Fantasy Forecast: Week 3
Fantasy Forecast: Week 3
— -- ABC News meteorologist Mel explains how this week's weather forecast could impact your fantasy football league.
Browns vs. Dolphins in Miami:
It's the Dolphins home-opener this week against the Browns, and the Dolphins should win big! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the afternoon in Miami on Sunday. It’s tempting to start running backs against the Browns, especially if it rains, but Arian Foster is most likely out on Sunday, and now they turn to a committee. With Kenyan Drake and Jay Ajayi splitting the work, you might want to avoid the Dolphins' backfield this week. Ryan Tannehill is used to playing in stormy South Florida, and will also throw the ball often to Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker, as we saw last week. The Browns are really struggling, losing both quarterbacks RG3 and Josh McCown to injuries in consecutive weeks. If you have tight end Gary Barnidge, it’s time to start sitting him until McCown returns. Now with a third-string quarterback the Browns will be running the ball a lot, and Isaiah Crowell could become a great running back option.
Rams vs. Buccaneers in Tampa:
It’s going to be hot and humid with scattered storms in Tampa on Sunday afternoon. The heat index could even make it feel like 100 degrees outside. This is the kind of weather Jameis Winston is used to, and he will look to redeem himself after throwing four interceptions last week. Mike Evans is Winston’s top target, the obvious choice over Vincent Jackson. Being at home and with Doug Martin out on injury, Evans will likely reach the end zone again. Charles Sims is taking over in Martin’s absence, and his fantasy value is up, but it’s still a risky play, so look elsewhere if you have better options. Todd Gurley’s performance so far has put fantasy owners in a panic! But don’t give up just yet – everyone is hurting in the running back position, and he deserves one more chance against the Bucs' defense, especially in the heat.
Jets vs. Chiefs in Kansas City:
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected for the first half of Sunday in Kansas City, and they could linger throughout the day! If the weather gets bad, running backs will take much of the work. Matt Forte is a must-start this week, and every week if he keeps playing this well. Keep a close eye on the status of Jamaal Charles; if he doesn’t return this week, Spencer Ware is also in that must-start category. With heavy rain in the picture, the passing game could definitely be hindered. If you had to choose who to start between Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, it would be Decker, who’s had six straight games with a touchdown, the longest active streak in the NFL. On the Chiefs, Travis Kelce is a top tight end, so you can start him, but Jeremy Maclin should sit this one out.
Here are your top 10 players to start and sit based on the weather this week.
For Wayback Weather let's go back exactly five years ago, September 25, 2011, when the Carolina Panthers played the Jacksonville Jaguars in Charlotte. It was known for going from a normal sunny day in the first quarter to an all-out monsoon in the second. More than 4 inches of rain fell in less than an hour, causing waterfalls in the stands and turning the field into a flooded mess. The Panthers beat the Jags 16-10 thanks to Cam Newton’s touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion to Greg Olsen. Cam won’t ever forget his first career win in that rain-soaked mud fest five years ago.
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