QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Aaron Rodgers (GB):  It seems silly to not include him as an automatic, but some owners are starting to show signs of concern. However, the Saints are just what the doctor ordered. Look for Rodgers to go for over 300 yards and double his current TD total (3) with at least three scoring strikes on Sunday.

Dud – Jay Cutler (CHI): After turning out back-to-back below 200-yard performances it’s hard to get excited about Cutler as he heads to Dallas on Monday to face a Cowboys’ secondary that is allowing 1 TD pass per contest to this point of the season. While I’m holding out hope Cutler gets things going, this isn’t the week I expect it to happen.

Sleeper – Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF):  The Bills signal caller has been one of fantasy top scoring QB’s through three weeks, averaging over 19 points per contest. He matched that total in each of last year’s two matchups with the Patriots in 2011. It’s hard to put him as a top 10 QB any week, but the signs certainly point to finishing as one here.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Marshawn Lynch (SEA):  Though Lynch typically plays better at home than on the road, owners should start him confidently this week as the Seahawks make the trip to St. Louis. The Rams have ceded four touchdowns to running backs through three weeks and Lynch had 80+ total yards and a score in each of two matchups with the Rams a year ago.

Dud – Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG):  The good news for fantasy owners is that Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to return after missing Week 3’s action with a neck injury. The bad news is that in his absence Andre Brown shined and now the team is leaning towards playing the “hot hand” moving forward. Bradshaw is a flex play at best until something resolves itself in this situation.

Sleeper – Ben Tate (HOU): Tate is a great insurance policy for owners of Arian Foster, but also has some weeks where he produces even if with Foster in the lineup. This matchup could be one of them.  He ran for 90+ yards in each game vs. Tennessee last season and scored and Foster played in one of those contests. With the Texans likely to build a nice lead, look for Tate to get garbage time numbers.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Demaryius Thomas (DEN): The Raiders’ secondary is a mess right now and after watching Pittsburgh throw all over them a week ago I’m excited about all pieces of the Broncos’ passing attack heading into Week 4. No player has me more excited in the matchup than Thomas. The wideout has reached 90 yards and/or the endzone in 7 of his last 10 games and owners should look for him to hit both of those milestones this week.

Dud – Sidney Rice (SEA): It’s simply too hard to endorse a player that has yet to crack 40 yards in receiving in a game yet this year and the Rams’ much improved secondary has been stingy. Rice needs to be benched in all formats until he proves worthy.

Sleeper – Jerome Simpson (MIN): His snaps could be limited in his debut with the Vikings after serving a three-game suspension, but Simpson is a sneaky play as a flex option for owners that are dealing with injuries and/or byes. He comes with a certain amount of risk, but definitely offers some upside.

TIGHT END
Stud – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): There were few players I pimped out in the preseason more than the Vikings’ young tight end and thus far I’ve not been disappointed. Rudolph has three TD’s over the past two games and the Lions have allowed three touchdowns to TE’s during that same span. Expect the trend to continue on Sunday.

Dud – Jason Witten (DAL): The scoreless streak has now reached nine games with Witten and the Bears have yet to allow a score to the position this season. Throw in the fact that Witten has failed to reach 70 yards receiving in his last five outings and it’s time to bench the veteran.

Sleeper – Brandon Myers (OAK): After shaking off his mild concussion symptoms Myers appears to be a sneaky play this week against a Broncos’ defense that has allowed a TE to score in each week of the young season. Myers has 55+ yards in each game this year and seemingly gets more involved each week.

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