Fantasy Football: Top 10 Start ‘Em Picks For Week 3

Heading into Fantasy Football Week 3 action, make sure to start these top 10 players that are entering favorable matchups.

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Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 was another rough week for some fantasy football owners. With so many essential players falling short to injuries, some players fantasy value and projections are increasing in Week 3.

Last week we saw quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jay Cutler both the leave game with doubtful returns for Week 3. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall is in limited practice with a knee injury and is not expected to play this Sunday.

We can’t forget about the upsetting hamstring injury from Jonathan Stewart who has already been ruled out of Week 3. But hey, that’s why it’s fantasy football; everything can’t always work in your favor.

With injuries on the rise and players identifying their roles in the last two week’s, it’s important to focus on the most valuable players to start in the week’s to come. Here are the top 10 players to start of Week 3.

Next: 10. Watch out for this Charger

10. Tyrell Williams, WR San Diego Chargers

It’s safe to say the San Diego Chargers are not having a great beginning to their season. Two of their key offensive playmakers, Danny Woodhead and Keenan Allen are out for the season, both with torn ACL’s.

With the two on injured reserve, it opens up the door for other players to shine. We saw this last week with Tyrell Williams. Williams completed 3-of-6 targets for 61 yards and a touchdown; he totaled over 20 fantasy points.

Williams tied Travis Benjamin for targets, which allows us to believe he will continue to be sought out by Philip Rivers. Week 3 offers a great game against the Indianapolis Colts who rank 25^th against the position.

Williams definitely deserves a starting position in your lineup. Last week was only a smidgen of what we have seen from Williams.

Next: 9. Just because he's a Brown doesn't mean he won't play well

9. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns

Normally I’d say steer clear of any Cleveland Brown but, Isaiah Crowell has earned his spot in any fantasy league this season. His 18 carries are a sign that he will continue to excel this season.

Crowell rushed for 133 yards and one touchdown in Week 2. In the last two weeks, he’s earned almost 50 fantasy points.

This week the Browns take on the Miami Dolphins, a team that will offer Crowell another exceptional week. Last week, the Dolphins gave LeGarette Blount over 100 yards and a touchdown.

There’s no doubt Crowell deserves to start this week and possibly all season. He’s only owned in about 60 percent of leagues, so he should be available to draft if you don’t already have him.

Next: 8. He scored in his last six games

8. Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets

My man Eric Decker. How can you deny starting him in any league? You can’t, which is why I am surprised he’s not owned in 100 percent of leagues this season.

Decker has not only scored in Week 1 and 2 but, he has scored in his last six NFL games. Partner in crime Brandon Marshall may be sitting this one out with a knee injury. This is huge for Decker owners, as he will probably be highly targeted in this week’s game!

Last week, Decker earned over 20 fantasy points. He completed 6-of-8 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown. This is a man you want this week, especially with his matchup.

The Jets take on the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week 3 contest. The Chiefs rank 19^th against the position and have allowed over 20 fantasy points per game to wideouts this season.

Next: 7. This quarterback has an opportunity to save face this week

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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

7. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers was ranked the No. 2 quarterback this season, falling right behind Cam Newton. Needless to say, fantasy owners have yet to see that Rodgers step out on the field this season.

Rodgers barely (that’s putting it nicely) reached his projected fantasy points during Week 1 and 2. Last week he completed 20-of-36 passes for a little over 200 yards, one touchdown, and the dreadful interception.

Rodgers also had three fumbles and was sacked five times. This is not the Rodgers you want to start but, Week 3 offers him a better matchup.

Rodgers prepares to take on the Detroit Lions who have offered opposing quarterbacks almost 300-yard games and six touchdowns. This is the week we will see the Rodgers we all remember and drafted.

Next: 6. Don't miss out on last week's sleeper pick

6. Mike Wallace, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Last week, I named Mike Wallace a great sleeper pick, and after last week’s incredible showcase I am moving him to the start list. Wallace not only won the game for the Baltimore Ravens but, in the first quarter they were losing miserably 20-0.

By the end of the game, the Ravens brought home the win and so did Wallace. He completed 4-of-6 targets totaling 41 yards; he also had two touchdowns.

Last week he brought home a little over 20 fantasy points. In Week 1, Wallace earned over 25 points, and with this week’s matchup, you can’t deny him starting in your league.

The Ravens have the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. It is only Week 3, and the Jaguars have already allowed six touchdowns to opposing teams. Wallace has less than 60 percent ownership and should be drafted quick.

Next: 5. He has proven his worth these last two weeks

5. Matt Forte, RB, New York Jets

I am sure we can all agree we weren’t sure what to do with Matt Forte this season. On paper, he looks great but, a new team, his age, and past injuries left a little hesitation on draft day.

Forte has not only gone above and beyond any predictions but, he continues to get better every week. During Week 1 and 2, Forte earned almost 60 fantasy points combined; so much for the uncertainty.

Did I mention last week he had three touchdowns? Although that probably won’t happen on a weekly basis, it’s safe to say with his 100 yards he will be the Jets “workhorse”.

This week the Jets play the Kansas City Chiefs who are eighth against the position. However, last season, the Chiefs allowed over 120 rushing yards per game. This is a great matchup!

Next: 4. One incredible Falcon

4. Jacob Tamme, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Take advantage of Jacob Tamme while you can. Surprisingly, he has led the Atlanta Falcons in targets this season.

So far this season, Tamme has completed 11-of-16 targets and had one touchdown last week. He has kept fantasy owners steady with double-digit points, and last week he even earned a little over 20.

This week the Falcons play the New Orleans Saints who won’t keep Tamme from completing passes. Tamme is clearly Matt Ryan’s main pass catching tight end and should be considered TE1 in Week 3.

Next: 3. He charged for over 100 yards in Week 2

3. Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

As I mentioned earlier, the Chargers are suffering! Woodhead is out for the season which means Melvin Gordon’s production is increasing.

Last week, Gordon rushed 20+ times for a little over 100 yards and a touchdown. He earned fantasy owners over 20 points in the Week 2 matchup.

He also set his career high of touches and yards. Nothing seems to be slowing him down, especially not a Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts have allowed 125 rushing yards per game so far this season. Gordon is coming into Week 3 an RB1 option.

Next: 2. A Viking ready to step up

2. Jerick McKinnon, RB Minnesota Vikings

Just like the Chargers, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t had much luck this season either. First losing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and now losing Adrian Peterson.

Jerick McKinnon is going to be the Vikings’ starting running back in Week 3. Although he will lose goal line downs to Matt Asiata, McKinnon is projected to be used more often.

The Vikings play the Carolina Panthers in their weekly matchup. Although you may question this matchup, the Panthers have allowed three rushing touchdowns in the last two weeks.

If you need a running back injury filler, McKinnon is the way to go. He is only owned in about 25 percent of leagues and it’s only a matter of time until he’s gone.

Next: 1. A third string quarterback will keep this running back busy

1. LeGarrette Blount, RB New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have never used their running backs enough to impact fantasy football. However, with the suspension of Tom Brady, and now the unfortunate injury of Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriot running backs are looking good.

Last week LeGarette Blount rushed 29 times, totaled over 120 yards and a touchdown. He earned over 20 fantasy points and is projected about the same for Week 3.

The Patriots take on a strong Houston Texans defense but, they rank 27th against running backs. The Patriots will use their running backs to keep the game off third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Must Read: Jets are already overusing Matt Forte in 2016

Blount is owned in a little over 80 percent of leagues. If he’s available to start, he is a clear RB2 Week 3 option.