Arizona Cardinals
Tony Jefferson continues to impress both on the field and in the box scores. The strong safety went 8-2-1 in week three making it three consecutive games with at least 7 solo tackles. There is little reason to believe he will be replaced anytime soon. Reshad Johnson has also played well at free safety. Though he has not been quite as productive as Jefferson, Johnson's 8 solo output in week three is enough to get him some attention. On the down side for Johnson, he suffered a broken thumb late in the San Francisco game and is in a cast this week. Arizona has a week four bye so there is a chance Johnson will be able to go in week five. The other factor that scares me away from Johnson is the steadily increasing role of Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu played just fifteen snaps in week three but was still 6-1-0 for the game. He could be closing in on a full time role by the time the Cardinals take the field again. It might be time to pick him up so you can be sure to beat the competition to the punch just in case.
Atlanta Falcons
Joplo Bartu played only 19 snaps against the Buccaneers while Prince Shembo was on the field for 28. Atlanta played a lot of second team players in the fourth quarter but we saw enough of the starters to stay away from both of these guys until/unless one of them emerges as a three down option.
Buffalo Bills
Da'Norris Searcy lasted only 29 snaps in week three before leaving with an ankle injury. It would be easy to use that as an excuse for his lack of production. The fact is, he was on pace for about 5 tackles before the injury. Searcy has been given plenty of opportunity but has been out played and out produced by Aaron Williams who is 16-5-0 with a pass breakup over the last two games. Searcy is questionable for week four and will likely be replaced by Duke Williams this week. Searcy's value beyond week four is also questionable. It may be a good move to replace him with Aaron Williams if he is still available.
The Buffalo linebackers were credited with the backwards numbers that we have seen repeatedly from a handful of stats crews over the past few years. Nigel Bradham was scored at 4-9-0 while Preston Brown was credited at 4-7-0. What we need to be looking at here is that both players worked in three down roles. Both players are deserving of strong starting consideration this week against the Texans. We cannot overlook the fact that Jameel McClain was 9-2-.5 against Houston in week three even with Arian Foster on the bench.
Chicago Bears
When it was reported that Shea McClellin would be out for week three, I tweeted that Jon Bostic could move into a three down role. That turned out to be the case as he got the start on the strong side. Bostic looks much better this year than he did as a rookie when he struggled greatly. He seems comfortable and is reacting instead of thinking. The result was a mark of 6-7-0 with a pair of passed defended and 17 fantasy points. McClellin has not yet been ruled out for week four but he seems a long shot to play. Despite their struggles in the running game the Packers have been a strong matchup for linebackers. Factor in Mike McCarthy calling out Eddie Lacey in the media and a Chicago run defense that has been subpar, and you have a formula for a big game by Bostic.
Cincinnati Bengals
George Iloka has turned in strong fantasy point over the first three games but pay attention to how he is getting them before picking him up . Iloka was 7-1-0 and led the Bengals in tackles against Tennessee but had only 4 solo stops over the first two games combined. He will have a few good games this year but is not a guy we can trust in our lineups every week.
Vincent Rey was only 3-1-0 versus the Titans but he looked better on the field than he did in week two. The low numbers were more a product of the matchup than a reflection of his on field contribution. We are still waiting on word about Vontaze Burfict who is recovering from his third concussion since the end of last season. With a bye this week, the hope of Bengals fans and fantasy owners alike is that he will be back in week five. I am far from confident that will happen. Hang onto Rey if you have room.
Way back in the preseason I wrote that Geno Atkins did not look right. He is playing and making a contribution on the field, but is far from the difference maker we saw in 2012. Hopefully Atkins will improve as he gains confidence in the knee. at this point I am strongly considering letting him go in redraft leagues.
Cleveland Browns
Craig Robertson started and played 45 snaps in week three while Christian Kirksey saw 32 snaps. Kirksey owner were holding out hope that he could eventually land a three down role. Unfortunately he seems to be losing ground to Robertson.
Justin Gilbert continues to struggle and has been bounced to the nickel corner role. That translated to only 16 snaps against the Ravens who run a lot of two tight end sets. He could still have some matchup based value in that situation but we will need to pit our spots to play him.
Dallas Cowboys
Anthony Hitchens was a three down weak side linebacker in week three, finishing with a healthy 10-3-0. Bruce Carter slid inside and went 9-3-0 with a pick while Kyle Wilbur got the start on the strong side. Dallas gave up a lot of points in this game but the fact that the starting linebackers were their top three tacklers, has to be considered a good sign for everyone except Barry Church owners. Rolando McClain did not practice on Wednesday as he recovers from the groin injury and seems unlikely to go in week four. Unfortunately for those who are jumping on Hitchens this week, Justin Durant did return to practice and could be back in action this week. Whoever gets the start this week will have good potential as the Saints have been an excellent matchup for linebackers. Keep an eye on this one later in the week.
