The 2008 Fantasy Football Season gets wilder with each passing game doesn’t it?

From blown calls, to guys losing sure TD’s, to injuries, to teams winning that should be losing and teams losing that should be winning, it has been a wild ride so far! Fantasy Studs have turned to Duds so far in the short season and some less likely players have stepped it up big time. Add to that the fact that 2008 has been the Year Of The Toe and things are upside down. Look for the craziness to continue as we head into Week Three!

Let’s have a look at some projected Beasts and Busts for Week Three as we tour around every game for the coming weekend over the next 48 hours.

CHIEFS (0-2) @ FALCONS (1-1)

Both of these teams looked offensively challenged in Week Two. The Chiefs were embarrassed at home against the Raiders and the Falcons fell on the road to the Bucs.

The Chiefs have made a switch at QB and will start Tyler Thigpen against the Falcons. This does not bode well for any of the Chiefs skill position players with the exception of RB Johnson who will see an increase in his touches this weekend. Will an increase in touches help his stat line? It should but the Falcons will put eight in the box and stuff the line as they will not respect the Chiefs passing attack in any way. The only saving grace for the TE & WR positional players is the fact that Coach Edwards has stated that he will hook Thigpen at the first sign of him struggling. If you own Chiefs players, hope for an early INT and that you get QB Huard back under center. Anyone else think Edwards could be one of the first coaching casualties this season?

Beasts: RB Johnson: If it doesn’t happen this weekend, it may never happen! The Falcons are allowing an average of 4.8 yards per attempt. Can LJ improve on his 2.8 YPC average? We say YES! Hopefully, HC Edward’s changes his mind when it comes to goal line carries and just lets LJ carry the mail.

Busts: WR Bowe TE Gonzalez. We can’t seriously recommend any Chief receiver with Thigpen under center. Of course you may have to start them if you have no other options, just temper your expectations.

The Falcons and rookie QB Ryan came back down to earth after a visit to Central Florida. It was ugly for every Falcon but they should get somewhat back on track this weekend. RB Turner was started in 94% of the leagues at NFL.com in Week Two but was a huge disappointment for his owners. Expect a huge rebound out him this weekend as the Chiefs are allowing 5.7 YPC. Turner nicked his ankle a bit in the Bucs game but he is fine and good to go. When the Bucs shut down the Falcons running game last week QB Ryan was forced to throw the ball and the results were not pretty. Look for the Falcons game plan to be much more conservative against the Chiefs.

Beasts: RB Turner. Don’t expect his Week One numbers but don’t expect his Week Two numbers either. A 160 RYD and 2 TD day certainly isn’t out of the question against the Chiefs.

Busts: Conservative and Fantasy Football are like oil and water. Being as such we don’t expect anything but pedestrian numbers from all other Falcons.

RAIDERS (1-1) @ BILLS (2-0)

Week Two saw the Bills continue to surge early in the season and won on the road in Jacksonville while the Raiders won a game when most thought they may not win one all year!

The Bills, with an impressive mix of pass and run, great special team play and solid defense are one of the hottest teams in the NFL after two tough games to start the season. RB Lynch continues to impress and QB Edwards is evolving into an every week low end #1 starting QB. This has made all the other Bills around them better and elevated most of them to some degree. Fantasy owners must be somewhat concerned about the amount of touches RB Jackson is stealing from Lynch. In Week Two, Lynch was held below 60 yards rushing for the first time in his 15 game career. WR Evans has been very active two weeks in a row but still hasn’t found the end zone despite the Bills putting up 55 points in two games.

Beasts: RB Lynch. The Raiders did an effective job against the Chiefs RB’s but look for Lynch to bust out and post excellent numbers. QB Edwards. You did see Denver carve up the Raiders D-Backs in Week One…didn’t you? Look for WR Evans to get his first TD of the season in this game. This is also a good spot for TE Royal.

Busts: Josh Reed. Josh is being……well…..Josh and will continue to be Josh. Cut this guy loose.

The Raiders got into the win column in Week Two thanks to an impressive effort by rookie RB McFadden but no thanks to QB Russell. McFadden had 164 RYD and a TD while Russell was 6-17 for a meager 55 yards. McFadden’s reps went way up when the Raiders lost RB Fargas to a groin injury. Fargas could be out until at least Week Six when the Raiders return from their bye week. There had been talk Fargas he may lose his starting job to McFadden but now McFadden is dealing with turf toe and is listed as questionable for Week Three. He was very limited in practice on Thursday. With all the injuries at RB expect to see RB Michel Bush very active in Week Three. At this point, it doesn’t make sense to own any Raider WR and because of Russell, TE Miller should be avoided as well. The Raiders are asking him to block way more than they should and that is driving his Fantasy value into the ground.

Beasts: Provided he is healthy, McFadden is an obvious must-start in the Raiders run crazy offensive scheme. Check the pre-game active list and if he doesn’t go, put in RB Bush.

