I turned to Twitter Monday night for an informal poll on this week’s title and lead story. Should I go with Bengals fill-in starter Bernard Scott or break down the Raiders’ potential shootout with the Patriots? The vote came down on the side of Scott, with the best title suggestion coming from @JHLothrop with “Ridley’s Believe or Scott.” Other suggestions:
Cedric Benson is headed to Commissioner Goodell’s office this week to appeal his three-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy during the lockout. While there’s a chance that Benson’s suspension will be reduced, he’s almost certain to miss at least Week 4 against a Bills defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing backs.
Update: A decision on Benson's appeal is not expected to be announced until next week. In the meantime, coach Marvin Lewis confirmed that Benson will be available to start against the Bills this week. Scott is still worthy of the top waiver pickup, as Benson's suspension could kick in next week.
If history is a guideline, the playmaking Scott will see the majority of the touches over Brian Leonard as the Bengals’ feature back. The last time Benson missed a three-game stretch, back in 2009, Scott averaged 18.7 touches and 97.3 yards as a solid RB2. Scott remains freely available in 57 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. With the potential for three starts, including two during the bye-week crunch, Scott is this week’s top pickup.
On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 3. Full writeups of each player are below.
Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell
Vince Young
Matt Hasselbeck
Donovan McNabb
Curtis Painter
Running Backs
Bernard Scott
Stevan Ridley
Kendall Hunter
Montario Hardesty
DeMarco Murray
Tashard Choice
Earnest Graham
Alfonso Smith
Wide Receivers
Denarius Moore
Nate Washington
Jacoby Ford
Donald Jones
Danario Alexander
Torrey Smith
Brandon Gibson
Steve Smith (PHI)
Dane Sanzenbacher
Tight Ends
Randy McMichael
James Casey
Jermaine Gresham
Ed Dickson
Chris Cooley
Defense/Special Teams
Buccaneers
Saints
Vikings
Texans
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell - The Raiders offensive line dominated the Jets defense last week. Campbell has been sacked just twice all season, and his weapons of Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford have the kind of game-breaking speed that will give defenses fits going forward. If ever there was a week to gamble on Campbell, it’s Week 4 against a Patriots defense allowing the second-most points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks and the most points to opposing fantays receivers.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.
Vince Young - Coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday that V.Y.’s hamstring is no longer an issue. The beat writers have reversed course this week, believing Young would get the call over Mike Kafka if Michael Vick’s hand injury doesn’t cooperate. Vick is considered “likely” to play against the 49ers, but Young is gaining value considering the vicious hits the starter is taking on a weekly basis.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Matt Hasselbeck, Titans - Tennessee’s offensive line can’t open holes in the running game, but they’re fine pass blockers. With time to pick defenses apart, Hasselbeck has completed 70 percent of his passes through three games while placing seventh in passing yards. The Kenny Britt injury is worrisome enough to keep Hasselbeck from the No. 1 spot on this list.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Donovan McNabb, Vikings - The Vikings offense has some interesting pieces, but it’s been held back by an inaccurate quarterback, horrendous coaching, and outside receivers with no separation ability. The only reason McNabb appears on this list is a slate of matchups against four defenses (Chiefs, Cardinals, Bears, Packers) in the top-12 for most points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. Hold your nose if you need McNabb in a deeper league.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Curtis Painter, Colts - Despite three more weeks of free passes from national analysts, Kerry Collins is likely headed to the bench after another miserable performance. The Colts have been reluctant to trust Painter -- with good reason considering his career 21.0 passer rating -- but he’s not substantially worse than Collins at this point in their respective careers. Keep expectations ankle-low, but Painter is worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Cut Bait: Kerry Collins, Andy Dalton
Collins could lose his job to Curtis Painter this week. … Dalton predictably came back down to Earth against the 49ers after lighting up an injury-depleted Broncos defense.
Hold Off: Blaine Gabbert
Watch List: John Beck, Tim Tebow, Mike Kafka
Rex Grossman morphed into Bad Rex Monday night. Very Bad Rex. His history of mind-blowing mistakes suggests Beck will get his turn at some point this season. … Orton hasn’t impressed for a Broncos team spinning its wheels at 1-2.
