The Fantasy Fallout Going Into NFL Week 4
Injuries abound and no-names astound. Here are some thoughts and takeaways going into Week 4….
Raiders vs Browns
– Derek Carr is one interception out of Top 10 fantasy QB status this season. Facing league doormat Chicago next week, he makes for an intriguing bye week and beyond fill in.
– Amari Cooper is quietly becoming the receiver we thought he would be in the NFL. Once he starts adding some TDs into the mix, he’s going to be a beast. More importantly, he’s going to be a consistent fantasy producer.
–Travis Benjamin keeps scoring TDs. In a season that is turning out weekly crapshoots at the WR position, it makes sense to follow the scores.
Falcons vs Cowboys
-Atlanta says it’s a 2A, 2B situation concerning Roddy White and Leonard Hankerson, but the targets don’t lie. Hankerson has surpassed Roddy on the depth chart.
–Devonta Freeman is going to have free reign over opposing defenses as long as Julio Jones is on the field and healthy.
–Lance Dunbar is Dallas’ leading receiver over 3 games. Keep rolling him out there as long as Dez is sidelined.
Colts vs Titans
-I hate to say it, but if you aren’t 3-0 and Andre Johnson is on your roster, now is the time to move on. There are too many lesser known WRs who are producing in fantasy.
-DGB is Mariota’s favorite endzone target. Even if he’s not getting the bulk of targets, he’s going to get many the ones that matter every week.
-The Titans running game seems predicated entirely on Belichickian chaos theory, but Antonio Andrews looks like lead back material.
Steelers vs Rams
-If Michael Vick still has anything left, it’s a cannon of an arm. He looked a little overwhelmed getting thrown into the fray so suddenly against a competent defense, but I think he’s going to have a much easier time moving the ball against Baltimore next week. I like him as a week 4 streamer.
-I wouldn’t worry too much about Antonio Brown in Big Ben’s absence. You can’t really throw the ball anywhere that he can’t get it.
-Ok, I give up Nick Foles. In the juiciest matchup he’s going to see all season, he couldn’t muster more than 10 pts in fantasy. Maybe Brian Quick will help turn the tide, but a cruddy o-line and conservative play calling isn’t doing him any favors.
-The Rams would be smart to consider getting Gurley more involved now that he’s made it through a game intact. They’ve got to generate some offense somehow. I don’t see the point in holding onto Mason if he’s not a handcuff for you.
–Kenny Britt did a nice job catching balls in traffic against the Steelers, but I don’t see him doing it again against Patrick Peterson in week 4.
Vikings vs Chargers
-With AP firing on all cylinders, the Vikings passing game seems serve more as a diversion than anything else. Kyle Rudolph might be the only pass catcher worth starting, as he’s the primary endzone target, at least when they are forced to throw.
-As long as both Ladarius Green and Antonio Gates are out, Malcolm Floyd is going to serve as the Chargers primary field stretcher.
Jaguars vs Patriots
-Feeling doubt about your flex? Throw in Allen Hurns.
-Yeah, the Pats backfield is a RBBC, but there’s enough to go around to start Blount and Lewis.
-Of course as soon as I take note of Aaron Dobson he disappears into the Pats passing game ether. What didn’t show on the stat sheet is the 50 yarder that he dropped. I’m still intrigued in him as a mid-season riser.
Eagles vs Jets
-Me thinks it might have been the o-line in Dallas Demarco. It’s a cause for concern when Ryan Mathews goes nuts against the formidable Jets Defense when you can’t seem to do much of anything against the Falcons and the Cowboys, both of whom ceded about a thousand yards on the ground yesterday.
-Should Murray return next week, Mathews has earned himself a larger role with his performance. I’d honestly play Darren Sproles over either of them right now though.
–Nelson Agholor is too talented to remain so useless. Now that Philly seems to have somewhat of a handle on their running game, it should open up their passing.
–Chris Ivory says he was ready to go yesterday, but the staff decided to err on the side of caution. That’s definitely something to remember in future murky injury situations involving the Jets.
Saints vs Panthers
-Sean Payton said the onus is on him to get C.J. Spiller more involved. Seemingly paralyzed as a playcaller this season, Payton would do well to turn his offense on its head before the season is lost.
-Keep an eye on Willie Snead. He could be playing ahead of Colston and Coleman before too long. He might actually be worth the roster spot if you have an extra one laying around.
–Ted Ginn Jr. has emerged as the no.2 in Carolina behind Greg Olsen. His big play ability makes him a fine week 4 streamer and DFS play against the Bucs.
–Jonathan Stewart has struggled to find yards this season, even in plus matchups. What’s worse is that he’s not the go to on the goal line- that job has been going to Cam or Tolbert. It might be a good idea to ship him while he’s still relatively healthy.
Bengals vs Ravens
–Marvin Jones is my no.2 waiver add at WR behind Rishard Matthews this week.
