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USA TODAY Sports "Lorenzo Reyes explains how the Patriots trade for Josh Gordon has the potential to be a massive success with just a slight risk.
USA TODAY Sports

At the beginning of the season, fantasy owners who scan the quit line may find it more difficult to determine which cutters they can not choose. Two games are not a big sample size and there is a fine line between players with benefits and those who have not had the chance to produce.

We will try to make some of these distinctions as we digitize potential additions for week 3.

Recommended bids based on a free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) of $ 100 for the season.

BEST BETS

RB Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals ($ 19). After suffering a knee injury Thursday night, starter Joe Mixon will be out for at least two weeks. Bernard played the lead after 27 yards in six races and four assists for 15 more against the Ravens. Bernard has more value in the PPR leagues because of his ability to catch passes – and he showed he was able to come back strong when Mixon came out. You can shoot some good parts of him, but he will become a third-row specialist back Mixon.

RB Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles ($ 18). Clement quietly managed to rank among the top 10 runners of Week 2, winning 30 yards and a touchdown, and capturing five of the six targets for 55 yards. Now, it seems that Jay Ajayi's back injury could keep him out of Sunday's game against the Colts. With one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Clement has huge potential for Week 3 and maybe even if Ajayi's health problems persist and Darren Sproles remains limited.

Ranking of the week 3: How players stack at each position

WR John Brown, Baltimore Ravens ($ 16). Brown showed his ability to play against the Bengals with 92 yards and a score on four receptions. However, quarterback Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times and looked for Michael Crabtree when the Ravens found themselves in the red zone. Health has been a constant problem for "Smokey", but it looks good until now.

WR Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns ($ 13). No more than Josh Gordon in Cleveland definitely opens up targets for this talented rookie. He caught a TD bomb in fourth position against the Saints during the second week and also had some rushed attempts. The Browns tend to throw the ball often this season, so Callaway's value should only increase while he adjusts to the professional game.

REPLACEMENTS

WR Josh Gordon, New England Patriots ($ 11). Speaking of Gordon … Is there a better landing point for the great talent but who is in trouble? Comparisons with Randy Moss, who dominated instantly when he arrived in New England, are inevitable, but Moss had a whole season to learn the textbook.

There will inevitably be at least one owner in each league willing to take a chance at Gordon's upside. True, it is a low percentage game due to all the variables that need to be put in place for it to succeed. If you can afford to be patient, the reward could be worth the risk in the playoffs.

WR Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals ($ 9). Thursday night, Boyd captured nine passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. With Mixon out, Boyd could see more targets as the attack seems to pass more often. And he should have more strength than Bernard while he is consolidating his place as No. 2 receiver of the team.

TE Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers ($ 8). James is this week's version of Jared Cook – a busy weekend. Fancy owners who are still looking to replace Greg Olsen or Delanie Walker may feel free to take a leaflet on James. However, Vance McDonald could finally take over as the tightest end of the Steelers.

TE Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons ($ 5). Hooper also fills the bill at the position and could be a better long-term purchase than James. He caught his five targets Sunday for 59 yards and a touchdown. Take him to O.J. of Tampa Bay Howard, who got better stats, thanks to a 75-yard TD reception.

SPECULATIVE PICKUPS

WR Calvin Ridley, Falcons of Atlanta. The rookie had a quiet first week, but caught a TD pass and finished with 64 yards in the second week.

RB Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills. The cracked ribs of starter LeSean McCoy could give Ivory the opportunity to be a workaholic. Even though the bill-related offense was horrible, Ivory could be productive if given a bigger role.

K Dan Bailey, Minnesota Vikings. Week 2 was not good for kickers. The Vikes cut rookie Daniel Carlson after missing two overtime goals. Enter the former All-Pro Bailey, who has been one of the most accurate kickers in the history of the NFL. Although kickers rarely make the difference in fantasy (and many leagues have eliminated them completely), Bailey could give his owners an edge – if only a small one.

Follow Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner

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