Week 4 Rundown

Ok, so I officially lost in all of my leagues this last week.  It stung a little bit, but luckily I had a nice 2-0 cushion to soften the blow.  I lost because guys like Jahvid Best and Miles Austin scored a combined total of 4 in standard scoring leagues.  That is the thing about fantasy football.  There is NO way to tell how a player will perform.  There is only so much a manager can do to prepare for a matchup, and then it is in the hands of...well, not really anyone, whatever happens happens.  That is why I try my hardest to play the guys I THINK will do well.  Then when the weekend is over, I can be confident that I went with my gut, and if I lost, well, too bad.  A little side-note.  This last week, I could not decide who to start at the flex position.  I was trying to decide between T.O. and Austin Collie.  T.O. has been targeted a lot but can't seem to make anything worth while happen.  Collie on the other hand had 3 TDs in two weeks, and Garcon was going to miss the game so I figured, "ah what the heck, I'll give the start to Collie."  Low and behold, Collie goes off, and T.O. duds out.  That is my success story for going with my gut.  This week, instead of trying to go off of what your league projects, choose at least one match-up that you just like.  No explanation needed, and just see how it plays out.  Now, hold on one second, I am not saying to start Alex Smith over Peyton Manning or anything.  Start small.  And just for the record, I would NEVER start Alex Smith anyway, he is slowly making his way on to my "never start" list, where Reggie Bush permanently resides!  Fantasy Football is supposed to be fun, so have some fun with it.  Ok, here are some of my thoughts going into this week.  DON'T forget, this is the first week of BYEs, so make sure your rosters are ready.

Ok so lets talk about who I like/dislike this week.

Green Bay...All of them.  They are playing the Lions for goodness sake.  And although the Lions have looked alright this year, they are no match for the Pack.  I especially like Aaron Rodgers and Jermichael Finley.  Jennings and Driver are very decent too.  As far as GB's run game, of the two backs that are there, Kuhn, and Jackson, I am going with Kuhn.  He saw a bigger bulk of the work load last week, and if there are goal line looks, I think he gets them.  Not to mention B. Jackson has done a whole bunch of nothing thus far.

Jahvid Best.  Well, this is a tough one.  If he plays he will still be injured.  He has minor turf toe, which can't be fun.  Then again, if he does play I think he'll get a lot of looks.  The Lions don't seem to mind giving him ALL their work.  Keep an eye on his status in your leagues.  If he plays, I am starting him.  Don't plan on big points though.  I say 6-8 this week if he plays.  Since it is a BYE week for some teams, you may have no choice. 

Chris Johnson.  Just Kidding. 

Adrian Peterson.  Seriously, I am just kidding.

Ahmad Bradshaw.  Just kidd... Oh wait, never mind, lets talk about this one.  Did anyone see him play last week?  He looked pretty good, and shoved Brandon Jacobs further into the background.  He did fumble once, but still.  He looked really good, and got a lot of looks.  He is a must start at this point in my opinion.  For now he is no higher than an RB2, but still a legit option.  Start him.

MJD.  OK, what is his deal?  He has been a fantasy bust so far.  Averaging 6.7 points per game.  For the #3 ranked player overall in most leagues, he has been very disappointing.  Then again, that offense in general is very disappointing.  You have to start him.  No two ways about it.  You have to.  But he is playing the Colts this weekend, and I don't like his odds.  Hopefully he breaks out and gets some help from his offensive comrads, but I am not holding my breath.

Larry Fitzgerald.  Here is another guy with unbelievable talent, who just hasn't done a whole lot yet.  Again, you have to start him, but Derek Anderson is throwing to him.  I do like his odds more than MJD's though. 

Terrell Owens.  BYE week fill in at best.  The guy is not what he used to be.  Start him only if you have no other options.

Malcom Floyd.  Told you so.  Start him.

Broncos WRs.  I just don't know.  I like Royal the most out of all of them, but you guys saw last week.  After a week 2 where Royal and Thomas saw the lions share of targets, in week 3 Gaffney and Lloyd went off!  Like I said, I still like Royal the most, and think he will have more "good" games, but it is a complete toss up.  They are playing Tennessee this weekend in Tennessee, and the Titans D is no slouch.  Josh McDaniels likes to throw, especially with Moreno injured, so I say pick one and roll the dice.  I am choosing Royal.  How about you?

Austin Collie.  You have to.  The kid is on a roll, and I would say he has secured his place as the #2 WR in Indy.  Start him.

Mike Wallace.  Huge game last week.  Baltimore on tap this week.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT expect a game that big again.  He may have a good game, but it will not look like the one last week. 

Matt Forte.  Hit or miss.  He is a decent RB2 at this point, and will perform somewhat consistently, but with Cutler at the helm, expect the ball to be aired out more than handed off.  Start him though, you never know, he could have another 30 pt. performance up his sleeve.

Darren McFadden.  What the heck.  Gotta start him.  Keep using him while he is hot.  The guy is tearing it up.

Oakland WRs.  Remind me a little of the Denver situation.  Every week will be a different story, so choose your poison.

LT vs Shonne Greene.  LT.  For now, Shonne Greene is a lost cause.  LT is not a great RB anymore, so don't expect a ton out of him, but of these two guys, I would start LT.  Very decent flex. 

Mark Sanchez.  Why not, start him...I am.  I have Romo in one of my leagues, and he is on a BYE this week, so I am taking a chance on Sanchez.  The kid looks great so far, and his WRs are helping him out.  He has Buffalo on tap this week, and could have a great game.

Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith.  These two guys should see some more looks this week with Manningham banged up.  I say start em both.


Ok, so here are some guys I am not starting this week, in no particular order, with no explanation unless you ask for one.

REGGIE BUSH
ALEX SMITH!
Justin Forsett
Knowshon Moreno
Michael Crabtree
MSW
Entire BUF team
Clinton Portis
SEA WRs
Devery Henderson


Ok, there are a few.  Good luck this week.  See you on the other side!  Leave a comment.  Tell me your thoughts!

For the Love of the Game


written by Andrew Bradford.  email: fantasyfootballing@gmail.com