Fantasy Football 2014: Week 3 Who to Start and Who to Sit

Running Backs

Start: After back-to-back huge weeks, Giovani Bernard is a must-start in all formats.  He’s the sixth-highest scoring running back and will take on a Titans team that was crushed by DeMarco Murray last week.  Bernard gets enough touches in the passing game and in the running game to make him an elite #1 option going forward.  If you need a lesser known start, I really like Stevan Ridley to carry the load again for the Patriots after a solid week 2 performance. New England will most likely be ahead against Oakland and looking to pound the ball.  Ridley’s their best option to do that with, although he remains high-risk since one fumble could prompt his return to the doghouse.  (last week: Alfred Morris)

Sit:  For the second week in a row Matt Forte fins himself in a tough matchup.  On Sunday night,  he struggled to 21 yards on 12 carries and added just 15 more on five catches.  This week on Monday Night, he heads to New York where he’ll face the Jets who allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RB’s last  year and the fewest in the league this season.  Sitting Forte is tough since he has so much upside, but against the Jets secondary I expect the Bears to throw all night long. If you own Forte, consider your options and temper your expectations of your star back this week. (last week: Reggie Bush)

Flier: Only Matt Asiata stands between Jerick McKinnon and the Vikings starting running back job.  Sometime this season expect the athletic rookie to pass the plodding veteran, and I think McKinnon will be the top waiver claim next week after a big week in New Orleans on Sunday. (last week: Latavius Murray)