Fantasy fire
Start-em:
WR Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman is arguably Tom Brady’s favorite target. In PPR leagues, he’s a superstar. In traditional leagues, he’s an absolute must-start for week three when the Patriots take on the Jaguars.
Edelman has averaged 11 receptions for close to 100 yards in both of his games this season. He also has two touchdowns this week. The Pats will be up against a shaky Jacksonville defense that allowed 20 points apiece to both an untalented Carolina squad and a mediocre Miami.
The Jaguars will be focusing everything they have on slowing down Gronk so Edelman will have lots of free space to roam. Factor in Brandon LaFell’s injury, and that Edleman will have one of the best quarterbacks in the league throwing to him and all signs point to a huge game for Edelman.
Other Start-em’s: Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, Adrian Peterson, C.J. Anderson, Danny Woodhead, Emmanuel Sanders, Travis Kelce, Greg Olsen
Sit-em:
RB Carlos Hyde
After a monstrous week one, Hyde was disappointing in a week two blowout loss to Pittsburg.
The Steelers limited Hyde to just over three yards per carry before he left the game with an injury. Although Hyde is expected to play against the Cardinals on Sunday, you might want to let him ride the pine this week.
I personally own Hyde in two of my fantasy leagues and I’m still a strong believer, just not this week. The 49ers will face a daunting Arizona rush defense that held Mark Ingram and Matt Forte to a combined 85 yards rushing during Arizona’s first two games. To be fair, the Cardinals have given up generous yards to running backs catching the ball out of the backfield, but that’s not Hyde’s style.
I like Hyde, but not this matchup. Sit him.
Other Sit-em’s: Mathew Stafford, Colin Kaepernick, Lamar Miller, Rashad Jennings, Charles Johnson, Torrey Smith, Crockett Gillmore
Waiver Wire pick-ups
QB Tyrod Taylor
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on Tyrod Taylor, who is owned in close to 46 percent of leagues, and I’m still not. However, it’s hard to ignore this kid’s productivity through two weeks. I don’t believe that he will consistently perform like he has the past two weeks, but if you’re hurting for a quarterback, Taylor is quickly developing into a viable starter in standard leagues.
RB Matt Jones
The rookie out of Florida owned in under 16 percent of leagues, scorched the Ram’s defense last week for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Jones has been adopted into an important role Washington’s offense, and even though he splits carries with Alfred Morris, should be owned in all leagues.
WR Travis Benjamin
Travis Benjamin only owned in about 6 percent of leagues, is coming off a big game against the Titans.
Benjamin is emerging as the premier wide receiver in Cleveland’s offense. That being said, it’s still the Cleveland’s offense. Benjamin has shown more chemistry with Johnny Manziel, so with Josh McCown starting this week, there is reason to worry. However, the Browns will be facing a poor Raiders secondary, so I like the matchup this week.
TE Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron is owned in 20 percent of leagues. He has been one of the only bright spots in the Lions’ offense this season. Over the first two games, he’s hauled in 15 receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Defenses will key on Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate when they play the Lions. Ebron has a lot of upside.
Other pick-ups: Andy Dalton, James Starks (only if Eddie Lacy doesn’t play), Dion Lewis, Michael Crabtree, Crockett Gillmore
— Colby May is a senior majoring business administration. He is an avid Packers fan and a successful fantasy football manager. Some people have called him the Vincent Van Gogh of fantasy sports. You can reach him at colbymay@aggiemail.usu.edu or on twitter at @may_colby7.