Some owners are seeking new starters to increase scoring and help their fantasy squads clinch a Week 3 victory.
Last week’s sleepers of Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, Darren McFadden, Matt Ryan, Visanthe Shiancoe and Michael Vick helped some fantasy teams clinch a Week 2 victory.
Start these emerging players or overlooked veterans with favorable Week 3 matchups. They can solve lineup decisions at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, the flex positions or defensive/special teams.
10. Washington D/ST at St. Louis
Sam Bradford is only making his third NFL start, and is likely to face frequent blitzes. He’s already thrown for the league’s second-most interceptions (4) and is meeting an aggressive Washington defense. It has generated the fourth-most sacks (6) this season.
9. Cincinnati D/ST at Carolina
The Bengals had four interceptions and allowed just 10 points to Baltimore last game.
Carolina is starting rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, leaving it susceptible to giving up sacks and turnovers.
During Week 2, the Seahawks allowed Knowshon Moreno to total 118 yards, four receptions and one touchdown, and also permitted Correll Buckhalter to score.
As various reports indicate, look for Tolbert to be San Diego’s featured back and the goal-line back against Seattle.
3. Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona vs. Oakland
Even if Chris Wells returns from a knee injury for Week 3, he will likely share carries with Hightower as he did last season. Hightower totaled 94 yards, four receptions and a score against St. Louis in the opener. He also ran for 115 yards and one score against Atlanta last game.
His matchup with Oakland is promising for his Week 3 fantasy stats.
Oakland has struggled again with running backs early this season. Tennessee’s Chris Johnson ran for 142 yards and two scores in the opener, and St. Louis’ Steven Jackson totaled 125 yards and four receptions in Week 2.
Last season, the Raiders ranked as the league’s fourth-worst rushing defense and allowed the most rushing scores.
2. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland at Arizona
After disappointing early in his career, McFadden has started this season superbly. He totaled 150 yards, six receptions and a score against Tennessee during Week 1, and ran for 145 yards against St. Louis in Week 2.
Arizona was dominated by Atlanta backup running back Jason Snelling in Week 2. He totaled 186 yards, five receptions and one score.
McFadden will be aiming for his third straight rushing game of at least 95 yards.
1. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati at Carolina
Carolina yielded a big game to Eli Manning in the opener, and allowed Josh Freeman to post solid stats in Week 2. Manning passed for 263 yards and three scores, and Freeman thew for two scores.
Palmer has the quality receivers to produce a solid fantasy day against an inexperienced defense. After facing the difficult defenses of New England on the road and Baltimore at home, Palmer will find it easier to pass against Carolina’s rebuilding defense.
