Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

Week 2 is already in the books and - bad or good - there is nothing you can do to affect the outcome of games already played. There is always the chance, however, to come out on top regardless of any earlier issues with players on your team. This week we'll go over the best pickups for week 3 as well as some guys that you should not go without starting, or at least picking up off the waiver wire. Best of luck in Week 3 - take no prisoners!

Listen to the Fantasy Finish Line Ep4: week 3 Preview

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With the fantasy football playoffs upon us, it's time to set aside all the leagues you didn't advance in and forget about most of the bench players who you won't be starting. The playoffs (and coffee) are for closers! While you're getting ready for this week, make sure to check out the news and updates from week 13, this week's podcast and the Week 14 Rookie Report as well.

This week, despite where the experts rank Derek Carr, we think he should be in your lineup against KC. Dance with the one who brought you, as they say. At RB, be cautious when deciding to start Doug Martin, and it's also probably time to move on from Tim Hightower. At wideout, I know you've started him all year, but isn't it time that DeAndre Hopkins grabbed some bench? Finally, it's time to look for options other than Greg Olsen - he's not bad, but his offense is and he's currently on a streak of 4 games with less than 50 yards receiving. 

We're 2 weeks into the year and already have a laundry list of injured players to discuss. Just when we thought it could not get much worse, some more big players go down this week. Don’t throw in that towel! Stay active on the waiver wire and pucker your butthole for a long year of misfortune!

Quarterbacks

Sam Bradford (Knee) - There is so much scar tissue in Bradford’s knees, the team is unsure what is going on in there. The Vikings are calling it a bone bruise. He went through warm-ups before the game and threw a few balls before declaring himself out. Keep an eye out for an update on Wednesday. The whole offense takes a major dip if he is not on the field.

Other –

DeShone Kizer (Head/Migraine) - took some painkillers and returned to the game in the third quarter.

Running Backs

Fat Rob Kelley (Chest) – Fat Rob was having a respectable game before getting knocked out with a rib injury. The Redskins feared this was a fracture but that does not appear to be the case. He is currently Day to Day and we will have a better idea of his status later in the week

Jordan Howard (Shoulder) – Howard was spotted after the game in a sling. He was dealing with a shoulder injury going into this week and was just shy of a first down worth of rushing for the day. (9 rushes – 7 yards) Also worth noting that Cohen out-touched him 15-9 in a blowout game. We should know more tomorrow but John Fox is notorious for keeping injury information to himself.

DeMarco Murray (Hamstring) – Murray is day to day with a tight hamstring. He struggled against the Jags and Henry looked like the better RB on the field. I expect to see more and more of a split in that backfield. Get whatever value is left out of Murray while you can.

Rex Burkhead (Rib) – Burkhead caught a nice 19-yard touchdown on Sunday but was unable to finish the game. He went to the locker room in the fourth quarter and mum's the word since his exit. Gives a nice boost to James White if he is out but look at the injury report on Wednesday for an update.

Wide Receivers

Jordy Nelson (Quad) – Nelson left the game in the first quarter vs the Falcons after getting a knee to the thigh. He was seen riding an exercise bike during the game. This leads me to believe he got a good Charlie Horse and should be good to go this week. The current update is 50-50 for this week. Keep an eye on the situation and have a backup plan just in case.

Corey Coleman (Hand) – 2nd year Browns' receiver Corey Coleman is now 2 for 2 on seasons with broken hands. This time around it does require surgery so he is expected to land on IR. Shame to see after building some chemistry with DeMigraine Kizer. Not worth a hold unless you have an IR spot available.

Other Notable injuries:

Corey Davis (Hamstring) - Returned to game

Phillip Dorsett (Knee) - More patriot WR’s hurt. Not too fantasy relevant

Kendall Wright (Arm) - AVOID BEARS PLAYERS

Jeremy Maclin (Shoulder) - Returned to the game

Tight Ends

Greg Olsen (Foot) – Greg underwent surgery on his broken right foot today and has been placed on IR. Thankfully they did not have to remove it! The Panthers believe he will be back this season but he will not be eligible to practice for 6 weeks. Dickson will take over TE duties for the Panthers. You should have better options available on the waivers.

Jordan Reed (Chest) – Reed left in the third quarter of the game with a chest injury and did not return. Today, they are calling this a bruised chest which is a new one for me. Doesn’t seem like an issue and he should suit up week 3. The toe remains a concern.

Rob Gronkowski (Groin) – Gronk left the game and did not return after tweaking his groin. Gronk looked great before exiting the game and is expected to be good to go this weekend. Thankfully the injury is to a part of his body that sees the most exercise in the offseason so I expect a quick recovery.

It's the end of another exciting week of football which means it's time to put your claims in for available free agents in your fantasy league to strengthen your team. I'll be going over who I think are the top five picks for you to target this week so don't miss out on them. Good luck!

Note: %owned is based on Yahoo! leagues at the time of publication.

5) Marqise Lee (JAX) - 38% owned - Lee is currently 20th in targets for all receivers but unfortunately has only found the endzone once this season.  The high volume should keep Lee in the WR3 conversation.

4) Matt Forte (NYJ) - 42% owned - Forte finally looked to be over a nagging turf toe injury as he rushed 14 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns while also catching four passes for another 19 yards against Buffalo. The Jets backfield should still be a timeshare but expect Forte to be leading it as long as he stays healthy.

3) Robert Woods (LAR) - 34% owned - The Rams offense has been clicking all season and Woods is getting enough targets to be a legitimate WR3 most weeks.  Woods has a great matchup this week against a Texans defense giving up almost 260 receiving yards per game.

2) Charles Clay (BUF) - 13% owned -  Clay is set to return after getting injured in week 5.  Prior to his injury he was the most productive fantasy pass catcher for the Bills so he should be worth a grab as he has some nice matchups at the tail end of the season including two matchups against New England.

1) Greg Olsen (CAR) - 50% owned - Olsen won't be eligible to return until week 12 but if you are poised for the playoffs and need a boost to the TE position and he's available you should grab him now or it will be too late.