Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Some slow starts by the likes of first round picks Matt Forte, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Steve Slaton have left many fantasy squads at 0-2 after two weeks of play, while other fantasy owners have enjoyed the luxuries of big games from the likes of Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and Frank Gore, helping to propel then to a solid 2-0 start. However, whether 0-2 or 2-0, remember, the past is the past. Nothing you can do will change the week 1 or week 2 outcomes you’ve experienced, but you do have power over week 3, and as always, we’re here to help. This time we do so with our Fantasy Football Week 3 Start Ems.

QUARTERBACKS – START ‘EM

Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Pittsburgh

Palmer has been hit-and-miss in his first two appearances in 2009. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he still has not quite been himself throwing for 3 TDs and 4 INTs in his first two weeks. The Pittsburgh defense (which last year meant a guarantee to bench your best players) has not been all that it’s cracked up to be in 2009. They have given up 233 passing yards and 1.5 TDs a game, and even though those numbers aren’t great, it is important to remember that they were put up by Jay Cutler and Kerry Collins. Palmer has better weapons than either of those two QBs, and he’ll benefit from RB Cedric Benson having a hard time against the solid run defense in Pittsburgh.

Eli Manning (New York Giants) @ Tampa Bay

Eli has been impressive and has done his best older brother imitation by posting almost identical numbers to MVP Peyton. While Eli is known to be unreliable as a fantasy QB, it’s obvious that the Giants’ running game has not been great in the first two weeks. Tampa Bay’s defense has given up an NFL high 10.1 yards per passing attempt, 282 passing yards a game, and 5 TDs through the air. If Eli can do as his counterparts have done in successive weeks, he will be a great start this week in Florida. He’s developed some solid relationships with WRs Mario Manningham (listed below) and Steve Smith, so look for Manning to keep finding success through the air.

Matt Schaub (Houston Texans) vs. Jacksonville

Perhaps you may not need anyone pushing you to start Schaub after a stellar performance last week against Tennessee. But, just in case you are still uneasy, know that this is a great match-up for Schaub to prove his worth and consistency. The Jaguars pass defense has given up 559 yards and 3 TDs and looked atrocious while allowing QB Kurt Warner break an NFL record by completing 24 of 26 passes in week 2. Schaub should post numbers in the top-5 of QBs in week 3 in this cushy match-up.

RUNNING BACKS – START ‘EM

Baltimore RBs (McGahee/Rice) vs. Cleveland

In consecutive weeks, both Baltimore RBs have proven that they can both be successful in their RBBC. Ray Rice has put up over 200 total yards and McGahee’s not far behind with 164 (but 4 TDs to Rice’s 0). The best part about their RBBC this week is that they face the Cleveland Browns’ 31st ranked rush D (411 yards and 5 TDs). This could be one of those games that makes Rice and McGahee both #2 RBs. Heck, even LeRon McClain may see a vulture TD at the goal line.

Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Indianapolis

In a game that may end up being a high-scoring affair, Hightower should see some serious fantasy points this week. While he hasn’t exactly dominated on the ground this year (87 rushing yards, 3.8 ypc), he’s been a solid overall contributor with 220 total yards and a TD. Indy’s run defense has given up 353 rushing yards and 3 TDs in the first two weeks, so Hightower could have a field day in this Sunday night match-up. Even if Indy is able to slow down the Cardinals running game, Hightower is as capable as any RB to post significant yardage through the air.

Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Carolina

Much of this start will be related to the health of starting RB Marion Barber. If Barber is unable to go, this instantly becomes a great match-up for Jones. The Panthers run defense is 27th in the NFL having given up 336 rushing yards and 2 TDs in their first two weeks. In week 2, Felix picked up where he left off in 2008 (where he averaged 8.9 ypc) by racking up 96 yards and a TD on only 7 carries. Imagine if he became the #1 there, even if for limited time. RB Tashard Choice may see some carries if Barber is out, but expect Felix to carry the majority of the load.