Fantasy: No. 3 receivers worth more than some No. 2s

By Kyle Chrise  |   Tuesday, August 26, 2008  |  Comments( 9 )

Fantasy Football
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Here's a universal given in fantasy football: You can't score points if your player isn't on the field. Using that wisdom, it usually makes poor sense to add a team's No. 3 receiver to your fantasy squad.

However, these No. 3s could fill your fantasy needs when injuries and bye weeks come calling.

Anthony Gonzalez - Indianapolis Colts

Gonzalez is the most valuable third receiver in fantasy football. He only caught 37 passes as a rookie last season, but his performance while Marvin Harrison was hurt showed he has potential for miles. If Harrison is healthy this season, Gonzalez has the speed to be very good in the slot. If Harrison isn't 100 percent, Gonzalez becomes the Colts' No. 2 WR.

Jabar Gaffney - New England Patriots

Even though now-Cleveland Brown Donte' Stallworth was Tom Brady's No. 3 last year, Gaffney still made seven starts. It's Gaffney's third year with the team, and he already has the versatility to play any of the Patriots' receiver spots. Defenses will be glued to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, which means Gaffney has an excellent chance to have his second straight career year in touchdown receptions.

Chris Henry - Cincinnati Bengals

The receiver Marvin Lewis happily showed the door is back with the Bengals at a time when his on-field skills may be desperately needed. Henry has good ability and is a threat (even if both Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh were completely healthy). They're not, and although Henry won't be able to play until at least Week 5 because of a suspension, don't be surprised if he's fantasy football's most added player in Week 6.

Arnaz Battle - San Francisco 49ers

Battle is the Rip Van Winkle of sleeper picks. The quarterback situation in the Bay is about as stable as the region's fault lines, so there's no guarantee that any 49er receiver will be a fantasy success story, let alone their No. 3. However, Battle led the team last season in receptions and yards, and new offensive coordinator Mike Martz loves to air it out. If things line up just right, Battle could be to the Niners what Mike Furrey was to the Martz-coordinated Lions in 2006.

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About Kyle Chrise

Like a modern-day Moses, Kyle was found drifting down the Monongahela River, wrapped in a Terrible Towel, next to what was then Three Rivers Stadium. Found and raised by the stadium's grounds crew, Chrise lived and breathed Steelers football. As a youngster, he earned the trust of new head coach ...
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