Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Week 3
By Genna Preston
Heading into Week 3 Fantasy Football, keep an eye on these top 10 sleeper picks for maximum points.
Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) makes a catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Walter Thurmond III (26) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Every week I have to remind myself it’s fantasy football for a reason. Week 1 and 2 were filled with ongoing suspensions, major player busts, and a tremendous amount of injuries.
Related Story: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 3: WR Eric Decker
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is doubtful with a shoulder injury, Jonathan Stewart is out with a hamstring issue and Corey Coleman broke his hand during practice this week; the list continues.
Have you taken a look at player availability? We’re running out of productive running backs and quarterbacks, the start of the fantasy season is already rough.
So here comes the fun, sleeper picks! You’re going to have to take a chance with a player or two, so why not do it right?
Take a chance with one of these top 10 sleeper picks for Week 3.
Next: 10. A Colt worth starting
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) is unable to make a catch as Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) applies pressure during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
10. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Philip Dorsett might not have had double-digit fantasy points in Week 2 but, he is showing signs of improvements. He leads the Indianapolis Colts in receiving yards averaging a little under 25 yards per carry this season.
With Donte Moncrief questionable for Week 3 due to a shoulder injury, Dorsett’s targets should increase. However, last week he completed only one of his five targets for 30 yards.
Although he doesn’t have the desirable fantasy football points, his weekly matchup against the San Diego Chargers will complement him well. The Chargers ranked 15th in yards allowed to opposing wide receivers.
With a projection of double digit fantasy points, this is the week to take a chance with Dorsett. If you need a week three filler or a lineup change, Dorsett should be available as he’s owned in less than 50% of leagues.
Next: 9. His opponents allowed four touchdowns to the position
Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
9. Jared Cook, TE, Green Bay Packers
Jared Cook hasn’t had the greatest start this season. In last week’s game, he completed 4-of-6 targets for 31 yards.
So far this season, he’s only completed five passes for 38 yards. Cook hasn’t even earned a combined total of 10 fantasy points in the last two weeks.
Week 3 could be the week we see Cook emerge. His weekly matchup against the Detroit Lions is something a tight end can only dream of.
In the last two weeks, the Lions have allowed four touchdowns to opposing tight ends. This is an ideal week for Cook.
Next: 8. He had a breakout game in Week 2
Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) moves in as Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) makes a catch this second quarter touchdown at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
8. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
Devante Parker had a breakout performance last week. He brought fantasy owners almost 20 fantasy points. But, one good game after a hamstring injury isn’t convincing me he will continue to perform that way, which is why he appears on this week’s sleepover list.
Last week, Parker completed 8-of-13 targets. He totaled over 100 yards, against the division rival New England Patriots.
This week, Parker takes on the Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ defense is not only inconsistent but they’re unpredictable at any given moment.
With Parker coming off of a career-high week, we can assume he will continue the momentum. Parker is only owned in 70% of leagues and could still be picked up.
Next: 7. This Jet is taking off
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
7. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets
Not only did Ryan Fitzpatrick get revenge on the Buffalo Bills last week, but it looked like he dusted off the rust we saw in the beginning of the season. Fitzpatrick appeared on several sit ‘em lists this week, however, I have decided to add him to this week’s sleepers list.
Last week, he completed 24-of-34 passes for 375 yards. He also had a touchdown and a fumble in last week’s showdown.
Three of the Jets had 100-yard games in Week 2, I’d say that’s a quarterback you want to start. Fitzpatrick went well over his projected weekly fantasy football points.
He comes face-to-face with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. The Chiefs rank 15th in allowing passing yards per game; they have allowed a little over 243 yards every week. Fitzpatrick is a great asset to any lineup this week.
Next: 6. He consecutively earns double-digit points
6. Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
I had to add Tevin Coleman to this week’s sleepers list because ironically he’s owned in only 50-60 percent of leagues. However, he has earned double-digit fantasy points in both of his last two matchups.
Last week, he rushed 12 times for 46 yards and a touchdown. He added 25 yards on two passes.
Devonta Freeman by far has more touches than Coleman. However, Coleman has outplayed Freeman both on the field and in fantasy football points.
This week Coleman takes on the New Orleans Saints. With Coleman getting more passing game plays, it looks to be a good week to take a chance with him.
Next: 5. His competitors allowed almost 300 yards per game
5. Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Tajae Sharpe is not a week to week starter in my opinion. Yes, he is the Tennessee Titans No. 1 wide receiver but, his numbers don’t always pay out.
Last week, Sharpe completed 4-of-7 targets for 33 yards. He didn’t earn double-digit fantasy points this week or last week.
But, remember I mentioned he’s not a week to week starter? This is the week you start Sharpe. He’s taking on the Oakland Raiders who rank dead last in yards allowed to opposing wide receivers.
They have allowed almost 300 yards per game to the position. This has got to be a good week for sharpie.
Next: 4. This is the week to trust at least one Lion
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) reacts to scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
4. Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions
Eric Ebron is one of those players you want to take a chance with but you just can’t bring yourself to fully commit. He currently leads the Lions in red zone targets but didn’t score in Week 2.
Within the last two games, Ebron has been targeted 12 times. If it wasn’t for his pass interference penalty, he would’ve also had a touchdown last week.
Ebron is earning double-digit fantasy points but is one of those players that need the ideal matchup. We see that in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are 3rd for allowing yards to the position. A tight end has scored in the last two weeks against the Packers. This looks like a great opportunity for Ebron to explode.
Next: 3. A Viking ready for the spotlight
3. 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 work to Matt Asiata, McKinnon is projected to be used more frequently.
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: 2. His fantasy value has definitely been underestimated
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) runs after a catch and breaks a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
2. Quincy Enunwa, WR, New York Jets
After two back-to-back monstrous performances, owners still aren’t trusting Quincy Enunwa. In the last two weeks he almost totaled 40 fantasy points, why is he owned in less than 30 percent of leagues?
Owners are worried he won’t get a lot of work because of players like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, I get it. But, Marshall has been suffering a knee injury and is listed as questionable for this week’s matchup.
I will also add that he completed six of six targets for almost 100 yards last week while Marshall was playing. Not only will Enunwa see more targets with Marshall out or limited, but his matchup against the Chiefs leave it hard to not take a chance.
Next: 1. He leads the Ravens in targets
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) catches a pass over the defense of Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Chris Kirksey (58) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Dennis Pitta, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Dennis Pita came into the season determined to explode this year. So far what we’ve seen of Pitta isn’t looking too shabby.
Last week, Pitta completed 9-of-12 targets for over 100 yards. He led the team in targets; Mike Wallace and Steve Smith had six targets each.
He brought in over 20 fantasy points and in some leagues well over 30. This week’s matchup versus the Jacksonville Jaguars offers the same opportunity.
Must Read: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 3: D/ST of New York Jets
Just last week, the Jaguars allowed Antonio Gates a touchdown. If Pitta can find himself in open fields like we saw last week, he could be on his way to another great week.