Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
So, you are looking for a hidden gem to help your fantasy football team in week 3? Well, unfortunately, there aren’t any sexy names out there on the wavier wire, or at least there shouldn’t be. However, some guys do hold some value and potential heading down the road. Who are they, you ask? Let’s get started:
Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams:
He’s finally healthy! After dislocating his elbow last season, Amendola is back and looking great. What’s even greater? He is available in about 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues. In a PPR league (point-per reception) Amendola is a monster wideout. Coming off a superb game against the Washington Redskins, in which he caught 15 passes, Amendola now leads the NFL in receptions. He is clearly quarterback Sam Bradford’s favorite target. Odds are you aren’t starting him unless you are in a deep league. But as a flex play in a PPR league, he is certainly worth a look.
Dennis Pitta, TE, Baltimore Ravens:
Again, another deep sleeper here, but if your starting tight end is Aaron Hernandez, who just went down with an ankle injury, Pitta is certainly worth a look. In the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Flacco targeted Pitta him nine times and a whopping 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. And with the Ravens new-look no huddle offense, Pitta could continue to be involved with the offense.
Andre Brown, RB, New York Giants:
When Ahmad Bradshaw left Sunday’s game early with a neck injury, it was Brown, not rookie back David Wilson, who got the touches. Wilson’s week 1 fumble resulted in head coach Tom Coughlin benching the young back for the rest of the night. It seems that Coughlin still isn’t too high on Wilson. Andre Brown put up some very impressive numbers after stepping in for Bradshaw. He tallied 13 carries for 71 yards and a late score. The Giants play on Thursday night, which means Bradshaw’s chances of playing may be slim. If he indeed sits, expect Brown to be the starting back.
Daryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis Rams:
During Sunday’s game against the Redskins, starting running back Steven Jackson was taken out of the game after receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Richardson received all of the carries in Jackson’s place, tallying 15 carries for 83 yards. It should also be noted that the Rams said Jackson is dealing with a groin injury. If he somehow can’t go on Sunday, Richardson will likely get the start. If you own Jackson, it would be wise to handcuff with Richardson.
Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers:
If he’s available, get him. LaFell is quickly emerging into quite the number two wideout in Carolina. And with teams looking to double cover Steve Smith, LaFell could get many looks from quarterback Cam Newton. Especially if the two continue to develop chemistry. He put up solid numbers in a big victory over the surprisingly 0-2 New Orleans Saints. LaFell could be a solid flex play or a WR3 in deeper leagues, but I truly believe he is just getting started. The Panthers are excited about his emergence.
Jackie Battle, RB, San Diego Chargers:
Yes, Jackie Battle is indeed on this list. However, he could hold some value down the road. It is no secret that Ryan Mathews is very injury prone. Mathews has already missed the first two weeks of the season, and on Sunday Battle filled in quite nicely. While he didn’t lead the team in carries, he did manage 14. However, he did produce two goal line scores, hinting that he may receive the goal line touches. Now, when Mathews comes back, Battle is almost useless for fantasy owners. But keep your eye on both Mathews and Battle. If Mathews goes down with another injury, Battle’s value certainly rises.
