Week 3 Recap

In week 3 we'll look at four underperforming stars of the NFL and determine if they can break out from their early season slumps.

Randy Moss (WR, New England) - Moss is still one of the best receivers in the game, but without Tom Brady he is looking mortal compared to super hero status in 2007. Randy Moss can only improve if one of two things happen: Matt Cassel improves, or the Patriots find a new QB to throw to the veteran wide out. With things in their current state, Moss won't achieve 1000 yards or 10 touchdowns this season but if the Pats make a move his stock could return to near pre-injury levels. Do you think Dante Culpepper wants that job in New England? Too bad the hoodie probably doesn't want him...

Peyton Manning (QB, Indianapolis) - Peyton Manning is also off to a rough start, also due to injuries. Manning's obstacles stem from his own offseason injury that kept him out of the preseason, damaging the precious timing that has made the Colts passing game so flawless in recent years. The other glaring issue facing Manning is the loss of Jeff Saturday to an MCL injury. Upon Saturday's return to 100% you can expect Manning and the Colts to turn the corner. Also, a week 4 BYE is perfect as Indy has a lot of fine tuning to do. Expect Manning to come back with a strong second half of the season, but not quite the MVP form he typically displays.

Chad Johnson/Ocho Cinco (WR, Cincinnati) - It's hard to believe we haven't heard much out of Chad Johnson so far this season. With only 8 receptions for 88 yards and no touchdowns, No. 85 is off to his slowest start yet. Typically a slow starter, Johnson has also been battling a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason. Cincinnati finally moved the ball last week and looked like an NFL franchise again playing against the Giants, but Johnson still didn't contribute. Expect this to be a down season for Johnson, especially due to a lack of successful play action passing that made the Rudi Johnson/Chad Johnson combination so deadly.

Larry Johnson (RB, Kansas City) - LJ was the predominate No. 1 or No. 2 pick in fantasy circles a couple years ago but has now slipped to the role of No. 2 or No. 3 running back. Very little of Johnson's slip has to do with his individual performance or effort, but instead the loss of a quality offensive line. KC was once famous for its great line, but now it looks better suited to play powder puff with high schoolers than on Sundays and the lack of a true quarterback threat will make for a long season for Johnson. I'll be surprised if Johnson crosses 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2008.