Fantasy football sit, start, and sleepers: Divisional picks for 2017 Week 3
AFC WEST
The AFC West is full of fantasy football options at running back. Which one should you choose?
Denver is visiting Buffalo, and the Chiefs play in Los Angeles against the Chargers, both on Sunday. Sunday Night brings our Oakland in Washington match-up.
SIT – Running back, Marshawn Lynch – Oakland Raiders
Lynch is not the future for Oakland. Jalen Richard might be. He’s explosive and can make big plays using his athleticism.
Marshawn, is beast mode. And I love him for it, but it’s not the way Oakland plays football.
On primetime, in Washington, it’s going to be big plays for the Raiders in a high-flying way, not a ground-pounding one.
START – Quarterback, Alex Smith – Kansas City Chiefs
Smith has been a Top-10 quarterback in the first two weeks of the season. He’ll have his shot at three in a row this week against Los Angeles.
More Kareem Hunt legitimacy means more edge protecting by the Chargers. Which means less direct pass rush, which means more time for Smith.
Give this guy time in the pocket, and he can do bad things to you.
SLEEPER – Quarterback, Trevor Siemian – Denver Broncos
Hard to imagine the Broncos ever questioned who their quarterback should be. Siemian has started his season with two solid performances.
Six touchdowns to start the year is pretty solid, and he draws Buffalo this week in a chance to make it three impressive performances.
Must Read: Vikings v Bucs: Game Changers
NFC WEST
Another division with struggling offenses means it’s slim pickings for fantasy football enthusiasts.
The Rams and 49ers kickoff the week on Thursday Night Football, and the Cardinals close it out on Monday.
In between, Seattle visits Tennessee trying to get their offense on track.
SIT – Quarterback, Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
I feel bad for Wilson, kind of. On one hand, he’s much more talented than his current offensive situation allows him to showcase. On the other, he’s a pro, so he needs to rise above it.
Still, the second part is easier said than done, and a road trip to the improving Titans isn’t going to make things easier.
START – Running back, Carlos Hyde – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers strength is in the running game. Using it to set up the pass helps Brian Hoyer and receivers like Pierre Garcon get more out of their passes.
Hyde brought in 45-yards on nine carries in Week 1, which was disappointing to say the least. However, his team stayed on the ground a bit more, and he turned in 124-yards against a pretty solid Seahawks defense.
Against the Rams defense, he should be good for 75-yards or so, and a score puts him in Top-10 striking distance.
SLEEPER – Quarterback, Carson Palmer – Arizona Cardinals
Considering what Trevor Siemian accomplished against the Cowboys defense, Palmer should have a field day.
Even though Denver has better receivers, Palmer has his veteran experience. I’m not calling for four touchdowns where, but two is well within reach.