Fantasy Football Report: Week 3

By - Tim Swift

Here's the rundown on everything fantasy heading into Week 3.

1. The return of Michael Vick.

Photo by: Getty Images

Yes, past turnover problems and the fact that he has played all 16 games on the schedule only once in his career are major concerns, but Michael Vick is off to an outstanding start to the season. Vick has been very impressive in Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense, throwing for 631 yards and 4 TDs, while adding an additional 77 yards and 2 scores on the ground. He also leads the league in yards per attempt and has yet to throw an interception. While the risks are still there, if he stays healthy, Vick can be extremely dynamic in this offense.

2. The Philip Rivers and Eddie Royal Show?

One of the things I love about fantasy football is the absolute uncertainty of it all. For example, in most leagues, Philip Rivers was drafted as a backup and Eddie Royal was an afterthought. Yet through two weeks this season, Rivers is tied for second in the NFL with 7 touchdown passes and Royal leads the league with 5 TD receptions. Few people if any saw it coming, but this could be a solid combination the remainder of the year.

3. "Beast Mode" activated in Seattle.

Marshawn Lynch rebounded from a disappointing Week 1 outing with a big time performance in Seattle's 29-3 win over San Francisco on Sunday. Lynch finished with 98 yards and 3 touchdowns, and generally battered a normally physical 49er defense from start to finish. Last season, he averaged 106 yards and a score when the Seahawks played at home. There are very few assurances in fantasy football, but Lynch racking up the points at CenturyLink seems to be one of them.

4. Don't be fooled by James Starks.

After Eddie Lacy left Sunday's game with a concussion, James Starks took advantage of a suspect Washington defense to the tune of 132 yards and a touchdown. In the 28 games prior, Starks had one 100-yard game, and that was in the postseason way back in January of 2011. This week, Green Bay heads to Cincinnati and will be facing a much tougher run defense, so expect the Packers to focus on doing what they do best; slinging the ball all over the yard with Aaron Rodgers.

5. Unexpected defenses at the top of the rankings.

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Chiefs, Cowboys and Titans rank first, third and fourth in most formats defensively. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say none of these defenses were actually drafted by anyone. Some of their success can be attributed to the weak offenses they've faced, but improved schemes and overall better play are also a factor. Again, this shows the unpredictability of defenses on a week-to-week basis.

The Underrated 15 For Week 3:

- Quarterbacks

1. Alex Smith
2. Carson Palmer
3. Ryan Tannehill

- Running Backs

1. Joique Bell
2. Matt Forte
3. Knowshon Moreno

- Wide Receivers

1. DeAndre Hopkins
2. Steve Johnson
3. T.Y. Hilton

- Tight Ends

1. Owen Daniels
2. Antonio Gates
3. Martellus Bennett

- Defense/Special Team

1. Cleveland
2. Buffalo
3. New England

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