America’s favorite game is back and The Sports Bank has you covered with the best and worst of what was Fantasy Football Week Three.
The year of the quarterback continues as seven of the top twelve fantasy performances were from signal callers. Through three weeks, having an elite fantasy QB just isn’t necessary.
Follow the jump to receive up-to-date fantasy analysis and the best waiver wire pick-ups for week four!
* Points and line-up statistics adapted from ESPN standard scoring leagues
Fantasy MVP: WR Wes Welker (16 REC, 217 YDS, 2 TD and 19 Rushing YDS = 34 points)
We knew Welker was a possession receiver, but I’m not sure anyone knew he was capable of this kind of day. In PPR Leagues, Welker put up a crazy 50 spot and had a league-high 20 targets. What was even more surprising was the number of Welker catches (16) compared to teammate Deion Branch who had zero. In fact, Welker’s 16 catches were more than all the other Patriots receivers combined with 14. The only other receiver to have a good day was Rob Gronowski (22 points) who looks like the new Antonio Gates with 56 fantasy points already through three games. Going forward, expect Welker and Gronowski to continue to flourish with Tom Brady and their high-octane passing game.
Honorable Mention: RB Darren McFadden (29 points) and QB Joe Flacco (27 points)
Worst Performance of the Week: RB Chris Johnson (75 Total YDS = 7 points) 
Those who spent a top-five pick on Johnson have to be regretting it now. Through three games, CJ is averaging just under six fantasy points per contest, far from acceptable for a player of his caliber. Against a Broncos defense who ranks in the middle of the league against the run, Johnson struggled to get anything going and finished with seven points. Luckily for Johnson owners, he’s bound to come around. He did have a 34 yard reception which gives owners hope. Next week, Johnson gets the Browns who let rookie RB Daniel Thomas compile 17 fantasy points.
Wasting Away (Best Bench Player): QB Eli Manning (16/23, 254 YDS, 4 TD = 26 points)
Started in only 19.6 % of leagues, Manning did all he could with a banged up receiving corps. Against the Eagles, who have been no slouch against the pass, Manning efficiently threw for four touchdowns. He’s now posted double digits in all three of his starts and should be considered for a starting spot if you’re hurting at QB. The next two weeks only get better for Manning and the Giants who have Arizona and Seattle in the next two games.
Somebody Pick Me Up (Best Free Agent): WR Torrey Smith (5 REC, 152 YDS, 3 TD and 10 Rushing YDS = 34 points)
If anyone had Smith starting I would like to know, even though I find it very unlikely considering he’s owned in only 0.2 percent of leagues. Before you rush to the waiver wire to add the first rookie to catch three touchdowns in a quarter in 46 years, be aware of his hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter. Another factor to watch is the health of WR Lee Evans (ankle injury) who Smith was actually replacing on Sunday. When you get past all that, Smith was a shocker considering how bad he looked in the preseason. Proceed with caution, this could be a one week wonder.
Giants WR Victor Cruz (23 points, 0.3%), Texans TE James Casey (19 points, 0.1%), Lions K Jason Hanson (17 points, 28.4%) and Titans WR Nate Washington (15 points, 8.6%) should also be considered for roster spots in the upcoming week.
Hurts So Bad (Worst Injury): WR Kenny Britt (Torn ACL)
My heart goes out to those who owned Jamaal Charles (Torn ACL) and Britt because it’s quite possible that your fantasy season is over. Britt took an ugly shot to the knee in the Titans win over the Broncos and has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
The obvious bump in value goes to teammate WR Nate Washington who’s only owned in 8.6 percent of leagues. You shouldn’t expect him to be a full replacement for Britt because he’s just not that talented. Chris Johnson owners (read Worst performance above) can only hope that CJ somehow plays better without Britt, but intuition tells us that he should have played better with him in the line-up, so who knows on that one.
What surprised you the most in Fantasy Week Three? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.
2011 Fantasy Football Awards Archive
Week One
Week Two
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