Play Action - Week 3

Welcome to Play Action.
Every Saturday, we will look at this upcoming weekend's match ups and see who should and should not be playing from each of them.

Start = Guys who you should definitely have active.
Consider = Guys who won't stand out, but are alright if you don't have a superior option.
Bench = Guys who you should keep on your bench.

Without further adieu, let's look at Week 3.
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This will be posted on Friday the next 2 weeks, and back to the regularly scheduled Saturdays afterwards.

1:00pm EST Games

Vikings @ Chiefs
Viking Offensive YPG- 176.5 Passing (25), 131 Rushing (10)
Chief Defensive YPG - 169 Passing (6), 108 Rushing (15)

Chief Offensive YPG - 179 Passing (24), 71 Rushing (27)
Viking Defensive YPG - 264 Passing (25), 76 Rushing (6)

Start: Adrian Peterson, Tony Gonzalez, Viking Defense
Consider: Larry Johnson, Dwayne Bowe
Bench: All Viking WRs, Kelly Holcomb, Chester Taylor, Damon Huard

The Vikings could be without QB Tarvaris Jackson, as if the passing offense wouldn't have already been minimal. The Viking defense is solid against the run, weak against the pass. In case you haven't heard yet, the Chiefs offense isn't very good. It'd be hard to bench Johnson, but if you have decent options, this isn't likely the week he busts out. Taylor is still too risky to start this week, despite his belief that he'll start.

Rams @ Buccaneers
Ram Offensive YPG - 246.5 Passing (9), 68.5 Rushing (28)
Buc Defensive YPG - 224 Passing (20), 119 Rushing (20)

Buc Offensive YPG - 218.5 Passing (15), 88.5 Rushing (25)
Ram Defensive YPG - 149 Passing (4), 137.5 Rushing (25)

Start: Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Steven Jackson, Joey Galloway, Cadillac Williams
Consider: Randy McMichael, Rams Defense
Bench: Drew Bennett, Jeff Garcia, Bucs Defense

This should be the game that Steven Jackson finally gets on-track, Bulger took a beating last week and the Rams need to take some pressure off of him. The Ram defense has been solid against the pass thus far. Williams is the most likely option to score for the Bucs as Coach Gruden continues to ride him.

49ers @ Steelers
49er Offensive YPG - 99.5 Passing (31), 90.5 Rushing (23)
Steeler Defensive YPG - 148 Passing (3), 74 Rushing (5)

Steeler Offensive YPG - 197.5 Passing (22), 195 Rushing (2)
49er Defensive YPG - 215.5 Passing (17), 111 Rushing (16)

Start: Frank Gore, Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller, Steeler Defense
Consider: Vernon Davis
Bench: Alex Smith, Darrell Jackson, Arnaz Battle

I fully expect that Big Ben puts up his standard average passing yardage totals, but he should add a couple TDs to make up for it. This is the game where the currently 2-0 49ers are exposed as pretenders, look at their pedestrian rankings going against the excellent Steelers. Bump D-Jax up to "Consider" if he's active. Vernon Davis likely gets more looks this week, but the Niners do still have an anemic offense opposing a stout Steeler defense.

Lions @ Eagles
Lion Offensive YPG - 321.5 Passing (1), 82 Rushing (26)
Eagle Defensive YPG - 188 Passing (8), 88 Rushing (8)

Eagle Offensive YPG - 203 Passing (19), 108.5 Rushing (17)
Lion Defensive YPG - 236.5 Passing (21), 107.5 Rushing (14)

Start: Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Reggie Brown
Consider: Mike Furrey, Shaun McDonald, Jason Avant
Bench: Both Defenses, Tatum Bell, Kevin Jones, L.J. Smith (surgery)

In Philly, if D-Mac can't carve up the feeble Lion secondary, expect the boo-birds to be unleashed early and often. Look for Reggie Brown to finally break out this week. The "Consider" cre for this game should be strongly considered at WR3. Westbrook is banged up, but he should start. Tatum Bell is useless and Kevin Jones is still limited, so look for the Lions to approach 50 pass attempts once again against a banged up Eagle secondary, while McNabb is around 40 in what should be a shoot out.