Busts: Until QB Russell gets his act together, you have to bench all other Raider players.

Stats Sleeper: The Bills coaching staff seems to have found some trust in WR Hardy. At 6′ 7″ why shouldn’t they? We see a breakout week for Hardy and he should pass WR Reed on the depth chart sooner rather than later.

BUCCANEERS (1-1) @ BEARS (1-1)

In Week Two, the Bucs brought the Falcons back down to earth while the Bears blew a 14 point lead in the second half and lost to the Panthers.

The Bucs switched to QB Griese in Week Two and he did a good job of managing the game as the Bucs jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead and were never challenged. The Bucs ran 28 rushing plays and 30 pass plays. Expect those numbers to remain about the same as long as Griese is at the helm. RB’s Graham and Dunn combined for 165 rush yards and both of them scored a TD. This is one of the more classic RB by committee situations of the many that are out there. The Bucs WR core continues to be a Fantasy graveyard and now WRT Galloway has a sprained foot. This group should be avoided at all costs. The TE position is getting crowed as TE Stevens returns from a two game suspension. Smith, Gilmore and Stevens will all vie for touches. This is another situation to avoid.

Beasts: RB Graham. He is losing touches to Dunn and his YPC average is modest at best but he has busted off a long run in both of his starts. We also expect his pass catching totals to rise with the receiving corps in shambles. The Bears isn’t the best matchup for him but he is still a must-start.

Busts: Sit all other Tampa players and if you are stacked with Bucs, hit the waiver wire……NOW!!!

Other than rookie RB Forte, the Bears offense looked anemic and out of sorts all day against the Panthers on the road. QB Orton continues to be a bust. He hasn’t thrown a TD pass through two games and is constantly over or under throwing his mediocre receivers. The lone bright spot on the Bears offense has been RB Forte and even he had a TD vultured from him by FB McKie. Eight different players shared Orton’s 19 completions in Week Two with WR Lloyd leading the way with 6 C for 66 yards. TE Clark is trying but failing due to Orton’s ineffectiveness.

Beasts: RB Forte is not being challenged and is the clear number one RB in Chicago. In two games he has 46 carries and 52 touches over all. Keep starting him regardless of the matchup.

Busts: We are starting to sound like a broken record but other than Forte we don’t trust any Bear starter this weekend or ever for that matter.

Stats Sleeper: With Galloway sidelined, WR Antonio Bryant will move into the #1 receiver role for the Bucs. The Bucs have never been a WR Fantasy haven but the #1 WR role has always produced respectable numbers.

PANTHERS (2-0) @ VIKINGS (0-2)

The Panthers recorded their second consecutive come from behind win beating the Bears while the Vikings looked pathetic while scoring five field goals and no TD’s against the Colts.

The Panthers are trying to get to 3-0 for the first time since 2003 when they reached the Super Bowl. Both their wins have come without the services of Pro Bowl WR Smith who returns this week after a two game suspension. Anyone think he wants the same kind of return experienced by Broncos WR Marshall? The Panthers early season success has come with a balanced attack of running (60 plays) and passing (63 plays). QB Delhomme appears 100% healthy and has been managing games very effectively. RB’s Williams and Stewart continue to split carries, almost evenly, and will continue to do so the entire season. Look for the Panthers to air it out a bit more now that WR Smith is back in the fold. He will obviously see continuos double coverage but is a threat to go the distance each time he touches the ball. Week One hero TE Rosario went from beast to bust as he is nicked up with a foot injury. Check his status before starting him. If he is still hobbled TE King will be a decent, though not great option.

Beasts: We expect a huge game out of QB DElhomme and WR Smith against the Vikings 24th ranked pass defense.

Busts: Both Panther RB’s could struggle against the Vikings run defense. It’s hard to bench them, but if you have other options, this may be the week to do so.

One would think that all the “experts” out there that forecasted the Vikes as a Super Bowl contender wish they could un-ring that bell and get that horse back in the barn. At 0-2 their season is already slipping away. Now they turn to 15 year veteran QB Frerotte…that can’t be a good thing! Teams are already putting eight in the box and concentrating on stopping the run while showing no respect for the pass…..they will even more now. This has forced RB Peterson to take a pounding and he is starting to show signs of breaking down already. AP practiced lightly on Wednesday but was held out of practice completely on Thursday as he battles a mild hamstring strain. This not good and we would never say told you so….but we told you so back in July when we questioned his durability. With Jackson behind center no Vikings WR has been able to assert themselves as a legitimate Fantasy prospect. We don’t see that improving much with Grandpa Frerotte under center. TE Shiancoe continues to drop TD passes and can’t be counted on in any way. When your PK is your most dangerous scoring threat…..your team is in big trouble.

Beasts: We don’t trust ANYONE from the Vikings this weekend except PK Longwell. How sad is that?

Busts: We are going to go ahead and forecast AP as a bust in Week Three. He will certainly be a bust if he doesn’t play (he should play) but the Panthers have been relatively effective in controlling LT and Forte through the first two weeks and have only given up one rushing TD.

