again be held in check. Beastmode will be in effect as Marshawn Lynch finds room to run against the Packers. It will be another up and down day for Russell Wilson and Seattle's receivers.
Follow Marcas Grant on Twitter @MarcasG
