Quarterback

Derek Carr, Raiders

It’s been quite awhile since Oakland Raiders fans have had something to get truly excited about, but the tides are changing in Oaktown. Three weeks into the season, Derek Carr owns a 102.4 passer rating, a 63.3 percent completion percentage with five touchdowns and just one interception. With a big time weapon in Amari Cooper, Carr now has a clear favorite target and it shows. Cooper already looks like a seasoned veteran and the better he plays, the more Carr’s stock rises.

With all of the ridiculous underperforming and unfortunate injuries at the quarterback position this year, Carr has finally made his way into national discussion. He is a true QB2 at this point and if this type of production continues throughout the season, we could be talking about him as a top-10 quarterback headed into 2016. Oakland is an improved team and Carr is at the forefront of their early season success. It’s time to give him his due.

Verdict: BUY. There is a ton of upside in Carr and he has shown the ability to have big games. He will be a fine backup going forward and should be rostered in all 2-QB leagues.

Matthew Stafford, Lions

If things are looking up for the Raiders, the exact opposite circumstances are unfolding in the Motor City. The Lions are 0-3 and haven’t looked all that hungry. It’s no secret that Stafford has long been an overrated fantasy quarterback due in part to Calvin Johnson. Through three games, Megatron has 20 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown, but he is yet to have that monster game we’ve become accustom to. Take away Johnson though, and Stafford would likely be irrelevant.

Part of the issues plaguing the Lions—and Stafford—is the inability of the team to establish a running game. Detroit is dead last in the league with just 51 rushing attempts for 135 yards; that is a 2.6 YPC average. Talk about pathetic. Unless things change immediately, the Lions could be out of playoff contention by the middle of October. Sure Stafford is going to chuck the ball around, but he will throw plenty of interceptions in the process. If you can unload Stafford now, great; just do yourself a favor and be sure not to draft him next season.

Verdict: SELL. Give me the aforementioned Derek Carr going forward. Stafford is extremely overrated.

Running Back

Devonta Freeman, Falcons

Sometimes in life, all you need is a chance. In his first career NFL start, Devonta Freeman rushed for 141 yards and found paydirt three times—a very impressive feat to say the least. While that start was impressive and could be a sign of things to come, I can’t say that I do not have my reservations. Prior to Tevin Coleman’s rib injury, the rookie saw 29 carries as opposed to Freeman’s 22. Now, that isn’t a huge differential, but it does make me worry that Freeman will be splitting carries once Coleman returns.

It is no secret that Atlanta has very little depth behind their two young workhorses. If either Coleman or Freeman went down with a season ending injury, the other’s stock would skyrocket. The problem for owners of Freeman is that you can’t predict the future. If someone has interest in the second-year back, it is time to listen intently. Moving Freeman for an underperforming stud running back is quite advisable after his breakout performance in Week 3.

Verdict: SELL. Freeman has talent, but this is a situation where you’d want to be buying low on an injured running back (Arian Foster) or and underperformer (DeMarco Murray or Jeremy Hill).

Arian Foster, Texans

I recommended Arian Foster a few weeks back and now I am going to reiterate my stance. When healthy, Arian Foster is one of the best running backs in the league. After sitting out for roughly two months with a groin injury, Foster could suit up this weekend against the Falcons. Houston is a decent team, but the addition of Foster could put them in a position to chase the AFC South crown. This is it, though. You will never find Foster at a cheaper price than he is today.

Verdict: BUY. This would likely be a package deal involving a decent RB2 and a sell-high wide receiver. Foster will be the focal point of the Texans’ offense upon his return and is a must start as soon as he takes the field.

Wide Receiver

Mike Evans, Buccaneers

As a late-second or early-third round pick headed into the season, Mike Evans has been somewhat disappoint so far. He sat out Week 1 with a hamstring injury and played just 40 snaps while being targeted three measly times during a Week 2 win over New Orleans. Finally, he got back on track during Week 3 and hauled in seven passes for 101 yards.  Evans played just 49 snaps, but he was targeted a whopping 17 times and it’s worth noting that he dropped four passes. I feel confident in declaring that the worst is behind him and the time to make Evans a member of your fantasy squad is right now.

Verdict: BUY. He’s the best receiver in Tampa and his stock is going to be on the upswing. I can’t stress enough how great he will be the rest of the year.

Rishard Matthews, Dolphins

With 262 yards and three touchdowns through three games, Rishard Matthews can safely be classified as a guy that “came out of nowhere.” He played in 14 games for the Dolphins last season and totaled just 135 yards and has been a role-player throughout the first three years of his career. While his start to the 2015 season is impressive, it really isn’t sustainable. Jarvis Landry is Miami’s clear WR1 and the team has strong visions of getting Davante Parker more involved in the offense. If and when that happens, Matthews will likely be the third option for the Dolphins, thus driving down his fantasy value.

Verdict: SELL. Matthews has been in the league for four years and has toiled in mediocrity throughout. A couple of big games is a great reason to sell him at his highest value.

Tight End

Jimmy Graham, Seahawks

When news broke during the offseason that Jimmy Graham was traded to Seattle, the fantasy world salivated in anticipation to the numbers the tight end could put up with Russell Wilson. Through three games, Graham has done OK, but for a late-second round pick, fantasy owners want more. Graham’s 7/83/1 line against the Bears is nice, but the fact that he was targeted just two times during Seattle’s Week 2 game against Green Bay is troubling. If the first three weeks are a sneak preview, Graham’s season has inconsistency written all over it.

Verdict: SELL. Use Graham’s name value to fetch a wide receiver or running back. Arian Foster would be a great player to receive in return.