Fantasy Rush: Week 3

By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine

Now some free advice.

Who would have thought that LaDanian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson would have their respective numbers through two games.

Those gut-wrenching numbers reveal a dark side to fantasy sports: a majority is luck. If you took Tomlinson one, Jackson two or Johnson three, you did nothing wrong, yet your team could still be 0-2.

Now you are faced with the option of selling low or riding the player out until he breaks his slump.

Of those three, Jackson may have the toughest time getting going. Teams are planning their defensive schemes around stopping him and losing left guard Orlando Pace is a killer.

Stick with Tomlinson and Johnson, but move Jackson if you can net a healthy return.

Good starts:

QB - Tom Brady, Patriots - Brady and his 50 weapons that came with him will destroy a Bill's defense that is hampered with injuries up and down the board.

QB - Drew Brees, Saints - I know, I know, he hasn't met expectations over the first two weeks, so what better way to breakout than on Monday night at home against the Titans.

QB - Matt Schaub, Texans - Even without Andre Johnson, Schaub is going to put up numbers. Either Houston's offense will stay hot, or they will fall behind big and be forced to air it out.

RB - Jamal Lewis, Browns - After last week's big game, Cleveland will try giving the ball to Lewis a lot more and see what happens. The opportunities will be there.

RB - Reggie Bush, Saints - He'll want to shine on Monday night and will help Brees get going in the process. Will be a threat on the ground and through the air.

RB - Shaun Alexander, Seahawks - Gets to face a Bengals club that gave up a lot of yards and points last week.

WR - Jacoby Jones, Texans - Steps in for the injured Andre Johnson and will get plenty of chances to make a big play.

WR - Deion Branch, Seahawks - Mike Holmgren made good on his word to get Branch more involved last week.

TE - Ben Watson, Patriots - New England will have a lot of red zone opportunities.

Bad starts:

QB - Brett Favre, Packers - His old legs won't be able to get away from the Chargers' youth and speed. He'll turn the ball over a bunch.

QB - Alex Smith, 49ers - Hasn't been good so far this season and faces a tough Pittsburgh defense that has not allowed many points so far.

QB - Matt Leinart, Cardinals - Arizona's young offensive line won't be able to handle the veteran Ravens, leading to a lot of sacks and turnovers.

RB - Tatum Bell, Lions - Kevin Jones is slated to return and Bell hasn't done enough to still warrant the bulk of the carries

RB - Edgerrin James, Cardinals - See Leinart above.

RB - Cedric Benson, Cowboys - Hasn't exploded through two games yet and faces a fired-up Cowboys club.

WR - Plaxico Burress, Giants - Has an injured Eli throwing to him and faces a hard-hitting Redskins secondary.

WR - Darrell Jackson, 49ers - Isn't going to get a lot of chances to make a big play.

TE - Bubba Franks, Packers - Battling injury and faces the Chargers.

Email fantasy questions to mrushton@phanaticmag.com