Stats Sleeper: With AP dinged up look for RB Taylor to get an expanded role in the offense and he has the ability to shine off the bench.

DOLPHINS (0-2) @ PATRIOTS (2-0)

As predicted, it is not all doom and gloom in NE as the Pats held off the Jets and it is all doom gloom in Miami after the Dolphins got pummeled by the Cards in the desert.

In his first start since hitting puberty, Matt Cassel was a pedestrian but effective 16-23 for 165 PYD with 0 TD and no turnovers. Now that he has his feet wet look for the Pats to lighten their grip on the leash and what a better spot to do so than against the lowly Dolphins. The backfield in NE is crowded, injured and murky after six different players shared 32 rushing attempts in Week Two. Both Maroney (shoulder) and Jordan (foot) have missed practice time this week and it’s looking like Morris will get the start Sunday. Did you see the stat line for Morris versus the Jets? 8 C 0 RYD and one TD…..that will improve this weekend. WR Welker led all NE receivers with 7 C and 77 PYD. WR Moss was no where to be found with a 2 C 22 PYD day. Being a guy that doesn’t like to be left out, we see Moss coming around and having a big day on Sunday.

Beasts: Start all your HEALTHY Patriots as they will roll the Dolphins…plain and simple.

Busts: We are officially going to make RB Maroney the biggest bust on the young ‘08 season. He hasn’t been effective in the least and is now battling a shoulder injury. We don’t suggest you cut him loose, just stash him on your bench until he is healthy and hope for the best when he returns. Beware that it could be wishful thinking that Maroney can salvage his season.

Let’s Start Another Rumor: Our first rumor hasn’t panned out yet so let’s start another. Is it time for the Pats to take a look at RB Shaun Alexander? Aging stars always seem to shine in New England.

The Dolphins are just plain aweful and we aren’t going to waste your time or ours telling you how bad they are. Suffice to say that it’s a work in progress in South Florida and if we see some prgress, any progress, we will tell you about it. If you have to start any Dolphin this weekend…..good luck with that!

Stats Sleeper: With a game under his belt, the Dolphins game could be a nice spot to start RB Faulk who will return to his goal line back status with all the injuries in NE. If you are in a bind and suffering from unproductive RB performance take a flier on Faulk.

BENGALS (0-2) @ GIANTS (2-0)

The Bengals are a mess and got run over by the Titans while the Giants ended up crushing the Rams in Week Two.

Life in the Natty is not good right now. Once (and not that long ago) the Bengals were a Fantasy juggernaut. Through two weeks they have scored 17 points and rank 31st in total offense. Now they get the Giants and things are only going to get worse. Carson Palmer has passed for 228 PYD has no TD and 3 INT. They have no running game and their O-Line is…well…..offensive. Ocho has 5 C and 59 PYD and Houshmandzadeh has 6 C and 70 PYD….ouch! TE Utech is doubtful with a chest injury. The Bengals are going to have some good days this season. They will be few and far between and it certainly won’t be this weekend. It certainly makes the Beast and Bust selections simple.

Beasts: NONE!

Busts: ALL!

The Giants have looked very impressive through two weeks albeit against inferior talent and they get another cupcake game this weekend before heading in to their bye week. The G-Men are 4th in total offense and 5th in rushing yards. They are a powerful rushing team but their RB’s remain risky options because Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw are all getting touches. Bradshaw is listed as the #3 back but has 3 TD to Jacobs and and Wards ZERO. QB Manning has done a great job of managing the game and is feasting on poor pass defenses. The Giants are home and will roll the Bengals.

Beasts: Feel VERY confident starting QB Manning and WR Burress. They, along with Jacobs, will get their numbers early and then Ward and Bradshaw will take over. It’s possible that five different players could score for the Giants this week and one of them WILL come from the DFST.

Busts: The Giants are playing fundamental, smash mouth football. Because they spread the ball around so much they rarely produce lights out numbers. That being said they rarely have any busts as well. The exception here is TE Boss who has had back-to-back silent games.

Stats Sleeper: After verbally trashing the Bengals, we look to them to provide a sleeper. RB Dorsey could be that guy this week. He did have 59 total yards in Week Two. It would be a desperate move but you should keep your eye on him as he is available on most waiver wires.

TEXANS (0-1) @ TITANS (2-0)

The Texans were forced to take their bye week in Week Two while the Titans battered the Bengals.

It remains to be seen what lasting affects Hurricane Ike will have on the Texans. It’s going to be a long season as no team needs a bye week after one week of football. Being as they were off last week there is very little to talk about. QB Schaub, on the road, will face a Titans D that has been ferocious through two weeks. RB Green is hurt again (still) and is the biggest waste of $23 Million ever. RB Slaton will get the start but will share carries with RB Taylor. WR Johnson was impressive in Week One with a 10 C 112 PYD game. TE Daniels has had two weeks to shake off any affects from a big hit on his final catch in Week One and is not listed on the injury report. The week off was not a good thing for the Texans. They were beaten badly in Week One and have had two weeks to question themselves. Now they get a very tough D on the road.