Colts @ Texans - Retractable Roof
Colt Offensive YPG - 294 Passing (2), 122,5 Rushing (12)
Texan Defensive YPG - 217 Passing (19), 69 Rushing (3)

Texan Offensive YPG - 216.5 Passing (16), 114 Rushing (14)
Colt Defensive YPG - 179.5 Passing (7), 123.5 Rushing (21)

Start: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Ahman Green, Owen Daniels, Colt Defense
Consider: Anthony Gonzalez
Bench: Matt Schaub, Jacoby Jones, Kevin Walter, Texan Defense

Without Andre Johnson (knee), I can't imagine the Texans putting up much of a fight. Look for Owen Daniels to be the primary beneficiary of Johnson's absence, but look for the Texans to pound the ball, and then pound the ball some more. Look for Manning, Harrison, Wayne to put up their standard big numbers, and despite a tough Texan run D, look for Addai to put up good numbers as well.

San Diego @ Green Bay
Charger Offensive YPG - 167.5 Passing (27), 64.5 Rushing (29)
Packer Defensive YPG - 205.5 Passing (14), 98.5 Rushing (13)

Packer Offensive YPG - 227 Passing (13), 64.5 Rushing (29)
Charger Defensive YPG - 192.5 Passing (10), 112 Rushing (18)

Start: LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Donald Driver, Charger Defense
Consider: Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, Brett Favre
Bench: Michael Turner, DeShawn Wynn, Brandon Jackson, James Jones, Greg Jennings, Packer Defense

Someone has to pay for the embarrassing spanking that the Chargers took on Monday Night Football. Look for LT to get his mojo working better against a tough Green Bay unit. I'd prefer to wait and see with Rivers if you have another option. Wynn got a ton of attention this week, but other than a long TD run in Week 2, he hasn't shown anything yet. The return of Jennings cuts into Jones' current fantasy value.

Bills @ Patriots
Bill Offensive YPG - 96.5 Passing (32), 107 Rushing (18)
Patriot Defensive YPG - 158 Passing (5), 56 Rushing (1)

Patriot Offensive YPG - 280 Passing (4), 139 Rushing (8)
Bill Defensive YPG - 267.5 Passing (27), 177.5 Rushing (30)

Start: Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Ben Watson, Patriot Defense
Consider: Donte Stallworth, Sammy Morris
Bench: J.P. Losman, Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans

One of the games' best all-around teams against, statistically, one of its worst. Losman has floundered thus far, and this is not the game for him to get well. That has absolutely killed Evans' value so far, and if you have enough other options to fill your lineup, Evans should be benched this week. The Bills defense is pathetic, get all of your Patriots out there. Morris deserves consideration since he is a goal line option, and I expect him out there in garbage time. If the Patsies shut LT down, I can't see Lynch having much success against them. Either Stallworth shows up this week, or not at all this season.

Dolphins @ Jets
Dolphin Offensive YPG - 240 Passing (12), 63.5 Rushing (32)
Jet Defensive YPG - 241 Passing (22), 126 Rushing (23)

Jet Offensive YPG - 201 Passing (20), 64.5 Rushing (29)
Dolphin Defensive YPG - 197.5 Passing (12), 178.5 Rushing (31)

Start: Chris Chambers, Thomas Jones, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery
Consider: Trent Green, Ronnie Brown, Marty Booker, Both Defenses
Bench: Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens

I'm giving Ronnie Brown the benefit of the doubt on this one, he almost made the "Start" list. Coach Cameron claims they will run the ball more this week. After rough match ups against the Patriots and Ravens the previous 2 weeks, look for Thomas Jones to bounce back against a bad Dolphin rush defense missing Zach Thomas. Cotchery is expected to be active, but make sure on Sunday. You can't trust Pennington to be healthy...in this game, or ever.

