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Fantasy game previews: Week 3

By Derick Moss

SUNDAY

Dolphins (0-2) at Jets (0-2)
1 p.m. EST, CBS

SCOUTING THE DOLPHINS

Suit 'em up: The Dolphins need to establish a running game with Ronnie Brown, and this would be a perfect chance to do that. Trent Green and Chris Chambers will get theirs, but take a flier on David Martin, who could benefit if the passing game gets a little more conservative.

Sit 'em down: Sit Jesse Chatman. He played almost a half last week, but registered only seven touches. Odds are Brown re-establishes himself this week.

SCOUTING THE JETS

Suit 'em up: As of late Tuesday, it appeared Chad Pennington would start and Kellen Clemens would sit. Either way, the Jets are more likely to throw it than run it against Miami, so Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery are both decent plays.

Sit 'em down: We need to see more from Thomas Jones before he's an option. The Jets poor line play is partially to blame –- few runners would post good numbers behind this unit.

Lions (2-0) at Eagles (0-2)
1 p.m. EST, CBS

SCOUTING THE LIONS

Suit 'em up: Detroit's four receivers are worth having, but Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are the two worth starting this week. Jon Kitna is not as strong a play this week –- he'll be blitzed relentlessly by the Eagles front and forced to throw short. But under coordinator Mike Martz, this team is going to pass, and a lot.

Sit 'em down: Not a good matchup for Tatum Bell, and with Kevin Jones slated to play 15-20 snaps, he's an even weaker play.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES

Suit 'em up: The Lions defense has been better, but this is still a unit that allowed Oakland's Josh McCown to throw for more than 300 yards. Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are must-starts, but Jason Avant might be the most reliable receiver the Eagles have right now, with Kevin Curtis also an option.

Sit 'em down: Notice I didn't mention Reggie Brown among Eagles receivers? He has 41 yards through two games. He might get at least that on Sunday, but you can probably do better.

49ers (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0)
1 p.m., FOX

SCOUTING THE 49ERS

Suit 'em up: Frank Gore is always a starter, but the Steelers are going to try and make sure he doesn't beat them. The Steelers have often had trouble defending tight ends, so Vernon Davis might be a breakout player –- if Alex Smith looks his way. The 49ers are going to have to throw it more than 17 times Sunday.

Sit 'em down: Speaking of Smith, he'll be harassed all afternoon. Arnaz Battle will have Ike Taylor on him, so he's downgraded as well. Also, it's probably not a good week to start the 49ers defense.

SCOUTING THE STEELERS

Suit 'em up: Temper your expectations, but the Steelers offense is really clicking, and even against a pretty decent defense it'll be productive. Willie Parker will get his 25 carries, and Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Heath Miller are all solid plays. The defense is also a nice option.

Sit 'em down: Maybe this isn't the game to start Santonio Holmes. The Steelers will get the ball to their primary playmakers, but this may be the kind of game where secondary options are limited. Nate Washington is an even less safe bet.

Bills (0-2) at Patriots (2-0)
1 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE BILLS

Suit 'em up: Marshawn Lynch is a good-looking prospect who has the physical strength to overpower a defender or two, then turn it upfield. He might have to do it all on Sunday.

Sit 'em down: You'd think the Bills, to have any chance, need to find Lee Evans deep, but Roscoe Parrish has just as good a chance of breaking the big one. Neither is a strong play, nor is J.P. Losman, who has been pretty bad so far.

SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS

Suit 'em up: The Patriots are licking their chops. The Bills rank near the bottom of the league in pass and rushing defense, so start all of your Pats. And stop worrying about Laurence Maroney –- Sammy Morris took some of his carries, but Maroney's averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Sit 'em down: Can't really think of any reason to sit any Patriots this week –- or any week, for that matter. But receivers Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Jabar Gaffney haven't proven to be factors at all this season.

Rams (0-2) at Buccaneers (1-1)
1 p.m., FOX

SCOUTING THE RAMS

Suit 'em up: Tampa Bay is a little small up front, meaning that Steven Jackson has a great chance to get his act together this week. The banged-up Rams offensive line should be getting used to life without Orlando Pace, and that helps everything. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are also good plays, but it's tough to beat the Bucs' Cover-2 deep.

Sit 'em down: Marc Bulger is hurting after being battered consecutive weeks. He's a good enough play here, but maybe not a No. 1 option right now. Randy McMichael has struggled in the passing game and will be guarded by a speedy linebacker corps Sunday.

SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS

Suit 'em up: The Bucs have only three real offensive weapons -- Jeff Garcia, Carnell Williams and Joey Galloway – but all are decent plays this week. Williams might get 100 yards against a soft Rams front seven.

Sit 'em down: Neither Michael Clayton nor Ike Hilliard has done much this season. The Bucs will try and run it down the Rams' throats, so both wideouts are risky plays.

