You Gotta Start 'Em!: Week 3

Quarterbacks

Romo owners will be pleased with his performance against the Bucs
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Drew Brees (NO)- Although he’s off to a lack luster season so far, I think Brees will rebound pretty nicely against Kansas City who has given up the most Fantasy points to QBs through two weeks of the season. The TD/INT ratio is somewhat of a concern when it comes to Brees so far, but I think this will be a statement game for New Orleans as they will look to avoid starting 0-3. Brees should put up great numbers against KC, expect at least 30 plus points from Drew this week.

Valt’s Prediction : 26/35 for 325 Yards, 3 TDs

Tony Romo (DAL)- Let’s see what Tony Romo we get this weekend against the Bucs. If we get Week One Romo, look for him to burn up the Bucs secondary as his NFC East Rival, Eli, did last week. However, if Week Two Romo shows up, Fantasy owners could be in trouble. The Cowboys should have a much more balanced attack versus the Bucs.  I’ll admit, I think Romo is going to have a great year and its going to be weeks like this where he will be a steal for many owners who drafted him in later rounds.

Valt’s Prediction: 21/32 for 285 Yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT

Sleeper Pick: Matt Cassel (KC)- Top 8 Fantasy QB so far this year facing a terrible Saints secondary. That game should be a SHOOT OUT.

Running Backs

Expected to return this week, Matthews is a solid play in all formats
(Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)

DeMarco Murrary (DAL)- Even though the Bucs are technically 5th against the run, that number is really lopsided due to a pathetic week one rushing attempt of the Panthers. Murrary should play a critical role in this week’s game against the Bucs as the Cowboys are committed to having a more balanced run game. Could have large upside this week.

Valt’s Prediction: 24 carries for 106 yards, 1 TD

Reggie Bush (MIA)- He’s been a top 10 back so far in fantasy this year and he faces a Jets D who is pretty weak against the run. He’s a a crucial part of the offense in Miami and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. Been putting up such great numbers since the end of last year and his strong play should continue this week. A must start in PPR leagues as he’s always dangerous as a receiver in the back field.

Valt’s Prediction: 15 carries for 76 yards, 5 catches for 42 yards, 1 TD

Sleeper Pick: Ryan Matthews (SD): I know he’s not really a sleeper, but a lot of managers who own him aren’t  starting him this week. This kid has the potential of being a fantasy stud. The fact that he’s ready to go by week 3 proves that he should be a viable option this week. Look for the possibility of Matthews busting out this week. High reward for the start

Wide Receivers

Look for Amendola get get a lot more of these throughout the season
(Post-Dispatch photo)

Reggie Wayne (IND)- I’ll admit, this is a little biased of a pick coming from a longtime Colts fan, but it looks like Reggie’s going to have a “2011 Steve Smith” kind of season. Through two weeks, he has 25 targets from the new franchise QB in Andrew Luck its hard not to see Wayne as a top wideout this season. The Colts are looking for there second win in a row to go 2-1 on the season against the Jags this weekend. With the emergence of Donnie Avery last week, defenses might give Wayne a little room and that means Luck is going to look towards Wayne, a lot.

Valt’s Prediction: 7 catches 90 yards and a score

Dwayne Bowe (KC)- Since I think Matt Cassel could be a top 6 QB this week, he’s number 1 receiver is a must start in all leagues this week and will probably go down as a top 5 wideout this weekend. He’s facing a Saints defense that has not been able to stop anyone and should put up really good numbers this week.

Valt’s Prediction: 10 catches 128 and a score

Sleeper Pick: Danny Amendola (STL)- So I don’t think he’s going to put up fifteen catches again, but I expect a 5-7 catch performance for about 60 yards and maybe a score. Bradford is playing pretty well and should look towards Amendola a lot over the next few weeks. PPR must start.

Tight Ends

I think Joe Flacco might have a little man crush    on his new TE Dennis Pitta.
(US Presswire)

Vernon Davis (SF)- Leads all TEs so far this young season with 3 TDs and should be a great play against a Minnesota team who is giving up a ton of points to TEs. The guy’s an absolute stud on the field and has been getting a lot more looks as the 49ers have added a bunch of depth at wide receiver that force the hand of defense coordinators across the league. Not to mention Alex Smith is playing some pretty solid ball right now. Look for Vernon to get another red zone look from his QB.

Valt’s Prediction– 5 catches for 82 yards and a score

Dennis Pitta (BAL)- He was targeted 15 times last week by Flacco. Read that again, 15 times! He’s clearly one of Flacco’s favorites when it comes to eligible receivers and it should continue this week against the Patriots. In years past, this matchup would have been billed as a great defense vs. a great offense. Through two weeks of the season, it looks like both these teams have pretty complete teams and probably will be the game of the week with Pitta playing a key role.

Valt’s Prediction- 7 catches for 54 yards and a score

Sleeper Pick: Owen Daniels (HOU)- Owned in 68% of leagues. Daniels has been an underatted TE in the league for some time now. After having 9 targets last week, look for Schaub to look towards him again this week as Denver as given up the 6th most points to TEs this season.