Week 3 didn't begin exactly the way we expected -- who knew the Chiefs defense would end up being one of the great starts of the week against Philadelphia's high-flying offense? But the rest of the week has plenty in store from a fantasy perspective. So ... let's get to it.
Analysis: Look for Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins' newly discovered fantasy stardom to continue this week against a vulnerable Ravens secondary. Yet this could be another week in which you're leery of Arian Foster. It's a tough week to start any of Baltimore's running backs and you might want to temper any expectations you might have for Joe Flacco and Torrey Smith.
Analysis: Keep rolling with the Giants' receiving trio of Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. However, the turnover prone Eli Manning is best left on the bench in favor of a better quarterback option. It's also hard to trust David Wilson -- especially if Tom Coughlin doesn't. This should be the week Cam Newton starts to return to form and DeAngelo Williams should continue to be a quality flex play for fantasy owners. If you're looking to stream a defense, you could do worse than the Panthers this week.
Analysis: It goes without saying that you're starting Aaron Rodgers, but beware of his receivers. It's hard to imagine James Jones (or James Starks, for that matter) repeating what he did last week. A.J. Green will certainly see a bounce back this week for fantasy owners against the Packers' secondary, and Bengals rookie Giovani Bernard could once again prove to be a quality flex option.
Analysis: It's getting harder and harder to sit Sam Bradford, and a matchup against the Cowboys will only help to boost his value. Look for him to target Tavon Austin early and often this week. Don't be surprised if Chris Givens also gets into the act. Dez Bryant will once again be a fantasy stud and Tony Romo should have one of his better games of the early season. Neither defense figures to have a ton of value in this one.
Analysis: There is absolutely no reason to start anyone from the Cleveland Browns this week. None. Okay, maybe the defense. Maybe. On the other side, it's hard to recommend a ton of Vikings not named Adrian Peterson. Okay, maybe the defense. Maybe.
Analysis: Apart from the matchup-proof Doug Martin, the Bucs don't offer a lot from an offensive fantasy perspective this week. Vincent Jackson's on-again, off-again status makes him a tough play against a good defense. Tom Brady is also a tough start this week. If you have a better option, you should leave Brady on the bench. Julian Edelman is the only WR worth starting, but he could find himself locked up. You might be playing Stevan Ridley, but you don't have to like it.
Analysis: This game should feature a lot of offense through the air. Look for breakout performances from Michael Floyd and even Andre Roberts. Rashard Mendenhall will once again be a quality flex option. The Saints should go back to being the Saints we all know. Marques Colston should get some help from fellow receivers like Kenny Stills and Lance Moore. Yet it's still hard to trust any of New Orleans' running backs.
Analysis:Philip Rivers could be slowed a little this week, as will fantasy surprise Eddie Royal. But that could open things up for Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown against the Titans. Don't look for Antonio Gates to repeat his recent big games. It's hard to trust any of the Titans' offensive options, but their surprising defense could be worth a look if you're struggling to find an option to plug in.
Analysis: This could be one of Week 3's big fantasy bonanzas. Look for Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush and even Joique Bell to all be very productive against a terrible Washington defense. Robert Griffin III should continue his fantasy scoring against a Lions defense that looks like its playing above its head right now. This might also be the week that Alfred Morris starts to look like the first-round fantasy pick he was in many leagues.
Analysis: The members of Atlanta's passing game are once again risky starts -- though there's no legitimate reason to sit Julio Jones. Roddy White will be the source of plenty of fantasy consternation, but he should be in the lineup unless you have a better choice. Lamar Miller could once again have tough time running the football against the Falcons, but Mike Wallace should again provide dividends for fantasy owners.
Analysis: There might not be a lot of fantasy scoring in this one. C.J. Spiller is a must-start simply because you drafted him high, but his matchup isn't a favorable one. Fred Jackson might be better off left on the bench as well. There's not much reason to start any Jets skill players this week, although going with their defense might not be a bad play.
Analysis: You are not starting any Jaguars offensive players. I repeat, you are not starting any Jaguars offensive players. For that matter, it's probably not a good idea to start Jacksonville's defense either. On the other hand, you'll want to go with as many Seahawks as you can. It's not that Jacksonville's defense is that bad -- it's just that their offense isn't likely to give the defense enough of a breather to stay fresh for four quarters.
Analysis: Don't look for the Colts to put up monster fantasy numbers this week, but don't fear the Niners' defense, either. You can do worse than starting Andrew Luck and his cadre of receivers. You might even consider the newly-acquired Trent Richardson as a flex play. On the other side, you'll want to start all of your 49ers against an awful Colts defense that will also be missing a few pieces due to injury. This should be a big day for Colin Kaepernick and company.
Analysis: This showdown features a pair of teams that might have more name value than actual fantasy value. In that case you go with the must-starts, which include Brandon Marshall, possibly Matt Forte and ... well that's about it. The Steelers' offense is so unpredictable that you can find better options elsewhere. In a pinch, either defense is a respectable streaming choice.
Analysis: It's hard to recommend starting any Raiders. Darren McFadden might be Oakland's only player of value, but you're tempering your expectations. Of course you're starting anyone and everyone involved in the Broncos' passing game ... and Knowshon Moreno for good measure. All of them should have decent value against a suspect Raiders defense.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarcasG
