Here are some quick hits and tasty tidbits for you to consider as you set
your Week Four fantasy lineups.
Bye week: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, N.Y. Giants, and
Seattle
Arizona Cardinals
*Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) practiced fully
Friday and should be good to go this week. Start him as usual.
*Quarterback Kurt Warner is a great play against the Jets,
and his strong start has him on the cusp of being an every-week fantasy
starter.
*IDP note: Safety Adrian Wilson (hamstring) looks like a
game-time decision, and fantasy owners should use another option if they have
one available.
Atlanta Falcons
*Running back Michael Turner (shoulder) practiced this week
and should be in the lineup Sunday. He’s a low-end No. 1 fantasy running back
against the Panthers.
*Quarterback Matt Ryan had a nice game against K.C. last
week, but he’s probably best left on your fantasy bench this week.
*Wideout Roddy White racked up 119 receiving yards and a
touchdown last week, but he’ll face a tougher challenge against Carolina this
Sunday. White is still a solid No. 2 fantasy wideout.
*Keep an eye on running back Jerious Norwood this week; the
Falcons plan to use him in some “direct snap” formations. He’s not a fantasy
option at this point, but could become one if this scheme pays dividends.
*IDP note: Defensive end John Abraham has six sacks so far,
and has emerged as a must-start in most IDP leagues.
Buffalo Bills
*Quarterback Trent Edwards has been serviceable so far, and
he draws a great matchup against the Rams’ woeful pass defense. Edwards makes a
great bye-week replacement this week, or he could even start if your regular
quarterback’s in a funk.
*Wideout Roscoe Parrish (thumb) will miss 4-6 weeks due to
thumb surgery, with James Hardy his likely replacement.
*IDP note: Cornerback Leodis McKelvin will fill in for the
injured Roscoe Parrish on punt returns, making him an option in deeper IDP
leagues that reward return yardage. If McKelvin continues returning kickoffs he
could severely damage the IDP / return value of defensive back Terrence
McGee.
Carolina Panthers
*Quarterback Jake Delhomme continues to struggle, but he
has a nice history against Atlanta. Delhomme isn’t start-worthy in most fantasy
leagues, but makes a decent bye-week replacement.
*Wideout Steve Smith could have a breakout game this week,
given that he’s had another full week of practice with Delhomme. Smith is an
every-week fantasy starter.
*Running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) was limited in
practice this week, but should be a go this Sunday. With three touchdowns in
three games, he’s a worthy flex play in Week 4.
*IDP notes: Safety Chris Harris (knee) should be on the
field Sunday, and his ball-hawking style makes him a great IDP
option...Defensive end Julius Peppers (illness) should also
start this week.
Chicago Bears
*Wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester (ribs) looks like
a game-time decision this week, so it would probably be prudent to go with
another option if you have one available.
*We tipped you off about wideout Brandon Lloyd last week,
and he rewarded you with 124 receiving yards and a score. His hip injury
limited him in practice this week, and he’s a game-time decision. In any event,
Lloyd is probably not a great play against the tough Philly defense.
*IDP note: D-tackle Tommie Harris (knee) is a game-time
decision.
Cincinnati Bengals
*Quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow) says that he’s “ready to
roll” this week, but his fantasy owners are wishing that he’d roll a few points
their way. Palmer does have a very good match-up against the Browns this week,
so he should still be in your starting line-up.
*Wideouts T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco
are also strong fantasy plays this week, though Ocho Cinco has managed just 88
receiving yards in three games. Consider T.J. a No.1 wideout and Chad a No. 3.
*Running back Chris Perry looks to be hitting his stride,
and he should turn in solid numbers against the soft front seven of Cleveland.
Perry is a great No. 2 and passable No. 1 fantasy runner.
*IDP notes: Middle linebacker Dhani Jones was a popular
waiver wire grab this week, and why not - 32 total tackles in three games is
worthy of note.... Cornerback Johnathan Joseph (ankle) is
doubtful this week, while safety Dexter Jackson (thumb) is
out.