Denver Broncos
Nate Irving played 76 of 80 snaps in week two and has posted solid numbers in all three outings this season. If only we could be sure when Danny Trevathan will return. The latest word out of Denver is that he could be ready for week five after the bye. Brandon Marshall has also played pretty solid football and may have earned consideration for some role going forward. If he gets playing time it is not going to come at the expense of Trevathan. If you have been starting Irving or Marshall and can make the roster space, sit on them until we see what happens. I see Irving having the better shot at continuing to produce.
Detroit Lions
The Lions lost Stephen Tulloch to a torn ACL that he suffered while celebrating a sack early in Sunday's game. The Lions were in a nickel defense against Green Bay so we really did not get a look at what they will do to replace Tulloch in the base. What we do know is that Tahir Whitehead worked with DeAndre Levy in the nickel for the rest of the game. Whitehead showed flashes of big potential during the preseason and could be a quality add. Ashlee Palmer is the next man up as the third linebacker. He is a decent veteran backup who can play either outside position, but is not much of a box score threat. Levy went 9-1-0 in the game and could blow up the rest of the way if Whitehead fails to compete for tackles.
Green Bay Packers
Nothing has changes with the role of Jamari Lattimore. He manage to finish 7-2-0 as a two down inside backer, despite seeing action on 45 of 75 defensive snaps. He could serve as a match up based bye week flier but the lack of opportunity will limit his potential greatly. Strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix worked at linebacker in the nickel packages.
Houston Texans
About this time every year we have to talk about ambulance chasing. Those owners who will run out and jump on Kendrick Lewis after his big game are doing just that. In three previous seasons as a starter Lewis has never reached 50 solo tackles. He had a total of 7 over the first two games combined and recorded 3 or fewer in twelve games last year with the Chiefs. His big game is enough to garner some attention but it will take more than one big game to overshadow three years of mediocrity.
Indianapolis Colts
After two slow weeks, D'Qwell Jackson came to life against a Jacksonville team that had been the worst matchup in the league over the first two games. Hopefully the 10-0-1 with a forced fumble that Jackson recorded will be the beginning of something for him. We know that he has big potential since Jackson has been a high quality fantasy option in years. The Titans have also been a poor matchup for linebackers thus far, so standard wisdom would say to think twice before plugging Jackson into your lineup. Due to injuries and bye weeks, many of us are pressed to fill our starting lineups. Because he has the big play upside I am going to go with Jackson in a couple of leagues and hope that lightening strikes twice.
while the Titans have been a below average matchup for linebackers, they have been a strong one for safeties. To date five of the six starting safeties to face Tennessee have reached double digits in fantasy points. That is plenty of reason to plug in LaRon Landry who was 4-1-1 in week three despite the poor matchup. this week against the Titans. Over the first three games, five safeties have posted double digit fantasy points against Tennessee.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Geno Hays turned in a solid 7-1-0 against the Colts in week three but be careful reading too much into it. Nothing has changed here and Hayes is still a two down player. He was on the field more than usual against Indianapolis because the Colts used a lot of two tight end sets. That kept Jacksonville in their base defense for 53 of 77 snaps.
Miami Dolphins
Not only did Jason Trusnik get the start at middle linebacker against the Chiefs, he joined Jelani Jenkins in the nickel sub packages as well. Jenkins stole the show by exploding for 11-4-1.5 and a forced fumble, but Trusnik also put up strong numbers of 7-2-0 with a forced fumble. Phillip Wheeler continues to work as a 2 down strong side linebacker presumably because he is basically playing with one hand. Koa Misi is out of his walking boot and may be able to play by week six when the Dolphins return from their bye, but for week four it looks like Jenkins and Trusnik will continue to be three down players. Jenkins has been nothing short of impressive thus far. He is all but certain to remain in his current role for the rest of this season and if he continues to impress, Jenkins may have the job for years to come. This week's matchup with the Raiders is not a particularly strong one but Jenkins has become an every week must start at this point.
Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway started against the Saints in week three but was not able to finish. He is not practicing this week and is considered doubtful to go against Atlanta due to his broken ribs and hand. Gerald Hodges had been seeing action in some of the sub packages before replacing Greenway late in week three. Hodges appears set to make his first start on the weak side this week. This is a player that I have been high on since he was drafted last year. He has starter ability and is likely to claim an every down role at some point in the not too distant future. Hodges was 6-1-0 on only nineteen snaps against the Saints. He is a strong sleeper start against a Falcons club that has been an excellent matchup for linebacker in two of three games. The only the Bengals linebackers failed to post strong numbers due to the lopsided game. If you are hurting for short term starting help or looking to the future in a dynasty league, consider adding Hodges.
