World-Herald fantasy football writer Cameron Carlow and staff writer Jake Anderson provide insight following Week 3′s NFL action.
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Until further notice
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Lions: In his NFL debut, Leshoure ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries and added four receptions for 34 yards against the Titans. No other Detroit running back had more than five carries. Look for Leshoure to be the starter in a potentially high-powered offense.
Wes Welker, WR, Patriots: Welker’s best game of the season coincided with New England’s first game without TE Aaron Hernandez. Welker had 10 targets, catching eight for 142 yards.
Lance Moore, WR, Saints: Moore led the Saints in receiving yards with 70 and added a touchdown against the Chiefs. With WR Marques Colston playing through a foot injury, Moore could be Drew Brees’ go-to target.
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: Dalton threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns against the Redskins. This week he has a cushy matchup against the Jaguars, so expect more of the same from Dalton.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens: From the second quarter on, Flacco looked in control against the Patriots, finishing with 382 passing yards and three touchdowns. Flacco should be strong this week against the Browns.
Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: McFadden had his best game of the season with 113 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against the Steelers. He looks to be regaining his form, so owners can at least take a breath for the time being.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings: Rudolph had two receiving touchdowns against the 49ers, giving him three in the Vikings past two games, and he is turning into the key goal-line target for Christian Ponder.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: Charles ran for 233 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries after minimal production in his first two games. It’s tough to say he’s back for good, but he certainly showed he still what it takes to be a top fantasy player.
Andre Brown, RB, Giants: Brown showed he has what it takes to be a feature back in the NFL, running for 113 yards and two touchdowns. But with starter Ahmad Bradshaw likely returning Sunday, Brown’s carries should diminish. He’s still worthy of a bench spot, though, with Bradshaw’s injury history.
Key injuries
Matt Stafford, QB, Lions: Stafford was reported to have suffered a strained muscle in his right leg and more information should be coming Friday. The injury was thought not to be serious, but if you need a backup plan, Shaun Hill would get the start in Stafford’s absence.
>> Also: Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins; C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills; Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants; Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers; Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders.
Waiver wire
Tashard Choice, RB, Bills: Spiller is likely out Sunday, but regular starter Fred Jackson said he could return. Still, Jackson won’t get the full workload, so Choice is a good spot start in deep leagues. He ran for 91 yards on 20 carries after Spiller’s injury Sunday.
>> Also: Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins; Kendall Wright, WR, Titans; Christian Ponder, QB, Vikings.
