Week 3 QB & RB Kings
Week 2 brought us some rather disappointing performances from the QB position. Everybody’s favorite value play, Jake Locker, turned in an awful performance. Top high-end targets Drew Brees and Peyton Manning turned in a couple underwhelming performances as well. Hopefully you listened to my advice and took advantage of Aaron Rodgers far too low price tag, as he was last week top performer at the position. It was somewhat hard to miss at the running back position in week 2. Top end, mid tier, and values plays all seemed to come through. A couple things did however stand out to me, Arian Foster is back, DeMarco Murray is really good, and Darren Sproles is going to be dangerous all season long. Let’s dive into Week 3.
Quarterback
Drew Brees ($8900) – This is the no brainer, plug and play of the week for many reasons. 1) The Saints are 0-2 coming back home desperate for a win. 2) Drew Brees has historically played much better at home. 3) The price is very reasonable compared to the other QB’s this week. 4) Mark Ingram is out, which means the Saints will rely more on the pass in the red zone. Don’t over think the QB position this week, play Brees.
Tony Romo ($6500) – If you’re a Tony Romo guy (I am unfortunately) this is a great week to buy into him. The price is ridiculously low and match-up is great. Everyone thought the Cowboys were dead after their pathetic week 1 performance, but they tricked us all again and played really well on both side of the ball in week 2. The St. Louis Rams will not show much resistance on the defense end of the ball, and I fully expect some big Cowboy performances.
Aaron Rodgers ($9200) – Aaron Rodgers received a $1,300 price bump after his stellar week 2 performance, making him the weeks most expensive QB. The match-up is excellent; Detroit is good against the run and terrible against the pass. The game against Detroit features a high O/U 53, so scoring will be plentiful.
Kirk Cousins ($7300) – Surprise, Surprise RG3 got hurt. “I’m shocked”, said nobody ever. Cousins has proven to be an adequate NFL QB while filling in for RG3 the last time he was injured. The match-up is great with the fast paced Eagles team. Cousins is a very solid play this week if you do not want to pay up for a QB.
QB – GPP
Peyton Manning ($8800) – Peyton will be avoided by most due to his tough match-up. However, this is Peyton Manning we are talking about, and the guy has defied odds and shocked us all time and time again. The O/U is set at 48.5, so there will be some points scored. For GPPs I love the idea of Peyton Manning playing from behind against a tough defense.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy ($7800) – The RB position offers many enticing options in week 3, however I’d feel insincere if I did not list McCoy first. McCoy is the safest bet for guaranteed production at the RB position. His skill set is on par with any elite RB in the league, additionally he is one of the best pass catchers in the league. The fact that he plays on the fast paced Eagles team is an added bonus.
AVOID New England RB – Last week many experts (including myself) bought into Shane Vareen, well Steven Ridley stole the show and tallied 25 carries. Coach Bill Belichick appears to be heading back to his old ways with running back roulette, and that is a game I want nothing to do with. There are many more secure options in similar price ranges to the Patriot running backs.
Knile Davis ($6200) – As long as Jamaal Charles is ruled out for Sunday, fire up Knile Davis. Andy Reid has already confirmed that the game plan will not change regardless of who is starting at RB. Davis performed very well last week against an improved Broncos defense, totaling 105 yards, 6 catches, and most importantly 2 TDs.
Pierre Thomas (4900) – With Mark Ingram out with an injury, Pierre Thomas will need to be a more active part of the Saints run game. The allure with Thomas has always been his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, add in a steadier workload running the ball and you have a very solid week 3 RB play. – Yes, Khiry is also a great play for value. Keep an eye on player news this week to see if anything leaks on how touches will be split up.
RB – GPP
Montee Ball ($5900) – Montee Ball has seen a very steep price drop after back to back disappointing performances. He is receiving a constant workload in the Broncos potent offense. If this game somehow turns into a shoot out, Montee Ball will play a big role. This pick is strictly for GPP’s, not cash games.