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Fantasy Football: 5 Potential Sleepers For Week 3 Of 2016 NFL Season

By Timothy Downs
Published on: 13:09 PST, Sep 23, 2016

Identifying sleepers is paramount in fantasy football, as the NFL’s premier players typically perform at a similar level each week. Thus, it’s the guys who round out your roster who oftentimes decide whether you flounder, or bask in victorious glory.

Many fantasy football owners are in a tough spot as we head into Week 3 of the 2016 NFL season, as injuries have rendered them in need of finding value in unexpected places.

While it’s undoubtedly difficult to overcome losing a starter, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, here’s a look at five potential fantasy football sleepers who could provide tremendous value in Week 3.

[Image by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images]

Quincy Enunwa, WR — New York Jets

Third-year wide receiver Quincy Enunwa is quietly having a solid season for the New York Jets. In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Enunwa tallied an impressive seven receptions for 54 yards and one TD, and followed his surprise showing with six receptions for 92 yards in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.

The Jets get virtually zero production out of their tight ends, and Quincy has thankfully stepped up to play the role of a quasi tight end/possession receiver.

According to ESPN‘s Colin Stephenson, New York’s No. 1 wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, practiced on a limited basis on Friday and will be a game-time decision on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs as he continues to recover from a foot injury suffered in Week 2.

Erick Decker was also limited at times during practice this week for the Jets. Even if Marshall ultimately gives it a go on Sunday, it’s fair to assume Enunwa will see an increase in workload in Week 3 against a Chiefs defense that has been far from impressive this season.

Thus, don’t be surprised if Quincy delivers a monster stat line.

Phillip Dorsett, WR — Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts caught a tough break in Week 2. NFL.com‘s Chris Wesseling reported on Wednesday that Colts WR Donte Moncrief will be out four to six weeks with a fractured shoulder blade.

Phillip Dorsett only mustered one reception for 30 yards in Week 2, but impressed a week prior with four receptions for 94 yards against Detroit. Naturally, Dorsett will be asked to step up in Week 3, and he has a golden opportunity to prove his worth against the abysmal defense of the San Diego Chargers.

Phillip is primed for a big game, and I believe he will deliver.

[Image by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]

Charles Sims, RB — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

According to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers will be without starting running back Doug Martin for the next three weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Auman expects Tampa Bay to rely on the combination of Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers.

“The Bucs will have to rely on a combination of Charles Sims, who had more than 1,000 total yards as their No. 2 back last season, and Jacquizz Rodgers, who was signed as a free agent last week and played for coach Dirk Koetter for three years in Atlanta.”

ESPN‘s Matthew Berry clearly sees things differently.

The Buccaneers will take on the Los Angeles Rams in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Expect Sims to get the majority of the carries and do an admirable job against the Rams stout defense.

Marcus Mariota, QB — Tennessee Titans

Marcus Mariota is oftentimes overlooked by fantasy football players. This trend occurrs mainly because the Tennessee Titans don’t have a national following and most NFL aficionados simply don’t see enough of him in live game action.

But make no mistake: Mariota is off to a solid start to his young career. In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, Marcus tallied a respectable 238 yards and two TDs, including one go-ahead, fourth quarter touchdown pass that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.

On Sunday, Tennessee hosts the Oakland Raiders, who have been playing abysmal defense this season. As I mentioned earlier this week, I do believe the Raiders will win a close game. However, it will a be high-scoring affair in which Mariota and the Titans offense plays well. Expect around 300 total yards and two TDs at minimum from the NFL sophomore in this one.

[Image by Jason Miller/Getty Images]

Dennis Pitta, TE — Baltimore Ravens

After missing the entire 2015 NFL season with a devastating hip injury, it appears as if Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta could be back as a regular contributor in fantasy football.

In his first game back during Week 1, Pitta tallied a understandably underwhelming three receptions for 39 yards. However, in Week 2 against Cleveland, Dennis dazzled with nine receptions for 102 yards.

Most importantly, where fantasy football is concerned, Joe Flacco targeted Pitta a team high 12 times, further proving the importance of Dennis’ role in Baltimore’s offense.

In Week 3 against Jacksonville, you can expect Pitta to be targeted right around 10 times and finish with another impressive stat line.

[Featured Image by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images]

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