Week 3 was a week for the record books. Kevin Curtis tied the record for most receiving yards in the first half, Brett Favre tied Marino's passing touchdown record (please retire now Brett), and for the first time in my fantasy football career, I've started a season 3-0.
There is no trophy on my shelf and I have yet to sign any autographs, but I have achieved the best tool a fantasy manager can have: solitary undefeated status and the bragging rights that come with it. If you too have reached this pinnacle of success, or if you wish to knock some cocky 3-0 braggart off his pedestal, here's some tips for Week 4.
Studs : Kevin Curtis, WR - There's only one word to describe Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Curtis' performance on Sunday: beastly. In the first half of the game against Detroit, Curtis pulled in 205 receiving yards, tying Lee Evans' record of last year. Curtis finished the game as the NFL's statistical leader with 11 catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Philadelphia, for the first time in franchise history, had a 100-yard rusher (Westbrook), a 200-yard receiver (Curtis) and a 300-yard passer (McNabb) in one game, sadly giving loudmouth Eagles fans more reason to run their mouths.
Ronnie Brown, RB - Many speculated that this Miami running back would be soon replaced after his first two relatively dismal weeks. Ronnie Brown put those rumors to bed with his performance against division rival New York Jets on Sunday. Brown found the end zone three times with two rushing TDs and one receiving. His rushing yards totaled 112 and he caught six passes for 99 yards, making Brown a great asset for leagues who grant points for receptions.
Duds : Steve Smith, WR - Steve Smith must have gotten cocky after being named in last week's Studs category. Putting the Carolina receiver's Week 2 and Week 3 performances side by side makes him seem like a different person. Smith pulled in only one catch for 10 yards against the Atlanta Falcons defense. It's too early to consider trades or drops for the former Pro Bowl receiver, especially considering his monumental first two games, but keep an eye on him in upcoming weeks.
Larry Johnson, RB - An LJ owner myself, I panicked when he decided to hold out in the preseason. After three weeks of play, I'm panicking because he has yet to play a decent game. Johnson is currently averaging a depressing 2.8 yards per carry and has yet to find the end zone. Yes, Kansas City has faced three of the top rush defenses in the league in Houston, Chicago and Minnesota, but no, LJ's numbers should not be this low. Historically, Johnson has been a back who peaks late and peaks high. So, LJ owners, don't fire the escape pods just yet; but if Johnson doesn't show up soon, it may be time to consider some action.
Sleepers and Surprises : Roddy White, WR - Truth be told, I hadn't even heard of Roddy White until I saw him explode against Carolina. White, who didn't even start in Atlanta's season-opener, had his first 100-yard game against the Panthers, pulling in seven catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. White is worth a look as a free agent pick-up, but given the inconsistency of Atlanta quarterback Joey Harrington, I'd wait a while before giving him a starting spot.
Earnest Graham, RB - When Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, the starting Tampa Bay running back, went down with a rib injury in the fourth quarter, back-up Earnest Graham wasn't given much time to prove himself. In a mere quarter, however, Graham rushed for two touchdowns and 75 yards in only eight carries. Although Cadillac is still listed as the starter, head coach Jon Gruden has shown an interest in getting Graham more carries. The extent of Cadillac's injury is currently unknown, but if it proves to be serious, Graham is a serious consideration for any fantasy owner. Even if he remains a back-up, or a third-down and goal line back, Graham could be a Marion Barber-type player, more valuable than the starter.
Demian's Fantasy Rule #3:
The end of Week 3 in the fantasy football season marks the time to start bragging. If you're undefeated, your team has proven its talent and it's time to start letting the world know it.
If you live in a freshman dorm where people hang dry-erase boards on their doors, I suggest recording your success on each of the boards in your hall, followed by the words "I Rule!"
For the rest of you, a simple banner stretched across Charles Street or a town crier with a megaphone perched atop the Johns Hopkins sign are also effective ways to flaunt the glory you've achieved.
