The Good, the Bad, & the Benched

Who’s In…

Aaron Rodgers is coming off a loss to a division rival in Chicago. He was the only thing keeping the Packers from kicking the chair out from under them, because they hung themselves with penalties. This week he’s up against the Detroit Lions and he’ll be like the Cowboys out at dinner with Dez Bryant, getting whatever he wants. Rodgers is my start of the week

Phillip Rivers: Just went off last week for a career high 455 yards which he will probably need to continue to do to give the Chargers a chance. They made some hasty ( and by hasty I mean bad) moves in the offseason and have had some key injuries to overcome on defense. The Chargers will go as far as Rivers’ arm takes them. And so will my fantasy team.

Mark Sanchez: Yeah he has 550 passing yards and 6 touchdowns. But the most impressive stat I see looking at this second year signal-caller…no interceptions in the regular season. Each week he’s gotten better and you can see the level of confidence in his eyes. A ton of weapons, solid defense, and a running game that hasn’t lost a step (yeah, I’m talking about you LT, old dog you). Sanchez has a breakout game this week.

Roddy White: I know it’s not a surprise to say start Roddy White. But if I said he will go for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns would that get your attention. Get ready to feel what 0-4 feels like San Fran…Matt Ryan and Roddy White are the new Manning and Harrison.

Mike Williams(SEA): Matt Hasselback tends to get in trouble when he has to do to much. Good thing he won’t have to press this week. Both quarterbacks in the Hawks/Rams matchup will have good days, but Hasselback will come out firing. Mike Williams is primed for his best game yet. Congratulations to Pete Carroll, even though a hated you at USC, you have shocked us all with your defense in Seattle.

Louis Murphy: Again I know I’m not the only one who likes this kid- I’ll get to the surprises later- but he has a great relationship with his quarterback and an even better matchup against the less-than-stellar Texans secondary. I plan on him giving my team a good 15-20 fantasy points.

Peyton Hillis: This bruising fullback has put the starting running back position in Cleveland and beat it into submission. Now, he should be on everybody’s radar. The Browns need him to open up the offense and they will turn to him early and often. As long as Cinci’ doesn’t put them behind to quickly. Upset anyone???

Arian Foster: Love ‘em. Will remain in the top five backs in fantasy points and show the league he is for real. Look for more red zone touches again, even though he didn’t make it in against Washington.

Joseph Addai: Addai is due for a big game and Jacksonville is more than willing to facilitate that. If the Colts can breathe life into the running game they will be nye unstoppable. The Jags don’t have an answer. Start him. Seriously…put him in your lineup now.

Jermichael Finley: This guy is rapidly becoming the best tight end in the game. He’s like a massive receiver with speed and ridiculously good hands. He’s had two straight games with more than 100 yards and up against the Lions this week, He’ll have the game of his career.

Seahawks D: It’s amazing the difference a coach makes. Stopping the likes of Phillip Rivers is a tall order and they come prepared. I would check the waiver wire and replace your Chargers defense that you thought would be a sexy pick this year and remember that special teams falls in the same boat. Seriously, two kick returns in one game by the same guy. Pick ‘em up.

Who’s Out…

Mike Sims-Walker: Look Mike…it’s not you, it’s me. Okay, it’s not me either. It’s your quarterback’s atrocious play so far this year. And against the Colts its not gonna get any better. Sorry pal.

Anquan Boldin: I know what your thinking- “Really Jeff, you do know he went for three, THREE touchdowns last week.” Yes friends, I sure do. I make it a point to watch some football. The Steelers D is at home against a divisional rival and in perfect health. Nobody is more prepared than the Steelers. Sit him. Maybe it’s time you pull Louis Murphy off your bench, hmm? A wise man once said, “I plan on him giving my team a good 15-20 fantasy points.”

Larry Fitzgerald: I told you the surprises would come later. Again it’s not him. It’s his quarterback. The numbers just aren’t there so far. Give Donald Driver or Lance Moore a chance this week. It’ll be good for you.

Ahmad Bradshaw: He’s going up against the Bears this week. Did you see that defense? I for one as a Panthers fan officially hate Julius Peppers now. Since when does he become an every down player? I haven’t seen that in 3 years. Too bad for Bradshaw, it will be a tough week to rush the ball.

Jahvid Best: The top point getter on my team will be on the bench this week. It’s a tough move but the combination of turf-toe and a pissed off Packer defense makes me almost hope coach Schwartz keeps him out of the game all together.

Ray Rice: As a matter of fact, just bench anybody that has anything to do with Baltimore. Not a good week for them. I really hope Ray bounces back from this knee injury. The Ravens were my preseason pick to make it to the Superbowl because of their well-rounded team. Without a solid running game Joe Flacco is gonna have a much harder time slingin’ the pigskin.

**Good Luck Leaguers

I want to be Michael Fabiano when I grow up

Good Afternoon Leaguers. It’s Thursday, time to pay attention to the injury reports and start locking down your lineup for Sunday. Your waiver pick-ups came through this morning so now you’re trying to decide if you should start Louis Murphy in your flex spot. And the answer is yes.

I’ve enjoyed Fantasy Football and the NFL more in the first three weeks than any other year. And it’s because fantasy is truly a reality this year. Rookies having huge impacts, comeback players by the truckload, and who expected the Pittsburgh to start out so good and San Francisco to be so ridiculously bad.

Every Thursday I will feature a piece covering game picks, upsets, key matchups and of course my favorite fantasy starters. Not just because I want to be Michael Fabiano when I grow up, that’s a big part of it. I love this game and I want to share that with you. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…You’re welcome.

