Miami running back Ricky Williams fell back into form, while Bills running back Travis Henry scored three touchdowns and averaged little more than 1 yard per carry.
The importance of Week Three is that trends begin to form.
Guru suggests benching QB Brooks
For instance, anyone playing the Lions or Cardinals could break out. Secondly, the Buccaneers will score few touchdowns and the Eagles will have a lackluster season.
Also, first-game wonders will begin to falter when defenses learn to focus on them. Just ask Charles Rogers and Anquan Boldin.
Both are virtually the only option on their teams, so they will be double-teamed and their numbers will drop until another receiver has a big game.
The Week Two fantasy pick totals were not even close, with Stevie E. embarrassing Styf. But Styf can only hope the tables turn this weekend.
Styf says lace 'em up
Behind the typical stars loom the players who only deserve spot starts. You know to start Kansas City running back Priest Holmes, that is if he plays with injured ribs, but how about Vikings tailback Moe Williams?
Following the theme of starting Lions' opponents, make sure that, along with quarterback Daunte Culpepper and wide receiver Randy Moss, you start Williams.
Entering the season, many figured that former Oregon back Onterrio Smith would handle some of the team's carries. But, since Mike Tice is not comfortable with his grasp of the offense, Williams has dominated the carries.
At quarterback, start Miami's Jay Fiedler. He's solid and doesn't have a legacy named Griese nipping at his heels - for now. If you don't have one of the top quarterbacks or if you're waiting for Atlanta's Michael Vick, who is hoping to return on Oct. 13 against St. Louis, start Fiedler.
A couple of running backs are still waiting for their breakout games, but you want them in your lineup when they come. Case in point: Don't bench Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson because of his slow start.
The Titans' Eddie George should get that game at home against New Orleans, while Tampa's Mike Alstott should shoulder a lot more carries with Michael Pittman out.
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Both would be good starts at a third running back or flex position.
Stevie E. says sit 'em
A week after Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis set the single-game NFL rushing record, posting 295 yards and two touchdowns, look for the Ravens' top bird to sink Sunday on the road in San Diego.
In hopes of not becoming Lewis' second consecutive victim, expect the Chargers defense to key in on the star running back.
Falcons quarterback Doug Johnson should remain on the bench in Week Three when he faces an angry Tampa Bay defense. After shutting out Philadelphia in Week One, the Bucs gave up just 12 against Carolina last week even though that wasn't enough for a victory.
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Look for the Bucs defense to dismantle the sputtering Falcons passing game, which tossed two interceptions a week ago.
Sit Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks against the Titans and Browns struggling quarterback Kelly Holcomb against the 49ers.
Stevie E. says sign 'em
If newly anointed Rams quarterback Marc Bulger isn't on a roster in your league, he should be by now.
Bulger came out firing in Week Two, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime victory over San Francisco. With Bulger a fixture in the Rams offense, look for his numbers to soar in Seattle on Sunday and into the future.
Williams appears to have separated himself from the rest of the Minnesota runners, making him prime for a roster spot this week.
Last week he picked up 108 rushing yards and a touchdown. He should surpass those statistics against the Lions this weekend.
Also consider Jets receiver Santana Moss, who has eight catches, 154 yards and a touchdown for the season. Don't forget receiver Terry Glenn, who came alive for the Cowboys on Monday night.
Styf scouts former Spartans
The Spartans continue to fare well, with Plaxico Burress (Steelers) and Derrick Mason (Titans) leading the way. Burress has 115 yards receiving and is melding well with former XFL MVP Tommy Maddox.
T.J. Duckett (Falcons) played well with two touchdowns last week, but expect him to remain inconsistent at best. Muhsin Muhammad (Panthers) and Paul Edinger (Bears) have the week off, while Rogers (Lions) needs another receiver to help him out if he hopes to catch two touchdowns again anytime soon. He still only has 76 receiving yards in two games.
| QB | Daunte Culpepper |
| RB | Ahman Green |
| WR | Randy Moss |
| TE | Randy McMichael |
| DEF | Buccaneers |
| Spartan | Plaxico Burress |
| Week Two Score: | 46 |
Stevie's picks
| QB | Brett Favre |
| RB | Shaun Alexander |
| WR | Marvin Harrison |
| TE | Shannon Sharpe |
| DEF | Chiefs |
| Spartan | Derrick Mason |
| Week Two Score: | 80 |
Jon Styf can be reached at styfjona@msu.edu. Steve Eder can be reached at ederstev@msu.edu.