I turned to Twitter Monday night for an informal poll on this week’s title and lead story. Should I go with Bengals fill-in starter Bernard Scott or break down the Raiders’ potential shootout with the Patriots? The vote came down on the side of Scott, with the best title suggestion coming from @JHLothrop with “Ridley’s Believe or Scott.” Other suggestions:
Cedric Benson is headed to Commissioner Goodell’s office this week to appeal his three-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy during the lockout. While there’s a chance that Benson’s suspension will be reduced, he’s almost certain to miss at least Week 4 against a Bills defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing backs.
Update: A decision on Benson's appeal is not expected to be announced until next week. In the meantime, coach Marvin Lewis confirmed that Benson will be available to start against the Bills this week. Scott is still worthy of the top waiver pickup, as Benson's suspension could kick in next week.
If history is a guideline, the playmaking Scott will see the majority of the touches over Brian Leonard as the Bengals’ feature back. The last time Benson missed a three-game stretch, back in 2009, Scott averaged 18.7 touches and 97.3 yards as a solid RB2. Scott remains freely available in 57 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. With the potential for three starts, including two during the bye-week crunch, Scott is this week’s top pickup.
On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 3. Full writeups of each player are below.
Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell
Vince Young
Matt Hasselbeck
Donovan McNabb
Curtis Painter
Running Backs
Bernard Scott
Stevan Ridley
Kendall Hunter
Montario Hardesty
DeMarco Murray
Tashard Choice
Earnest Graham
Alfonso Smith
Wide Receivers
Denarius Moore
Nate Washington
Jacoby Ford
Donald Jones
Danario Alexander
Torrey Smith
Brandon Gibson
Steve Smith (PHI)
Dane Sanzenbacher
Tight Ends
Randy McMichael
James Casey
Jermaine Gresham
Ed Dickson
Chris Cooley
Defense/Special Teams
Buccaneers
Saints
Vikings
Texans
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell - The Raiders offensive line dominated the Jets defense last week. Campbell has been sacked just twice all season, and his weapons of Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford have the kind of game-breaking speed that will give defenses fits going forward. If ever there was a week to gamble on Campbell, it’s Week 4 against a Patriots defense allowing the second-most points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks and the most points to opposing fantays receivers.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.
Vince Young - Coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday that V.Y.’s hamstring is no longer an issue. The beat writers have reversed course this week, believing Young would get the call over Mike Kafka if Michael Vick’s hand injury doesn’t cooperate. Vick is considered “likely” to play against the 49ers, but Young is gaining value considering the vicious hits the starter is taking on a weekly basis.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Matt Hasselbeck, Titans - Tennessee’s offensive line can’t open holes in the running game, but they’re fine pass blockers. With time to pick defenses apart, Hasselbeck has completed 70 percent of his passes through three games while placing seventh in passing yards. The Kenny Britt injury is worrisome enough to keep Hasselbeck from the No. 1 spot on this list.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Donovan McNabb, Vikings - The Vikings offense has some interesting pieces, but it’s been held back by an inaccurate quarterback, horrendous coaching, and outside receivers with no separation ability. The only reason McNabb appears on this list is a slate of matchups against four defenses (Chiefs, Cardinals, Bears, Packers) in the top-12 for most points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. Hold your nose if you need McNabb in a deeper league.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Curtis Painter, Colts - Despite three more weeks of free passes from national analysts, Kerry Collins is likely headed to the bench after another miserable performance. The Colts have been reluctant to trust Painter -- with good reason considering his career 21.0 passer rating -- but he’s not substantially worse than Collins at this point in their respective careers. Keep expectations ankle-low, but Painter is worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Cut Bait: Kerry Collins, Andy Dalton
Collins could lose his job to Curtis Painter this week. … Dalton predictably came back down to Earth against the 49ers after lighting up an injury-depleted Broncos defense.
Hold Off: Blaine Gabbert
Watch List: John Beck, Tim Tebow, Mike Kafka
Rex Grossman morphed into Bad Rex Monday night. Very Bad Rex. His history of mind-blowing mistakes suggests Beck will get his turn at some point this season. … Orton hasn’t impressed for a Broncos team spinning its wheels at 1-2.