Cardinals (1-1) at Ravens (1-1)
1 p.m., FOX

SCOUTING THE CARDINALS

Suit 'em up: Edgerrin James is averaging 110 yards a game, but this is a tough squad to run against. But the run defense might actually be a better bet against a great Ravens secondary. The Ravens have great cornerbacks, but tight end Leonard Pope, an emerging weapon on offense, might get a few more looks than normal. And the Cardinals defense isn't a terrible option on the waiver wire.

Sit 'em down: Cardinals receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are always good plays, but the Ravens defense has two shutdown corners in Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, meaning neither receiver is a great No. 1 option. Matt Leinart is an OK play, but there are better matchups than this for him.

SCOUTING THE RAVENS

Suit 'em up: Was Willis McGahee's week last week a fluke or sign of progress? He ran for 97 yards, but his longest run was for nine yards. His receiving touchdown was his first ever. This week's a good test, and he'll get enough carries to prove himself.

Sit 'em down: Not sold on the Ravens passing game whether Steve McNair or Kyle Boller's back there. Demetrius Williams is now the No. 3 receiver, and Mark Clayton is starting. Neither is a good start this week.

Colts (2-0) at Texans (2-0)
1 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE COLTS

Suit 'em up: Look for Indianapolis to put it in the air because the Texans' front seven is playing very well. The Colts skill players are always starters, but Dallas Clark is the team's No. 3 receiving option and is a fine No. 1 fantasy tight end this week.

Sit 'em down: Anthony Gonzalez is not quite ready to be a big factor in the offense just yet. Ad Joseph Addai, while still a decent play, might find the going tough against what will be a jacked-up Texans defense.

SCOUTING THE TEXANS

Suit 'em up: With Andre Johnson out of the lineup, this might be the week Jacoby Jones plays a greater role. Houston is getting a nice effort from Ahman Green, who is still a big-play threat. Tight end Owen Daniel might lead the team in catches on Sunday.

Sit 'em down: The Texans defense is going to be a solid play on a lot of Sundays, but this one might not be it. The same can be said for Matt Schaub, who hasn't had to run the offense without Johnson in it yet.

Chargers (1-1) at Packers (2-0)
1 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE CHARGERS

Suit 'em up: LaDainian Tomlinson will probably be able to break out this weekend against a Packers team that is built to stop the pass, not the run. Antonio Gates is always a must-start, but be leery of Philip Rivers. The Chargers defense could be a decent rebound play.

Sit 'em down: The Packers are great at rushing the passer, plus the Chargers are playing a backup at right tackle against Aaron Kampman. Vincent Jackson hasn't broken out with a big game yet, and this week's not a good matchup, either. Other than LT and Gates, this offense isn't providing much fantasy help.

SCOUTING THE PACKERS

Suit 'em up: Green Bay has struggled running the ball this season, and facing San Diego won't help that. Although Donald Driver may be blanketed by Quentin Jammer, James Jones is an athletic receiver who will play even if Greg Jennings comes back this week and is a good waiver-wire pickup.

Sit 'em down: DeShawn Wynn may be replacing Brandon Jackson as the No. 1 running back, but neither is going to find many running lanes on Sunday.

Vikings (1-1) at Chiefs (0-2)
1 p.m., FOX

SCOUTING THE VIKINGS

Suit 'em up: Adrian Peterson is a Top-10 running back, and this is his best defensive matchup yet. Even Mewelde Moore is an option if you're league is really deep, provided that Chester Taylor is still not playing.

Sit 'em down: Bobby Wade is the only receiver even worth considering, but that's a real stretch. Maybe when the bye weeks roll around, you can take a chance.

SCOUTING THE CHIEFS

Suit 'em up: The Chiefs are averaging 6.5 points per game. You'll start Larry Johnson, but don't expect more than 100 total yards against a Vikings defense that will key on him almost exclusively. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe looks sharp early, and he's the team's second-best receiving option behind Tony Gonzalez.

Sit 'em down: With Brody Croyle in the wings, there's some pressure on Damon Huard to produce. The Vikings will give up passing yards, but Huard's not worth the risk.

Browns (1-1) at Raiders (0-2)
4 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE BROWNS

Suit 'em up: Jamal Lewis won't run for 200 yards again, but the Raiders aren't great against the run. Kellen Winslow might be the second-most valuable tight end in the league.

Sit 'em down: Despite his big game last week, I'll pass on Derek Anderson this week –- the Bengals make everyone look good. Braylon Edwards is an solid No. 2 receiver, but not a No. 1.

SCOUTING THE RAIDERS

Suit 'em up: Cleveland's defense is not great against the run or pass, so LaMont Jordan is a No. 1 option for some this week. Ronald Curry will catch whomever's passes come out of the Oakland backfield.

Sit 'em down: It's a tempting matchup, but Josh McCown played so badly last week it's hard to recommend him. Jerry Porter is off to a slow start, as well, despite a touchdown catch last week.

