1. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Houston Texans
The Texans were just awful on Sunday as Chris Johnson carved up their defense up for nearly 200 yards on the ground and another 100 through the air. He also scored three TDs. The Jags are desperate to avoid the dreaded 0-3 start so look for Jones-Drew to be relied heavily on and to produce well over 100 rushing yards and at least two TDs.
2. Matt Forte vs. Seattle Seahawks
Forte’s numbers thus far hardly justify a top five fantasy football pick (85 yard in two games), but help is on the way in the form of the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. They just allowed over 200 yards on the ground to Frank Gore and two long TDs, so look for him to get back on track and easily surpass the 100 yard mark with a few scores.
3. Michael Turner vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots run defense has been non-existent in 2009 and they’ve been unable to overcome the loss of standout MLB Jerod Mayo to this point. Turner got on track last Sunday (105 yards, 1TD) and you can expect the Falcons to rely heavily on the run once again in this one. They want to keep Brady and Co. on the sidelines as long as they can.
4. Steve Slaton vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is the week that Slaton finally justifies his first round draft status as the Jaguars doesn’t possess much of a run defense. They’ve been run on in each of their first two weeks and we like Slaton to break out of his two game funk (against better defenses) and top the 100 yard mark here with a score.
Sleepers
1. Felix Jones vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers haven’t stopped anyone on the ground in 2009 and it gets no easier when they head to Dallas. With Marion Barber potentially sidelined with a leg injury, look for Jones and his blazing speed to have a big night on MNF. He’s a great fantasy sleeper play in Week Three.
2. Tim Hightower vs. Indianapolis Colts
Hightower had a very productive day (72 yards, 1TD) vs. the Jags on Sunday and seems to be the Cardinals No. One back at this point in time. The Colts, playing without S Bob Sanders, aren’t particularly good against the run (239 yards to Miami), so look for Hightower to have a solid outing in this one.
Others We Like
Ronnie Brown vs. San Diego Chargers
The loss of DT Jamal Williams to a season ending injury leaves a huge hole in the interior of the Chargers defense. And not surprisingly, the Ravens relied heavily on the ground game and had a great deal of success last Sunday. Expect the Dolphins to run the ball early and often and for Brown to eclipse the 100 yard mark with a score.
Darren McFadden vs. Denver Broncos
The Raiders were horrible offensively against the Chiefs in Week Two but should have much better success vs. the Broncos on Sunday. Look for Oakland to attack on the ground (Russell stinks) and for DMC to have a big afternoon.
Brandon Jacobs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Giants running game, which has been held in check through the first two weeks of the season, will rediscover its identity on Sunday against an inferior Bucs defense. Look for Jacobs to top the 100 yard mark and score his first TD in 2009.