Beasts: As long as he is healthy you will always be starting WR Johnson. We expect pedestrian numbers out of all other Texans.

Busts: We expect very little out of the RB committee system the Texans will use on Sunday. QB Schaub could spend a large part of his day looking up and backup QB Rosenfels is lurking in the background. We strongly suggest looking elsewhere for your starting QB this week.

The Titans were impressive against the lowly Bengals last weekend behind a huge D and serviceable play out of a group of role players including backup QB Collins. His numbers weren’t great by any means but he managed the game well and his numbers will get better as he gets more starting reps. Barring injury, we see Collins as the Titans QB for the remainder of the season. RB’s Johnson and White continue to split carries at a near 50/50 clip and that is a trend that will continue all season long. WR Gage must be the happiest of all Titans to have QB Collins under center. Gage had a nice 5 C 59 PYD 1 TD day in Week Two. He hasn’t practiced at all this week though as he is battling a groin injury so be sure to check the pre-game active list before inserting him in your lineup. TE Crumpler has not asserted himself, as many predicted he would, so far in the young season. If WR Gage is out he should increased looks and numbers.

Beasts: Being as the Titans are a team of role players don’t expect too many Beast type stat lines out of any Titans this week or any week. 10 to 1 2 point days should be the highest you can expect out of any of them.

Busts: On the other side of the coin, each of the Titans “skill” players will produce to some level so they can’t be considered as busts either.

Stats Sleeper: If WR Gage can’t go someone has to step it up and this could be WR Jones chance to prove he’s got what it takes. Once a very promising rookie (‘05) Jones has battled injuries his entire career. He is finally healthy and at 6′ 1″ he will be a big target for Collins.

CARDINALS (2-0) @ REDSKINS (1-1)

The Cardinals beat the Niners to get to 2-0 while the Redskins scored their first win with an impressive, come from behind win over the Saints in Week Two.

The Redskins bounced back from their Week One loss by scoring 14 fourth quarter points to shock the Saints. QB Campbell looked horrible in Week One but came back nicely in Week Two with a 24-36 321 PYD and 1 TD day. If this guy learned the West Coast O in just one week then he is a genius. We see the poor Saints D being the biggest reason for Campbell’s serviceable Week Two. RB Portis continues to be steady and is one of the most underrated players in the league. The play of FB Sellers will only make Portis better. WR Moss has been a stud for the Skins and his Fantasy owners and is averaging 16.5 points a week. TE Cooley finally got into the mix on Sunday and had a decent 5 C 72 PYD day. It’s still not the numbers owners expect out of a stud TE but he is improving.

The Cardinals have burst out to 2-0 but remember that they have beat the Niners and Dolphins. It gets a little tougher on the road this weekend. That being said, it’s hard to argue with the numbers. QB Warner has been super sharp and the WR Boldin and Fitz pose a huge problem for opposing defense’s. Mix in the running of RB James and Hightower and you have a balanced and very potent attack style offense.

Beasts: It should be a shoot out in the Nations Capital so we recommend starting every skilled player playing in this game.

Busts: Both defenses will take a hit in this game and can’t be counted on.

SAINTS (1-1) @ BRONCOS (2-0)

The Saints gave up 14 fourth quarter points and lost to the Redskins while the Broncos got an early Christmas present from referee Hochuli and knocked off the Chargers.

We knew the Saints D was going to be bad but not this bad. Despite missing star WR Colston, QB Brees still made 33 pass attempts and connected with TEN different receivers. RB Bush caught 7 balls as no one emerged as the Saints new number one receiver. WR Patten was the most active with 5 catches and 55 PYD. RB Bush is being asked to do it all and is being used to rush, receive and return punts. Durability has always been a factor with Bush and his workload has been huge through two weeks. RB Thomas is starting to get more looks and has been strong. TE Shockey has not lived up to expectations through two weeks and has been a bust. Were the expectations too high?

Beasts: The Saints will be in shoot outs all season long so keep starting Brees, Bush and Patten as they try to hold the fort until Colston gets back.

Busts: With Colston out, TE Shockey was expected to step up but showed very little in Week Two. Until he can produce, he should not be trusted as a #1 TE and is a BUST!

The Broncos, as mentioned, got a gift TD to beat the Chargers on a horrible call. Despite the call though, it’s hard to argue with the numbers that QB Cutler and Co. are putting up. Cutler welcomed back WR Marshall and together they shredded the Chargers to the tune of 18 C 166 PYD and 1 TD. The Broncos RB committee had a near mirror image day of Week One. RB Young continues to get the most work and yards, Hall is used for a change of pace and the veteran Pittman is scoring the touchdowns. If this was ONE RB his week totals would have been 22 R 139 RYD 1 TD. Too bad for Fantasy owners that it is split between three guys. WR Royal was held in check until the blown call and was the recipient of the GIFT TD. His Week Two totals, not his Week One totals, are much more likely moving forward. TE Scheffler is still a favorite target of Cultler, even with Marshall back, as he hauled in 6 C 64 PYD and had 2 TD In Week Two.

