Fantasy Football Focus: Week 3: Injury Replacements

What up football family?!? Welcome to week 3 of the fantasy football season. If there was a word to describe week 2...it was injuries. Especially to our running backs. If you were hit by the early injury bug, have no fear. The crew is locked and loaded with week 3 start / sit advise.

So LETS...GET...STARTED!!!

Bernard Pierce: RB, Baltimore

Ravens starting running back Ray Rice left last week's game with a hip flexor strain, and is unlikely to play this week. Baltimore believes in back up rb Bernard Pierce, and will give him every opportunity to tote the rock this Sunday. Pierce scored a td last week, and Houston can be had on the ground. If you own Rice, you should feel comfortable plugging in Pierce until Rice returns.

Jacquizz Rodgers: RB, Atlanta

Atlanta's starting running back Steven Jackson left in the first quarter of last week's game with his own injury. By the way, don't you just hate when your player gets hurt in the first quarter?

I digress....

Back up rb Jacquizz Rodgers will get the first crack at replacing Jackson. Two red flags on Rodgers.

1. Rodgers averaged a whopping 1.5 yards on 11 carries last week. The Rams aren't exactly the 85 Bears.
2. Jason Snelling will also get plenty of touches, and probably has more upside for being a touchdown vulture.

Both players cancel each other out...and should remain on your waiver wire. Jackson is slated to be out at least three weeks, so you have a week or two to see who separates from the pack.

Some news you can use from the crew....

Michael Jasso (Michigan Wolverines)   James Starks: RB, Green Bay

Packers rb Eddie Lacy also fell victim to the injury bug. His concussion will more than likely leave him sidelined until week 5. The Packers have a bye next week. One reason to bring Lacy back slowly was the performance of back up rb James Starks. He put up 158 total yards and a td. For point per reception leagues, Starks four catches only adds to his value. And do not be scared off by Cincinnati's defense. Yes, the Bengals have a better defense than the Redskins.

Everyone Does.

Green Bay tore through San Francisco's vaunted defense in week 1...the Packers will score on everyone this year. Starks should get his opportunities. A solid replacement for Lacy owners especially.

***Goin deep with DP***

For you guys and gals playing in 12 to 16 team leagues...DP is your guy. A shovel if you will...digging up treasures from your waiver wire. I mean...his name is deep deep sleepers!

Charles Clay: TE, Miami

Bye weeks are coming up next week, and several te's will have to be stashed on your bench. Charles Clay should be available in your league...and worth taking a flyer on.

Clay has quietly put up 10 /163 this season. He also scored his first touchdown of the season last week....albeit a goal line rushing touchdown. If you have the roster space, you may want to stash him now. If you have a terrible match up with your starting te this week, then Clay may be able to help. Atlanta has been terrible against the pass so far, ranking 29th in the league already.

***Death Card Alert with New York Nick***

"Its only week 3, and I can’t believe it has already come to this. Jacksonville Jaguars, you have now been issued a Death Card. A Death Card for those who are not familiar is when we sit anybody and everybody that plays for the Jags. It’s over, call Sosa and issue the hit. MJD, I personally bought into your come back and I can’t place all of the blame on you for your low productivity. This blame is spread out amoungst the team and even the city. So the question you have to ask is, do I just drop these players from my roster or sit on them? My answer, forget they even exist. Delete all records and wipe all finger prints from your draft night. Place two nickels on the eyes of the once great positional players and hope they find peace when the boat man takes them away into the fantasy after life.  The solitary good coming for these Jags is an off season. The countdown begins." - New York Nick

***Homer Alert***

Week 3's homer alert goes out to all of the owners of rb Trent Richardson. I know you're excited that Richardson has been literally handed to the Indianapolis Colts. In fantasy terms...Richardson's value shot out of the cellar like a rocket! But cool your jets anxious Richardson owner. 3 red flag say stay away this week.

1. Richardson may not even suit up this week for Indy.

2. If he does, his role would have to be limited from a lack of knowing the offense.

3. An angry and embarrassed 49er defense will be awaiting him for those limited touches.

Of course Richardson is a must start once he gets settled in, just be prepared to go without him this week.

Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!  

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