NFL Week 3 preview

Story Lines

1. Are the Patriots in trouble? » All dynasties fall at some point in time, it’s the natural order of things. Has that time come for New England (1-1)? That’s a tough call to make right now, but it will develop quickly. Foxborough will be the nesting place for the high-flying Falcons (2-0) and Ravens (2-0) over the next two weeks. New England isn’t an easy place to play, but these two contests will be over by early October and the weather won’t be a factor for these two southern teams. On the season, the Patriots have been outscored by six points. Yes, we know Wes Welker missed the loss to the Jets. However, only winning by one at home in the season opener against Buffalo isn’t giving us confidence in the Pats just yet.

2. Can Kolb stop Vick? » Yes, Kevin Kolb racked up a fantasy football player’s dream of 391 passing yards when he replaced Donovan McNabb as the Eagles’ starting quarterback last week. But that won’t matter to Andy Reid, who will find it far more difficult to ignore Kolb’s three interceptions, especially with Michael Vick looking over his shoulder. Vick may not have played an NFL game since 2006, but he still has more potential than rust. If Kolb can’t find his own receivers’ hands, the rehabilitated Vick show will officially be off the leash.

3. Done early in 2009? » Parity scheduling makes the path of playoff teams more difficult the following year. Just ask Tennessee, Carolina, and Miami. All three are winless and enter Week 3 with difficult road games. While Tennessee travels to the New York Jets (2-0), Miami goes to San Diego (1-1). On Monday night, Carolina is at Dallas (1-1). Miami’s fall is not a surprise. In going 11-6 last year, the Dolphins out-scored opponents by just 10 points. The struggles of the Titans and the Panthers, however, were less anticipated. Both thrived last year with line play and strong rushing attacks. This year, neither team has been as stout on the line and veteran quarterbacks, Kerry Collins and Jake Delhomme, have not played well. Who can keep hope alive this week?

Upset Special

Bills over Saints

Nobody has been better through the first two weeks of the NFL season than Saints quarterback Drew Brees. It’s just hard to believe New Orleans is going to be this dominant all season after scoring 93 points in two games. Brees has been awesome and the defense looks better under former Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But if you’re going to stub you’re toe, losing a non-conference game on the road is about as good a place as any. The Bills should have beaten the Patriots on the road. They took care of business at home against Tampa Bay. And with quarterback Trent Edwards taking more chances down the field than he did in 2008, Buffalo will outlast the Saints in a shootout.

Fantasy Watch

Five to Start

1. QB Jason Campbell » The easiest way to silence the critics? Play the Lions. Detroit has allowed 8 TD passes this season.

2. RB Felix Jones » The explosive back will have an increase in touches with the quad injury to Marion Barber.

3. RB Tim Hightower » He has become an asset in the passing game and has carried the load with Beanie Wells’ fumble problems.

4. WR Mario Manningham » The top fantasy wide receiver (take a second to digest that) has become Eli’s favorite target.

5. WR Greg Jennings » He had no catches last week for the first time in his four-year career. Don’t expect the same against the Rams.

Five to Sit

1. QB Byron Leftwich » He’s been one of the top fantasy quarterbacks so far, but not this week against the Giants’ front four.

2. RB Thomas Jones » Losing carries to Leon Washington may mean the starting job in the Jets’ backfield is up in the air.

3. RB Reggie Bush » He’s no longer a focal point in an offense that has a loaded backfield and weapons at receiver and tight end.

4. WR Braylon Edwards » The Browns’ offense has struggled; a trip to Baltimore won’t help get it back on track.

5. WR Chad Ochocinco » Don’t worry about choreographing a dance, Chad has only three TDs in 15 career games against the Steelers.

Game to Watch

Colts at Cardinals, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Think there will be a lot of passes in this game? Neither defense is all that impressive, so look for both quarterbacks — Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning and Arizona’s Kurt Warner — to be aggressive in this Sunday night game. Both are coming off impressive outings: Warner misfired on just two passes last week and Manning somehow led the Colts to 27 points despite having the ball for less than 15 minutes. He kept exploiting man coverage with his tight end Dallas Clark (183 yards). Both offenses have multiple weapons. The Colts’ defense struggles against the run, so that can be exploited. But as Miami found out last week, you can’t settle for field goals.

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