NFL Week 3 Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em

START ‘EM:

1.) Matt Forte — I’m a fantasy owner of Matt Forte and if you are, like I am, you’re probably frustrated with him.  Not many yards, no TDs, and an awful yards-per-carry average.  I don’t blame the guy.  He didn’t have an easy start with the Packers and Steelers.  Look for a big game this week against the Seahawks, who gave up over 200 yards and 2 TDs to Frank Gore last week.

2.) Steve Smith — The Giants WR will be a fantasy steel this year.  He runs great routes and is developing great chemistry with Eli Manning.  Against the Bucs, who are struggling against the pass, he looks to have another huge day.

3.) Chansi Stuckey — He came out with an impressive game against the Texans, but couldn’t really get going against the Patriots.  He now has the Titans, who were destroyed by the Steelers and Texans passing game.  I think the Titans D gangs up on Cotchery, which leave Stuckey with a lot of looks.

4.) Maurice Jones-Drew — Can he put up Chris Johnson like numbers against a weak Texans run D? Likely over 120 combined yards with a TD or two.

5.) Tim Hightower — The Colts got lit up by the Dolphins run game and they’ll be vulnerable to this pass-catching RB.

6.) Ahmad Bradshaw — The Giants are using him a lot and against the Bucs, he has a very favorable matchup.

7.) Ronnie Brown — A no-brainer after last week’s performance against the Colts.  Another favorable matchup against the Chargers.

8.) Felix Jones — With Barber possibly out or at least getting less carries, Jones will see an increased role and should follow up on the near 100 yard, 1 TD performance that he had against a tough Giants defense.

9.) Knowshon Moreno — Now that he’s back to 100%, he’ll be Denver’s feature back.

SIT ‘EM:

1.) LaDainian Tomlinson — He hasn’t practiced with an injured ankle and is listed questionable.

2.) Marion Barber — A quad injury has him limited in practice, but he says he’s feeling good.  He may ready to go Sunday vs. the Panthers who struggled against the run so far this season, but if you have another RB with a favorable matchup (like a Ronnie Brown vs. Chargers, I would opt for that).

3.) Donovan McNabb — Ruled out this Sunday.

4.) Mike Bell — He’s had a great start, but a rough knee injury will keep him out this week.

5.) Cedric Benson — The Steelers should put an end to the tear that he’s been on.  Plus, he’s got a banged up ankle.

6.) Jamal Lewis — A hamstring injury might keep him out Sunday.

7.) T.J. Houshmandzadeh — Didn’t practice with the team due to a sore back, Hasselbeck is questionable, and he’s got the Bears this week… BENCH ‘EM.

ADRIAN PETERSON INJURY UPDATE:

Peterson was limited in practice with sore back and is up against the 49ers who have only give up an average of 53 rushing yards in 2 games.  I’m not going to say bench him.  He gets his own category because he’s Adrian Person.  The Vikings are likely just being cautious and letting Peterson rest.  He may show up Sunday 100%, but check his status throughout the week.

OTHER INJURIES TO WATCH:

1.) DeSean Jackson — Pulled his groin and sat out of practice, but I highly doubt he’ll miss Sunday.

2.) Brian Westbrook — Sat out of practice.  He’ll probably play with some limited carries.   Look for LeSean McCoy’s workload to increase against the Chiefs.

FREE AGENT WAIVER WIRE PICK UPS:

1.) Johnny Knox — I picked this guy up after the Packers game.  Cutler loves him and he is FAST.  Just as fast as Devin Hester and maybe has a better set of hands.  If you’re thin at WR, Knox is an awesome addition and he has a badass name.

2.) Kevin Kolb — I need a week 3 fantasy QB since Hasselbeck is injured for me.  Kolb put up nearly 400 yards and 2 TDs last week against the Saints.  Look for big passing numbers against the Chiefs this week.