subject: Nfl Tickets - Key Patriots In Line For Big Fantasy Week [print this page] With an impressive group of Week 3 matchups, here are the games you should be circling on your schedule if you're a fantasy football player.
Adrian Peterson vs. Detroit Lions:
Peterson is quietly averaging 116 rushing yards per game and he'll be facing a Detroit team that has some significant defensive issues. Add in that the Vikings are playing at home and this could be a blowout as Minnesota looks to take out frustration from a rough start to the season.
Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Tom Brady against the Bills:
This is a tough matchup for the Bills, as they just got shellacked in Green Bay by the Packers and now have to travel to New England to take on another explosive offense. The Patriots will also be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the New York Jets. The Bills haven't been able to do much on offense or defense so far this year, and Brady will be looking to get all his targets involved. This one shouldn't be close and all three key Patriot playmakers look to be in for huge days against a team that has significant problems rushing the passer.
Chris Johnson vs. New York Giants:
Johnson was completely bottled up against the Steelers in Week 2 and he'll be looking to get back on track in Week 3 against the Giants. Last week, the Giants let the Colts run wild all day and there should be a few holes open for CJ as well. The Giants won't have to worry about the Titans' passing game the same way they had to for the Colts' passing game, but Johnson should still have plenty of opportunities for a big fantasy day.
Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin vs. the Cleveland Browns:
The playmakers on the Ravens struggled significantly to get rolling in Week 2 versus an underrated Bengals defense. This week, though, the Ravens get to come home to take on the listless Cleveland Browns. Ray Rice has yet to have a big game and the Ravens will be looking to lay a beat down against a team with much less overall talent. Boldin also didn't do much last week and it's hard to imagine the Browns being able to keep him bottled up for four quarters.
Everyone in the Cowboys-Texans game:
The Cowboys are desperate and will be looking to get back on track against one of the better teams in the NFL so far this season. Miles Austin has been a beast in the first two weeks and the Texans have let up considerable passing yards so far this season. The Cowboys also should be looking to establish the run more, so playing Marion Barber or Felix Jones may not be a bad option if you need a WR/RB to plug in. Arian Foster, Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub of the Texans are also must plays every week anyway, but you could also play Kevin Walter as well against a Cowboys secondary that has really struggled.
Jay Cutler vs. the Packers:
This could be the most entertaining game of the weekend, as both the Packers and Bears have offenses that can sell NFL tickets. Cutler has played very well the first two weeks of the season and at this point you have to consider him your starting quarterback until he proves otherwise. On the other side of the field, Aaron Rodgers is an obvious play once again, as are Brandon Jackson, Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings. This one should be a shootout with plenty of scoring to go around.
Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates vs. Seattle Seahawks:
The Seahawks seemed to have overachieved in a Week 1 trouncing of the 49ers. Last week, the 'Hawks were crushed by Kyle Orton and the Broncos, and Orton isn't exactly noted for dominating many secondaries. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, Rivers is and should have another excellent game if they can keep him upright in the pocket. With three touchdowns in two games, Gates is off to a great start to the season and he could have his best game versus the Seahawks.
