Welcome back to What We Learned. Every week we’ll take a look at key information we can garner from how the NFL’s previous weekend has played out. We are not looking for the obvious pieces of info. I’m assuming you all know that Calvin Johnson is really talented. What this column looks at is, week to week, how are coaching strategies, injuries and player performance affecting how we make choices about our fantasy rosters moving forward.

Now, with a quarter of the season behind us,  is when winning fantasy players have to dig deeper, notice more subtleties, find the trends and ignore the flukes. We will start focusing more on schedules for players moving forward, and match-ups to exploit.  So, let’s take at look what we learned and what we think we learned from week three:

Giants/Cardinals

What we learned:  With Eli Manning getting his Mojo back, a now healthy Hakeem Nicks should take off and be the elite WR we anticipated. Looking at his very favorable schedule over the coming weeks, Nicks will be dominant.

What we think we learned: Beanie Wells, fantasy monster? It’s possible. It seems Beanie has been around forever, but he’s only in his third season and physically he’s a load. Mario Manningham has always had a bit of an effort problem. Now those problems have opened up the door for the explosive Victor Cruz to take Manningham’s spot.  This is two strong games in a row for Cruz.  And, while he certainly can make some boneheaded plays, he’s a valuable add to your roster.

Vikings/Chiefs

What we learned: There are teams that are bad and have a plan. Then there are teams like the Vikings. These are dark days in Minnesota.  And, I don’t see much light at the end of the tunnel. Adrian Peterson is fantastic but even his astounding skills can’t get past this team’s stench. I wonder if we are seeing a singular talent wasting his career away, a la Barry Sanders. Dwayne Bowe looks to have found a way to retain value moving forward.

What we think we learned: Answer: Neither Dexter McCluster nor Thomas Jones. Question: Which Chiefs RB do you want on your roster? Ryan Succop, Chiefs MVP? If you’ve got a deep spot open, give Steve Breaston a flyer.  Personally, I’m not buying just yet.

Cowboys/Lions

What we learned: There is a lot to pull from this game. Down 27-3 in the third, the young Lions rallied. The Lions will not be blown out all season. Nate Burleson has been passed by the multiple receiving options on this team. Barring injury, this oft-sleeper is once again asleep.  Laurent Robinson is officially your #3 WR in Dallas. Given the health of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, Robinson will be a useful piece the rest of the way.

What we think we learned: The Brandon Pettigrew v. Tony Scheffler question has been settled.  It’s Pettigrew.  You have to take a leap of faith here, but I like Felix Jones more after seeing him play through his injuries than I did when he was healthy. He ran for tough yards, an ability that has been questioned in him in the past. Given the bye week to heal, he will be strong moving forward.

There was a rookie kicker in the NFC East who had a lot of buzz coming into the season. Turns out it was Dallas’ Dan Bailey that deserved the hype over Philadelphia’s much-heralded Alex Henery.

Redskins/Rams

What we learned: Can Sam Bradford get ANY protection? It doesn’t seem so. His fantasy breakout season will have to wait until next year. As if his line wasn’t a big enough problem, Bradford has also been plagued by his receivers’ inexcusable drops.

This is the last time: Fred Davis, not Chris Cooley.

What we think we learned: Yaaay! Redskins will now go by the popular route of RBBC! Yaaaay! Mike Shanahan does it again! Just kidding. (All together now) Booooooooooooooooooo!

Bills/Bengals

What we learned: No one saw this upset coming. You can go ahead and ignore the Bills offensive dud this week. It was the classic “let-down game”. AJ Green is for real. Like, really real. He is a solid WR3, but could be a sneaky WR2/3 if you are stacked at other positions. If you’re in a dynasty league and rebuilding, I would do whatever I could to get this future stud on my roster. Green’s QB, Andy Dalton, showed a lot of poise for a rookie coming back from what could have been demoralizing mistakes.

What we think we learned: While I gave the offense a pass, I wouldn’t ignore the INTs the Bills defense continues to rack up. 