Cardinals @ Ravens
Cardinal Offensive YPG - 199.5 Passing (21), 146.5 Rushing (6)
Raven Defensive YPG - 208 Passing (16), 62 Rushing (2)

Raven Offensive YPG - 196 Passing (23), 112.5 Rushing (15)
Cardinal Defensive YPG - 190 Passing (9), 92 Rushing (10)

Start: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Willis McGahee, Todd Heap, Raven Defense
Consider: Matt Leinart, Derrick Mason, Cardinal Defense
Bench: Edgerrin James, Bryant Johnson, Steve McNair, Mark Clayton

If you have another option, leave James on the bench against a fierce Raven run defense. Clayton should get his starter status back this week, but wait and see what he does. If the Raven D does have a soft spot, it's their pass defense, which is the Cardinals' strength, so trot out Leinart if you don't have a more attractive option, and leave Fitz and Quan active.

4:00pm EST Games

Bengals @ Seahawks
Bengal Offensive YPG - 287.5 Passing (3), 96 Rushing (20)
Seahawk Defensive YPG - 246.5 Passing (23), 111 Rushing (16)

Seahawk Offensive YPG - 241 Passing (11), 115.5 Rushing (13)
Bengal Defensive YPG - 267.5 Passing (27), 166.5 Rushing (28)

Start: Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Deion Branch
Consider: Bobby Engram
Bench: Glenn Holt, Nate Burleson, both Defenses

The Bengal defense was positively carved up by the lowly Browns in Week 2. Seattle is likely salivating at the possibilities, but Cincy will likely be out to prove that they aren't completely incompetent. Still, start all of Seattle's big names. Start all your Bengal big names as well, just likely every other wee they're healthy. Engram deserves a long look if you don't have a better WR3 option.

Browns @ Raiders
Brown Offensive YPG - 251.5 Passing (8), 136 Rushing (9)
Raider Defensive YPG - 272 Passing (29), 144.5 Rushing (26)

Raider Offensive YPG - 168 Passing (26), 146 Rushing (7)
Brown Defensive YPG - 276.5 Passing (30), 171.5 Rushing (29)

Start: Jamal Lewis, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, LaMont Jordan, Ronald Curry
Consider: Josh McCown, Raider Defense
Bench: Derek Anderson, Jerry Porter

The game nobody but the hardest of die-hards wants to see. Look for the Brown offense to crash back down to reality this week. Derek Anderson had the game of his life in Week 2, he won't come close to repeating it this week, although a TD hookup with Edwards or Winslow isn't out of the question. They haven't shown it yet this season, but the Raiders do have an above average pass defense. Expect a slightly dinged Jordan to play, see the ball a lot, and put up very nice numbers again.

Jaguars @ Broncos
Jaguar Offensive YPG - 224 Passing (14), 94 Rushing (21)
Bronco Defensive YPG - 62.5 Passing (1), 156 Rushing (27)

Bronco Offensive YPG - 279.5 Passing (5), 176 Rushing (6)
Jaguar Defensive YPG - 117 Passing (2), 182 Rushing (32)

Start: Maurice Jones-Drew, Travis Henry, Javon Walker, Bronco Defense
Consider: Fred Taylor, Jaguar Defense
Bench: David Garrard, All Jags WRs, Marcedes Lewis, Jay Cutler, Selvin Young, Brandon Marshall

The Broncos pass defense is just sick, #1 with a bullet. Despite giving up nearly twice as many yards, the Jags have the #2 pass defense. Starting to get the impression that this will be a smash-mouth rushing contest yet? Rush defense has been the soft underbelly for both defenses thus far, so give MJD another shot. Walker is a weekly must-start, but all other WRs and QBs should be benched if you have decent alternatives.