Cleveland Browns
*Wideout Braylon Edwards (shoulder) practiced fully Friday,
and could be in for a breakout day against the Bengals’ leaky, injury-depleted
secondary.
*Quarterback Derek Anderson has thrown for more than 185
yards only once in his last seven starts, and could be benched if he can’t get
it going against the Bengals this week. Fantasy owners are advised to stay away
from Anderson if at all possible.
*Wide receiver Dante Stallworth (quadriceps) was very
limited in practice this week and probably won’t play Sunday.
*Running back Jamal Lewis should get the rock early and
often against Cincy this week, making him a solid No. 2 fantasy running back.
*IDP note: Safety Sean Jones (knee) will not play this
week, and likely will miss a couple more games.
Dallas Cowboys
*Tight end Jason Witten (shoulder) practiced fully this
week, but doesn’t have a great match-up against Washington. Don’t set the bar
too high for Witten in Week 4.
*Wideout Terrell Owens typically shreds the ‘Skins, and he
should be motivated after his miserable two-catch, 17-yard performance in Week
3.
*Wide receiver Patrick Crayton all but vanished from the
Cowboys offense last week, and he’s at best a low-end No. 3 wideout against
Washington.
*IDP note: Safety Roy Williams (forearm) will be out again
this week due to a fractured forearm.
Denver Broncos
*Wideout Brandon Marshall has become a fantasy beast, and
looks to be on track for some monster stats in 2008.
*The running back triumvirate continues in Denver, with Michael
Pittman looking like the best fantasy option due to his status as the
team’s goal line back. Pittman, Selvin Young and Andre
Hall are all No. 3 or flex options as fantasy running backs this week.
*IDP note: Linebacker D.J. Williams had a huge game in Week
3, amassing 16 total tackles. Williams is an every-week starter in most IDP
formats.
Green Bay Packers
*Quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues his solid play, and
looks like a top-notch fantasy starter against the Bucs this week.
*Wideout Greg Jennings has yet to score, but with 373
receiving yards in three games it’s only a matter of time. Jennings is a fine
No.1 fantasy wideout in Week 4.
*IDP notes: Cornerback Al Harris (spleen) is out this
week...Cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) should be fine this
week.
Houston Texans
*Running back Ahman Green (knee) is questionable again this
week, leaving the door open for rookie Steve Slaton to
solidify his place at the top of the depth chart. Slaton is a lower-end No. 1
fantasy option this week, while Green should be on the pine.
*Wideout Andre Johnson is a must-start, but he won’t be an
elite option so long as quarterback Matt Schaub is struggling.
*IDP note: Linebacker Zach Diles (shoulder) has emerged as
a serviceable fantasy option, and he should be good to go come Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
*Running back Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) practiced fully
Friday and should play this week. He’s a decent low-end No. 1 fantasy running
back in Week 4 against Houston’s porous run defense.
*Quarterback David Garrard continues to struggle, and
should probably remain on your bench if you have a better option available.
*We may finally have a Jerry Porter sighting this week, as
the wideout’s problem hamstring looks to be under control. Porter could become
a viable fantasy option in a hurry, especially given the dearth of deep threats
in J-Ville.
*IDP note: Safety Reggie Nelson (knee) will not play this
week.
Kansas City Chiefs
*Damon Huard will return to his starting gig at quarterback
for the Chiefs, but doesn’t warrant fantasy consideration unless you’re in dire
straits.
*Wideout Dwayne Bowe and tight end Tony Gonzalez
should be better this week, especially against what’s been a leaky Denver
secondary.
*Running back Larry Johnson is not the fantasy stud he once
was, but he should put up decent numbers this week - at least worthy of a start
as your No. 2 fantasy runner.
*IDP note: Linebacker Donnie Edwards (ankle) will not play
this week, with Demorrio Williams taking over at the Will
‘backer position. Williams could be a viable play in deeper IDP formats, as the
Chiefs defense may be on the field a long time against Denver.
Minnesota Vikings
*Running back Adrian Peterson (hamstring) is listed as
questionable, but there’s nothing to indicate that he won’t play. Track this up
until game time, but for now AP looks good to go.
