QB Game Ball - Matthew Stafford, Detroit - 32/46, 378 yards, 2 TD
This pre-season the Lions were the team that a lot of people thought would break through in 2011. Well, those people were correct. The biggest improvement for the team is probably their defense, but it sure helps to have a stud quarterback. Stafford had a huge day in Minnesota on Sunday - a city the Lions have not won in since the Clinton administration. Calvin Johnson caught the two touchdown passes and set up the game winning field goal in overtime with a big catch. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew also had a great game with 112 yards on 11 catches. The Lions sit on top of the the NFC North with a record of 3-0, their best start since the Carter administration!

QB Honorable Mention - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo - 27/40, 369 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (Bills vs. Lions in the Superbowl.)

RB Game Ball - Darren McFadden, Oakland - 19 carries, 171 yards, 2 TD
Good defense and a solid running game is often a great recipe for winning football - and that's what the Raiders have so far this year. McFadden busted the Jets with a monster day. He actually out-rushed Jason Cambell's passing total (156 yards) for the second time this season. And both of those games were wins. Michael Bush may still get some time in the backfield but it is McFadden that the Raiders are going to win with.

RB Honorable Mention - Daniel Thomas, Miami - 23 carries, 95 yards, 3 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD (clearly the top running Dolphin.)

WR Game Ball - Torrey Smith, Baltimore - 5 catches, 152 yards, 3 TD
How would you like your first NFL reception to go for a touchdown? That is what Smith did on Sunday and then added two more - all in the first quarter. While he may never have a game like that again, the Ravens look like contenders. Jow Flacco finished with 389 passing yards. Ray Rice combined for 162 total yards. And the defense not only held the Rams to seven points, but added a fumble return to finish out the game.

WR Honorable Mention - Wes Welker, New England - 16 catches, 217 yards, 2 TD (targeted 20 times.)

TE Game Ball - James Casey, Houston - 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD
In the shoot-out with the Saints on Sunday Casey did most of his damage coming out of the backfield. He was lining up as an 'H' back and ended up having a pretty good day. He's not going to take the place of Owen Daniels or Ben Tate or Arian Foster, but he obviously has some good skills and should continue to get into the Texans game plans.

TE Honorable Mention - Todd Heap, Arizona - 6 catches, 61 yards (still a little gas in the tank.)

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Chad Ochocinco, WR, New England - 2 catches, 28 yards
In a game in which Tom Brady threw 30 completions Chad had two. Brady had 387 passing yards - Chad had 28 of those. Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski each scored twice. Not only did Chad fail to score, he dropped a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. In three games so far this season the New England offense has put up 104 points. Chad has not scored. Brady has thrown for 1,327 yards. Chad has 87 yards. Hey Chad, Tweet this - you stink worse than your socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 11 carries, 20 yards (and the Falcons lost to the Bucs.)

Fantasy Football, NFL game balls, week 3, top fantasy performers, matthew stafford, darren mcfadden, torrey smith, james casey