The Week 3 NFL season schedule is upon us and for fantasy football players, it is once again time to go for the gold. Already we have seen many surprise players step up and prove that on any given Sunday any one of these top-notch players can shine! Admit it, not many of us had Denver Broncos running back CJ Anderson on our NFL fantasy draft board - or Kansas City's Kareem Hunt for that matter!

Early surprises Anderson, Hunt should stay hot

CJ Anderson is off to the greatest start of his young career, however, this Week his success against the Buffalo Bills may be a bit limited.

The Bills head into Week 3 with the No. 4 overall defense in the NFL and usually play well at home. The only question for Buffalo is can they generate enough offense against the stout Denver defense long enough to give the Bills defense a rest? The Bills rank No. 22 in total offense after two weeks of play, while the Broncos are currently ranked No. 11. This game looks to be a clash of great defenses, but after a blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Broncos should handle their business against the Bills this Sunday - and Anderson should put up decent numbers.

As for the rushing leader in the NFL, Kareem Hunt should hit pay dirt a time or two this weekend against the LA Chargers. Hunt has been the biggest surprise so far this season.

Amazingly, the third-round pick out of Toledo has looked like a seasoned veteran in his first two contests as a pro. Hunt should have another big game this week against the LA Chargers. The Chargers have stumbled out of the gate, they are playing in a 30,000 seat stadium (which they can't sell out) and head into this game giving up almost 130 yards per contest on the ground. Hunt should have a big day.

Stafford, Cutler big games ahead?

Matt Stafford is quietly having a good season. Two games in and the Detroit Lions are 2-0, he has completed 71% of his passes and owns a 114.6 QB rating - which ranks him in the top ten. This week the Lions host the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field in Detroit. The Falcons defense is in the lower third of the standings and is coming off a game in which they gave up nearly 400 yards passing to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Stafford shines at home and the Lions seem to have a bit of mojo going right now. He is definitely a play this week.

The same can be said about Jay Cutler. Yes, I said Jay Cutler. The Miami Dolphins are preparing to play arguably the worst team in the NFL this week when they face the New York Jets. Cutler is the 30th ranked QB in the league right now, however, he should be able to turn the clock back this weekend against a Jets team that ranks near the bottom of every category in the league.

Week 3 starters

Fantasy football is great! Just the fact that you can build your own team and compete with friends or join a league online makes every week interesting - even if your hometown team isn't doing well.

Below is a look at my recommended starters for Week 3. Good luck to all players!

Quarterback

  • Matt Stafford (DET)
  • Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay)
  • Joe Flacco (BAL)

Running backs

  • Kareem Hunt (KC)
  • Ameer Abdullah (DET)
  • Isaiah Crowell (CLE)

Wideouts - Tight Ends

  • Eric Ebron (DET)
  • Golden Tate (DET)
  • Julio Jones (ATL)
  • Benjamin Watson (BALT)
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