Beasts: Just like the Cardinals @ Redskins game, this is another game that is sure to be a shoot out. You need to get all your skill players from both teams into your lineup.

Busts: We can’t find a weak spot in the Broncos balanced and potent offense.

Stats Sleeper: Being as no one has really emerged as a go-to-guy in the Saints receiving core we feel WR Meacham is ready for a break out game and should roam free as the Broncos cover Bush, Patten and Shockey. His window of opportunity shrinks with each passing week so it is getting to a now or never stage.

LIONS (0-2) @ 49ers (1-1)

The Lions were down big early, came back to take the lead and then got pounded in the end by the Packers while the 49ers hung tough, came from behind and defeated the Seahawks in OT.

The Lions came out flat again in Week Two and for the second week in a row found themselves down 21-0 before they knew what hit them. Being down by such wide margins, so early in the game has forced the Lions to air it out and has left them with no semblance of a running game. QB Kitna has had 75 pass attempts to 33 rushing attempts by the entire team. While this hasn’t been good for rookie RB Smith it’s been golden for WR Johnson who has 13 C 236 PYD and 2 TD in two games. Look for those trends to continue all season long. The Lions haven’t got anyone producing at the TE position.

Beasts: QB Kitna and WR Johnson will continue to put up huge numbers as the Lions D struggles. There isn’t a D-Back in the league that cover Johnson and Kitna continues to find him. All the attention towards Johnson has dropped WR Williams numbers but look for him to get back on track this weekend to. We also expect the Lions to employ a more balanced attack this weekend and RB Smith should also produce at a higher level.

Busts: Despite the 0-2 record the Lions are producing at the Fantasy level and that will continue in Week Three. We don’t see any of their skill players not having a productive week.

OC Mike Martz left the Lions at the end of the 2007 season and joined the 49ers who are in a rebuilding process. So far so good as the Niners find themselves at 1-1 and feeling good about themselves. Former Lions backup QB O’Sullivan had an outstanding day in Week Two passing for 321 yards and 1 TD while adding 32 rush yards despite being sacked 8 times. RB Gore continues to be to focus of the Niners offense but WR’s Bruce and Johnson were much more active in Week Two. Like the Lions, the Niners aren’t getting any production out of the TE position.

Beasts: Expect RB Gore to one of the top fantasy producers of Week Three. The Lions D is horrible and Gore has feasted on the Lions in the last three meetings. We also expect another big day for QB O’Sullivan and WR Bruce and Johnson. This is another game that should be a high scoring affair.

Busts: With no defense on the other side of the ball expect all the SF skilled players to post decent starts.

Stats Sleeper: We expect the Lions to employ a more balanced offensive attack this weekend and RB Smith should produce at a higher level than he has in the first two weeks.

RAMS (0-2) @ SEAHAWKS (0-2)

The Rams have been horrible and got thumped by the Giants while the Seahakws blew an early 14 point lead and lost in overtime to the 49ers.

We certainly aren’t going to spend a lot of time here. The Rams are banged up on the O-Line, the offense hasn’t had a red zone possession in their first two games and they are pathetic. Their lone touchdown on the season was fluke in the forth quarter against the G-Men on a twice deflected ball that WRT Holt caught while on his back. Demanding huge money, RB Jackson held out all through training camp and has look slow and sluggish for the most part through two games. He is a talent and he should have good games down the road but we warned in July that his holdout would have a negative affect across the board for the Rams and it has.

Beasts: The Seahawks are going to be one angry and fired up team after letting the Niners off the hook in Week Two. It will be a long day for the Rams. You have to continue to start RB Jackson but you also need to temper your expectations.

Busts: All Ram Players!

The Seahawks appeared on their way to an easy win in Week Two after going up 14-0 at home before the Niners fought back and stole the game in OT. QB Hasselbeck was down to rookie TE Carlson as his only viable receiver and it showed as he was 18-36 for 189 PYD and threw 2 INT. He gets some help this week as the Seahawks signed WR Koren Robinson (already listed as doubtful) and WR Keary Colbert to help shore their decimated receiving core. It shouldn’t matter as RB Jones (127 RYD 1 TD in Week Two) should run early and often on the Rams and the DFST could win this game on their own.

Beasts: RB Jones TE Carlson and the Seahawks DFST are all in line for a big day against the struggling Rams.

Busts: Despite the new blood at WR Hasselbeck still doesn’t have the weapons he needs to be a Fantasy success. You may have to start him but if you have options we suggest using them.

Stats Sleeper: It’s hard see anyone from the Rams as an effective starter on the road in Week Three but the Rams have promised to get the speedy rookie WR Avery more involved in the offense. If you are hurting at the WR position you should be able to pluck Avery from the waiver wire and put him in along with a hope and a prayer.