–Jeremy Hill’s lackluster performance against the Ravens is the perfect opening for you to acquire him in trade. If his owner is selling, you should be buying.
-Now is the time to scoop up Brashad Perriman if he’s available in your league. The Ravens need him to be on the field in a season that is quickly going off the rails.
-After this week at Pittsburgh, Justin Forsett has a string of beatable matchups for 4 straight weeks. He’s one to target if your running game needs to be shaken up
Buccaneers vs Texans
–Doug Martin’s almost even timeshare with Charles Sims isn’t a knock on Martin so much as an opening for Sims in fantasy. He offers another credible pass catching option with Austin Seferian-Jenkins out with injury.
–Alfred Blue was used more than sparingly this Sunday in an effort to take some pressure off of Ryan Mallett, and it seemed to work. He’s got a plus matchup against the Falcons this week, but his worth lasts only as long as Arian Foster is out, and that may not be for another week. Blue is still worth a waiver add.
49ers vs Cardinals
–Chris Johnson’s time travelling performance versus the 49ers makes things that much harder to suss out when Andre Ellington returns. I’m afraid the loser here might be David Johnson. If the Cardinals can dominate without using up their thoroughbred they’ll probably take that option.
–Larry Fitzgerald is a true WR1 and there are only about 3 QBs i’d consider starting over Carson Palmer.
–Carlos Hyde is the only 49er you can rely on on a weekly basis.
Bills vs Dolphins
-I’m not scared of LeSean McCoy getting hurt. I’m scared of Karlos Williams taking his carries while he rests up.
–Jonas Gray got right into the mix as Lamar Miller was playing on a bad ankle. He’s more than worth the speculative flier if you’re desperate at RB.
–Rishard Matthews may not be exceedingly talented, but Ryan Tannehill trusts him to make catches. He should be owned in all formats until we something our of Davante Parker.
Bears vs Seahawks
-Can you even start Alshon Jeffery next week with Jimmy Clausen under center? You’re probably going to have to. And you’re going to feel terrible about it.
-’Hawks OC Darrell Bevell must have heard me chewing him out last Monday cause he got Jimmy Graham involved early and often this week. Guess what? They won the game. Who would have thought?
-UDFA Thomas Rawls is my 1A waiver add this week at RB, Blue is my 1B, if it looks like Marshawn Lynch is going to miss more time.
Broncos vs Lions
-Yeah, C.J. Anderson had a terrible game, but so did Hillman outside of his TD gimme. Detroit is a tough team to run against. That being said, Anderson is more RB2 than RB1.
-Watch out for Bennie Fowler, as he’s making the Broncos forget about Cody Latimer. He’s worth a speculative add in dynasty leagues.
–Theo Riddick is on the field when the Lions are playing from behind. They might be behind most of the time this season.
34 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I dumped k. Williams for Rawls and face palm. Should have dropped Crowell!
Well 6-0 thus far in my leagues. Thanks Rosterwatch! Biggest mistake… Not following the Cheatsheet and taking Brown and Bryant 11th and 14th instead grabbing Julio simply because I’m a Cowboys fan. Ouch. Anyway, so far so good.
Should I trade Andre Ellington for Lesean mccoy?
We want to hear late-week injury reports before moving or moving to acquire either of these players.
not right now. scared of mccoy’s hammy.
10 Team PPR
(1) QB: Rivers
(3) WR: Julio Jones, Hopkins, D. Adams (Stevie Johnson)
(2) RB: Ingram, Abdullah (Spiller, Vereen, K. Williams, Ellington*)
(1) TE: J. Reed
(1) FLEX: D. Martin
Bench total : (5)
IR: Dez Bryant*
Should I try trading away one of my RBs for any of OBJ, J. Matthews, S. Smith Sr., Maclin, John Brown? The other owner offered John Brown for my Karlos Williams but I’m wondering if RW would counter for someone else?
That other team is 3-0 and RBs are: CJ Anderson, Jennings, Bernard, L. Miller and Taliaferro
Don’t trade Williams – we’d counter to offer Doug Martin for Brown if you want him.
Okay I think I might hold for now due to who is available on waivers… who should I be adding/dropping tonight? This is my biggest money league and could use some advice on who to drop for some of the following WRs or RBs? Also should stick with Rivers or drop for another QB?
FAs:
QB: Dalton, Taylor, Carr, Smith, Bortles, Winston, Fitz, Stafford
RB: Ryan Matthews, A. Andrews, Blue, Duke Johnson, Chris Johnson, T. Mason, Rawls, Sims, Dunbar, Riddick, Bell, Powell
WR: M. Jones, Rishard Matthews, Hurns, Shorts, Royal, Malcolm Floyd, Green-Beckham, Perriman, Michael Floyd, Britt, Ginn, R. Randle, Hankerson, D. Parker
Should.i trade dez Bryant and David johnson or dion Lewis for Devonte free men and Steve Smith sr
Freeman is not going to carry the load the entire year, if you think Dez will be back at early part of timeline, then we’d hold off. If you’re convinced he’s out until fantasy playoffs, then we’d do the deal but would try to trade Steve Smith immediately for someone like Moncrief, etc.
