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​Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season is upon us, and fantasy is getting interesting. LeVeon Bell is still holding out, and Joe Mixon is injured. As the year picks up, it's time to set yourself up not only for success in week 3 but also down the line.  Who am I thinking about this week?  Here are some thoughts.  Good luck, and happy-streaming!--Mike B.
 
Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars. I believe in Bortles more than you do, and he's a better fantasy quarterback than real quarterback.  That being said, he could put together a nice game for the Jaguars against Tennessee after knocking off the Patriots.
 
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders.  Carr is a talented quarterback with a rough start to the season.  He's due to right the ship soon, and this could be the week.  If you're in need of a streaming option, he's a possibility.
 
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  This guy is having a brilliant start to the season, and ride that wave while he's still hot and Winston is still out of the game.  He's worth rostering in all leagues and starting in many.  Against a Steelers team with many issues in the locker room he could have a really nice week.
 
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Chicago Bears.  Want to throw a complete dart this week?  Give Trubisky a chance against the Cardinals. Arizona is a team in turmoil, and this could be a nice week for Trubisky to have a breakout game. He's worth a flier.
 
LeVeon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell should be owned in all formats, but someone might have been frustrated enough to cut him, or to move him cheaply. Go get him now and hold onto him for the playoff push.  He'll be playing from week 11 onward at the very least. Let him take up one of your bench spots until then!
 
Giovanni Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals.  With Joe Mixon out with injury,  Bernard is the next guy up in the Bengals offense. Also take a long, hard look at Mark Walton if you want a flier in a deep league.
 
Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers. Breida is one of the leading running backs in the NFL right now, and should be owned in your league.  If you're dealing with injury or need a flex play, go get Breida.
 
Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions.  The Lions need to perform on offense somehow, and Riddick is a key cog in this offensive unit.  He's way move valuable in PPR leagues than in standard ones but he's well-worth a long, hard look.
 
Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers. I've liked Allison since his performance in the Senior Bowl.  Now he's looking like a legitimate NFL receiver.  Well worth rostering at this point in the season.
 
John Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens.  Brown has had a slow-ish start to the season but this kid is extremely talented.  If you need depth at the position, give him a long, hard look.
 
Antonio Callaway, WR, Cleveland Browns. With Josh Gordon gone in Cleveland, someone has to take over his role in the passing game. Could Callaway be that guy?  It's worth keeping him on your roster until we find out!
 
Keelan Cole, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars.  Cole has the upside to have a huge season in Jacksonville.  Get him on your roster now, while you still can.
 
Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Buccaneers offense is hot, and Godwin is talented.  He should have a spot on your roster moving forward.
 
DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers.  Moore is due for a breakout game sooner or later.  He might be the best receiver in this draft class and he's finding his footing in the NFL. I think he's worth a roster spot and might even be worth a gamble this week against the Bengals, one of the better defenses in the NFL.
 
Will Dissly, TE, Seattle Seahawks.  Dissly has put together a phenomenal start to the 2018 season.  While he may not continue to produce top tier numbers throughout the season, he's currently one of the top performers in fantasy.  If you're desperate, start him.
 
Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons.  I believe in Austin Hooper, and he's due for a big game for the Falcons.  This is a gut feeling type of call, but he's worth a look if you're week at the position.
 
Ben Watson, TE,  New Orleans Saints. Watson is 37 years old but he's having a  pretty nice start to the year.  If you need a flier at the position, give Watson a look.
 
Cleveland Browns D/ST. The Browns have one of the best young defenses in the NFL, and against a rookie quarterback, this unit is going to feast on Thursday night.  If possible, get them into your lineup.
 
New England Patriots D/ST. Nobody uses information better than Bill Belichick, and after working with Matt Patricia as an assistant, he should be able to put together a gameplan to dominate the Lions. Good starting option for week 3.

Week 2 of the 2018 NFL season is upon  us.   Last week, I rode the Ravens defense and James Conner to fantasy glory while holding Nathan Peterman on my bench in the hopes of trade bait and a good first game.  Peterman didn't give me that game, but luckily he was just a bench guy.  There are some fascinating story lines heading into week two, and some key opportunities to help your rosters.  Who do I like this week?  Here are some ideas.  Good luck, and happy streaming!--Mike B.
 
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills. Allen's not a guy I'd trust to carry my fantasy team yet, but if I can snag him now and flip him after a big couple of games, then he's worth it.  I wouldn't start him against the Chargers, but he might just be worth a roster spot if he can put up Tyrod Taylor-caliber numbers in Buffalo.
 
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I don't believe that Fitzpatrick is a  viable fantasy option on a weekly basis.  I do, however, believe that a team with a bad quarterback situation might pay for Fitzpatrick if you can get him on waivers.  Get him, hold him, and if he has a big second week, trade him immediately for anything you can get.  He's worth a flip at least.
 
Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens. I don't trust Flacco most weeks, and most weeks I wouldn't start him against the Bengals.  However, the Bengals historically struggle in prime time games, and Flacco could be a sneaky streamer start this week at Cincinnati.
 