Running Backs
Bernard Scott, Bengals - If Cedric Benson loses his suspension appeal, Scott is slated for lead-back duties against the Bills, Jaguars, and Colts. Those teams rank 7th, 31st, and 10th respectively in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The last time Benson missed a three-game stretch, back in 2009, Scott averaged 18.7 touches and 97.3 yards as the lead back over Brian Leonard. With the bye weeks starting to kick in, he’s going to be in fantasy lineups as a viable RB2 option.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Stevan Ridley, Patriots - A complete back with excellent hands in a power-running package, Ridley has shined since the beginning of the exhibition season. Reliable beat writer Mike Reiss had a feeling the rookie’s role would grow in Week 3, and Ridley outplayed BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead while handling a couple of key second-half series. A more talented player than Green-Ellis, Ridley could take over as the lead back in a committee attack over the next few weeks. I wouldn’t expect a feature-back workload at any point this season.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.
Kendall Hunter, 49ers - Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that Gore (ankle) would be “good to go” for Week 4 against the Eagles. Averaging just 2.51 yards per carry this year, Gore was in and out of the lineup against the Bengals last week. Hunter has flashed big-play ability going back to preseason action and will likely see an increased role even if he doesn’t start in place of Gore.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.
Montario Hardesty, Browns - Hardesty surpassed expectations as a fill-in starter, looking smooth as a runner and receiver on his way to 86 yards on 17 touches against the Dolphins. With Peyton Hillis stuck on 3.4 yards per carry, Hardesty may push to make this a tandem backfield over the long haul. As a run-to-contact back, Hillis would benefit from more rest.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
DeMarco Murray, Cowboys - The Cowboys clearly trust the more experienced Choice in pass protection, but Murray is already a more productive runner and receiver. Choice is averaging an unbelievably ineffective 0.9 yards per on 15 carries compared to 2.7 for Murray behind an inexperienced offensive line. The two would likely split touches if the Cowboys switch gears and opt to rest Felix Jones (shoulder) before the Week 5 bye.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.
Tashard Choice, Cowboys - For the second straight year, Choice made a pivotal error against the Redskins. Last night’s didn’t cost the Cowboys the game, but it was hardly endearing to a coaching staff that has been steadily losing confidence in Choice. Even though Choice played 24 snaps to Felix Jones’ 32 Monday night, my guess is that DeMarco Murray would be the most productive Dallas back if Jones’ shoulder keeps him out against the Lions.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.
Earnest Graham, Buccaneers - It’s hard to imagine a less exciting waiver addition, but Graham can no longer be ignored as a potential bye-week fill-in in PPR formats. Through three games as the Bucs’ passing-down specialist, he’s on pace for 107 receptions. Among running backs, only Matt Forte (22) and Darren Sproles (21) have exceeded Graham’s 20 catches.
Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.
Alfonso Smith, Cardinals - Chester Taylor was expected to draw the start in place of Beanie Wells (hamstring), but Smith was the “quicker and more authoritative” runner of the two backups. Beanie swears up and down that he will return this week. Just keep in mind that he made similar comments late last week before sitting out. Smith would only be a weak flex option against the Giants if Wells ends up with a late-week setback.
Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.
Hold Off: Chester Taylor
Taylor was outplayed by Alfonso Smith, who had zero NFL carries into Week 3. He was washed up a year ago, and he’s washed up now.
Watch List: Jerome Harrison, Toby Gerhart, Isaac Redman, Brian Leonard
Wide Receivers
Denarius Moore, Raiders - There’s no excuse for Moore to be owned in fewer leagues than Michael Crabtree, but that remains the case. He was targeted more than any other Raiders receiver for the second straight week, drawing multiple pass interference penalties and finding the end zone on a spectacular 23-yard run against one of the league’s stiffest defenses. Mama, there goes that man again. "Unbelievable," said coach Hue Jackson of the performance. "I’m not going to stop him, that’s for sure. I’m just going to keep letting him do what he does.” If you’re one of the few Rotoworld readers yet to roster Moore, it’s time to snap to attention.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Nate Washington, Titans - Washington was killing single coverage opposite Kenny Britt, as evidenced by 21 receptions in Matt Hasselbeck’s first three games with the Titans. Washington’s previous three-game high was 13. He’s going to take over for Britt as Hasselbeck’s favorite target. The question is whether he can handle the extra defensive attention that goes with the responsibility. Washington may be a safer weekly play, but the Raiders receivers offer higher upside due to their considerable talent edge.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Jacoby Ford, Raiders - The Raiders have been targeting Week 4 for Ford’s return from a hamstring injury, and he’s “hopeful” of playing Sunday in an inviting matchup. The Patriots are surrendering the most wide receiver fantasy points in the league, by nearly a touchdown per game over the second-place Rams. Even with Denarius Moore emerging as Oakland’s top fantasy receiver, Ford’s own talent is undeniable. Coach Hue Jackson will build his offense around the explosive trio of Moore, Ford, and Darren McFadden going forward.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Donald Jones, Bills - We still prefer David Nelson over the long haul, but there’s no good reason for Jones to be owned in just one percent of CBSSports.com leagues. Jones is neck-and-neck with Stevie Johnson for the snap lead among Bills wideouts, and he’s actually run more pass routes than the No. 1 receiver. While Jones isn’t a strong bet to repeat his 100-yard performance, the No. 2 receiver on the NFL’s highest-scoring offense should be owned in 14-team leagues.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deeper leagues.
