Fantasy Football Week 3 Tight End Starts and Sits
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) runs after the catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi
Tight ends remain fantasy football lynch pins for many owners. Which names need to get the start in week 3?
Start
Martellus Bennett at New York Jets
He has scored a touchdown in each of the first two games and Martellus Bennett now goes against a New York Jets secondary that has a hard time in coverage. They are asked to play man coverage in their scheme but won’t be able to do that with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery on the field. That means more mismatches for Bennett against linebackers and safeties.
Greg Olsen vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The greatest compliment that can be given to a player is that he’s consistently good. That is what Greg Olsen is. Regardless of the defense he finds a way to make plays for his quarterback, which is why Cam Newton throws to him so often. Together they face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense fresh off giving up two touchdowns to Owen Daniels in Baltimore. With the extra possessions sure to come from the defense, Olsen should have a big night.
Sit
Delanie Walker at Cincinnati Bengals
He was outstanding against Dallas but Delanie Walker will be facing a far different animal. The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best defenses in the league and are especially hard to move the ball against at home. Their pass rush is sure to harass Jake Locker, making it difficult for him to find Walker on his secondary reads. Best to stay away from this matchup.
Julius Thomas at Seattle Seahawks
Don’t be fooled by what happened in week 2. Antonio Gates had an outstanding afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks, but that was in San Diego on a blistering 90-degree day. The world champs return home now, ornery and eager to show everybody that what happened was a fluke. Denver is sure to try to duplicate what Gates did with Julius Thomas, but at CenturyLink Field where the Seahawks are a totally different team? No.
Sleeper
Jared Cook vs. Dallas Cowboys
Constant problems at the quarterback position have really made life tough on Jared Cook. He hasn’t been able to find his fit in the offense, forced to revert to heavy running with all the injuries and poor pass protection. However, he may be granted a brief reprieve in week 3. The Dallas Cowboys have been struggling against tight ends a lot so far, gashed by Vernon Davis in week 1 and then again by Delanie Walker in week 2. If the Rams are willing to put the ball up, then Cook has to be primary option. Fantasy football owners should take not.