Pull The Trigger? I won't be FRANK!!!

In fantasy football, it is all about the matchups. I would be a returning champ if I would have noticed that Earnst Graham went against a tough team with the division clinched and Clinton Portis went against a porous defense in week 15 of the 2007 season. That was a big "if" and as a result, I sit here writing as the second place finisher, or as some would say, first loser. Every week, I will analyze the matchups of different players to help you determine who is worth starting and who should join your reserves for an early bye week in fantasy land.

Breakout of the Week

Frank Gore, RB, SF: This is the week Frank Gore has been waiting for. He gets to play at home against the worst run defense in the NFL coming off of a huge division win against Seattle. Detroit has allowed an average of 221 yards per game in the first two weeks of the 2008 season. Gore has yet to reach the 100 yard mark this year, but he has spent some time in the endzone every week. In week three, look for Gore to eclipse the 100 yard mark and spend some more time in the endzone. Martz will want to stick it to his former employer, resulting in a lot of scoring regardless of the deficit. If Frank Gore does not explode in week three, I am trading in my San Fran fan card and selecting a new team.

Quarterbacks

Start Em

Drew Brees, NO: Brees is headed to Denver in week three and hopes for a rebound performance after week two. Denver allowed Phillip Rivers to pass for three touchdown passes and Jamarcus Russell for two. Allowing Russell to throw two touchdowns on you is about as degrading as losing an IQ test to Jessica Simpson. Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and despite missing Colston, should have a huge week against 29th ranked Denver. Matt Cassel, NE: If he is going to prove to fans that he can be the leader in New England, this is the week it will happen. New England faces Miami on Sunday. Miami gave up 140 yards three touchdowns to Anquan Boldin alone in week two. If Boldin can shred the Miami defense, imagine what Moss will do. This type of physical domination should result in Cassel having his his first career day since his sophomore year of high school when he actually played. Jake Delhomme, CAR: Minnesota has been destroyed through the air in 2008. Aaron Rodgers made them look silly and Peyton Manning threw for over 200 yards in the second half. Delhomme will have his favorite target back in week three which will contribute to the increased production by Delhomme. Delhomme struggled last week against Chicago, but so did Manning in the season opener. Look for Delhomme to post decent numbers in week three.

Sit Em

Derek Anderson, CLE: Cleveland is a sloppy mess when it comes to offensive production. This will not change in week three. Baltimore is ranked in the top five in both rush defense and pass defense. Playing in Baltimore is difficult enough, but add the best pass defense in the league and Anderson could be seeing stars by the end of the day. In 2007, Anderson threw for 274 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. Bench Anderson and wait until Cincinnati to activate him. Jason Campbell, WAS: Jason had a coming out party last week, connecting with Santana Moss for a score, capping off a 321 yard performance. This week, Campbell goes against a decent Cardinals defense that has improved over the year. Bench Campbell this week and wait until he can prove he is worthy of a start every week. Marc Bulger, STL: If he is unable to perform this week, he may be done for his career. Bulger has a great running game in Steven Jackson, a solid receiver in Holt, and a serviceable tight end in McMichael. However, his receiving corp lacks depth and this may cause a problem throughout the year. Until Bulger can prove he is back to his 2006 form, he is nothing more than a reserve in fantasy leagues.

Running Backs

Start Em

Michael Turner, ATL: He already proved that he can run the ball against a weak defense. Turner takes on the Kansas City Chiefs at home, a team that has allowed an average of 213 yards a week, qualifying them for second to last place in the league. He should have a field day as long as his ankle holds up. Brandon Jacobs, NY: Jacobs has gone over 90 yards in each of his first two contests. Running against a porous Cincinnati defense, Jacobs should find the endzone for the first time in 2008. In addition to a weak defense, Cincinnati's lack of scoring power will mean a quick lead by the Giants, followed by clock management through the running game. Jacobs will see over 20 carries, which is a good sign when you are averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Julius Jones, SEA: His breakout performance came last week, but don't be surprised if you see a similar type performance in week three. Seattle will entertain Saint Louis, which is a good thing when your opponent gives up an average of 491 total yards and 39.5 points per game. With Maurice Morris out, Jones will have a big week, so he should be a starter in all leagues.

