Week 3 Waiver Picking

You have no idea whether your team is good or not.

I'm serious. It's Week 3, we've had only two games, and you've proven nothing. You're either 2-0, 1-1, or 0-2... and that is all the possibilities. You could have a team that includes Peyton Manning, Eddie Lacy, Jeremy Hill, and Dez Bryant, and still be in dead last. That's a good team. Don't second-guess yourself. This is just an insane start to the fantasy season.

You've got to have a short memory in fantasy football. One week, a player could blow up - then go AWOL for the rest of the season (lookin' at you, Cordarrelle Patterson. Effin' tease.) On the other hand, that player could be showing that they're going to emerge into something great and useful (lookin' at you, Martavis Bryant. Lay off the hash and come back to play). Here at TOFFG, we hope to help you sort through the Fool's Gold (Patterson) and seize the Real Deal (Bryant).

So, without further ado, let's get to it.

Travis Benjamin – Real Deal

I’m convinced Johnny Manziel only throws to this guy because his last name is “Benjamin” and Johnny’s promised not to throw up the “cash” sign anymore. (I’ll let that joke sink in… 3…2…1… there you go.) But seriously, Johnny Football’s idea of a ‘check-down’ appears to be heaving it up to Benjamin and letting Benjamin chase it down like a golden retriever. It’s working, and Johnny has the job for now… so while that’s the case roll with Benjamin.

Also, Johnny’s throwin’ Benjamins. That’s the joke y’all. Cash.

Dexter McCluster – Fool's Gold

Last week, Bishop Sankey led the Titans in rushing. I hope you sold him then. This week, McCluster led the Titans in rushing. If you are able to sell McCluster… why the heck did you have lackluster-McCluster on your team in the first place?! Shame on you.

Michael Crabtree – Real Deal

There’s the athleticism we’ve coveted in Crabtree for years. He posted a 9/111/1Td stat line on 16 targets. While Car probably won’t get the opportunity to target Crabtree that much going forward, Crabtree and Cooper opened up the field against a good Raven’s defense that held the Broncos in check Week 1. Crabtree will be good for high WR3/FLEX consideration going forward.

Eric Ebron – Fool's Gold

5/43/1td, operating as a safety blanket for the sore arm of Matthew Stafford. He’s a boom/bust player, and is behind Megatron, Golden Tate, and potentially Abdullah for targets. He’s an unreliable desperation FLEX in deeper leagues, at best. Stop trying to make Ebron happen. It’s not going to happen (yet).

Colin Kaepernick - Fool's Gold

What we learned this week: When the 49ers are way down and have no hope of winning, Kaep will have inflated stats. He was 33 of 46 on pass attempts for 335 yards and tossed two TDs. He also ran nine times for 51 yards (but no bicep kisses). Unfortunately, almost all of this came in garbage time. He’s a desperation play in bye weeks, or a “what the heck” play in 2QB leagues.

Larry Fitzgerald - Real Deal

Larry Fitzgerald, as we knew him before 2010, showed up on Sunday. He gave the Bears secondary “Fitz” (get it? So punny) by putting up a 8/112/3td stat line. He’s on pace for 112 receptions and 1,592 yards (and 24 touchdowns, but that’s ludicrous). While he won’t be facing the Bears secondary every week, he and John Brown complement each other very well and we can expect a floor of high WR2 every week for each. Larry will have a blaze of glory this year before his career goes softly into that good night.