If you drafted Antonio Gates this year, you know exactly what I mean. His stats thru three games have been pathetic- 7 recs, 65 yards, ZERO TD.

Additionally, he’s being outclassed by older, less notable TE’s as the top five in a PPR league will show you;

1) Tony G

2) Vernon Davis

3) Martellus Bennett

4) Heath Miller

5) Jimmy Graham

This week up for Gates and the Chargers, Kansas City.  He has accumulated 16 grabs for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the three games prior against the Chiefs.

It’s now or never, A Gates.

After last season’s 96 rec, 1,681 yard, 16 TD performance, “Megatron” is easily the #1 ranked WR in fantasy football- but who do you draft #2?

Brandon Marshall– Even with five different QB’s during two years in MIA, Marshall averaged 83 rec, 1,100 yards and 5 TD a season. In 07-08 w/Cutler in DEN, averaged 103 rec, 1,295 and 6 TD. How bad have the Bears WR been historically? Check this link and Marshall is easily the best one EVER.

Jordy Nelson– Since the 2010 playoffs, no WR has been more productive than Nelson. After a 15 TD 2011, some owners are scared he can’t match that production. But with Aaron Rodgers t QB, why can’t he?

Larry Fitzgerald– Fitz is arguably the best WR in the NFL- but in fantasy he isn’t thanks to another year of his career foreseeably wasted (or at least compromised) by substandard QB play in the desert.

Wes Welker– There are sexier WR out there, but over the last 5 years no one as consistent. 110 rec, 1,221 yards, 6 TD per season over the last five.

After “Megatron” is gone, who do you take next? I’m going Marshall.

The prevailing fantasy football draft wisdom that your grandpa used since he started playing has been “Get a #1 RB early or you will be screwed, Sonny.” Obviously in 2012, we all know that is no longer the case. But do you know what’s even more balls out? Using your 1st and 2nd round picks on a QB/WR combo from the same team, and hinging your future on the “Double Tud”.

Be a man, Hogan– do it. If you draft at the end of the first round, you have the potential of grabbing Calvin Johnson, then getting Mathew Stafford when the snake draft comes back around your way. Last year you would’ve gotten almost 1,700 yards and 32 TD.

How about Tom Brady and Wes Welker? A meager 1,569 and nine TD.

You don’t have to “do it” in rounds 1 or 2, but the adrenaline rush will certainly be intensified. There are several other latter round combos (B Marshall-J Cutler, S Smith-C Newton, D Jackson/J Maclin-M Vick) as well.

You can always invest in a RBBC later.

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

In two years, Mathews has missed an average of three games per season, which is roughly a quarter of the NFL season. In an average 14 week fantasy season, these missed games are even more significant. Additionally, he’s been a top 10 running back each of the last two years and failed to produce- what is different this year?

Regardless of that, Mathews is being drafted on average as the fourth overall running back selected. By not re-signing Mike Tolbert, it clears the way for Mathews to be a workhorse running back- but, the signings of Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle show you that even the Chargers brain trust isn’t convinced.

So as a fantasy player, why should you be? Especially when you can get MJD, Matt Forte or Steven Jackson instead- proven commodities who are being drafted after him.

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

You’ve got a pick at the end of the first round and want a #1 RB- Michael Turner or Marshawn Lynch?

Lots of talk surrounding Turner and that he may be “done”. There was a lull from week 11 to 15 when he had 1 TD and no game above 76 yards. But from weeks 1-10, and 17, he had 1,060 yards and 10 TD. He just turned 30, but only averaged 57 carries a year his 1st 4 years with the Chargers.

Remember a year ago Lynch was “done” too? The he went out and posted career highs in yards (1,204) and TD (12). Lynch is four years younger w/less wear and tear. But the recent DUI arrest may or may not warrant a suspension; we’ll know in August.

Turner or Lynch?

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com