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland Browns.  Taylor almost beat the Steelers in week one, and will  enter week two as the starting quarterback for the franchise. At the Saints, I expect the Browns to be playing from behind, which means that Taylor will see a large amount of passing attempts.  He could be in for a good game.
 
Alex Collins, RB, Baltimore Ravens.  With Dixon going down with injury, and with Cincinnati's prime time struggles, this might be the best week to start Collins.  He could be a matchup-winner this week.
 
Carlos Hyde, RB, Cleveland Browns.  Hyde had a nice week one for the Browns and should continue to take up a significant amount of touches for the Browns.  He's a hold, and worth rostering.
 
Dion Lewis, RB, Tennessee Titans.  Lewis is almost a must start for the Titans; I expect him to have another big week in the Titans passing game. If you're semi-weak at RB, plug him in as a RB3 or flex play.
 
Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots.  Try to trade for Michel if you have a guy who overperformed in week 1; if you can get someone to sell on him easily, he's worth the move.  He's a player that might be a league winner near the end of the season.
 
Adrian Peterson, RB, Washington Redskins.  I don't trust older running backs, but Peterson's week one performance bears noticing.  He had a great week one and if this continues, he could be a useful fantasy asset, and needs to be rostered. Against the Colts, he's worth starting.
 
TJ Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars. With Fournette banged up, Yeldon is a guy that needs to be on your radar.  If he starts this week, then he needs to be in your lineup.  The guy has talent and could help you win in week two.
 
Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles. Agholor might have a really big game for the Eagles against a Tampa Bay team with a weakened secondary. He might just be a good third WR option, but one that will put up decent points for your team this week.
 
Dez Bryant, FA WR. Dez is still lurking, and was seen at a concert with Jerry Jones.  This could bode well for a potential return to Dallas.  If you can go get him, get him now and keep him on your bench.
 
Quincy Enumwa, WR, New York Jets. Enumwa might have one of the best signatures in today's NFL, and he's also in line to make a run at the NFL comeback player of the year award.  He showed a good rapport with Sam Darnold in week one and should be rostered, especially in PPR leagues.
 
Devin Funchess/DJ Moore, WRs, Carolina Panthers.  With Greg Olsen dealing with injury and with the Falcons weaknesses in their secondary, Funchess and Moore have the potential for big weeks.  Snag and start one if available. 
 
Kenny Stills, WR, Miami Dolphins. I'm a huge Stills fan, and he is always undervalued.  He had a huge week one and could build off of that start throughout the season.  If nothing else, he could be a solid flex play throughout your fantasy season.  Needs to be rostered in all formats.
 
Jared Cook, TE, Oakland Raiders. Cook is a potential long-term starter for your fantasy team at tight end.  If he's available it's time to add him to your roster.  Go get him now.
 
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers.  I will never get the lack of love for Kittle.  He needs to be rostered in all leagues, and if you have an option to add him to your team, take it and run.  This kid is good.
 
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns.  If Njoku is unowned in your league, go get him.  You'll thank me later. Let's get this straight now, Njoku has the talent to be a  viable fantasy weapon in all formats.
 
Baltimore Ravens D/ST. The Ravens are facing a good offense against Cincinnati, but they face them in prime time.  This could be a huge week for this unit.
 
Chicago Bears D/ST.  The Bears are who I think they are, and that's a team with a pretty good defense.  Against the Seahawks, they could be in for a sneaky-good game.  I'm starting them if I can get them, especially with Khalil Mack.
 
LA Chargers D/ST.  I always trust the Chargers defense, but against a rookie quarterback making his first career start in the NFL, I especially trust this unit. Well worth a start this week.
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The 2018 season is upon us, and with the advent of a new season comes a new year of fantasy football.  I got behind on this column last season but am starting fresh in 2018, with a weekly continuation of it.  Week 1 will be a fun ride, as players and roles are still in flux.  Who am I starting or stashing?  Here are some thoughts.  Good luck, and happy streaming! Mike B.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals.  Do you trust the Colts defense? The Colts don't even trust the Colts defense. If ever there was a chance to start Andy Dalton, now is your chance against the Colts.  

Jared Goff, QB, LA Rams.  This week Goff plays the Raiders without Khalil Mack.  That makes for an easy day for Goff, who had a solid season last year as well.  Goff is a guy who is a huge sleeper this season and could be in for an outstanding year.  Worth snagging in all formats.

Chad Kelly, QB, Denver Broncos.  Kelly is the quintessential long-game snag.  He won't start week 1 and may not start for a good portion of the season.  However, if Case Keenum struggles,  Kelly has the talent to come in and make some noise as a starter.  I'm a big fan and am stashing him in leagues where I have an extra roster spot, just in case.

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants. Eli is back for another season, and has his receivers healthy.  He also has a new running back in Saquon Barkley.  People are sleeping on Eli right now because of and up and down 2017 season, but he could have a huge year this year.  Worth a grab if he's available.

