Fantasy Football Week 3 Quarterback Starts and Sits
By Erik Lambert
Sep 29, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks for a receiver as he is pressured in the second quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
A bevy of interesting matchups occupy week 3 of fantasy football. Here are some quarterbacks who need attention.
Start
Jay Cutler at New York Jets
All anybody can talk about is how well the New York Jets stop the run. That is true, but it’s a convenient way to overlook how poor they still are defending the pass. Aaron Rodgers proved that yet again in week 2 as he torched them for 340+ yards and three touchdowns. Now they have to tangle with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery while also staying respectful of Matt Forte. That should mean a big night for Jay Cutler.
Andrew Luck at Jacksonville Jaguars
A lot of people are angry the Colts didn’t let Andrew Luck throw the ball more last week. Expect that issue to be revised in short order. The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been out of sorts lately, particularly in coverage. They’ve allowed 266 passing yards per game and four touchdown passes to just one interception. Luck will look to begin utilizing his talented receiving corps in this game.
Sit
Nick Foles vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles have had their typical offensive success under Chip Kelly but not all of it is because of Nick Foles. If anything the quarterback is a shadow of what he was last season. Now he’ll be under a real test when the Washington Redskins visit with a resurgent defense that notched 10 sacks last week alone. It’s fair to wonder whether Foles will be able to handle that kind of pressure.
Tony Romo at St. Louis Rams
Another quarterback who has looked quite mortal of late is Tony Romo. At age 34 he is fighting Father Time but is also battling back from back surgery. So asking him to chuck the ball against a St. Louis Rams defense that ranks 5th against the pass, is at home and has one of the best pass rushers in the league is a bit much. Fantasy football owners must take careful note of that before making a decision.
Sleeper
Joe Flacco at Cleveland Browns
Their last-second win over New Orleans was thrilling for the Cleveland Browns, but it belies how much trouble they’ve had against the pass, which is unusual given their talented secondary. They’ve allowed almost 300 yards per game, which could spell a big afternoon for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco who is beginning to heat up after leading Baltimore in a trouncing of rival Pittsburgh.