BROWNS (0-2) @ RAVENS (1-0)

The Browns hung with the Steelers in the wind and rain but lost while the Ravens spent the week on a bye because of Hurricane Ike.

The Browns have looked terrible through two weeks and it doesn’t get any easier this week as they face a rested Ravens team. QB Anderson and WR Edwards have been colossal busts so far in the young season and there doesn’t appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Edwards has dropped balls at such an alarming rate that Vegas has posted a prop bet this weekend and set his drops at 1.5 for Week Three. Injuries are also a big story for the Browns as no less than five players on the offense are listed on the injury report. The most serious is WR Stallworth who has yet to get his career under way in Cleveland. RB Lewis is working through mild hamstring and ankle injuries but say he will play. The lone bright spot for the Browns through two weeks has been TE Winslow who has 12 C 102 PYD and has caught Anderson’s only TD pass.

Beasts: This is a tough spot for the Brownies. They are on the road and facing a well rested Ravens team in a hostile environment. Expect a low scoring game and we can’t really recommend anyone as a Beast. Keep TE Winslow active as he is a warrior and seems to strive in tough match-ups.

Busts: Until he gets some healthy weapons around him, Anderson has to be viewed as a bust. It doesn’t help that Edwards missed most of the preseason and is now struggling with a shoulder injury. Things should get better for all Brownies when they face the Bengals next weekend. In Week Three though, you should look elsewhere.

The Ravens got the early bye week thanks to Ike and have had two weeks to relish their Week One win. That being said, make no mistake, this is a team that is in a serious rebuilding phase. They are team with limited talent and will need to grind out games and lean on their aging defense. QB Flacco was barely 50% passing in Week One while throwing for a meager 12 PYD. He did however rush four times for 37 and a TD. At 6′ 6″ and 230 he is load to bring down but the jury is still out on the rookie. The Ravens should get RB McGahee back in the fold this weekend but he comes back to a RB by committee situation. Expect RB’s Rice and McClain to share touches with McGahee as the Ravens work back into the game. The Ravens WR situation is mediocre at best and TE Heap is still a bust. That being said, if he was ever going to break out, this would be the week.

Beasts: There are no viable Beasts on the Ravens roster as this is a team of role players that work well together in the NFL but have little on no Fantasy value.

Stats Sleeper: A three way RB by committee situation is never good in Fantasy Football. Of the three though, RB McClain is the guy who should do the most damage this weekend.

JAGUARS (0-2) @ COLTS (1-1)

The Jaguars feel behind early, came back and took a third quarter lead and then let it slip away in the fourth quarter and lost to the Bills. The Colts bounced back from their dreadful Week One loss and beat the Vikings.

The Jaguars, a preseason playoff favorite, find themselves at 0-2 to start the season and searching for answers. QB Garrard has struggled early in ‘08 and has thrown 3 INT after throwing just 2 INT in all of 2007. To be fair, the O-Line has been decimated by injuries and the weapons around him are ordinary at best. His red zone INT in Week Two was disturbing though as he should have thrown it away and settled for a field goal. RB’s Taylor and Jones-Drew are both nicked up but listed as probable and face a weak Colts run D who will be without stud safety Sanders. Expect the Jags to run early and often and try to control the ball and the clock. Super-Bust WR Porter will not play again this week leaving Williams, Jones and Northcut as Garrard’s receivers. Not pretty! TE Lewis continues to underachieve and should be considered as a TE2 at best.

Beasts: In the first two weeks the Colts have been run over by RB Forte and AP. Expect more of the same as the Jags roll out thunder and lightning. Of the two, we expect slightly higher RB1 numbers out of Jones-Drew as he is much more active in the passing attack.

Busts: Other than the RB’s, we can’t seriously recommend any other Jaguar.

The Colts played a “bend don’t break” style of game and limited the Vikings to five field goals in Week Two. The Colts are banged up on both the O and the D and are struggling. QB Manning is still feeling the affect of his off season surgery and is playing behind a makeshift O Line. RT Diem is the only starter on the O-Line from the 2007 season. The Jaguars will bring pressure early and often and Manning owners need to be concerned. RB Addai has been dismal so far and is sporting a 2.4 yards per carry average. Given the injuries to the O-Line we don’t see those numbers improving anytime soon. The WR core has been bolstered by the play of Gonzalez out of the slot and Wayne has had lights out numbers through two weeks (179 PYD 2 TD). There is no doubt that QB Manning has the talent to get them the ball but the question of whether he will have time to do so remains. Stud TE Clark was inactive with a knee injury in Week Two but is not listed on the injury report for Week Three and is scheduled to play.

Beasts: The Colts are hoping for a better effort in their second game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The patchwork O-Line is a concern but you have to start Manning, Wayne and Clark.

