The Way We Were, In Week 3

Did you see that punt return trick play by Chicago (that was called back for no apparent reason)?! Or that TD catch by Kevin Walter that pin-balled its way to him?! Or that 70 yard TD run by Run DMC?! Or that leaping TD grab by Larry Fitzgerald over two defenders? Or Tom Brady throwing 4 interceptions in one game (which happened to total the amount he threw all last season)!? And all that other stuff that was so awesome!!? Yeah, it was a fun Sunday in the NFL, as usual. Here are some fantasy related observations for you to chew on and spit out.

Wes Welker: Dubya Dubya had a fantasy day for the PPR ages. 20 targets, 16 receptions, 217 yards and 2 touchdowns are what PPR dreams are made of. That and scrappiness. This Patriots offense is too good and their defense is too bad for you not to covet their top players. And Welker will continue to be the go to guy.

Kenny Britt: All indications are that Kenny Britt tore a whole slew of CL’s. He’s most likely done for the season which is just craptastic news for you, his devoted fake football owner. Nate Washington has stepped up so far this season and if he’s available is a must add.

Michael Vick: (EDIT: It is now being reported that his hand is NOT broken and that he is day to day) He was getting the hell beat out of him and didn’t look good at all and then he broke his hand and left the game. It looks like he may be out until after their week 7 bye so Mike Kafka or Vince Young will be in line to start, but knowing Andy Reid he could easily throw Ron Jaworski out there for the heck of it.  Vince Young fits this offense better than Kafka right now. I’m leaning his way for upside, but it’s a bit of a crapshoot. There will be a whole lot of blah, blah, yackity, yackity about all of this and hopefully we’ll get some idea of what is going to happen, but we may not.

Stevan Ridley: I know there are some people out there still hanging onto Ridley and I commend you! It’s still early, but he showed some signs of life and I truly believe he’s going to keep getting work and is better than Green-Ellis. He was in the game during some critical moments of the game and didn’t disappoint. He had 7 carries for 44 yards and 1 reception for 8. Compare that to BJGE’s 9 carries for 16 yards and you have to scratch your chin and slide your glasses on to take a better look. And then realize that is a fact, Jack.

Cam Newton: I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed in his fantasy numbers, but in the middle of a torrential downpour he managed to not turn the ball over, run for a few yards and toss a touchdown. And not that it matters, but he did win. I’m still on the bandwagon. He’s not always going to be 100% accurate, but he’s going to move the ball and make shizz happen.

Torrey Smith: He really can only go down from here. His first three receptions were touchdowns, but each one decreased in yardage, and then he started catching balls that didn’t go for touchdowns and then he got hurt. He’s done.  Well, maybe not done, but don’t expect a three touchdown game for a long long time. This is a good start and hopefully it will lead to more snaps, but he’s still a work in progress. I’m not throwing a #1 waiver wire away on him.

Calvin Johnson: It’s hard not to believe Megatron is the best receiver in the league. He’s unstoppable. I suppose this Matthew Stafford fella helps him out, but he makes catches look easy that are not easy. Be happy that he’s on your team.

Frank Gore: Gore sprained his ankle and had to leave the Bengals game, but looked like crap on a stick before that anyway.  He says he might not be able to go next week so Kendall Hunter is a must pickup.

Jermichael Finley: JerMike went off for 3 touchdowns against the Bears. We knew it would happen, but didn’t know the exact date and time. He was my #1 TE in preseason and he remains my #1 TE now.  The only trouble is that Rodgers can give whoever he wants a big game and Finley might not get three touchdowns a game. That makes me sad.

Ryan Mathews: I try not to toot my horn too often (I hear it makes you go blind), but I believed this would be his breakout game and it was! Yeaaa me! He had 149 total yards and 2 touchdowns. He was given 25 touches compared to Tolbert’s 7 so it looks like we have a changing of the guard. I’m not tossing Tolbert out just yet though. Mathews is known for getting injured, but Mathews is the better player and has more upside.

Lance Moore: Finally my man Moore is healthy! He had 9 targets and caught each one for 88 yards and a touchdown. He fits this offense well and Brees trusts him probably more than any other receiver. They should continue to put up good PPR numbers together.

Jeremy Maclin: The Eagles are hurting right now and Maclin is a big loss with an injured hamstring. He couldn’t come back into the game and most likely will be out at least next week. Steve Smith should see an uptick and targets.

Darren Sproles: This guy just keeps putting up numbers. I admit I’ve been overlooking him. Of course now that I’m not he’ll put up a string of crap games, but maybe not. He’s averaging 7 receptions and 76 yards a game, including a couple touchdowns.  I’m not completely sold that he’ll keep up this kind of pace, but he’s looked very good so far.

Victor Cruz: Cruz had a huge game with Mario Manningham out and he did it against a stout pass defense. Three receptions for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at. And who sneezes at stuff anyway? With Manningham most likely back, Cruz will be relegated back to 3rd WR duty and that’s not what you want, but he’s worth a look see at least.

Sidney Rice: I love me some Sid Rice, but sadly he started the season hurt and on a team that is painful to watch due to their ineptitude slash horridness. Amazingly Rice came back this week and put up a decent stat line, going over 100 yards on 8 receptions. Tarvaris Jackson at least was smart enough to give him 10 targets. They won’t face the Cardinals’ poor pass defense every week, but if he keeps getting his targets he has the ability to be a useful fake football type player.

Early Waiver Wire Wonders to Wonder About:

QB: Vince Young, Mike Kafka, Matt Hasselbeck, Mark Sanchez

RB: Kendall Hunter, Bernard Scott, Stevan Ridley,

WR: Nate Washington, Lance Moore, Denarius Moore, Eric Decker, Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Victor Cruz, Dane Sanzenbacher,

TE: Ed Dickson, Brandon Pettigrew, Scott Chandler

D/ST: Tampa Bay (at home vs. Indy), Minnesota (at KC)