NFL Fantasy Football Advice: How To Win Week 3 (2017)
LA Rams’ running back Todd Gurley must be getting trolled hard by fantasy football general managers on social media again. Last season, Gurley was ranked No.1 running back on several pre-draft boards. Players selected Gurley who severely underperformed in the regular season last year and incurred the wrath of several “fans”. Thankfully, Gurley has reverted back to his rookie form. Once again, he is a fantasy football darling and has scored six touchdowns in three games. As LL Cool J would say, “Don’t call it a comeback.” If you can’t start Gurley in your own lineup, feel free to use our other free fantasy football advice for Week 3 to dominate your matchup. Good luck.
This week, we continue to try to help the less fortunate. We will compare them against ESPN’s Matthew Berry’s week 3 start em’ and sit em’ projections to figure out who really knows what they are talking about.
Advice At Quarterbacks
Matt Stafford versus the Atlanta Falcons
Only two other teams besides the Falcons have allowed more fantasy points to QBs this season. Berry expects a high-scoring game, especially on the fast track of Ford Field. The Lions haven’t shown a consistent dedication to the running game. Stafford has led the Lions to a 2-0 record on the strength of his right arm and is creating MVP buzz for his great play. However, take note, the Falcons faced Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers in consecutive weeks. That pair consistently put up big fantasy points on most teams.
The Falcons are still without linebacker Vic Beasley Jr., but until the Lions develop a more balanced offensive attack, they are not one of the elite teams in the NFC. If you are in a PPR league, Stafford will give you solid numbers for attempts and yardage, but our gut says the Falcons will limit Detroit’s trips to the red zone.
Our Pick:
Alex Smith at the LA Chargers
We are surprised that ESPN doesn’t project a big week 3 for Smith and the Chiefs. This rivalry tends to produce shootouts going back to their original AFC roots. With Andy Reid’s more aggressive play-calling and speedy playmakers, Smith has been racking up big yards and touchdowns. We expect the trend to continue against the Chargers and a big week for TE Travis Kelce.
Fantasy Football Advice At Running Back
Frank Gore versus the Cleveland Browns
Berry notes, “the Browns have allowed 4.49 yards per carry since the start of last season. Expect another heavy workload and a top-20 finish from Gore in Week 3.” This matchup is tough to predict. Keep this in mind, there will be no Luck under center and backup QB Jacoby Brissett will be asked to manage the game, rather than push the ball downfield. But, for some reason, we have more faith in the Browns’ run defense and Gore’s advanced age. We would look elsewhere for an RB 1 or 2.
Our Pick:
Jay Ajayi at the New York Jets
C’Mon, it’s the Jets. That defense will be on the field too much and will be worn down by halftime. We expect Ajayi to put up big numbers in attempts and production. He is coming off a 122-yard rushing performance in Week 2 against the Chargers and has shown the explosiveness that made him a fantasy sleeper last season. We expect at least 20 fantasy points. Your smartest pick of the year should be whoever is playing the Jets that week.
Wide Receivers to Start
AJ Green versus the Green Bay Packers
Sorry Berry, we think this is a 50/50 bet at best. Yes, the Packers are giving up points in the passing game, but these are the Bengals at Lambeau with a struggling quarterback. Andy Dalton is closer to a seat on the bench than putting up big yards against the Packers.
Kelvin Benjamin (home) versus the New Orleans Saints
Berry and F&TS are in agreement on this pick. There you have it. Our NFL Fantasy Football advice for Week 3 of the season. Check back next week to see if we really know what we are talking about.