Titans/Browns

What we learned: Last week I said that Jared Cook was the one to target in the wake of Kenny Britt’s season-ending injury. If he’s still out there, grab Cook. Just don’t count on weekly production.  But, he’ll be one heck of a TE2.  

Matt Hasselbeck is just impressive. If you have a boom/bust QB1, Hasselbeck is the perfect QB2.

What we think we learned: Nice to see you again Chris Johnson! I would still preach some caution, but there aren’t many defenses to scare you left on the Titans schedule.  Peyton Hillis is most effective when being fed the rock consistently. Unfortunately, Montario Hardesty is going to get his touches. The Madden cover boy will be better than he has been so far.  But, he’s not special anymore. Frankly, Hardesty’s receiving abilities give him more upside than the bruising Hillis.  Although Hillis remains the safer play.

Panthers/Bears

What we learned: I’ve come fully around on Cam Newton. He’s a fantasy star and we should have seen it coming. His elite running skills, paired with his size, guarantee fantasy numbers even when having “poor” games. Needing to respect his running, defenses will leave throwing windows open.  With his rocket arm, he can overcompensate for his current weaknesses—which include poor decision-making and average accuracy—by getting the ball to a spot so quickly.  Upon entering the league, many compared Cam Newton to Ben Roethlisberger. It’s not a terrible comparison. But, there is a better previous NFL comp for Newton: Daunte Culpepper. What Culpepper had around him with the Vikings was much better than what Cam is starting with.  But, the Panther’s QB has that kind of potential. For better or worse.

What we think we learned: Has the bar been lowered so far that 10 carries for 82 yards is considered a breakout game for DeAngelo Williams?

Eagles/49ers

What we learned: It’s going to be a coin-flip every week as to whether Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson is the Eagles WR that goes off.

Frank Gore rises from the dead once again. I called it far too early. In my defense, Frank’s cousin Al spread the news all over the inter-web he invented, that Frank was injured. What? They’re not related? Are you sure?

Listen to me very carefully: DO NOT BITE ON ALEX SMITH. FOOL’S GOLD, YOU HEAR ME – FOOL’S. GOLD.

What we think we learned: If you’ve got anyone on your fantasy roster playing against the Eagles you should probably go ahead and start them. Jim Harbaugh is going to do just fine as an NFL coach. The guy is a winner and always has been. His 49ers are learning that faster than expected.

Steelers/Texans

What we learned: Arian Foster is now healthy. Ben Tate is now injured. The Texans O-line is still very good. Sooooooo, yeah. I’m not sure I understand why, but it is clear Antonio Brown has bested Emmanuel Sanders as the #2 WR in Pittsburgh. That said, there is not a whole lot to feel good about with the Steelers. They are banged up on both sides of the ball and I would be very wary of counting on the Black and Yellow’s squad to deliver much. If you jumped off the Texans defense train after the Saints game, you missed out. This is a defense to own and start.

What we think we learned: Andre Johnson’s injury is a big blow to the Texans and to Matt Schaub owners. Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter should see some love, but the big winner is the already hot Owen Daniels.

Saints/Jaguars

What we learned: Stick a fork in Pierre Thomas. I’ll keep the Jimmy Graham streak alive. I’ve been touting him since week one.  At this point, is there a TE to take over him? Antonio Gates is hurt, the New England boys are sharing the spotlight, and Jermichael Finley is inconsistent.  Jason Witten is great, but doesn’t have the explosiveness.  Graham is a Gates/Tony Gonzalez hybrid, in the perfect offense. After Graham and Drew Brees, the next Saint I want in my line-up is Darren Sproles. I think Mark Ingram will start getting Thomas’ touches as the season progresses.  But Sproles has been electric and simply a perfect fit for this offense.

What we think we learned: Maurice Jones-Drew is healthy and running strong, but even Pocket Hercules can’t do it by himself.

