The top picks among fantasy drafters have been letting down team owners thus far and many are in panic mode. The play of performers like LeVeon Bell, Odell Beckham Jr. and Julio Jones has been lackluster to say the least. But there may finally be some light at the end of the slow-start tunnel. These guys aren’t busts. Not yeat at least.
A handful of first and second round picks are in good match ups in Week 3 and could return to previous season form. Here’s a look at four we think you should make sure you start:
LeVeon Bell, RB, Steelers
The Steelers face the Bears this weekend and the defense looks ripe for an old-fashioned Bell breakout. Chicago has its third string middle linebacker slated to start and a terribly banged up secondary will be weak against the passing game. Look for an early lead to open thing up for the Pittsburgh ground game.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants
The Giants struggles have been well documented, as the defense hasn’t been good enough to make up for an atrocious offense — reliant on a terrible offensive line. The return of OBJ in Week 2 didn’t help things much, as the less than 100 percent wideout had four catches for 36 yards. Against the Eagles — a team missing, most likely, it’s No. 1 cornerback and a starting safety — Beckham should have the opening to produce once again.
Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
Jones — much like last year — has tallied a lot of yardage, 174 to be exact, but has yet to find the end zone. In PPR leagues he is averaging 13.2 points per game, which is solid but not the kind of gamebreaking performance Jones’ owners wanted when they took him in the first round. Against a soft Detroit passing defense, Jones has a good chance to score.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans
The Titans face the sun defensively challenged Seahawks (imagine saying that?) in their Week 3 match up and if DeMarco Murray is healthy he is worth a start. The high draft pick has surrendered reps to Derrick Henry in recent weeks but there should be ample opportunity to get work against Seattle if Murray’s hamstring cooperates.
