Week 3: PPR Watch
TE Dennis Pitta, BAL
Sleeper - I'm not sure if it's fair to call Pitta a sleeper anymore, but he's definitely not a household name. Go get him. After two weeks, Pitta has had more targets than any TE in the NFL. More than Jimmy Graham, more than Rob Gronkowski. I'm not thrilled with the conversion rate, just 13 catches on 24 looks, but he's scored and seems to be about the most consistent thing you can find at the position for cheap. A lot of owners are already struggling at tight end with Gates and Hernandez injured, and Gresham and Cook not producing. As discussed regarding Torrey Smith, the matchup this week against New England isn't perfect, but assuming he gets the same amount of opportunity, he's a very reasonable TE1. Get him on your squad.
WR Brian Hartline, MIA
Sleeper - For the past few years, it's been Miami's Davonne Bess playing the role of sleeper PPR leagues, but suddenly now it's Brian Hartline with the stat line to pay attention to. Ninth in total targets among wide receivers after 2 weeks? I bet none of us saw that coming. Hartline had only 3 catches on 8 looks in week 1, but did much better against the Raiders, hauling in 9 of 12 for 111 yards. This is a deep league pickup only, and Hartline is definitely not startable against the Jets in week 3. However, as the bye weeks approach, Brian Hartline could be a solid matchup play that could provide consistent production at flex.
WR Jerome Simpson, MIN
Sleeper - Sometimes it's a good idea to jump on a guy a week early. Next week, Simpson's going to be the darling of sleeper columns as he prepares to return from suspension. Why wait until you have to use a waiver pickup to get him? Simpson's a free agent in most leagues, and if you need help at wide receiver he's very much worth a speculative add. Anyone who witnessed his heroic flip into the endzone last year knows he's an athlete. With second round pedigree and coming off a 50 catch season, Simpson has a good chance of making an impact with the Vikings, who are desperately in need of another option in the passing game. Grab him now, stick him on the bench, and see what happens. I see a serviceable bye week flex starter here.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
