Week 3: Box Score Bandit

Upsets ruled Week 2 as the league got turned upside down, but most fantasy studs held up their end of the bargain. The league's best receivers put up monster numbers, headlined by Steve Smith's highlight reel catch-and-run and Chad Johnson's dawg pound drenching.

Big games by Carson Palmer (401 yards) and Marc Bulger (368 yards) also fueled fantasy owners. However, all four studs suffered losses, which just goes to show you that the most important stat is what's on the scoreboard. And as for the slow starts to the season from the consensus #1-2 picks in LaDainian Tomlinson and Steven Jackson, well there's no need to jump - yet.

Don’t have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style. Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries from the week that was.

Browns Explode to Outscore Bengals, 51-45
Fantasy Stud: QB-Carson Palmer (CIN) did his part in this one. The stud threw for 401 yards and a whopping 6 TDs in the loss.
Bench Play: The Cincinnati D/ST continues to be the team's achilles' heel. The unit allowed over 500 total yards of offense to a shaky Browns team and failed to build on their strong Monday Night showing last week.
Sleeper: WR-Braylon Edwards (CLE) flashed his potential to be one of the game's best. He hauled in 8 passes for 146 yards with 2 TDs.

Lions Need Extra Times to Beat Vikings, 20-17 OT
Fantasy Stud: WR-Roy Williams (DET) is cementing himself as a top-shelf fantasy option. He ripped down 7 balls for 111 yards and had a great TD catch.
Bench Play: RB-Tatum Bell (DET) isn't taking advantage of his playing time. His 39 total yards was weak and with the return of Kevin Jones looming, Bell's fantasy value is minimal.
Sleeper: RB-Adrian Peterson (MIN) carried the offense with 118 total yards and led the team with 4 receptions. The rookie has become one of the best sleeper picks so for this young season.

Indianapolis Hangs on, Beats Tennessee, 22-20
Fantasy Stud: QB-Peyton Manning (IND) has had better games, but he still threw for 312 yards and 1 TD against a pesky division rival on the road.
Bench Play: QB-Vince Young (IND) is a mirror image of Michael Vick. His poor passing numbers (184 yards, 1 TD) aren't cutting it as a #1 QB even though he did add 53 yards rushing.
Sleeper: TE-Dallas Clark (IND) is off to a fantastic start to the season as he's finally giving owners what they're looking for in him. His 7 receptions, 69 yards, and 1 TD led all receivers.

Broncos Survive Scare, Defeat Oakland, 23-20 OT
Fantasy Stud: RB-LaMont Jordan (OAK) had another strong performance this week as he rushed for 159 yards against a good Denver defense.
Bench Play: WR-Ronald Curry (OAK) failed to repeat last week's huge outing. All he could muster was 2 receptions for 12 yards.
Sleeper: WR-Brandon Marshall (DEN) is developing into a very effective player in this offense. He took in 5 receptions for 82 yards and nearly scored again.

Arizona Boots in Last Seconds Seattle, 23-20
Fantasy Stud: RB-Edgerrin James (ARI) is enjoying a much better season in the Card's revamped rushing offense. He gained 150 total yards and scored 1 TD.
Bench Play: The Seattle D/ST still has a lot to prove. They failed to collect a sack and allowed over 400 yards of total offense.
Sleeper: WR-Deion Branch (SEA) showed why he can put up career numbers this season and be a legit #2 WR for owners. After being shutout last week, he bounced back to haul in 7 passes for 122 yards.

Browns Explode to Outscore Bengals, 51-45
Fantasy Stud: QB-Carson Palmer (CIN) did his part in this one. The stud threw for 401 yards and a whopping 6 TDs in the loss.
Bench Play: The Cincinnati D/ST continues to be the team's achilles' heel. The unit allowed over 500 total yards of offense to a shaky Browns team and failed to build on their strong Monday Night showing last week.
Sleeper: WR-Braylon Edwards (CLE) flashed his potential to be one of the game's best. He hauled in 8 passes for 146 yards with 2 TDs.