Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com has more than 20 years of experience in the Fantasy industry and is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. This is his seventh season providing Fantasy Football coverage and advice on Seahawks.com.
While there are only 13 games in the Fantasy Football regular season, two weeks by no means determines your outlook for the full season. If your team is 2-0, there is still more work to be done. If you are at 1-1, obviously there is no reason to get too high or too low. If you are at 0-2, the season is certainly not over. That is true for NFL teams as well. For instance, the 2015 Seahawks started 0-2 and still made the playoffs with a strong late-season surge. I have also seen many Fantasy teams come slowly out of the gate and then stack up victories soon after en route to the playoffs. It is still early in the season, we have not even reached the bye weeks yet. Don't celebrate yet, and rather than panicking, make a trade to improve your squad if you're not winning yet. In any situation, there is much Fantasy Football still to be played.
Running Backs To Start In Week 3
Jordan Howard vs. Arizona: Howard could not get rolling against the Seahawks defense on Monday, but head coach Matt Nagy has indicated the Bears need to get him more work as they head into Week 3. This is a fine matchup for Howard to have his best game of the young season, as the Cardinals have allowed an outrageous league-high 38 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing RBs on NFL.com, including four rushing scores. The Bears need Howard to take some pressure off second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky.
Kenyan Drake vs. Oakland: The surprising 2-0 Dolphins could be 3-0 after this week, as they should be able to move the ball very efficiently against the Raiders defense. Drake is giving up some work to the ageless Frank Gore, but he is still Miami's lead runner and should get a few chances to score near the goal line. Oakland has allowed an AFC-high 265 rushing yards and Drake is the type of runner that can break off a long gainer at any time, from anywhere on the field.
Corey Clement vs. Indianapolis: He may be pressed into a larger role this week because of injury issues for Philadelphia at RB. A physically strong and versatile player, Clement ran for a 15-yard TD and caught five passes for 55 yards in Week 2. He presents a significant challenge for a Colts LB crew that is at the heart of the team having allowed an NFL-high 22 receptions for 187 yards to running backs after two weeks.
Matt Breida vs. Kansas City: Most Fantasy types naturally expect a shootout between the 49ers and Chiefs, and if the Niners have to throw frequently, Breida should be on the field quite often. He certainly has earned it after 138 rushing yards and a TD in Week 2. The Chiefs have allowed a league-high 261 receiving yards to running backs so far.
Wide Receivers To Start In Week 3
Keelan Cole vs. Tennessee: He is clearly emerging as the top pass-catcher for Jacksonville after showing some real flashes of promise in his rookie season. Cole signaled his arrival as a prime target for Blake Bortles with eight catches for 116 yards and a TD last week vs. New England. The Titans pass defense has been a better matchup for opponents than expected, having allowed an AFC-high 35.80 FFPG to opposing WRs after two games.
Kenny Golladay vs. New England: The second-year wideout is quickly becoming a big-play threat for the Lions and Fantasy players. At 6-4, 213 pounds, with tremendous athletic ability, Golladay is proving that he is a very challenging matchup for any pass defense. He has caught 13 passes for 213 yards and a TD so far. The Patriots have already allowed four TD catches to opposing wide receivers.
Cooper Kupp vs. L.A. Chargers: In the battle of Los Angeles, Jared Goff will likely lean on his most trusted WR in the passing game. Kupp is especially dependable in PPR formats, and the Chargers pass defense was torched by Kansas City in the opener before facing a much easier matchup in Buffalo last week. The highly potent Rams offense will press the Chargers on all fronts with Kupp leading the way at receiver.
Kenny Stills vs. Oakland: We'll add to the Miami theme here, as Stills is the Dolphins' best big-play target and returns home, where he caught two TD passes in the season opener. A strong running game should open up the read option and play-action passing for Ryan Tannehill, and Stills will find the end zone again this week.
Quarterbacks To Start In Week 3
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Pittsburgh: You should certainly stream him as a Top 10 Fantasy QB this week. Fitzpatrick is facing a Steelers defense that has allowed 31.21 FFPG to opposing QBs, second-highest on NFL.com after two weeks. A minimum of three TD passes seems to be very possible.
Jimmy Garropolo vs. Kansas City: As we mentioned, an expected shootout at Arrowhead Stadium. Garropolo faces a Chiefs defense that has allowed a league-high 33.97 FFPG to opposing QBs on NFL.com so far. He does not have the weaponry of Kansas City's previous two opponents (Chargers and Steelers) but Garropolo will at least post solid Fantasy totals and the matchup upside is apparent.
Tight Ends To Starts In Week 3
Will Dissly vs. Dallas: The Seahawks rookie TE is for real, as he has drawn five targets in each of the first two games while scoring in both contests. Russell Wilson will continue to look for him consistently on key passing downs.
O.J. Howard vs. Pittsburgh: The second-year Buccaneer is regarded as a future star, and he is providing some indications that he is on the verge of breaking out. Howard scored on a 75-yard catch-and-run reception in Week 2.
Seahawks Fantasy Focus
Russell Wilson should remain in your Fantasy lineups as he faces a secondary he can challenge in the home opener. Tyler Lockett has scored in each of the first two games and should receive strong consideration as a Fantasy WR3 or flex play. Brandon Marshall should remain on your roster as bye weeks will start soon and he can boost your confidence in him with a TD reception. The Seahawks may look to establish the run more frequently this week, so keep a watch on the progress of Rashaad Penny.
For more Week 2 advice and tips from Scott Engel and the RotoExperts team, get theXclusive Edge Fantasy Football Packageon RotoExperts.com. Use promocode "seahawks" at checkout for a special discount.
