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Week 2 is the in books and a lot of strange things have happened already. DeMarco Murray, an early-round pick, has rushed for only 11 yards this season. Meanwhile, Travis Benjamin, who went mostly undrafted, has three receiving TDs on only six receptions. It may be time to get some sleepers on your roster as we approach the first set of bye weeks in Week 4.
First, let's take a look back how I did last week. Were my picks correct or anywhere near close to valuable picks? Karlos Williams (RB, BUF) – 37 total yards and a TD for 10.7 points – I'm calling this a victory; Cole Beasley (WR, DAL) – 14 receiving yards for 3.4 points – This is definitely a loss; Jared Cook (TE, STL) – 47 receiving yards for 7.2 points – This could have been a lot worse.
Last week was a batch of mixed results that were hit or miss, but I'll take it. Let’s see who is available in Week 3 in case you need a spot-start in a deeper league or are dealing with injuries like everyone else.
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Three Sneaky Week 3 Starts for Deeper Leagues
1) Josh Robinson - RB, IND @ TEN
Owned in 10% of Fleaflicker leagues
This is not going to say that Robinson is going to go off for 30 fantasy points and overtake Frank Gore for the starting spot in the Colts' backfield. But, two games into his career, Robinson has already proven to be a valuable backup to the aging Gore.
Even in a loss to the New York Jets, Robinson finished with 39 total yards, including five receptions. That second number from the running back or flex position should make most fantasy owners happy.
Moving forward, Robinson should have no issues seeing the field on a consistent basis, especially on third down. Gore is having a hard time showing that he is still a valuable starting option at this stage in his career. Robinson may be seen as a risky play, but it may be one that could pay off as early as this weekend.
Prediction: 4 carries, 25 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown; 4 receptions, 30 receiving yards
2) Rishard Matthews - WR, MIA vs. BUF
Owned in 15% of Fleaflicker leagues
Coming off of his first 100-yard game in almost two years, Matthews is certainly seen as a hot commodity this week. Going against Buffalo this week may actually lower most owners' expectations, which could make him a steal for those who are patient.
Matthews was seen as the fifth-best receiver on the team behind Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and DeVante Parker. Statistically he has been the second-best on the team. The offseason acquisitions of Stills and Jennings are starting to look useless, and Parker hasn't broken out just yet.
To start the season, Matthews is coming off back-to-back double digit fantasy point games. Thus far, he has totaled 10 receptions for 149 receiving yards and a TD. These are not bad numbers for the supposed fifth-best WR on the team. Going into this weekend's matchup against the Bills, Rex Ryan will probably attempt to eliminate Landry from the equation, opening up the field for someone else to step up in the process. Look for Matthews to have a strong game and find the endzone again this week.
Prediction: 5 receptions, 80 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
3) Scott Chandler - TE, NE vs. JAC
Owned in 8% of Fleaflicker leagues
This is another risky pick heading into Week 3. Chandler, who was once the starting tight end for the Buffalo Bills, has the opportunity to have a strong game against the Jaguars this weekend. Chandler has already found the endzone this season and, while he is the backup on his team, he has seen six targets this season, five of which came last week.
The Patriots have shown that they are going to throw the ball a lot this season. Since the team does not have a lot of big-name weapons outside of Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, it will be players like Chandler and Dion Lewis that will eat up the rest of the targets. Look for Chandler to find the endzone again this weekend and see a lot more targets than he has to start the season.
Prediction: 5 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
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