Caught Riding The Pine?

September 16, 2008 at 7:16 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Caught Riding The Pine? Broncos WR Eddie Royal did it again. He followed up his nine catch, 146 yard debut with a five catch, 37 yard performance, including a game winning TD – two-point conversion combo. Even though Brandon Marshall dominates the eye of Jay Cutler, Royal remains a top target on a team that is destined for a shootout against the Saints. Even though he’s likely been left fantasy on benches this season, Royal is a must-start in Week 3.

Another player likely caught riding the fantasy pine is 49ers WR Bryant Johnson. After missing the preseason, Johnson has started the year well, catching nine passes for 126 yards and a score. He’s established himself as a top target in Mike Martz’s offense and faces a Lions defense that has allowed 921 total yards in two games. As Martz faces his old squad, Johnson should be in fantasy line-ups.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers shined in his first two NFL starts, but may not have made his fantasy debut in several leagues yet. That has to change. Regardless of the fact that he faces a tough Dallas defense at home on Sunday night, the kid is a must-start. He thrives on tough match-ups, and most importantly, has the weapons around him to be productive. While he may not toss the rock for 328 yards like he did against Detroit in Week 2, he’s good for two scores, and the fact that he makes things happen with his feet can be an x-factor in many leagues.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart possibly took the reins away from DeAngelo Williams during Week 2, while rushing 14 times for 77 yards and two TDs against the Bears. Williams rushed 11 times for only 31 yards and didn’t play much in the first half. The good news is that Stewart has now proven to his owners that he can be extremely productive when given the opportunity – even if that opportunity only comes in 10-15 carries per ballgame. J-Stew has a horribly tough match-up against the Vikings in Week 3, but we really like him to come through for his owners. The kid is special, and will work in tandem with Williams to break down the Vikings D in Week 3. Don’t be afraid to start Stewart this week, even though he may have been on your bench in Weeks 1 and 2.

Should we be surprised that Steelers WR Hines Ward has 11 catches for 135 yards and three TDs already this season? Absolutely not. He plays in a pass friendly offense and always has been a phenomenal red zone target. Should we be surprised that he may have been left on fantasy benches in both weeks? Absolutely not. He often gets overlooked due to injury issues over the past few seasons, but when healthy, is easily one of the top WRs in the game. He and the Steelers travel to Philly to face the Eagles in Week 3, but Ward has proven that he should be in all fantasy line-ups moving forward – especially TD-only leagues.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner absolutely lit up the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, but chances are, he was on your bench. If he was, now is the time to swallow your pride and bench your flashier signal caller in favor of Warner at Washington in Week 3. While he’s certain to face a much tougher pass rush, he absolutely has the weapons around him to put up huge digits every week. He’s as close to a must-start as they come.

Raise your hand if you started Tony Scheffler in Week 2. Didn’t think so. This off-season, we told you that the Broncos third year man would be the next top five fantasy TE, and he sure looked that way in Week 2, hauling in six balls for 64 yards and two TDs. Scheffler is the real deal, Jay Cutler loves him and you should too. Start him in Week 3 against the Saints.

Even though he hasn’t reached the end zone yet, it appears Anthony Gonzalez has become the apple of Peyton Manning’s eye. The veteran QB barely even looked at future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison against the Vikings in Week 2, hooking up with Gonzo nine times for 137 yards. Regardless of whether or not Dallas Clark returns in Week 3, the second year man from Ohio State has become a must start in leagues that require three WRs.

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