Every team has their must start studs, but what about players that end up scoring big from the bench? Many fantasy owners are still clinging to name brands rather than taking the plunge with players on the rise. Here are some picks from benches and waiver wires that could put up starter worthy numbers in week 3.
Very Confident
Terrelle Pryor CLE
The Browns are in shambles after losing two quarterbacks and their most talented (active) receiver. Their offense is going to be ugly to watch for the forseeable future, but someone is likely to make plays. Since teams will likely stack the box to stop an uninspiring run game, that leaves the thin receiving corps. Of the available players, Pryor is the most likely to make an impact. Last week he managed to catch only three of the nine balls thrown his way, but when Pryor does haul in passes he can make things happen. Based on the fact that the Browns will usually (always) be playing from behind, there should be a lot of chances for garbage time production. For very desperate owners in PPR leagues, Andrew Hawkins may also be relevant until Josh Gordon is reinstated.
Phillip Dorsett IND
The Colts have lost number two receiver Donte Moncrief for 4-6 weeks. This leaves the very talented Phillip Dorsett in line to start opposite T.Y. Hilton in an offense that throws the ball constantly. On many NFL teams, Dorsett would already be starting, but the Colts have a glut of talent at wide receiver. This is a team that struggles to run the ball, meaning that there will be plenty of passes to go around. As a third receiver, Dorsett was an interesting sleeper. Now that he will be starting he is a borderline must start option on most fantasy teams.
Worth A Shot
Theo Riddick & Dwayne Washington DET
For week 3 I am a bigger fan of Riddick, but I like Washington over the long haul. The Packers are much tougher against the run than the pass. This means that Detroit will probably have Riddick on the field more than Washington in week 3. In PPR leagues, Riddick is going to be just about an every week starter similar to Charles Sims or Bilal Powell when he is getting the ball. Washington fits the profile of a classic running back and should see a lot of work on early downs and around the goal line. He underperformed in college despite great size and speed, but Washington looks like the type of back that could put up some big games if he is given the opportunity.
For The Desperate
Dexter McCluster SD
After the loss of Danny Woodhead, the Chargers went out and signed veteran Dexter McCluster to fill the role of pass-catching back. The talent level is a significant drop-off from Woodhead, but McCluster has played for Ken Whisenhunt before and should pick up the playbook very quickly. If he can gain the trust of Phillip Rivers quickly there could be quite a bit of upside for McCluster. It is more likely that he will be putting up decent numbers in another week or two, but for fantasy owners dealing with a lot of injuries there is some upside here.