Danario Alexander, Rams - Alexander may be flying under the radar this week coming off a disappointing 28-yard performance against the Ravens. It’s important to note, however, that the coaching staff followed through on a promise to increase his role. DX was targeted a team-high eight times while increasing his snap-count for a second straight week. This is the most talented receiver on the Rams roster.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Torrey Smith, Ravens - Early last season, a speedy rookie arrived on the scene with 125 yards and two touchdowns in a breakout performance. David Gettis was a hot waiver wire addition, only to top 50 yards just one time the rest of the way. Smith, like Gettis, is a textbook example of chasing last week’s points. The long-term potential is there, but the Ravens made the trade for Lee Evans because Smith essentially only runs the post, fly, and stop-and-go routes. That was enough to burn overmatched Rams corner Justin King, but it’s not going to be repeated against better defenses. Smith will likely head back to the bench in favor of the original blowup-quarter artist, Evans. Even if he gets one more start, Smith draws the forbidding Jets in Week 4 followed by the bye week.
Recommendation: Worth a flier in 12-team leagues.
Brandon Gibson, Rams - Gibson is officially St. Louis’ No. 1 receiver, a top-35 fantasy receiver early on, and author of three consecutive 50-yard games. While his upside is low, Gibson should be owned in more than 20 percent of fantasy leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
Steve Smith, Eagles - Smith seemed primed for a big opportunity Sunday night when Jeremy Maclin came down with a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid suggested Monday, though, that Maclin’s hamstring isn’t as bad as initially believed. Maclin is considered “day to day” this week, leaving the No. 2 role up in the air against the 49ers. If Maclin does play, Smith isn’t worthy of a roster spot.
Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.
Dane Sanzenbacher, Bears - Coach Lovie Smith suggested that Earl Bennett’s Week 2 chest injury could be of the multi-week variety, leaving Sanzenbacher to handle slot duties. The undrafted rookie was targeted seven times against the Packers, finding the end zone on one of his five receptions. It’s conceivable that Sanzenbacher could hold off Bennett over the course of the season.
Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.
Cut Bait: Braylon Edwards, Roy Williams, Big Mike Williams, Brandon LaFell, Jacoby Jones, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Andre Roberts, Arrelious Benn
Edwards is out at least another two weeks. He wasn’t producing even when he was playing. … Between the Roy Williams fiasco and his lopsided play-calling, Mike Martz should be under more heat than any other coordinator. … Big Mike just isn’t getting open. … LaFell still isn’t playing enough snaps. … Royal should lose his job to Eric Decker.
Hold Off: Victor Cruz, Michael Jenkins, Andre Caldwell, Brian Hartline, Josh Cribbs, Steve Breaston
Cruz has bonafide playmaking ability, but his path to reliable fantasy value is blocked by Mario Manningham’s return. Evan Silva suggests Manningham could end up seeing time in the slot with Cruz moved to the perimeter, so continue to monitor the situation. … Molasses Jenkins had three targets apiece in each of the first two weeks. His 11 targets, nine receptions, and 88 yards will stand as season-highs. They better -- for the sanity of Vikings fans. … Caldwell will likely head back to the third receiver role with Jerome Simpson starting in Week 4. … Hartlines are a dime a dozen on the wire.