Winner Winner…Chicken Dinner

Jets v. Bills: I’m not claiming to be a guru on this one. The Bills are in turmoil and it shows. Their only offenses weapon is a rookie who is honestly better at returning punts than running from scrimmage and the Jets have one of the best all around defenses in the league. Look for a real breakout game for Mark Sanchez. Jets win 24-3

Broncos v. Titans: I had a tough time with this one. I believe the Titans are all around better but Kyle Orton can break one off at any time. When Chris Johnson rushes for more than 100 yards the Titans are 14-4. He goes for 135 and two touchdowns this week. Orton keeps it close with well over 300 yds passing but the Titans defense comes up with a big play to close it out. Titans win 17-14

Lions v. Packers: Okay, so it’s not the sexiest week to be picking games. Give me a break. But there are some interesting story lines for Sunday. Lions star rookie Jahvid Best left the game against Minnesota last week with 39 yards and a case of turf toe. While not severe he has yet to practice this week. Without Best to open up the offense the Packers D will have their day. If you have Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings or Jermichael Finley you need to stop reading right away and make sure they are in your lineup. Finley has had two straight games with over 100 yards. He does it again. Packer win 38-14

49ers v. Falcons: Who thought San Fran would be winless and desperate by week 4. Not me! I think Mike Singletary was not only one of the best players of his time he will also be a great coach. On paper his team looks pretty good. But Alex Smith can’t put two good games next to each other and the defense seems to not be able to get the big stop when they really need it. Matt Ryan is slowly becoming a top fantasy signal-caller in his third year and Roddy White has had either 100 yards or a touchdown in each game so far this year. Between White, Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez…too many weapons. Falcons eke out another OT win 24-21

Texans v. Raiders: Pre-season I wouldn’t have had any interest in this game. But now it has become quite intriguing. You have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and new QB playing the best football of his career, and two of the top rushers in the league through the first three weeks. One thing is for sure, there will be no defense in this game. Don’t be surprised to see over 900 yards of total offense for the game. I believe Houston is a playoff team and they’ve shown they can find a way to win. Texans win a high scoring thriller 44-35

Saints v. Panthers: I live in the Panthers back yard and I still can’t think of anything to say. Panthers get blasted at home 35-7

Seahawks v. Rams: Seahawks win a good one 24-17

Colts v. Jaguars: To much Manning. Colts win 34-10

Chargers over Cardinals

Bears over Giants

Patriots over Dolphins

Matchups of the Week:

Steeler v. Ravens: Oh Bloody Sunday…Nobody hits harder than these guys. History, passion, Ray Lewis and Troy Palomalo (sorry about the spelling Troy, I’m a phonetic kinda guy). Flacco is on his way but not this week. Mendenhall breaks off a big run to win the game. Steelers win 17-10

Redskins v. Eagles: If it weren’t for Michael Vick making us love him yet again and McNabb coming back to Philly we wouldn’t even be talking about this. Desean Jackson, Lesean McCoy, and that quarterback that I mentioned who I can’t remember his name…to much power. Eagles win 24-17

UPSET OF THE WEEK:

Browns over Bengals: The Browns have been a terrible team for years, lets just admit that. But things are looking up for them. They have made some great changes and have the potential to pull off some big wins. Seneca Wallace will start and take it from a Panthers fan since their inaugural year, anything is better than an unhealthy Jake Delhomme. By years end Peyton Hillis will be in the top ten in yardage and yards per carry. With good young receivers they have the potential to be solid. Carson Palmer will continue to struggle so its up the Cedric Benson to pull them through, but it won’t be enough. Browns get a big special teams touchdown in the second half and win 17-14

Welcome to the Third in Long Experience...

Welcome fellow Fantasy Football enthusiasts. By now you're probably either scrambling to see if Michael Vick is still on waiver or bragging to your league about your preseason aquisition of Peyton Hillis or Arian Foster (in my case it's both). Either way it's a great time of year for the male ego; or should I say my better half.

"Third in Long" is a dedication to the NFL and it's players, or atleast the ones who score points for my fantasy team. We, the men and women of Fantasy Leagues across the country have the rare opportunity to see the players of the NFL the way they were intended to be seen. Talented.

Honestly, when Michael Vick played Jacksonville last week were you thinking about his jail time or his cruelty towards animals, or were you thinking about the 4 touchdowns and 33 fantasy points he racked up. When Braylon Edwards went for 87 yards and a touchdown after sitting out the first quarter did his DUI even cross your mind.

The answer to that riddle is a resounding "NO" my friends. I for one believe the punishment for drinking and driving should be much more stringent, but when Edwards gives me 14 fantasy points my ego says, "oh, hell...give him another shot." I would give anything to have Vick as my signal caller right now. When Daryl from my fantasy team picked Vick in the 13th round we all called him an idiot. Now I'm beating my head against a wall about to offer Randy Moss and Phillip Rivers just to get my hands on him. Don't worry guys I'm not that stupid, I'm actually pretty good at this fantasy stuff.

I'm just saying, fantasy football strips away all our opinions and judgments of these incredible athletes. It allows us to see these guys for their talent and not for their mistakes. That is why this blog exists, to perpetuate the love for football in its pure state. Without the prejudice and disapproval that limits my ability to see these players as simply that. Players. Athletes in a game that brings cities together and allows men to hug without feeling weird about it because hugs are acceptable after a touchdown.

So in short, you're welcome NFL. We who participate in fantasy football can look past your skewed view and your self-righteous entitlement, the DUI's and court appearances, the accidental gun shot or sexual assault charges and see you as simply athletes. Amazing athletes that can accomplish things I can only dream about. I'm not expecting a thank you card from Roger Goddell or Michael Vick any time soon, but I believe it's worth stating.

So welcome to Third in Long, the blog by fantasy leaguers, for fantasy leaguers. You're welcome NFL...you're welcome.