Fantasy Football: Start & Sit Wide Receivers NFL Week 3

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Jets receiver Brandon Marshall has a touchdown in each of the first two games. (Getty)

Jets receiver Brandon Marshall has a touchdown in each of the first two games. (Getty)

Before getting to the Week 3 wide receiver rankings, let’s take a look at some of the second-year wideouts who posted big numbers in their rookie seasons.

Can you expect the following players to surpass their 2014 numbers or regress?

Mike Evans, Buccaneers, 2014 Stats: 68 receptions, 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns — Evans has not recorded a catch this season, but they’ll come. However, I don’t see him duplicating that touchdown total. He should match receptions and yards, though.

Sammy Watkins, Bills, 2014 Stats: 65 receptions, 982 yards and 6 touchdowns — I don’t like Watkins matching his 2014 totals. He’s a deep threat and caught a lot of teams off guard in 2014. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor doesn’t have the track record of being an accurate deep passer, which will hurt Watkins’ value.

Odell Beckham Jr., Giants, 2014 Stats: 91 receptions, 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns — Beckham put up those numbers in 12 games. Amazing. The Giants have been slow out of the gate, but Beckham is a special player and has a great rapport with Eli Manning. Beckham will surpass his 2014 totals.

Jordan Matthews, Eagles, 2014 Stats: 67 receptions, 872 yards and 8 touchdowns — Matthews is racking up the targets and numbers despite the Eagles’ struggles. That bodes well when Sam Bradford and the offense get on track, which they will. Matthews will top his 2014 totals, too.

Remember to bookmark our fantasy football rankings 2015 page to keep up-to-date on the latest projections and rankings for each NFL week throughout the season. All of my Week 3 rankings are up.

Here’s our version of start and sit: “He Will Shine” and “Show Him the Pine.”


He Will Shine

Allen Robinson, Jaguars, vs. Patriots

After a 1-catch first game, Robinson exploded in Week 2 for a 6-155-2 line. He might not reach those totals Sunday vs. the Patriots, but I can guarantee you this — Robinson will see a ton of targets (he’s already seen 19 in 2 games). Chances are Jacksonville will be behind and will need to play catch-up. Those garbage points count in fantasy football, too.

Michael Crabtree, Raiders, at Browns

Crabtree has quietly racked up 24 targets over the first 2 games, good for 5th-most in the league. The Browns boast a pretty solid pass defense, but have given up 4 TD passes. Nonetheless, expect Crabtree to get 2 handfuls or so of pass targets.

Brandon Marshall, Jets, vs. Eagles

So far Marshall looks like a steal for the 5th-round pick the Jets gave up for him in the offseason. He’s scored in each of the first 2 games on 19 targets, both of which are among the league leaders. No. 1 receivers have torched the Eagles so far to the tune of 13 catches for 225 yards and 3 TDs. If Eric Decker can’t go (knee), Marshall will be even busier.

Also start:

Marvin Jones, Bengals, at Ravens
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks, vs. Bears


Show Him the Pine

Mike Wallace, Vikings, vs. Chargers

Known for his speed and deep-threat skills, Wallace is averaging just 11.2 yards per catch so far, with a long of 22. He and QB Teddy Bridgewater just aren’t connecting on deep passes. In fact, they’re not even trying as Wallace has caught 9 of 10 thrown his way and he has the lowest average of his career as I mentioned. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner likes to get the ball downfield, but it just isn’t working out right now.

Brandin Cooks, Saints, at Panthers

If Drew Brees doesn’t play (bruised shoulder), you certainly don’t want Cooks in your lineup. Backup QB Luke McCown hasn’t completed a pass in the NFL since Cooks was a freshman at Oregon State (2011). Even if Brees does play (doubtful), he and Cooks haven’t gotten on the same page, so he might be a risk anyway.

Golden Tate, Lions, vs. Broncos

The Broncos are playing stifling pass defense so far, allowing just 134 yards and zero touchdowns. The good news is Detroit is throwing the ball more than 2.5 times than running it. Bad news is Tate and QB Matt Stafford have connected on just 10 of 18 targets. There are safer options than Tate in Week 3.

Also sit:

Alshon Jeffery, Bears, at Seahawks
Roddy White, Falcons, at Cowboys


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