I mentioned Robert Blanton last week when he was hosed by the score keepers. He answered the bell with a mark of 7-3-0 and his second double digit fantasy output of the year. Again I will say that Blanton is not going to light it up and be a top fifteen DB. He has not shown much big play potential, but the guy could push 80 solo tackles and is a solid consideration as an every week third starter.
New England Patriots
We are seeing a different defensive approach by the Patriots every week and it really has us guessing when it comes to the value of guys like Chandler Jones who was 1-1-0 against the Raiders, and Jamie Collins who went 0-3-0. Part of these disappointing numbers comes down the Raiders struggles on offense, but we can also point to New England's strange 2-5 front as a contributor. The Patriots base defense was Vince Wilfork and Sealver Siliga as defensive linemen with Jerod Mayo at middle linebacker, flanked by Collins and Dont'a Hightower up the middle. On the outside of those two were Jones and Rob Ninkovich. The strange scheme confused the Oakland blocking schemes and resulted in just one New England defender posting more than 3 solo tackles. The Patriots were able to get some pressure on the quarterback but failed to land a single sack. It is a safe bet that the Chiefs offense will provide more opportunity this week but I am quickly becoming gun shy when it comes to playing anyone on this defense besides Mayo. Realistically, those of us who have Jones or Ninkovich probably have to stick with them, but we do not have to be happy about it. The problem is, if/when we sit them, that will be the week some goofy scheme hits and they go off.
New Orleans Saints
Corner Corey White was a little quiet in week three when he had just 3 solo stops, but he had 13 tackles and a fumble recovery over the first two games. Dallas has been only an average matchup for corners over the first three games but we know that Tony Romo is capable of making someone in the Saints secondary a star. The Dallas defense is playing better than anyone expected but I still expect this game to become a shootout. Call it a gut feeling but I like White's chances of having a big game. At worst he should give us 4 or 5 tackles.
New York Giants
Stevie Brown was benched late in week three in favor of rookie Nat Behre. Brown looked good in the season opener but has done little over the past two games. It is hard to say if Berhe will see a bigger role or if this was more of a wakeup call for Brown. As of Wednesday afternoon I have not seen any sort of injury report or other issue that would explain why Brown was pulled so we have to assume it was performance based. I have cut him in a couple of leagues because there were quality options to be picked up. At the least I would suggest sitting him until we find out what is going on here.
Jameel McClain stepped in as the Giants three down middle linebacker in week three. He finished with a strong 9-2-.5 on the day. There is a chance Beason could return this week but if you picked up McClain, I would not be in too big a hurry to throw him back. Beason rested the injury all summer and lasted a game and a half. Let him make it through a game or two before giving up on McClain.
New York Jets
Demorio Davis has been huge over the past two weeks. This is a guy that that has been a very good linebacker for the Jets in NFL terms over the past couple of years, but his abilities and contributions have not been on display in the box scores. His three tackle performance in week one is basically what we have come to expect, so it is hard to accept that Davis has suddenly turned the corner in fantasy terms. That said, it is probably a good idea to go get him just in case. With all the injuries at the position our options are getting thin and who knows, with his skill set this may be the beginning of something big. At worst we can sit on Davis for a couple of weeks and dump him if he turns back into a pumpkin.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders added Miles Burris and Tyvon Branch to their long list of injured players after their week three game. Burris is not practicing this week with a foot injury while Branch is headed to surgery and IR with a broken foot. This leaves an already struggling Oakland defense extremely thin up the middle. Unless Sio Moore or Nick Roach can get back on the field, the Raiders are likely to be without three of their top four linebackers in week four. For most teams this could mean a lot of nickel calls with an extra safety. Without Branch the Raiders are going to struggle to put two solid safeties in the game, much less three. Career backup Usama Young is expected to get the start at safety and Kaluka Maiava is the likely starter at middle linebacker, but safety Charles Woodson is going to be the IDP gem to grab from this mess. Oakland did claim Brandain Ross off waivers from Miami on Wednesday. He played in Oakland for a couple of years and should eventually displace Young as the starter.
Philadelphia Eagles
With Mychal Kendrick out the Eagles tried several players at the inside linebacker position next to DeMeco Ryans, including rookie Marcus Smith II. No one stood out in their auditions, leaving the team with crossed fingers that Kendricks will be able to return soon. As of Wednesday his chances of going in week four are not looking good. He continues to sit out with the calf injury and the team is giving no timetable for a return. This puts Ryans back in the lead role. San Francisco has been an average matchup for linebackers thus far, but without Kendricks to compete for tackles, I have a feeling Ryans will have a big game.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Shazier's knee sprain is not believed to be season ending at this point but he has already been ruled out for week four. Chances are he will miss at least few games. This opens the door for preseason sensation Sean Spence to get on the field. Spence is undersized but displayed impressive quickness and productivity in his preseason start. The downside to picking up Spence is that Pittsburgh plays Tampa Bay this week and Jacksonville next. That may be the worst possible two game matchup in the league this year. If however, he is still in the lineup beyond those games, Spence could blow up against the Browns, Texans and Colts starting in week six.