Watch List: Randy Moss, Danny Amendola, Titus Young, Damian Williams, Patrick Crayton, Emmanuel Sanders, Randall Cobb, Laurent Robinson
Moss is reportedly willing to return to a contender with an established quarterback. I wouldn’t count on it happening for a few weeks. Even then, he won’t be much more than a red-zone specialist. … Amendola may be held out through the Week 5 bye. … Young has playmaking ability and 15 targets over the past two weeks. His role is growing. … Williams is the committee head in the search for a Kenny Britt replacement. … Crayton isn’t worth a roster spot with Malcom Floyd back from injury. … Sanders is being outproduced by Antonio Brown early on.
Tight Ends
Randy McMichael, Chargers - Torn scar tissue is wreaking havoc with Antonio Gates’ oft-injured foot, leaving his status up in the air on a weekly basis. Gates is now contemplating 3-5 weeks of rest, so he can come back healthy for the second half of the season. At this point in his career, McMichael’s after-the-catch ability is essentially non-existent. With solid hands and an outstanding quarterback, though, he has Tony Gonzalez-like potential as a red-zone stalwart.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
James Casey, Texans - A former minor league baseball player, Casey was obscenely productive at Rice as an H-back/slot receiver/QB. Before his 137-yard breakout game, the athletic Casey’s previous season high was 98 yards. It’s interesting to note that the Texans have three tight ends, including Casey, among their top-five in skill-position player snaps this year. Even with the trend toward two-tight end offenses, though, my instincts tell me Casey’s increased role was a game-plan adjustment with Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones both clearly hindered by injuries in Week 3. The odds are in favor of “point chasing” with a Casey addition this week, but his upside in a high-scoring offense is worth a flier. Recommendation: Worth a flier in 12-team leagues.
Jermaine Gresham, Bengals - The good news is that Gresham’s 21 targets are seventh among NFL tight ends. The bad news is that the Bengals offense provides scant scoring opportunities. Gresham is best utilized in PPR formats until Andy Dalton proves his Week 2 performance wasn’t a fluke.
Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues.
Ed Dickson, Ravens - Dickson’s 20 targets are tied with Ray Rice for second on the Ravens and 10th among NFL tight ends (as are his 12 receptions). Dickson isn’t finding the end-zone with regularity, but he’s certainly a viable PPR-league option. The next two weeks bring a tough matchup against the Jets followed by the bye week.
Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues.
Chris Cooley, Redskins - Mike Shanahan used to get his jollies off messing with the backfields of fantasy owners. Now he’s messing with their tight ends after Cooley proclaimed that his burst was back heading into Week 3. Cooley was featured heavily in the game plan while offensive MVP Fred Davis drew extra defensive attention against the Cowboys. Davis is still the tight end to own in Washington, but Cooley is worth a look in deeper leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.
Cut Bait: Brent Celek, Zach Miller, Lance Kendricks
Celek and Miller are playing plenty of snaps, only to find themselves blocking all game. … Kendricks’ hands have failed him through three weeks.
Watch List: Jared Cook, Todd Heap, Ben Watson, Jeremy Shockey, Kyle Rudolph
Despite full-time snaps, Cook is seeing just 2-3 targets per week. His role is expected to grow with Kenny Britt out, so be prepared to pick him up next week. … Heap was heavily targeted in the second half with Seattle bracketing Larry Fitzgerald. He’s going to have to prove it again. … Watson is seeing plenty of targets between the 20’s, but Evan Moore takes over in the red zone. … Rudolph is playing more snaps than any second tight end in the league.
Defense/Special Teams
Buccaneers - Tampa’s young defensive line is coming alive. Brian Price and Adrian Clayborn were dominant against the Falcons last week, leading a defense that recovered a pair of red-zone fumbles from Matt Ryan. They have the best matchup in the league this week at home, possibly in Curtis Painter’s first career start.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.
Saints - Over the next three weeks, the Saints get two rookie quarterbacks (Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton) and a struggling offense (Buccaneers). Gabbert, in particular, looked overmatched against a bottom-tier Panthers defense in Week 3.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leaugues.
Vikings - Minnesota’s defensive front owned the line of scrimmage in Week 3, sacking Matthew Stafford for the first four times this season. They travel to Kansas City this week to take on a Chiefs offense that hasn’t moved the ball since Charlie Weis absconded with the playbook.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.
Texans - Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were in Ben Roethlisberger’s grill all game Sunday night, knocking both Steelers tackles out with injuries. The strength of Houston’s defense is the pass rush, and they could be teeing off against replacement tackles this week. Big Ben will get his yards and points, but the Texans defense should rack up a handful of sacks and turnovers.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
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