Sit Em

Jamal Lewis, CLE: As an owner of Lewis, it is difficult for me to put him on this list. However, the matchup strength and past performance of the Brown's offense indicates serious trouble in week three. Lewis has yet to gain over 70 yards in a single game and will face the third best run defense in the Baltimore Ravens. He is nursing an ankle injury that caused some problems in week two. Some relief to Lewis owners is that Cincinnati is next in line on the schedule, so give him a break this week and prepare for Cincinnati. Earnst Graham, TB: Turner faces a tough Chicago defense in week three. With the exception of his 68 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter last week, Graham was held to 48 yards on 14 carries. Graham is a solid #1/#2 running back, but if you have better options on your roster in week three, don't hesitate to let them produce. Willie Parker, PIT: Parker is off to a great start in 2008 and there is no denying that. However, he failed to find the endzone last week against the Cleveland Browns and faces the number one rush defense in the league. Pittsburgh will have to win Sunday's game through the air, so Parker's touches may be limited. Parker will continue to succeed throughout the year, but this week will not see the same return as week one and week two.

Wide Receiver

Start Em

Torry Holt, STL: Take back the long touchdown catch in week two and Holt has been terrible in 2008. Going up against the 28th ranked pass defense should cure his delayed start in 2008. This game will be a scoring shootout, and without Bruce to steal the spotlight, Holt should put up some big numbers. Start him in all leagues and enjoy his contributions while the matchups are favorable. Steve Smith, CAR: Unless he headbutts his teammates during pregame, Smith is scheduled to play in week three after serving a two game suspension. Smith is a speedy receiver who works well with Delhomme, so expect the two to start off right where they left off. Minnesota is ranked 24th in pass defense and has allowed over 250 yards passing each week. This should allow Smith to rack up the yards and hopefully find the endzone in week three. Santonio Holmes, PIT: Hines Ward has been the leading receiver for the last two weeks, but this should change in week three. Holmes' speed should allow him to get behind Dawkins and company. Romo was able to torches the Eagles for 311 passing yards and 3 touchdowns on Monday night. Although Fat Burger will not pass for that many yards, he may be able to find the endzone. Eddie Royal, DEN: The first time I saw this kid's name was in the endzone while Marshall was serving his one game suspension. The speculation was that his success would end once Marshall returned, but that doesn't seem to be the case. He caught the game winning touchdown in week two, signifying the amount of confidence Cutler has in him. He will continue to succeed, and if anything, the return of Marshall will help him adjust in the NFL. Starting him against 27th ranked New Orleans is advised in week three.

Sit Em

Braylon Edwards, CLE: Enough is enough when it comes to dropped passes. Edwards has more dropped passes than completed passes this season. Edwards made a bet with Michael Phelps that he would catch two touchdowns for every gold medal Michael won. Too bad the bet wasn't for dropped passes because he would be halfway there. Edwards is still a number one receiver, but going against the number one pass defense in week three will not help his confidence. Wait until he proves he can catch the ball to start him again. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN: In terms of receivers, the AFC north has four of top fifteen receivers in the league. Apparently nobody told them that because all of them have failed to find the endzone. Housh goes against the Giants, ranked sixth against the pass, and Palmer has failed to throw for over 140 yards and has zero touchdowns and three interceptions in the past two weeks. I cannot believe I am saying this but bench Housh until Palmer can find his rhythm. Greg Lewis, PHI: Lewis is one of many targets in Philly but will start to see his opportunities decline with the return of Brown and Curtis. DeSean Jackson will continue to succeed due to his speed and route running ability, so he will likely be the number three once the Eagles are healthy. Pittsburgh is ranked 10th and should prevent McNabb from tossing the ball like Romo in week three. Ike Hillard, TB: With Galloway sidelined due to an ankle injury, Hilliard becomes the number one receiver in Tampa. This will allow Chicago to target Hillard and prevent the only real receiving threat from having a big day. He is nothing more than a reserve receiver and should be treated as such in week three.

Tight End

Start Em

Tony Scheffler, DEN v. NO
Vernon Davis, SF v. DET
John Carlson, SEA v. STL
Heath Miller, PIT v. PHI

Sit Em

LJ Smith, PHI v. PIT
Robert Royal, BUF v. OAK
Bo Scaife, TEN v. HOU
Owen Daniels, HOU v. TEN