Fantasy: 5 slow starters who recovered some value in Week 3

Many fantasy managers regularly struggle with toeing the line between overreacting and waiting too long before making a necessary move.

All too often managers allow struggling players to toil away on their bench for weeks while not receiving the desired fantasy production. Other times, owners are too quick to kick aside top picks who haven't produced, despite reasonable explanations for a lack of production.

Here are five players who proved they warrant at least a little more time on fantasy rosters.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers

McCaffrey, the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft, had been used unpredictably by the Panthers through the first two games of his career.

He had played 66.7 percent of the offensive snaps, according to Football Outsiders, but had received just 30 combined touches in the rushing and passing attacks, gaining a total of 129 yards. They were middling returns for a player who finished with an average ADP of 3.02, per Fantasy Football Calculator.

Week 3 was McCaffrey's breakout, proving he still warrants a roster spot in all 12-team leagues, after he recorded nine receptions for 101 yards and four carries for another 16 yards.

A solidified role in the passing game provides a steady floor, while he should continue to see more work as a ball carrier in place of Jonathan Stewart.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Giants

Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard were the true stars in a losing effort against the Eagles, but Marshall also showed some flashes of fantasy potential in the best game of the season for the Giants' offense.

Quarterback Eli Manning completed 35-of-47 passes for 366 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, connecting with eight different wide receivers, including eight completions and 66 yards to Marshall.

Marshall's 11 targets on the day were more than he had received through his first two games combined with his new team. His 8.3 yards per reception was still well below his career average, but the sheer volume offers enough promise to hold out hope for a true return to form.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Eagles

Blount came into Week 3 having played just 20.7 percent of the Eagles' offensive snaps. He scored an extremely rare receiving touchdown, but gained just 46 rushing yards on 14 attempts, forcing him down the backfield depth chart.

He quickly resurfaced upon entering Sunday's game, rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown on just 12 attempts. Starter Darren Sproles was forced from the game with a wrist injury, possibly opening the door for further opportunities.

Duke Johnson Jr., RB, Browns

Johnson was viewed as a popular handcuff with passing-game work coming out of fantasy drafts, but he was owned in just over 50 percent of leagues heading into Week 3.

Johnson gained just 100 scrimmage yards in his first two games of the season, seeing just four carries and catching only five of 11 targets in the passing attack.

He was again rarely used as a rusher against the Indianapolis Colts, but he managed to find the end zone on one of his two attempts, while racking up 81 yards on six receptions.

Pierre Garcon, WR, 49ers

Garcon was one of the main beneficiaries of the 49ers' offensive breakout in Thursday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

He had caught nine of 15 targets through two weeks, totaling just 107 yards. He more than doubled that total in Week 3, going wild for 142 yards with seven receptions on a moderate 10 looks.

He still hasn't found the end zone, but he took full advantage of his quarterback's best game of the season, earning full trust as both a reliable option and big-play threat.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)