The fantasy football Week 3 schedule is here and some sleepers and starter options include players like Matt Jones, Dion Lewis, Travis Benjamin, James Starks, Devonta Freeman, Michael Crabtree, David Johnson, Ryan Mathews, Todd Gurley, Jordan Reed, Crockett Gillmore and TJ Yeldon.
Thursday night has Matt Jones as the top option for sleepers among running backs, even with Alfred Morris as the starter. Jones had a big game in Week 2 and the Giants rush defense has been a mess this season so far. Jay Gruden has praised Jones and he likely will continue to get carries even with Morris starting. Dion Lewis is splitting time with LeGarrette Blount, but the Patriots usually go with the hot hand and his is hot right now. Lewis has 109 yards rushing and 10 catches for 149 yards this season and he played nearly all the offensive snaps for the Pats last week.
Travis Benjamin had a strong game for the Browns and even with the team going back to Josh McCown from Johnny Manziel, he is worth a look. Benjamin has been the most consistent receiver for the team and even the Browns need to throw the ball occasionally and he could clean up this week again. Devonta Freeman and Terron Ward are worth looking at with Tevin Coleman injured. The Falcons like both players and Freeman is a strong option in PPR leagues after the way he burned the Giants last week catching the ball out of the backfield.
James Starks could be worth a look for fantasy owners this week if Eddie Lacy can't go with an ankle injury. Starks had nearly 100 yards in the game against the Seahawks on Sunday night coming in for Lacy and the Packers are confident that he can handle being the lead back if Lacy can't play. Davante Adams is dealing with an ankle injury as well, but he was able to return to the game after leaving for the Packers and is worth a start if he can practice.
Michael Crabtree had his best game in a long stretch this week and he is worth a pickup in deeper leagues for the Raiders. The team put up solid offensive numbers against the Ravens and moving forward he could be a solid WR2 or WR 3 for fantasy owners. Last week Crabtree had nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown and even more promising were the 16 targets he saw from Derek Carr. David Johnson and Chris Johnson have stepped in for Andre Ellington and both players are worth picking up for the next couple weeks until Ellington can return.
Ryan Mathews could get the start for Demarco Murray after the RB suffered a hamstring injury in practice this week. Todd Gurley reportedly will have a good shot at playing in Week 3 to make his Rams debut and he is a great option with high upside potential. Crockett Gillmore had two touchdowns for the Ravens on Sunday and he is worth starting, while TJ Yeldon has been the lead back with the Jaguars and should continue to get better each week.
Check here for more on fantasy football and sleepers for this week.
