Fantasy Football 2015: Start Em, Sit Em for Week 3

Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs with the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Start Em #1

Jonathan Stewart has had a pretty slow start to the season in his first season as the Carolina Panthers main and featured back. He has had two pretty decent matchups in the first two weeks of the season and has yet to have a good game yet.

Through two weeks, he is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry on 35 carries, a mark that puts him among the bottom of the league amongst NFL starting running backs.

So why should you start him in Week 3?

The reason starts with his matchup. Yes, he has already played against and struggled against one of the leagues worst defenses in the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Saints provide another relatively soft running defense that is currently ranked 23 in the NFL in most fantasy points allowed to running backs.

Stewart has been battling a knee injury all week and his missed practice for most of it. This could factor into his play, but if he can put it behind him, I see him having a chance to break the century mark for the first time in 2015.

The Panthers will likely try to get the running game going early and often in an attempt to keep the Saints quarterback Drew Brees off of the field as much as possible.

I would consider Stewart an okay #2 running back play, and a solid fantasy start as well.

Next: Slow Start, But Bright Future