Busts: With TE Clark back in the lineup expect a drop in production out of WR Gonzalez. WR Harrison has definitely lost a step and can no longer be counted on as anything more than a low end WR2. Until he proves otherwise, RB Addia is a bust. You may have to start him, just don’t expect big numbers.

Stats Sleeper: Since 2003 Jaguars RB Taylor has averaged 98 rush yards per game against the Colts. The Jags are desperate to stay in the playoff hunt and can’t afford to go down 0-3.

STEELERS (2-0) @ EAGLES (2-0)

The Steelers looked ordinary in the rain and wind in Week Two but managed a 10-6 win over the Browns while the Eagles ran out of time and fell in a thriller to the Cowboys on MNF.

The first Battle for Pennsylvania since 2004 is one of the most anticipated games on the Week Three schedule. The Steelers look like world beaters in Week One but struggled while winning in bad weather conditions in Week Two. QB Big Ben has been dealing with a mild shoulder sprain all week but has said he is good to go. He better be if the Steelers hope to get their first win in 43 years in Philadelphia. Big Ben has the top passer rating of all QB’s through two weeks at 133.9 (158.3 is the highest rating possible) and has thrown for 316 PYD 3 TD with no INT. RB Parker looks to be 100% recovered from his broken leg and has been lights out through two week with 243 RYD and 3 TD. The Eagles however are a much greater challenge than the Texans and Browns. WR Ward has caught each of Big Ben’s 3 TD passes and seems ageless as he has 11 C and 135 PYD. WR Holmes and TE Miller have struggled to get on track so far.

Beasts: In what will be a very emotionally charged game it’s hard to say if we are in line for a shootout or a defensive struggle. That being said, start Big Ben, Parker and Ward with confidence and expect good, though not spectacular, numbers.

Busts: WR Holmes has yet to break out and while he does have 113 receiving yards, 48 of them came on one play. We recommend looking elsewhere this weekend for your WR2.

The Eagles come off a MNF loss to the Cowboys and must think they should have deserved a better fate. QB McNabb had a costly fumble (his second of the game) with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter and that basically sealed their fate as RB Barber III scored four minutes later. That being said, the Eagles were firing on all cylinders against the Cowboys and posted 337 offensive net yards. McNabb is 100% healthy for the first time in recent memory and is back to his old running and gun slinging ways. All World RB Westbrook is having an MVP start to his season and now has 45 touches for 195 total yards and 5 TD’s. To put that in perspective you have to understand that the rest of the team has a total of 71 touches. While the production is positive to his fantasy owners, you almost have to hope that someone else can step it up and take a little pressure off him. Durability questions have always lingered around BW and he is 29 years old. One has to wonder how the post game meeting between HC Reid and WR Jackson went after Jackson hot dogged his way into the end zone WITHOUT the ball and gave up a sure TD. The Eagles did score on the next play but this isn’t the first time Jackson has made a bone head play like that. All things considered though, the rookie has had a productive 12 C 216 PYD start to his season to lead all Eagle receivers. TE L.J. Smith is another, in long list of underachieving TE’s through two weeks.

Beasts: This is another tough match-up for the Eagles but it’s impossible to keep McNabb, Westbrook and Jackson out of your lineup this weekend or any weekend for that matter. As is the case with the Steelers stars, expect good though not great numbers across the board.

Busts: WR Brown is still dealing with a mild hamstring injury and has yet to regain the trust of McNabb. He will have better days down the road but keep him reserved in Week Three.

Sleeper: The Steelers will try to bring constant pressure and force McNabb into making mistakes. Look for McNabb to use TE Smith as a safety valve when he feels the heat.

COWBOYS (2-0) @ PACKERS (2-0)

The Packers jumped out to a 21-0 lead, let it slip away and then came back with back to back INT TD’s to pound the Lions. The Cowboys scored 10 unanswered points late in the fourth quarter to beat the Eagles.

Many are calling this game a battle for NFC supremacy but we think that is a bit premature considering the Packers two wins have come against the lowly Lions and a worse than expected Vikings team. QB Rogers will face his first test against a pass defense of any semblance and it remains to be seen how he will perform. There is no denying that he has been amazing through two starts and has posted stellar numbers with 506 PYD 4 TD and 0 INT. He has also showed great mobility by rushing 12 times for 60 RYD and 1 TD. He did have a decent game in Week 13 against the Cowboys last year (201 PYD 1 TD 30 RYD 0 INT) but this is a better Cowboys team that he is facing this year. RB Grant practiced all week and will start but he is not Westbrook and while BW’s overall numbers were good last week, he was held to 58 RYD. Grant is also no where near as active in the passing game. WR Jennings is having a monster year yardage wise with 258 PYD through two games. With WR Driver having lost a step or two and great chemistry with QB Rodgers we see this continuing into Week Three and beyond. TE Lee has been a bust so far and has been relegated to the fourth and even fifth option in the Packers version off the spread offense.

Beasts: We see this as a game where the Packers and QB Rodgers get a wake up call and come back down to earth somewhat. Jennings is must start but we are hesitant to recommend any other Packer.

