Fantasy Football Week 3 Starts and Sits: Defense
By Erik Lambert
September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58, left) is congratulated by defensive end J.J. Watt (99, right) for recovering the football on an Oakland Raiders fumble during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Defense should be the key to many games in week 3. So fantasy football owners must know which matchups to exploit or avoid.
Start
Houston Texans at New York Giants
Few defenses have been on a roll like the Houston Texans. They manhandled Washington in the opener and then shut down Oakland for nearly all of week 2. Now they get a listless New York Giants team in the midst of learning a new offense with a quarterback that can’t stop turning the ball over.
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders
After swiping and sacking everything in sight last week, the New England Patriots seem to have their feet under them again. They finally get to open up at home and nothing brightens up the day of Bill Belichick than knowing he’s going against a rookie quarterback. Derek Carr is learning, but he’ll get his toughest lesson to date in this game.
Sit
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Mike Zimmer has done a good job with his defensive unit on the Minnesota Vikings but after a rough week 2 it figures to only get tougher as they visit the Superdome. Drew Brees is the master of that domain and his New Orleans Saints are smarting from an 0-2 start. Expect the Vikings to stand tough early but wilt as the game progresses.
New York Jets vs. Chicago Bears
Rex Ryan is a fine defensive coach but his New York Jets have clear problems going on in the secondary. Aaron Rodgers cut them apart in week 2 and now they return home to face the Chicago Bears with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. If Jay Cutler gets protected, it’s going to be a long Monday night for Gang Green.
Sleeper
Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Slow starts have been killing the Miami Dolphins of late but they still have a strong defense that hasn’t gotten much help from their offense or special team. Facing a Kansas City Chiefs team that is hurting and lacking firepower, they could be in store for a surprise fantasy football break out.