Panthers @ Falcons - Dome
Panther Offensive YPG - 244 Passing (10), 126 Rushing (11)
Falcon Defensive YPG - 207 Passing (15), 126 Rushing (23)

Falcon Offensive YPG - 167.5 Passing (27), 89 Rushing (24)
Panther Defensive YPG - 194.5 Passing (11), 97.5 Rushing (12)

Start: Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Panther Defense
Consider: Drew Carter, DeShaun Foster, Alge Crumpler
Bench: DeAngelo Williams, Joey Harrington, Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood, All Falcon WRs

Joey Harrington is officially a lame duck QB with Byron Leftwich in town. He seems able to find Crumpler on a fairly regular basis, but that's about it. Delhomme will continue looking to Smith early and often. Look for the Falcons to continue to struggle to put any points on the board.

Giants @ Redskins
Giant Offensive YPG - 272.5 Passing (6), 109 Rushing (16)
Redskin Defensive YPG - 216.5 Passing (18), 90 Rushing (9)

Redskin Offensive YPG - 208 Passing (18), 160.5 Rushing (4)
Giant Defensive YPG - 310.5 Passing (32), 112.5 Rushing (19)

Start: Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, Jason Campbell, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley
Consider: Derrick Ward, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Antwaan Randle El, Ladell Betts
Bench: Uhhh...Brandon Jacobs?

This is THE week to unleash your Redskins, play all of their starters, and consider Betts if you don't have another decent option...the Giants don't stop anyone. Hell, they don't slow down anyone. Campbell is a legit #1 QB for this week, Moss is a borderline WR1. Plax is on "Consider" since I doubt he suits up. If he does, play him, if he doesn't, bump Toomer slightly. Ward looks good filling in for Jacobs, but the Skins have been tough against the run and the Giants will need to throw to keep up as the Skins light up their D.

Sunday Night Football

Cowboys @ Bears
Cowboy Offensive YPG - 261 Passing (7), 154 Rushing (5)
Bear Defensive YPG - 198.5 Passing (13), 73.5 Rushing (4)

Bear Offensive YPG - 127 Passing (29), 93.5 Rushing (22)
Cowboy Defensive YPG - 293.5 Passing (31), 92.5 Rushing (11)

Start: Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Cedric Benson, Bernard Berrian, Bear Defense
Consider: Marion Barber III, Rex Grossman, Desmond Clark, Cowboy Defense
Bench: Julius Jones, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, Muhsin Muhammad, Greg Olsen

Can the fierce Bears defense slow down the fierce Cowboy offense? They did pretty well against the Chargers. If you have another good option at QB, maybe you consider benching Romo, although you really should never bench your studs. Barber is the most likely option to score for the Cowboys. Sit Witten if you can, as Briggs and the excellent Bear LBs should keep him under wraps. Grossman is an option if you're in dire straits, since the Cowboys pass defense has been awfully soft so far. Look for a couple deep shots to Berrian, and an INT or two.

Monday Night Football

Titans @ Saints
Titan Offensive YPG - 120 Passing (30), 211.5 Rushing (1)
Saint Defensive YPG - 265.5 Passing (26), 125.5 Rushing (22)

Saint Offensive YPG - 215.5 Passing (17), 102.5 Rushing (19)
Titan Defensive YPG - 248.5 Passing (24), 78 Rushing (7)

Start: Vince Young, Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston
Consider: LenDale White, Roydell Williams, Deuce McAllister
Bench: Chris Brown, Devery Henderson, Eric Johnson

Anyone been a bigger disappointment than the Saints so far? Didn't think so. If Young is ever going to start putting up respectable passing stats, this is his week to begin. Roydell Williams should be the prime beneficiary. Young, White and Brown should be able to run effectively as well, although Brown's scoring chances aren't great. Brees should continue to put up a respectable yardage total against the Titan DBs, and mis in some dump passes to Bush as well.

Let me know what you think of this article.