Busts: Don’t expect the Cowboys to get into another shoot out this week. They will be lights out while the Packers won’t be. Temper your expectations of Rodgers, Grant, Driver and Lee.

The Cowboys weren’t has solid as expected in their MNF matchup against the Eagles but a win is a win and they were full marks for their victory. QB Romo has been very productive in his two starts (632 PYD 4 TD) but he is still having problems with turnovers (2 INT 1 FL). That being said, he is still fantasy gold. RB Barber III has shown just how expendable RB J. Jones was and has produced at an All World level with 215 total yards and 4 TD. Fantasy owners may not like he may lose a few more touches to rookie RB F. Jones but it will prove to be beneficial when Barber is healthy and not over worked once Fantasy Playoffs roll around. Notice how Barber III gets stronger as the games progresses? Stats LOVES that in a RB! WR Owens came out of the gate with a 72 yard TD in the first quarter and then disappeared for the rest of the game. After such a fast start, Fantasy owners have to be somewhat disappointed with bitter/sweet performance. It’s certainly not unlike TO though as he had 2 or 3 catch days five times in 2007. All you need to know is start him and his average over the year will be just fine. TE Witten continues to be Romo’s favorite receiver and may be the best player in football today. He is a menace and we’re pretty damn sure that opposing defenses cringe when they see him on the coming weeks schedule. Forget the fact that he has caught 13 balls for 206 yards, this guy doesn’t go around defenders, he goes through them!

Beasts: This is more of a statement game for the Cowboys than the Eagles game was being as it is on the road and against the upstart Packers. Expect every Cowboy to play at a Beast Level.

Busts: NONE!

Stats Sleeper: He didn’t pan out last week but we are going to go back to well and suggest a good day out of Cowboys WR Crayton.

JETS (1-1) @ CHARGERS (0-2)

Matt Cassel and the Patriots humbled the Jets while the Zebras stole one away from the Chargers and handed it to their division foe the Broncos.

The Jets bandwagon got a little lighter after Favre and Co. were out played at every position by the Pats last week. Favre had a very pedestrian day with 181 PYD 1 TD 1 INT. We suspect an even less inspiring game on MNF in San Diego. You can’t hang it on Favre as he doesn’t have anywhere near the supporting cast that he had in Green Bay. Still, a spade is a spade and Favre will have more not so good days than he has good days going forward. RB T. Jones followed up his impressive Week One performance with an average Week two (72 RUYD 0 TD). In fairness to him though, the Jets looked out of sorts in all facets of the game. We don’t expect much a rebound here. WR’s Coles, Crotchery and Stuckey continue to produce average numbers. Surprisingly, in a Favre lead offense, the Jets aren’t getting any production from the TE position. This is due to the fact that the Jets are using one TE formations and they have 3 active TE’s.

Beasts: If this game was being played in NY we would almost be confident in recommending some of the Jets. Because it is not however, we suggest reserving all Jets players if possible. Jones may be a serviceable RB2 if you have no other options.

Busts: WR Coles is dealing with a thigh injury and is listed as questionable.

The Charges find themselves in LAST PLACE in the AFC West. We said last week that the Chargers would be mad as hell after their last second loss to the Panthers and would take it on the Broncos. While they didn’t dominate Denver they did smoother them in the second half and lost on one of the worst calls in NFL history. Make no mistake, the Jets will pay dearly on MNF in a game that will be a rout. QB Rivers has fired out of the gate and has been lights out with 594 PYD 6 TD 1 INT in two games. That production will continue in Week Three. The King of Fantasy, RB LT2, is unquestionably THE BUST story (that don’t involve IR) of the year. Before you banish him to the peasants though you have to understand that he’s a traditionally slow starter and is dealing with a toe injury. Fantasy owners may soon start a “We Hate Big Toes” movement after seeing the pesky appendage affect so many players this season. LT2 did some limited practice on Friday and that bodes well for him playing on Monday. If your league allows it (and you backed LT2 up with Sproles) wait for the pre-game to decide who to start or, as we suggested last week, start them both. WR’s Jackson and Chambers are the beneficiaries of the stellar play from Rivers through the first two weeks. Both should be considered as low end WR1 or, at the very least, high end WR2. TE Gates appears healthy and has had back to back 4 C 61 PYD games while adding a TD in Week One. It’s a nice start for Gates when you consider how unhealthy he was heading into the season. Even with the new, highly vertical offense the Chargers are using (that has certainly limited his looks and touches) he remains a TE1 option.

Beasts: ALL! (provided LT2 plays).

Busts: NONE! (unless LT2 doesn’t play).

Stats Sleeper: This will be the start of amazing six game stretch for the Chargers DFST before they go into their Week Nine bye.

Wow…….so much to say and so little time to say it. We hope this helps when you are setting your Week Three rosters.

May your Fantasy Football Weekend be point prosperous and injury free!

Enjoy The Games Everybody!

StatsGuru