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This week’s scoring leaders are littered with the usual names except two defenses ranking in the top 20, 2 back-up running backs listed below, as well as an aberrant Mark Sanchez performing up to his inflated reputation.  On to the wire.

Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons
95.7% available on ESPN, 80% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 24 carries, 129 rushing yards, 5 catches, 57 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Week 3 projection: 4.3 carries, 22 rushing yards, 0.72 catches, 6 receiving yards

He is not a must-add, but clearly he’s a must-own handcuff to Michael Turner. Turner was on his way to a spectacular day before leaving with a groin injury (9 carries, 75 yards). He reportedly was cleared to return, but the Falcons held him out to make sure he was healthy. Of course if Turner suffers a more serious injury at any point in the season, Snelling is the number one fantasy replacement option given the way the Atlanta offense is geared around the run. Another point to remember in this situation is that you should always start your running backs against the woeful Cardinals defense.

Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers
99.4% available on ESPN, 99% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 16 carries, 82 rushing yards, 1 catch, 13 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection: 5.4 carries, 28 rushing yards, 2.07 catches, 24 receiving yards

Like Snelling, Tolbert is not an immediate must-add but he must be owned as a handcuff to Ryan Mathews. San Diego’s prized rookie was carted off the field in the first quarter on Sunday, and later returned to the sidelines but not the game. With the way the Chargers doled out playing time I think Tolbert would be the primary back to replace Mathews in the event he misses time with Sproles remaining as a third-down back or change-of-pace guy. San Diego doesn’t view Sproles as a full-time player which bodes well for Tolbert’s value. Tolbert could be worth a pick-up as a speculative hold while monitoring Mathews’ health this week in practice.

Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers
99.7% available on ESPN, 99% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 3 rushes, 1 rushing yard, 5 catches, 33 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection:  4.7 carries, 13 rushing yards, 1.71 catches, 12 receiving yards

Tampa Bay rushed for only 95 yards on 34 carries as a team against Carolina. This isn’t a great running team, but the upside with Graham is that he was the only other back besides Cadillac Williams to receive a carry while he was second on the team with six targets in the passing game. This is just an alert for you to be prepared when the inevitable Williams injury comes later on this season.

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos
98% available on ESPN, 82% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 9 targets, 8 catches, 97 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection: 5.18 catches, 60 receiving yards, 0.22 TD

Thomas made his debut Sunday, and led the Broncos with nine targets. Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney were next on that list with five apiece. Thomas has the size and skills to be a rookie facsimile of Brandon Marshall for Denver’s offense. He looks to be the top target for Kyle Orton, and while he probably will be inconsistent he is the top WR waiver option this week.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans
89.3% available on ESPN, 66% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 11 targets, 11 catches, 144 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection: 3.28 catches, 40 receiving yards, 0.27 TD

This is back-to-back weeks with touchdowns for Walter. After gashing the Colts on the ground and throwing only 17 passes last week, Houston got back to its passing identity with Matt Schaub putting the ball up 52 times. Walter is third on the team with 13 targets through two games. While he won’t be consistent, Walter is a nice back-up WR to have as a solid player on a very good offense. Remember, he has averaged 59 catches over the past 3 seasons with 14 TDs.

Louis Murphy, WR, Raiders
69.5% available on ESPN, 71% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 10 targets, 6 catches, 91 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection: 4.6 catches, 35 receiving yards, 0.16 TD

Murphy leads the Raiders with 17 targets through 2 weeks, and should continue to be a top target for whoever is playing QB. He did have a solid rookie showing considering the mess that was Oakland in 2009 so with the team slightly more competent this year, and Darren McFadden providing a running game, Murphy is a decent WR3 option for fantasy teams.

Nate Washington, WR, Titans
62.5% available on ESPN, 50% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 9 targets, 4 catches, 34 receiving yards, 1 TD
Week 3 projection: 2.62 catches, 34 receiving yards, 0.16 TD

This is the second straight week Washington is a solid pick-up for fantasy owners as he was snapped up in 34.9% of ESPN leagues a week ago. Expect a similar jump up again as Washignton scored for the second straight week. While he only has eight total catches this season, he leads the Titans with 13 targets. Running back Chris Johnson is second with 10. Washington has teased fantasy owners before, but this FINALLY might the year he puts up a more consistent effort as he is clearly the favorite Titans receiver through two weeks.

Tony Moeaki, TE, Chiefs
98.6% available on ESPN, 91% on CBS
Week 2 stats: 10 targets, 5 catches, 58 receiving yards
Week 3 projection: 3.24 catches, 32 receiving yards, 0.14 TD

Moeaki scored Week 1, and leads the Chiefs with 14 targets. He’s a weapon and QB Matt Cassel is going to him. Moeaki was always talented, but his production was limited at Iowa because of various injuries. He’s healthy now however, and performing up to his talent.