2012 Week 3 Fantasy Advice

I'm really on a roll with these picks. I had a bad Week 1, and only a slightly better Week 2. I'm channelling my inner New Orleans Saints right now. But, I'm hoping that I can fix that this week, which means anyone I recommend will have a terrible week. Give and take, I suppose.

Who to Start:

QB Tony Romo (DAL) vs. TB: He had a poor showing in Seattle, but in the Cowboys home opener against a team that allowed 511 passing yards to Eli Manning, and is dead last in pass defense. The turnovers likely shouldn't be a problem for Romo.

RB Donald Brown (IND) vs. JAX: The Jags have had major issues defending the run this season, mainly due to injuries in their linebacking corps. Brown could have a big game for the Colts, which could set up some big help for Andrew Luck.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. MIN: The 49ers look like the best team in football, and have had a consistent passing game thus far. Crabtree is the 19th most targeted receiver in the league so far, and the Vikings have had issues defending the pass so far, so Crabtree should have a good matchup.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. NO: Despite the major struggles for the Chiefs so far this season, Bowe could have a big game against a New Orleans defense that has in all honesty been a sieve this season.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET) vs. TEN: When Dante Rosario scores two TD's against you, your defense has major issues defending Tight Ends. The Titans did that a week ago against the Chargers, so Pettigrew should have a big game.

DEF Chicago vs. STL: The Bears are fuming off their terrible loss at Green Bay on Thursday, and the Rams offensive line is seriously banged up. The Bears have to take advantage of these games, and I think they will here.

Who to Sit:

QB Carson Palmer (OAK) vs. PIT: You'd be surprised to hear he's actually not throwing the ball that badly despite only tossing 2 TD passes in his first two games. But those were against San Diego and Miami. This is against Pittsburgh.

RB Michael Turner (ATL) vs. SD: His decline has not been greatly exaggerated. He struggled big time on Monday night, and now going out west on a short week is a tough ask for the ageing back. Playing against his former team might add some ammo, but I still feel he'll struggle.

WR Vincent Jackson (TB) vs. DAL: The Giants and Panthers might have been favorable matchups for the Bucs, but Dallas won't be. They haven't allowed a receiving TD by a wideout yet, and their top 2 corners are very good. Could be a tough one for Jackson at Jerryworld on Sunday.

WR Jordy Nelson (GB) vs. SEA MON: The Seahawks have one of the best secondaries in the NFL that you know nothing about, but you might know something after Monday night. They will lock down Nelson, who could be the Packers number 1 target again.

TE Greg Olsen (CAR) vs. NYG THU: He hasn't done very much for the Panthers in their first 2 games, and that form will likely continue against a Giants defense that has been very stout defending the Tight End, despite their myriad of problems on the outside.

DEF San Diego vs. ATL: The Falcons offense has been very good this season, and the Chargers defense has only been OK with 2 sub-par matchups under their belt. This is the first true test for this unit, and I don't think they'll hold up well.

3 Super Sleepers:

WR Brandon LaFell (CAR) vs. NYG THU: Believe it or not, he's been the most reliable weapon for Cam Newton thus far. With the Giants propensity for getting torched on the outside very much present, LaFell could be in for a big night.

DEF Indianapolis vs. JAX: While I know the Texans are the Texans, only 112 total yards of offense? That's how many the Jags had on Sunday, and while they'll likely do better, the Colts defense is a nice pinch-hit option if you need them.

QB Brandon Weeden (CLE) vs. BUF: He just looked like a different player when the Browns took the field in Cincy, and he will continue that form against a Buffalo defense that has been hit or miss not only this year, but last year as well.

Buyer Beware:

QB Peyton Manning (DEN) vs. HOU: That MNF performance was the worst Peyton has looked in years, and the most frustrated as well. It doesn't help that his next assignment is to break down the AFC's best defense in Houston. He could really struggle.

Good Luck in Week 3!