Week 3 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a QB, RB and WR. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. This week's guest — Jeff Fischer, different guy (and different spelling) than the Rams head coach and self-proclaimed great regular-season fantasy player — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 by NFL.com at their respective positions:
Jeff Fischer's WEEK 3 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
NFL.com QB projection: No. 13
Matchup: Rams
I think, even with Le'Veon Bell back, Big Ben stays hot. He loves to throw the ball downfield more than anyone.
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings
NFL.com RB projection: No. 4
Matchup: Chargers
Maybe this is the week Peterson stops fumbling in the red zone and crosses the goal line a couple times?
WR: Julian Edelman, Patriots
NFL.com WR projection: No. 25
Matchup: Jaguars
I think Brady continues to throw it 50 times per game, and Edelman continues catching 10-plus balls a week.
MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 3 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Carson Palmer, Cardinals
NFL.com QB projection: No. 12
Matchup: 49ers
Which 49ers team is for real — the one that shut down the Vikings or the one that was gouged by the Steelers? I'm banking on the latter in picking Palmer this week.
RB: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
NFL.com RB projection: No. 15
Matchup: Bears
Seattle is 0-2, frustrated and is at home against a bad Bears team. I see this as "no mercy" game, with Lynch serving as one of the prime beneficiaries.
WR: Brandon Marshall, Jets
NFL.com WR projection: No. 21
Matchup: Eagles
Marshall has looked very good for an energized Jets offense that is playing well with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. He should get plenty of opportunities against the Eagles.
SCOREBOARD WEEK 2 FANTASY RECAP (USING NFL.COM DEFAULT SCORING METHOD)
Winner: Stuart Lieberman — Drew Brees (12.1), Matt Forte (10.5), Antonio Brown (27.5). Total: 50.1.
Loser: Michael Rand — Sam Bradford (7.9), Chris Ivory (6.0), Calvin Johnson (14.3). Total: 28.2.
Overall standings: Guest pickers 2-0.