Fantasy Football: Week 3 Value Picks

Added on Sep 22, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Injuries continue to rear their ugly head in the world of fantasy football. Big name players like Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, Michael Vick, Miles Austin and Tony Romo are just a few who have been hit by the broken bone and damaged ligament fairy. Unfortunately, this rash of bumps and bruises has left many fantasy rosters severely depleted. To help alleviate these problems, we have some excellent value plays for Week 3 of the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. NE) – Based on the numbers alone, Fitzpatrick is close to becoming s must-start every week. His yardage totals aren’t through the roof but it’s hard to argue with seven touchdown passes in two games. The last time he faced the Pats he tossed three interceptions and zero touchdowns. However, the New England secondary is vulnerable and with the offense piling up points early and often, expect Fitzy to deliver decent numbers.

Ryan Mathews (vs. KC) – Mathews is finally beginning to assert himself in the Chargers backfield. He’s clearly the best pure runner on the team and his ten receptions prove he has value as a receiver. In case you hadn’t noticed, the Chiefs are dreadful, having allowed 89 points already. Start all your Bolts in this one, including Mike Tolbert.

A.J. Green (vs. SF) – Like Fitzpatrick, Green should probably be in your lineup every Sunday. The mega talented rookie is easily the Bengals best wide receiver and is coming off a game in which he was targeted 14 times and snagged ten balls for 124 yards and one touchdown. The 49ers made Doug Baldwin look legit and were lit up by Miles Austin to the tune of 143 yards and three scores. Roll with Green.

Deion Branch (@ BUF) – Everyone on the Patriots is a viable option each and every week. Tom Brady is in the zone leading an offense that is as pass-happy as they come, averaging 463 yards through two games. Branch has yet to find the end zone, but his 15 catches ranks second on the team. With Aaron Hernandez sidelined with a sprained MCL, expect more looks for Branch against a suspect Bills secondary.

Fred Davis (@ DAL) – Despite posting excellent numbers thus far, Davis is still available in several leagues. Grab him now while you still can because he’s quickly becoming the Redskins top vertical and red zone threat. He currently ranks fourth among tight ends with 11 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown. On Monday night he draws a banged up Cowboys defense that has yielded 117 yards and two scores to opposing tight ends.

Titans D/ST (vs. DEN) – The Titans defense opened up some eyes after shutting down Joe Flacco and limiting Ray Rice last Sunday. They recorded two picks, three sacks, a forced fumble and held the Ravens to 229 total yards. Denver limps into town for Week 3 with question marks surrounding Knowshon Moreno and Brandon Lloyd. If you need a serviceable defense you could do a lot worse than Tennessee.