Garrett Lee | @TheBasedGarrett
Thursday, September 24, 2015 | BataviasBest.org
Two weeks into my Hate It or Love It column, two weeks of pretty bad predictions on my part. That’s the nature of this beast called fantasy sports.
Anyways, hopefully this week brings better results.
Let’s kick off this week with the guys I love:
QUARTERBACK:
This man has been one of my favorite targets to hate so far this year, but I like Cam Newton this week against New Orleans. The Saints aren’t the Saints of old anymore, and Cam looked like vintage Cam last week. Running and flipping all over the Texans, I expect much of the same against a MUCH worse Saints defense. The former Auburn Tiger might not put up big numbers through the air, but everyone knows what makes him so special; his legs. If you’re starting Newton this week, you’re starting him for his very special running ability.
When healthy, he makes the Arizona Cardinals a very dangerous team. Carson Palmer has thrived in the desert, after toiling in the Black Hole and ending his tumultuous tenure in Cincy. A few years ago, Palmer was pretty much retired. Today, he has 7 TDs after two weeks. Palmer is bumped up to the QB1 tier after his hot start to the season. A myriad of weapons has kept the former Trojan happy. A matchup against a weak San Francisco defense will keep his fantasy owners happy.
RUNNING BACK:
One of the trendier sleeper picks this offseason was Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray. A matchup against a poor Cleveland run defense is just the thing needed to kickstart a player’s season. He’s put up pedestrian numbers through two weeks, but this should be the game that justifies the lofty draft position many picked him at.
Another trendy pick this year was Cowboys running back Joseph Randle. It’s no secret that I’m fully on the Randle bandwagon. Like many, the potential of a running back by committee approached terrified me. That fear is now gone, as the Oklahoma State alum has gotten the majority of the carries in the Dallas backfield. With no Romo and Bryant, and maybe no Jason Witten, the Cowboys could employ a run heavy offense. Not to mention that the Falcons aren’t exactly a defensive juggernaut. This could FINALLY be the week Randle owners have been waiting for.
WIDE RECEIVER:
The Indianapolis Colts have done nothing but ruin fantasy seasons through two weeks. It also doesn’t help when you start the season against two of the better defenses in the league. In week 3, they face the lowly Titans defense. Out of the Indy receivers, none are probably happier than TY Hilton. First off, Hilton’s hamstring is still a question mark. If he’s limited, Donte Moncrief and Andre Johnson are also pretty happy to be facing Tennessee.
The next guy is easily the most hit or miss player on my love list, but Doug Baldwin against the putrid Bears defense is a very good matchup for someone who has high-end WR3 potential. He scored a TD last week, and I feel like the Seahawks are looking to make a point in this game. As I previously said though, Baldwin has super hit or miss tendencies though.
TIGHT END:
Similar to his teammate Cam Newton, Greg Olsen was on the hate side of this list last week. Now, Olsen didn’t have a big game like Newton did last week, but he did see double digit targets. Although he didn’t find the endzone, he has a good chance to do so against the New Orleans Saints.
Plagued by concussions throughout his career, Washington’s Jordan Reed has finally been able to stay on the field and has his owners loving it. A matchup against the Giants, albeit on a short week, is a very favorable one.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Patriots play the Jaguars. I think what the Jags did last week is an anomaly. All about the Pats facing off a young and inconsistent Blake Bortles.
Now we’re onto the pessimistic aspect of the article. These are the guys I hate in week 3.
QUARTERBACK:
Tom Brady may have torched the Bills last week, but Ryan Tannehill is not Tom Brady. Last time I checked, Tannehill didn’t sell his soul to Satan to be insanely good at football for the rest of eternity either. The 4th year QB should get comfortable on your bench this week.
The next guy isn’t a matchup scare for me, but an injury scare. Due to his past shoulder injuries, Drew Brees and his bruised rotator cuff don’t have me buying into him this week. If you own him, you probably start him since the waiver wire is picked through. But if there’s a serviceable backup on your bench, at least entertain the thought of benching Brees. Temper your expectations for Brees and the Saints this week.
RUNNING BACK:
Like Brees, Eddie Lacy is also nursing an injury. Lacy also comes with extra risk because he’s playing Monday night. If you were wise enough to get James Starks, that will help. If you don’t have Starks and you’re in a close matchup, giving Lacy the start over someone on your bench is a very, very risky move that might not come with the high reward that’s often associated with high risk.
A slow start and a matchup against the Bills should have Lamar Miller owners keeping their expectations on a leash. Odds are, Miller was one of your first 3 or 4 picks. Odds also suggest that you’re highly disappointed with Miller so far this season. Don’t expect him to get going against the best d-line in football.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Revis Island is the worst vacation destination in the world. It also doesn’t help that the Eagles offense is in absolute anarchy right now. Philly’s Jordan Matthews is the unlucky tourist that has a one-way trip to Revis Island. The Vandy alum is a low-end WR2 this week.
No Jay Cutler, a bad hamstring and the return of the Touchdown Canceler doesn’t bode well for Alshon Jeffery. Cutler is inconsistent as it is, but he can at least throw the ball. I’m shocked that Jimmy Clausen even has a job. Kam Chancellor returns for the Seahawks which provides MONSTROUS boost to the Legion of Boom. Things are not looking bright for Jeffery in week 3.
TIGHT END:
Like Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz has found himself victimized by the ineptitude of the Eagles offense. A matchup against the Jets doesn’t help either. Look to see if there’s a better option on waivers or free agency.
Both Jason Witten and Delanie Walker find themselves dealing with sprains. Witten is dealing with sprains in both ankles and a knee. Walker is dealing with sprained ligaments in his right wrist. Both practiced on Wednesday, but were limited. Keep an eye out for Walker and Witten throughout the week. Be sure to have a plan B if they’re not able to go.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Dolphins were expected to be one of the top defense in the league after signing Ndamukong Suh this offseason. Last week, the Jaguars were able to have their way with them. This week, the ‘Phins face the Bills. Tyrod Taylor could cause problems all day, and LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams should be able have good days at work. Boobie Dixon predicted the Bills could run for 300 yards.
—————
That’s all I have for week 3’s Hate It or Love It. Feel free to sound off on Twitter @thebasedgarrett. Best of luck this week. And remember; you set the lineup, not me. Come back next week for round 4 of Hate It or Love It as well as another edition of my waiver wire column.
Other articles you may like:
Fantasy Football Week 3 Pickups: The Waiver Wire is hot – don’t miss out this week
Week 2 Hate It or Love It: A couple of young wideouts lead my list for this week
