Oh, how the fantasy gods are fickle.
Who could have predicted that the fantasy points leader heading into Week 3 would be rookie quarterback Robert Griffen III? The young signal caller has been astounding this season so far, throwing 55 passes for 39 completions, 526 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. On the ground he’s been just as effective, running for 124 yards and two touchdowns through a mere two games. He’s become a no-brainer to start in any league.
Little brother Eli Manning has finally emerged from his brother’s shadow, emphasizing the point with his week 2 performance. Manning was unstoppable in a 34-41 shootout against the Bucs, passing for an unearthly 510 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. There can be no question now that Eli is indeed elite, especially as top 5 fantasy QB.
In contrast, Peyton Manning had a rough night on Monday, throwing 3 interceptions in the first quarter. While his first week back Peyton showed flashes of him old self, it is clear there is still
rust to be shaken off after a year on the bench. He managed to have a decent fantasy day, adding 241 yards and a touchdown. This setback shouldn’t be considered too serious. Manning will
improve as the season progresses, and is a safe start this week against a tough Houston defensive unit.
FREE AGENT FINDS
WR Brandon LaFell, Carolina: Next to Steve Smith, LaFell is the most prominent target on the Carolina offense. Seeing 42% of Cam Newton’s passes on Sunday, LaFell racked up 6 receptions for 90 yards a week after hauling in 3 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. There isn’t much danger of him losing snaps to any receiver, and benefits from the offensive juggernaut that is his quarterback.
TE Dennis Pitta, Baltimore: Dennis Pitta has ranked among the fantasy elite this season for tight ends. Joe Flacco is operating on a new level, and Pitta is his most trusted receiver, leading the Ravens with 13 receptions and 138 yards. He has also been targeted by Flacco 23 times, eight more than any other receiver on the team.
WR Donnie Avery, Indianapolis: Avery has established an early connection with Andrew Luck, being targeted 11 times on Sunday for a productive 9 receptions and 111 yards. He is worth a pickup in most leagues, especially with the Colts pass-heavy attack.
Andre Brown: After Ahmad Bradshaw left the game this weekend with a neck injury, Brown stepped up to rush for 71 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 carries. With Bradshaw out this week, look for Brown to receive most of the action in his stead.
Three top tier players went down on Sunday, befuddling the plans of many a team. All three are projected to return in a few weeks, but in the meantime fantasy owners should consider who will receive the fantasy surplus.
RB Matt Forte, Chicago: Forte left Thursday’s game with what was initially reported to be a high ankle sprain. Though not as serious, it seems that the ankle sprain is of a different, less
severe variety. However, Forte may end up missing multiple weeks, and in his absence newly acquired Michael Bush will start for the Bears.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants: Bradshaw went down with an ambiguous neck injury during the 41-34 victory against Tampa Bay, and has been ruled out for this week. Andre Brown will receive the bulk of Bradshaw’s carries.
TE Aaron Hernandez, New England: Hernandez plays a huge part in the Patriot’s two tight end system, and will not only be sorely missed for a few weeks with an ankle injury, but difficult to replace. Fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski may receive more looks from Tom Brady, but free agent Kellen Winslow has been reported as to signing with the team, as well as wideout Dion Branch.
Week 2 is still an early indication as to the prowess of most fantasy players, and there will still be major developments to come this season. Keep an active eye for treasures on the waiver wire; trust your gut and Godspeed in Week 3.