Ravens/Jets

What we learned: The Harbaugh boys sure are having a great season. John Harbaugh’s Ravens showed the self-hyped Jets who the best defense in football is right now. In a game where both offenses had what will likely be their worst showing of the year, the Ravens rode their stout D and the fantastic Ray Rice to a statement win, doubling up the Giants’ little brothers.

What we think we learned: We just witnessed Ray Rice’s worst game this season. And it was still really good. Rice or Darren McFadden are your choices for top fantasy RB the rest of the way. The Jets need to find their offensive identity fast. I’m not sure they can, based on their current personnel.

As to be expected, last week’s waiver wire prize, Torrey Smith came back to Earth. For dynasty leagues you are of course keeping him stashed. Even in redraft leagues I would still hold onto him another week. The blazing Smith had his defender beat for a TD and Joe Flacco underthrew him. It’s not like the other Ravens WRs had big days.

Raiders/Patriots

What we learned:  I can’t believe the pace Wes Welker is keeping up. No, really, I can’t. His value has never been higher. I would suggest you go against all your instincts and trade him right NOW.  If you are thin at RB and can flip Welker into something like Greg Jennings & Ryan Matthews (just making that up, you know your team needs, I don’t) I would pull the trigger. Welker is on pace for over 2200 yards and 20 TDs. THAT IS NOT HAPPENING.

Denarius Moore is bursting with talent, and yet he is being terribly under-utilized. I formally demand this change. (shaking my fist at the sky, as the rain falls around me) You hear me Raiders’ coaching staff? I demand it!

What we think we learned: If you can grab Stevan Ridley at a decent price, you should. You can even “overpay” a little for him.  Remember that time, when after years of being terrible, the Raiders all of a sudden had a lot offensive weapons? That’s right you do, because it just happened. While I like Jason Campbell as a match-up play down the stretch, imagine what this offense could do, with say, a Carson Palmer or David Garrard at QB. Just sayin’.

Buccaneers/Colts

What we learned: That’s more like it Josh Freeman. I’ve read some people responding positively to Curtis Painter’s performance. I don’t see it. His accuracy was horrific and his final numbers are completely deceiving. Pierre Garcon made two fantastic plays that created Painter’s stat line. Having Buccaneers players in your line-up is such a tease.  Half their plays get called back for dumb penalties. If you get LeGarrette Blount the blocking he needs, he can be a force. He won’t make you miss, but he’ll run you over if he has a head of steam. The Colts are the perfect match-up for a back like that. I once again stress Blount is a one-trick pony. Do not overpay for him after a big game.

I posted this on twitter on Monday, but it’s worth repeating – John Gruden calls Adrian Clayborn “Lightswitch” because “he goes 0 to 80 in an instant!” #SimileFail. Chucky is quite the wordsmith, is he not? For more insights like this, you can follow me @TheDannyFresh.

What we think we learned: Preston Parker, you have my attention. I know Peyton Manning did much of the offensive play calling, but did he run the defense too? The Colts gave the Freeman and the Buccaneers the check down in the middle of the field all game long.

Chargers/Dolphins

What we learned:  There were folks who thought this would be Phillip Rivers’ MVP season. Without a healthy Antonio Gates, I don’t see it happening. There is fantasy wealth in San Diego.  But, there is a lot of very good, not a lot of great.

What we think we learned: It looked for a little while like there were some fantasy finds on this Dolphins team. Now, after four weeks, Brandon Marshall seems to have settled in at a WR3 and Daniel Thomas will help some fantasy rosters this season. And, that’s about it in Miami. Sad.
 

One shot before I go: Let’s start this rumor right now – Colt’s trade the #1 overall pick in the 2012 draft (Andrew Luck) to the Raiders for Darren McFadden. Who doesn’t make that trade?

I look forward to your comments below and I'll do my best to respond to them all. See you next week!

The views and content in this article are not necessarily the opinion of Fantasy Football Champs, www.FFChamps.com, and its in-house experts.