San Diego Chargers
Corey Liuget had another strong game in week three when he was 5-1-1 with a forced fumble. That is two strong outings for Liuget who is gaining momentum in a Chargers defense that is playing well. He could be this year's Cameron Jordan.
Donald Butler is off to a slow start but he did show up at 4-5-0 in week three. He has a horrible matchup against the struggling Jaguars this week, so unless you are desperate due to injuries and bye weeks, get Butler out of your lineup. That said, I still believe he will be there for us when we need him late in the season . It is noteworthy that San Diego faces the Patriots, Broncos and 49ers during the fantasy playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks
Corner Byron Maxwell continues to excel in the box scores. Offenses may not be completely avoiding Richard Sherman but you can bet the quarterbacks know where he is when the ball is snapped. Maxwell has parlayed the situation into 17 solo stops, 3 passes defended and a pick in three games. He is certainly a strong CB1 option and s one of the relatively few corners worthy as an every week start in leagues that lump the defensive backs into one position. Seattle in on a bye this week but they have Washington and Dallas in weeks five and six respectively. Both of those teams have been excellent matchups for corners thus far.
St. Louis Rams
Alec Ogletree and James Laurinaitis finally woke up and produced for us in week three. Hopefully Robert Quinn will follow suit. Fantasy owners are in a tough spot with Quinn. He was among the top defensive players drafted in nearly all leagues and has done nothing thus far. With St. Louis on a bye this week, we will have to wait until week five to see if he can snap out of it. Owners in leagues with tight rosters may have to make a tough decision. It is hard to drop a player that we spent such a high pick on, but at some point we have to throw in the towel.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injuries up front have the Buccaneers scrambling. In week three they started William Gholston and Larry English at the defensive ends with Clinton McDonald and Da'Quan Bowers at tackle. Gerald McCoy wanted to go but was held out due to his broken hand. Chances are he will play in week four but his effectiveness will be in question as he will surely have the hand heavily wrapped. Michael Johnson was active and made a cameo appearance on 7 snaps. He appeared to suffer no setbacks and could have a bigger role in week four as well.
With Mason Foster sidelined, Dane Fletcher got the start at middle linebacker and played every snap. He is clearly a step down from Foster who is likely to miss at least another game or two and possibly several. It has been rumored that Lovie Smith contacted Brian Urlacher to try and talk him into playing. That could be a sign the club expects Foster to be out a while. With all the injuries in the front seven, the solid numbers will likely continue for Dashon Goldson and Mark Barron.
Tennessee Titans
Rookie inside linebacker Avery Williamson finally saw some action in week three. He played just thirteen snaps late in the blowout loss but made a strong impression posting 2 tackles and a pair of assists in the limited action. It will be interesting to see if he gets more opportunity in the coming weeks. One factor that could get in the way of Williamson is the signing of veteran James Anderson. The former Carolina and Chicago starter has struggled to stick with a team this year but could be an upgrade over anyone else the Titans have at the position next to Wesley Woodyard. Anderson was in a couple of different camps this summer so his conditioning should not be a factor. It would be no surprise to see him get a considerable amount of work in week four. Anderson is solid in coverage and could quickly become a three down option for the Titans.
Washington
Brandon Meriweather made his debut in week three and led the team in tackles at 5-1-0. The strong safety position in Washington has traditionally produced good numbers and so has Meriweather when he is healthy. Despite their well documented struggles, the Giants have been an excellent matchup for both safeties and linebackers. Over the past two weeks we have seen Tony Jefferson go 7-1-0, Rashad Johnson 6-0-1 and Kendrick Lewis 11-1-0 with a takeaway. Linebackers Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy combined to go 15-3 with a pick in week one, Larry Foote was 4-4 with a pick in week two and Brian Cushing 8-9-0 in week three. Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson have been somewhat disappointing to date. If they are not productive with this matchup it will be time to consider moving on.
Fantasy stud corner DeAngelo Hall is done for the season with a torn Achilles. David Amerson has already been productive as the number two corner and may well replace Hall as a fantasy star for owners in corner required leagues going forward. Nickel corner E.J. Biggers will likely step into the starting role with rookie Bashaud Breeland moving up the depth chart into the nickel spot. Keep an eye on Biggers who could prove to be a decent CB3 addition.
That is going to do it for this week. May your studs stay healthy this week, because if they do it will help you greatly in your effort to Just Win Baby!
