Fantasy Football Top 3 Sleepers/Busts for Week 3
Sleepers
1- Alex Smith
So far, Alex Smith has put up good fantasy stats. Not great enough to be considered a weekly starter, but good enough to be taken as a high-end #2 QB (18.5 fantasy points a week in standard leagues). He has yet to throw a pick and is going up against a defense that is giving up 360 yards through the air a game. Philly’s high tempo offense is going to make sure Smith getting plenty of time with the ball.
Although KC does attack with a well balance of rushes and passes. Alex Smith is the go to guy in this offense this week. His running game and ability to take care of the ball with his throws (has yet to throw an INT) will be the fantasy highpoint for the Chiefs.
2- Joique Bell
For PPR owners, Bell is a breath of fresh air. The Darren Sproles clone for Detroit has already racked up 2 rushing td’s and 10 receptions for 100 yards in two games. Reggie Bush’s knee injury (last heard his MRI was negative and is expected to play Sunday) could add a bit more to Bell’s workload this Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Washington’s been struggling against the run a lot this season, giving up over 200 yards on the ground a game (granted they played Philly in week one, but gave up over 100 yards to James Starks in week two). In deeper leagues, Bell is a sneaky RB 2/Flex player option, in PPR leagues, he’s quickly becoming an every week starter.
3- Vincent Brown
Behold the glory that is fantasy football. After two weeks, Eddie Royal leads the NFL with 5 TD receptions. So calling him a sleeper this week may be too much of a stretch. Vincent Brown however, the SD wide out sleeper in nearly every draft, could be this week’s breakout candidate for SD (Tenn is giving up 221 yards through the air a game so far). With San Diego’s running game questionable, defenses zoning in on Royal and the unlikeness of WR Malcom Floyd being able to play on Sunday, this week could give the breakout game Brown owners have waited for.
Busts
1- Adrian Peterson
AP is the best running back in the NFL today, but the Browns defense has DESTROYED opposing running backs. Their 4th in the NFL rushing defense has so far made Miami’s Lamar Miller (3 yards on 10 carries), and Baltimore’s Ray Rice (13 carries 36 yards) almost fantasy irrelevant. If there is one consideration, it’s the backup RB’s for each team has rushed for a TD. So Toby Gearhart may be in line for a rushing TD on Sunday if the trend continues.
AP is going to get the ball a ton against Cleveland, but by the way the Browns front line has been, and how susceptible their secondary has been at times (minus Joe Haden), Christian Ponder may be the one with the better fantasy day.
2- Brandon Marshall
If there’s one thing the Steelers Defense can do, it’s that they know how to contain a team’s stud WR. Kenny Britt was held to 1 catch for 15 yards. AJ Green, 6 Catches for 41 yards. While Marshall is Cutler’s go to guy and a beast entirely onto himself, I feel the Bears are going to lean on Matt Forte this week to trounce the Steelers defense (Pittsburgh is giving up 119 yards on the ground a game). Also, seeing the likes of Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark all game won’t be a pretty site for Marshall fans.
3- Tom Brady/Julian Edelman
Brady looked frustrated with the talent surrounding him, and TB’s Def is coming off an incredible performance against Drew Brees. While the Bucs are giving up 255 yards through the air. I fully expect them to come out big against a NE passing game that’s going way beyond what they can. Someone besides Julian Edelman has to step up this week, seeing that after last week’s performance from Edelman (13 catches 78 yards), he’s the prime suspect to be put on Revis Island in this matchup.
Could be a struggle for Brady and Co. to put up points in this one.