Start or Sit, week 3

Start ‘em!

These are players who figure to have a breakout week. Notice that you won’t find any fantasy studs, for the obvious reason that you should be starting those players week in and out. It doesn’t matter that Steven Jackson hasn’t taken off yet — you still need to start him. It’s early, a lot of top players are in a slump right now. Don’t lose faith and take a chance on someone who might have a good week — you’ll probably just get burned.

Cadillac Williams — He might only have 121 yards this season, but the Rams have a very porous defense when it comes to stopping the run. Ranked 25th in the league, they’ve been shredded for nearly 140 per game. Expect Jon Gruden to take advantage of the weakness and put the ball in Williams’ hands this week.

LaMont Jordan — The Browns may have won last week, but it sure wasn’t their defense that got the job done. Jordan is averaging 5.7 yards per carry this year and the Browns average allowing nearly 180 yards per game. Jordan is a must start this week.

Jason Campbell — Brett Favre revived his career against the Giants last weekend, and Tony Romo threw for 345 yards the week before that. In other words, Campbell is walking into a near-perfect situation. Expect him to make the most of it. Also, Antwaan Randle-El and Santana Moss have both been his top targets this season with 9 catches a piece. Expect either of them to find the endzone this weekend for the first time this season.

Rex Grossman — Could Grossman blow it against Dallas? Doubtful. The Cowboys have allowed nearly 300 yards passing per game this season. Even Trent Green managed 287 yards with almost zero run game supporting him. Rex needs a bounce-back performance to get on track this season. Sunday’s game might give him the perfect opportunity.

Jake Delhomme — He’s having a great year so far, throwing for 517 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. And they take on Atlanta this weekend. Don’t let the Falcons’ 15th ranked defense (against the pass) fool you, though. It’s heavily skewed since their week one matchup against Tavaris Jackson and the Vikings. David Garrard managed 272 yards last week. Expect Delhomme to have a great showing against Cold-lanta.

Sit ‘em!

You get the idea. These are players who may be good, but the defenses they face are better. Or, in the case of Derek Anderson, it’s just too risky to take a chance and start him over another quarterback who’s, you know, proven himself more than once.

Edgerrin James — He’s off to a hot start, yes, but taking on the Ravens won’t be a picnic. They’ve allowed an average of just over 60 yards per game this year and they won’t let up against the still-growing Cardinals. Edge is looking hot, but the Ravens typically have a way of cooling runners down.

Derek Anderson — I don’t care that he had an MVP week against Cincinnati in a shootout. There is no reason to start Anderson unless you over-hyped Joey Harrington at your draft and selected him as your starting quarterback. Seriously. Even against Oakland you shouldn’t be starting Anderson.

Marshawn Lynch — Lynch managed 64 yards against Pittsburgh, and he won’t see any more daylight when he faces a defense that has already shut down LT and the Jets offense. The Bills have a lot of question marks on O and Belichick and Co. will exploit them. New England’s defense this season, so far? Perfect, ranking first in total yards and rushing yards (56) and 8th in points (14 points per game).