The Chatter: Week 3

Last week was a 3-3 week for me, bringing my yearly tally to 8-4. Here’s a look at this week’s slate.

Premier Matchup: 2 Redeemed Renegades vs 3 Newby

Aaron Rodgers is still banged up, but there’s no question he is going to play. He plays Washington who have been tough against the pass this year. David has dropped Russell Wilson from his lineup in favor of the Buccaneer-red-hot Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has a great matchup against the Steelers. Matchup makes this close, but I’m still going to give the edge to Tony and Rodgers, even on one knee.

This matchup boasts several excellent receivers. David’s Michael Thomas has averaged 15.5 ppw through two, and looks the part of an every week top-five WR. David’s three other starters: Fuller, Cole, and Engram are all coming off successful weeks. Tony’s receivers are led by Davante Adams. Adams is Rodger’s go-to target at this point, and should be a WR1 each week. He is also starting, Allen Robinson, who is yet to find the endzone this season, and Tyler Lockett, who is averaging 9.5 ppw, and is Seattle’s #1 in place of Baldwin. Tony’s TE is Jimmy Graham, who has struggled to stand out in Green Bay. Both squads of receivers are good, but David’s are a little better at each level.

Tony has the better RBs, and it’s not close. ‘Zeke has scored 15 points in each of the first two weeks, and Christian McCaffrey is getting a lot of work, and piling up yardage though he’s yet to reach paydirt. David’s David Henry and LeSean McCoy have struggled. He’s starting Chris Thompson this week in place of McCoy. Thompson will see snaps and touches, but he’s receiving TD dependent in our league.
David and Tony have some of the most reliable defenses and kickers, and they’re fairly even, though I’d lean slight to Tony.

Tony will move to 3-0.

4 Old School vs 5 Zach Attack

This is a “not a rivalry” matchup. Gary should do well with Tom Brady facing the Lions. He should also enjoy another nice game from Tyreek Hill, who has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season. Gary still needs more from his RBs. Lamar Miller has been underwhelming, but he could get a boost from Corey Clement. Clement has been doing well with the touches he’s gotten, and should see an increased role in the Eagles’ offense. Gary spent an early pick on Greg Zuerlein, but he’s injured.

Zach has his own QB with a good matchup, Kirk Cousins at home against the Bills. Thien and Hopkins are WR1, OBJ needs to get things going this week. At running back, Zach has Melvin Gordon who has enjoyed a great start, but has a tough test against the Rams. Dalvin Cook has struggled and is nursing a hamstring injury, but the Vikings are facing the Bills.

This is a close matchup. I’ll take Gary in a mild upset.

7 Show Your Horns vs 8 Joshua Tree

Jason has ol’ reliable, Drew Brees, going again this week. He’ll have a pair of Lions receivers, Tate and Jones Jr, starting. The pair have been solid this year despite Detroit struggling, and neither of them being Kenny Golladay. Larry Fitzgerald has not been so great (but maybe someone off his bench could do better. Maybe someone who’s name starts with “Nels” and ends in “lor”). Each of Jason’s RBs, Barkley and Hyde, are averaging 13 ppw.

Jeff is still starting Case Keenum, whom he picked up last week when Ryan Fitzpatrick was available, just saying. He struggled last week, and has a tough matchup against the Ravens. He’s finally starting Desean Jackson after two great weeks (and of course this will be the week Jackson gets shut down). He’s doubling up on Bucs receivers, starting Chris Godwin as well. Both of his RBs have averaged double digit points as well. Though, I lean to Jason’s pairing this week.

With the better QB and RBs, I think Jason takes this matchup.

1 Fantasy Failures vs 10 McNabbers

Mahomes is ridiculous, and we can all just hope his play regresses. Gurley and Kamara are both playing like top-five RBs right now. Aaron’s receivers have had mixed results. AJ Green looks to be in top form. Gronk might be a little banged up this week. Keenan Allen faces the Rams, who’ve swallowed up every offense they’ve faced. Woods and Hogan are toss ups, though I like Hogan against the Lions with Gronk potentially limited.

Cam Newton came alive in the second half of last week’s game. He has a fine matchup against the Bengals. Kareem Hunt has struggled to get going this year. Last season, he was the most volatile RB1. Jordan Howard has also struggled, but at least Tarik Cohen has as well too, and Howard will get a chance against the Cardinals who have given up the most points to RBs. David’s receivers have struggled.

I don’t see Aaron slowing down yet. Kamara and Gurley are tough enough to contend with, but we need to see a chink in Mahomes’ armor before I pick against him.

6 In the Pits vs 12 The C’s

Philip Rivers has been great, averaging 31 ppw. However, he faces the Rams, who have given up the fewest points to QBs. Unfortunately I don’t see a QB worth spelling him this week. David Johnson has struggled to get involved, and faces Chicago, the defense that has given up the fewest points to running backs. Alex Collins looked good in spurts last week, and should be more involved. My receivers have been excellent, and they have good matchups this week. I especially like Mike Evans vs Pittsburgh. I picked up Dan Bailey this week (thanks everyone).

Looks like it’s Stafford’s turn again. He laid an egg week one, then scored 29 last week. He faces the Patriots this week, who were burned by Bortles. Even with my weak matchups, Jared has the inferior running backs. Marshawn Lynch has been a high RB2, but Bilal Powell is barely RB3 territory tonight. Jared’s receivers have been better than I expected them to be. He has Minnesota’s D vs the Bills.

Due to poor matchups, I’m vulnerable, and Jared has a real chance to pick up his first career win. I tend to win more games where I pick against myself. So, I’ll roll that way: Jared wins.

9 St. Louis Cardinals vs 11 Syracuse Lake Effect

Bryon is missing Le’Veon Bell and Joe Mixon. He lacks quality RB depth. I feel bad. Andy wins, no contest.