Dr. Pigskin: Week Three
Week Three is in the books. The AFC continues to be all over the place and the NFC East continues its domination. Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst performances of the week.
Studs of the Week
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints – Brees racked up 421 yards passing with a TD and no interceptions. He was 39-for-48 passing and he played well enough for a win, but the defense could not hold the explosive Broncs.
Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers – I guess the Chargers could not go wrong with whatever QB they chose to keep (Rivers vs. Brees, circa 2006). Rivers showed great command of the offense as he piled up big fantasy points with 250 yards passing to go along with three touchdowns.
Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins – Wow, this performance came out of nowhere. On the road against the Pats and he accounts for five touchdowns!? It is sad because he was most likely on the bench in over 50 per cent of leagues.
Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons – The Burner continues his streak of playing well at home. A day of 100+ yards and three scores makes fantasy owners gleeful.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos – This may be a common theme this year, Marshall being a stud. Baby T.O. went for 155 yards and a score. Can he continue his pace?
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Finally a positive performance from one Bengal. After a day of 146 yards and a TD, T.J. owners have to feel a little more comfortable with him.
Duds of the Week
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Like I predicted last week, he did not make it through the game as a result of the physical Philly defense and his injuries. Roethlisberger’s day of 131 yards and a pickle does not cut it.
Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans – What happened to Matty? He threw for 188 yards and had three picks against a very tough Tennessee defense.
Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles – Although his performance was not a dud, his resulting stats were. The DeMatha High School product was injured early in the game and did not have a chance to put up numbers.
Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh – Twenty yards rushing? Remember Week One? This is what happens when you sell your soul for three touchdowns in a week. Equilibrium, baby!
Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas Cowboys – Well, the Packers held T.O. in check. Hopefully that was their gameplan because they certainly could not stop anyone else. Seventeen yards receiving is not a typical Owens’ prime time performance.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns – Edwards continues to be a bust. After a game of only 27 yards receiving, he is the leading candidate for WR Bust of the Year!
Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots – It is just a matter of time before Moss gets cranky and causes problems. No Tom Brady = no touchdowns.
Note: Last week, I suggested you sit Derek Anderson and Big Ben, and play J.T. O’Sullivan and Brett Favre. Cha-Ching. I recommended starting Turner, and sitting Larry Johnson, Jonathan Stewart, and Darren McFadden. That was a mixed result as Turner beasted, but so did LJ, and Stewart got a TD. At WR, I said start Santana Moss (75 yards, TD), sit Steve Smith (70 yards), start Ike Bruce (TD), and start James Hardy (bad call). Let’s take a look at this week’s “Call of the Week” at each position.
At QB, my call of the week is to start O’Sullivan. The 49ers are traveling to New Orleans where the dome setting is perfect for the Mike Martz passing attack. The Saint defense has been pourous so far, but their offense scores a great deal of points. This will resulting in SF playing from behind and throwing the ball a ton. Big numbers to come.
At RB, my call of the week is to sit Turner. The Falcons head to Charlotte, where they take on the Panthers. I think the Carolina defense, led by Jon Beason, will shut down the run first, then come after Matty Ryan.
At WR, my call of the week is to start Santana Moss in Dallas. He is really developing a good relationship with Jason Campbell and is becoming a reliable WR again after last year’s injury-riddled efforts. Remember two years ago when Moss caught two bombs for TDs in Big D? Well, I think he could put up those kind of numbers again.
Sleeper of the Week
Chris Perry, RB, Cincinnati – The Bengals host the Browns in Week Four and I think it sets up Perry well to turn his season around.
Until next week, good luck!