Jaguars (1-1) at Broncos (2-0)
4 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE JAGUARS

Suit 'em up: Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are both decent plays against a smallish Broncos front seven. Dennis Northcutt has developed a nice relationship with David Garrard so far and is the prime target in the passing game, though his yards per catch will be lower than many.

Sit 'em down: Garrard has been OK under center, but he's not getting much help from his receivers. This is also not the week to start the Jags defense, if you can help it.

SCOUTING THE BRONCOS

Suit 'em up: The Jags will try to make Jay Cutler beat them, and he just might. This game figures to be a defensive struggle, but Cutler has enough weapons around him to make plays.

Sit 'em down: The Jaguars started slowly against the run but have a track record of being tough to run against. Travis Henry is a good No. 2 play, but maybe not a No. 1 this week.

Bengals (1-1) at Seahawks (1-1)
4 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE BENGALS

Suit 'em up: Palmer, Chad Johnson and Rudi Johnson are all No. 1 options. Rudi Johnson gets to face a defensive line that's weak against the run, so this could be a bigger day for him than most.

Sit 'em down: T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught two touchdowns last week on bad legs, but he's averaging just seven yards per catch this season. Those kind of fluky numbers won't hold up.

SCOUTING THE SEAHAWKS

Suit 'em up: Shaun Alexander is foaming at the mouth to get at this defense, which could also benefit Deion Branch, who is a nice breakout candidate.

Sit 'em down: No other Seahawks receiver is worth having, and you already know to stay away from Seattle's defense.

Giants (0-2) at Redskins (2-0)
4 p.m., CBS

SCOUTING THE GIANTS

Suit 'em up: Derrick Ward just might force a platoon situation when Brandon Jacobs gets healthy because he gives the team speed it needs on offense. Jeremy Shockey could have a breakout game and usually plays well in divisional matchups.

Sit 'em down: It's probably best to let the quarterback situation sort itself out before starting Manning again. Plaxico Burress has four touchdowns in two weeks, but might be a No. 3 option against a solid defense if Manning's not healthy.

SCOUTING THE REDSKINS

Suit 'em up: Clinton Portis is running hard, and Joe Gibbs loves a guy who can carry it a bunch. Santana Moss has a good matchup, and Chris Cooley has been Jason Campbell's favorite target since he took over the starting job.

Sit 'em down: The Giants are a good team to play matchups against all season, so all Redskins are decent plays. Ladell Betts is getting shut out of carries by the play of Portis.

Panthers (1-1) at Falcons (0-2)
4:15 p.m., FOX

SCOUTING THE PANTHERS

Suit 'em up: Steve Smith was described this week by one analyst this week as "the best player in the NFC." Jake Delhomme has also been very good to start the year, despite erratic play by his secondary receivers. There's little difference between DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams right now, although Williams has more upside.

Sit 'em down: And until either Drew Carter or Dwayne Jarrett (when will he even play?) asserts himself, there is no secondary wide receiver to start at this point.

SCOUTING THE FALCONS

Suit 'em up: Although Warrick Dunn has had success against Carolina before, it's Jerious Norwood that is the best bet for Sunday. Neither is a No. 1 option.

Sit 'em down: Hard to recommend any Falcons right now. They've been as bad on offense as anyone in the league.

Cowboys (2-0) at Bears (1-1) 8:15 p.m., NBC

SCOUTING THE COWBOYS

Suit 'em up: Tony Romo has to start, even against Chicago. And Marion Barber might actually be a No. 1 option as this year progresses, and he'll get more carries than Julius Jones this week. Terrell Owens is a good play, but Jason Witten might actually catch more balls.

Sit 'em down: Jones is looking more and more like the second running back in Dallas. Patrick Crayton is recovering from a hand injury, and Dallas won't be able top spread it around on Sunday like it has.

SCOUTING THE BEARS

Suit 'em up: Cedric Benson will get plenty of carries against a team the Bears want to play keep-away with. Bernard Berrian is a good No. 2 play, and here's a guess that Devin Hester makes his first real contribution on offense this week.

Sit 'em down: Muhsin Muhammad is having a hard time getting open, and Grossman isn't hitting him when he is. It's tough to sit the Bears defense, but it's not a Top-5 unit this week.

MONDAY

Titans (1-1) at Saints (0-2)
9:15 p.m., ESPN

SCOUTING THE TITANS

Suit 'em up: Vince Young gets to face a weak defense for the first time all year. LenDale White actually got more carries than Chris Brown last week, even after Brown's 175-yard effort the week before. Both Roydell Williams and Brandon Jones are good young receivers who might be flex options in deep leagues.

Sit 'em down: Eric Moulds has three catches in two weeks and doesn't appear to be on Young's radar.

SCOUTING THE SAINTS

Suit 'em up: Deuce McAllister will get his fair share of carries this week at home and should be OK against the Titans front four. Drew Brees is bound to be better, and Marques Colston is a solid play.

Sit 'em down: Devery Henderson was benched after key drops last week, leaving David Patten and Lance Moore as less-than-attractive alternatives.

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