In a PPR league: Would you stick with Heath Miller or make a pick up on Crockett, Clay, Cook, Donnell, or different waiver option?
Byron still loves Miller but I worry about him with Ben out and also Le’Veon gonna take away targets anyway. We’d drop him for a lot of the guys at the top of WW Cheat sheet.
Acquire Tyrod Taylor vs Giants or Derek Carr @ Bears for week 4 bye replacement? All opinions welcome!
both are good choices, but i’d go taylor first.
Thanks to y’alls cheat sheet, I have too many good choices to play every week. Thoughts on these start/sits in 1/2 PPR:
RB: Lacy
RB: L. Murray
WR: Marshall
WR: Sanders
Flex: Smith Sr.
Bench: M. Gordon
Bench: Hyde
Bench: Cooks
I sat Hyde Week 1 for Doug Martin and am now gun shy about doing so. But I’m afraid he’ll be victim of another blowout. Gordon has a cushy match-up but I also sat Steve Smith last week….
Was able to pickup Karlos Williams, so throw him in there as well….
What the hell do I do with Duke Johnson Jr???? I don’t necessarily need him, should I drop him for an upside RB like Rowls or Andrews?
I’m really digging this site over others I’ve used in the past. With so many leagues that I play in every year I reply depend on the waiver wire cheat sheet. It’s what I refer to when I have a tie etc… Something that would also be a great tool along side your already awesome cheat sheet would be a drop sheet. Players that it’s time to move on from.
Thanks guys
Noted, thanks for the input. i’ll pass this on to byron who works on the cs.
12 Team PPR League – Offered Dez Bryant for Alshon Jeffrey. Should I take the trade for later payoff?
My Team
QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Lynch, Yeldon, D. Martin, A. Morris
WR: Landry, Beckham, James Jones, Martavis Bryant, Alshon Jeffrey
TE: Cameron, Ebron
Opposing Team:
QB: Rivers
RB: Latavius Murray, Davonta Freeman, Melvin Gordon, Knile Davis, Lamar Miller
WR: A. Brown, Allen Robinson, Boldin, Dez Bryant, Brian Quick
TE: Bennett, D. Walker
you need a rb imo. i’d offer alshon for one of his backs other than davis.
Thanks, Dorian. I agree that I do. I was thinking of countering for Gordon or Freeman. I already have enough Dolphins with Landry and Cameron.
12 team PPR. Start 2 RB’s, 2 WR’s, 1 TE, and 2 R/W/T flex. I have:
RB: Peterson, McCoy, Gurley, K. Williams, Matt Jones
WR: Marshall, Cooper, S. Watkins, Roddy, D. Parker
TE: D. Walker
Already have a waiver claim to pick up Benjamin for Parker, but don’t think I’ll get him.
Have been offered this trade: give McCoy, Williams, Gurley, and Watkins for J. Hill, L. Murray, and Devante Adams. I feel like I’m giving up too much, but that the potential is there to make a deal that will really benefit me. They also have James Jones, Rishard Matthews, John Brown, Stevie Johnson, Hankerson and Eifert. Thoughts on how to build a counter-offer, assuming you would reject the initial offer?
i’d aim for eifert and one of his lesser wrs instead of adams.
Thanks. He actually dropped Adams anyway, but that was my thought too.
Hey guys needing some help for Week 4, but might be overthinking it. I need 2 RBs and have Latavius Murray and Forsett penciled in. Also have Gore, Abdullah, Jones, Spiller and Robinson on the bench. Any advice would be appreciated. Also I have Big Ben, but Dalton is my backup. Am I good using Dalton until Ben returns or should I target some other guy in a trade?
Matt Jones*
i think you have the right combo right now. Also, i like dalton for the near future
Mike Evans was dropped in my league. Would you drop any of these guys to aquire him?
Martin, Abdullah, Ivory, David Johnson, Moncrief, K Williams, John Brown, Allen Robinson
i could drop johnson if it’s not a keeper league
Need a Brady Bye week QB:
Sam Bradford, David Carr, Eli, Bortles, Winston, Fitzpatrick, Flacco, Mallet, cousins, bridgewater
i like carr or flacco.
Have Sankey at back of RB roster ( Lat Murray, Yeldon, DAve Johnson, Duke Johnson,) and think he is going to be a game plan dependent RB in a NE like RBBC. Like that he seems to be emerging as the pass catchers back with McCluster but just can’t get behind Andrews. You really see Andrews outproducing Sankey rest of the way? May pick him up. Please respond asap. Thanks!
i think he’ll out touch sankey, at least in the short term. i’m not banking on any tenn back though. there are too many of them, and wisenhunt is fickle. i’d stay away from this situation unless you have too. that being said, i think andrews is the back to own for their wk 5 matchup.