Nathan Peterman, QB, Buffalo Bills. DO NOT start Peterman this week unless you are ok with possibly losing week one.  However, as the new starter for the Buffalo Bills, he is an intriguing grab-and-stash.  If he plays well, he should keep the starting role for a while, and with a big game or two, he might be useful trade bait.

Mitch Trubisky, QB, Chicago Bears.  Trubisky is a guy to snag now who might pay major long-term dividends.  He could absolutely be in line for a big 2018 season with improved weapons all around him.  Go get him if you need help at the position and he's sitting there.

Giovanni Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals. While Joe Mixon gets most of the attention in the Cincinnati backfield, Bernard will get a decent sized share of carries on a weekly basis.  If you need a flex guy, he could be your man.

Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers.  The 49ers need a starting RB.  This starting RB might be Breida.  He's not a guarantee to win your league for you, but is definitely a guy who could play a key role and put up nice numbers for your team.  Well worth a grab.  I'm holding him wherever possible.

Alex Collins, RB, Baltimore Ravens.  The Bills have been bad against the run recently, and the Ravens will be looking to control the game in the second half if Peterman struggles and generates turnovers.  That means garbage time yards for the Ravens RBs.  Collins is a guy to roll with this week.

Corey Clement, RB, Philadelphia Eagles.  Clement is in line for a big role in the Eagles offense, even if Ajayi stays healthy all season.  If he's available, add him now.

James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers.  Le'Veon Bell is holding out and James Conner looks like the second coming of Jerome Bettis if you look at a picture of him.  Plus, he beat cancer and is the token starter at running back for the Steelers until Bell returns.  He needs to be owned in all formats if Bell does not play, and he needs to be owned now.  If Bell is out for a while, this move could be a league winner.

Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals.  Don't start Edmonds yet, he still needs to show that he will receive regular touches in Arizona.  However, the upside is there for him to play a Danny Woodhead or Tarik Cohen-type of role in Arizona.  In fact, I compared him to Woodhead a year before he was drafted.  He could carve out a nice niche in the Arizona backfield.

Jordan Wilkins, RB, Indianapolis Colts.  Wilkins is the quintessential sleeper, and could see a ton of carries early in the season with Marlon Mack dealing with injury issues.  If you need someone to start early, he's worth a roll of the dice.

Dez Bryant, WR, Free Agent All-Star.  Sooner or later, Bryant should sign with a team.  When he does, people will be scrambling for him.  Stash him on your roster and buy in on the hype when he signs.  He's a guy to hold and flip. 

Michael Gallup/Allen Hurns, WRs, Dallas Cowboys.  Who is the #1 WR in Dallas?  One of these guys! Gallup is likely the guy, but both are worth rostering if you're weak at the position.

Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Godwin is the #2 option in Tampa and should make a lot of noise once Winston returns.  This is a bit of a long-term play, but he could be useful for your team.

Marquise Goodwin, WR, San Francisco 49ers.  I don't trust any 49ers WRs right now.   However, I trust Goodwin more than most of them.  He could be in line for a really big year, and if that happens, you'll want to buy in early.  Now is the time to get him while you still have a chance.

Devin Funchess, WR, Carolina Panthers.  The Panthers just drafted DJ Moore, and people are sleeping on Funchess.  However, rookie receivers take a few weeks to adjust to life in the NFL.  Funchess could have a few really big weeks to start out the season.  Now's the time to snag him and flip him after a big game or two.

Kenny Stills, WR, Miami Dolphins.  The Dolphins need to replace the touches lost to Jarvis Landry.  Stills has proven to be a vital part of the Dolphins offense and is still largely forgotten about.  Could be a nice volume play.

John Ross, WR, Cincinnati Bengals.  Ross is un-owned in many formats.  However, he was also a high profile draft pick for the Bengals who missed his first season due to injury.  Ross is a lottery pick-type of play, but he could be a big play threat if he stays healthy.  Worth that last spot on your roster.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals.  As long as Eifert is healthy he is a threat to put up big numbers at the TE position.  People are sleeping on him right now because of his extensive injury history, but he's a guy to take a gamble on as long as he is healthy.

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers.  George Kittle needs to be owned in all formats.   Period.

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns.  Njoku gets no credit because he is a Brown, but he had a solid rookie campaign and will only improve from there.  He's a guy who you can plug in at the position especially as a TE 2.  Well worth holding.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars.  Jenkins might just be the #2 receiving option in Jacksonville this season.  Not bad for a guy you can get for free right now.  Has the talent to play a nice role at a perfect price.

Baltimore Ravens D/ST.  Last time Nathan Peterman started an NFL game, it wasn't pretty.  If you want to bank on past performance in an extremely limited sample size, then the Ravens D/ST might be your best play this week.  Well worth  starting this week.

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST.  People forget how decent the core of this unit is, and against the Luck-less Colts, this unit should put up some nice numbers this week.  Worth a start.