Duke Johnson headlines Week 3's deep fantasy football sleepers
Heading into Week 3, fantasy owners and daily fantasy players are looking for any type of edge on the competition. With injuries and poor starts aplenty, it’s time to dig deep and find sleepers who can put your team over the top.
Fantasy rankings: How the players stack up at each position in Week 3
QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Newton owners have been highly disappointed with him this season, possibly even to the point of benching the former MVP last week. He has yet to shake off the considerable rust due to his offseason layoff, with only 399 yards and two touchdowns over two games and a completion rate under 60%.
However, this is the week Cam breaks out. Look for multiple reincarnations of the dab to go along with scoring plays this week against the New Orleans Saints’ porous defense, which ranks dead last in the league.
RB Duke Johnson Jr., Cleveland Browns
Johnson hasn’t done much in the Browns running game (nobody has). But, he is the team's third-leading receiver, thanks to his three receptions for 59 yards in Week 2. The Cleveland quarterbacks will continue to lean on the short passing game even more so now after losing No. 1 receiver Corey Coleman to a broken hand.
The Browns have the good fortune this week of facing the Indianapolis Colts, who possess the fourth-worst passing defense and the fifth-worst defense overall. Look for Johnson to run free through the Indianapolis secondary.
WR Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions
Jones has only three receptions so far this season, but he has two touchdowns. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked to Jones for big plays and in the red zone, but not all that consistently.
Despite how bad the Giants looked on Monday night when Jones was held to one reception (albeit a touchdown) New York’s defense was actually pretty formidable. This week's opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, will put points on the board and are only 23rd in the league defending the pass, so expect Stafford to throw early and often. That should means more opportunities and more touchdowns for Jones.
TE Ed Dickson, Carolina Panthers
If you are in a bind at tight end, Dickson is a shrewd play. With Greg Olsen out for the foreseeable future with a broken foot, Dickson is now the man at tight end for Carolina. Cam Newton loves using his tight end, so expect Dickson to get plenty of looks, especially in the red zone. And since he will be up against the New Orleans Saints defense, expect the Panthers to spend lots of time in the red zone.
K Nick Folk, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Folk is not owned in many leagues, but that should change. After a forced bye week in Week 1, Folk was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts last week, including boots of 42 and 50 yards. Look for Folk to continue to get chances in Minnesota against the Vikings’ 24th-ranked defense. Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay offense looked explosive vs. Chicago last week.
Philadelphia Eagles defense/special teams
The Eagles get a rivalry game Sunday, as they host the Giants. New York’s offensive line has been in shambles and Eli Manning has been sacked eight times already this season, third most in the NFL. Philadelphia’s defense has sacked the opposing quarterback eight times as well, good for fourth in the league. That combination points to a long day for Eli Manning and an active one for the Eagles defense.