*Gus Frerotte put up serviceable numbers last week, but
he’ll have a tough row to hoe against the stout Tennessee D in Week 4.
*IDP note: Linebacker Chad Greenway is still primarily
lining up on the strong side, which will limit his long-term fantasy
production. He’s still a fantasy starter in most leagues, but won’t put up the
kind of elite numbers he might if he was working from the Will.
New Orleans Saints
*Wideout Marques Colston (thumb) will not play this week.
*Tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin) won’t play this week, and
figures to be out until at least Week 6.
*Wideout David Patten (groin) is a good play as a No. 3
wide receiver against the Niners, but check his health status right up until
game time.
*Pierre Thomas should remain the No. 2 running back for
another week, and he’s a decent flex option in most fantasy leagues.
*IDP notes: Linebacker Scott Fujita (knee) is expected to
be back in the lineup this week.
New York Jets
*Quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) was limited in practice
this week, but is expected to start Sunday. Run him out there.
*Wide receiver Laveranues Coles (thigh) was also limited in
practice but is expected to play. Coles is a No. 3 fantasy wideout if he makes
it onto the field.
*Kicker Mike Nugent won’t be in action again this week; Jay
Feely will be his replacement.
*Wideout Chansi Stuckey continues to make his presence felt
in the end zone, with three scores in three games. He’s been a popular waiver
wire target of late, but he doesn’t pile up the yardage numbers fantasy owners
would like to see.
Oakland Raiders
*Running back Justin Fargas (groin) is out this week, and
running back Darren McFadden (toe) is a game-time decision.
*With the Raiders’ top two runners hurting, Michael Bush
could see most of the touches this Sunday, but he’s only worth a flier if
McFadden can’t go.
*The Raiders passing offense is putrid, but even wideouts Javon
Walker and Ronald Curry might find some success
against the awful San Diego secondary this week. Either is worth a flex spot if
you’re thin - and we mean European runway model thin - on options.
Philadelphia Eagles
*Quarterback Donovan McNabb (chest) should start this week
for the Eagles and your fantasy team.
*Running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) is known for playing
through all manner of maladies, but he figures to be severely limited this week
- if he plays at all. He’s a game-time decision. It’s tough to bench Westie,
but if you have a safer option available, this might be a good week to deploy
it.
*Backup running back Correll Buckhalter is a viable fantasy
option if - and only if - Westbrook can’t gut this one out.
*Tight end L.J. Smith (back) doesn’t look like he’ll play
this week, and should be benched in fantasy play.
*Wideout Kevin Curtis (hernia) was back at practice this
week, but won’t play in Week 4. It is getting close to time to grab him off the
waiver wire, though.
*IDP note: Safety Quintin Mikell is following up his
breakout 2007 campaign with a strong start to the ’08 season, and should
probably be owned in most larger IDP leagues at this point.
San Diego Chargers
*Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) returned to full
practice Thursday and is a great start against the Raiders this week.
*Tight end Antonio Gates (hip) should be good to go this
week, and has a great match-up to boot.
*Wideout Chris Chambers is a great play as a No. 1 wide
receiver against Oakland’s porous secondary.
*IDP note: We sounded the Eric Weddle breakout alert last
week, and the safety responded with seven total tackles and an interception
against the Jets. He’s not yet a starter in most leagues, but he’s not far
away, either.
San Francisco 49ers
*Quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan was again solid in Week 3, and
he faces a nice match-up with New Orleans this week. O’Sullivan is a legitimate
fantasy starter this week, and should be owned in most 12-team formats.
*Running back Frank Gore is also a great fantasy play
against the mediocre Saints defense in Week 4.
*IDP note: Safety Michael Lewis (elbow) was limited in
practice this week and is listed as questionable. Monitor his status right up
until game time, and have a backup option available if Lewis can’t go.
St. Louis Rams
*Quarterback Trent Green gets the starting nod over Marc
Bulger, but the move has not set well with some of the St. Louis
players. Green is not a viable fantasy option, and may not be the starter next
week.
*Running back Steven Jackson (groin) was very vocal in his
disapproval of the quarterback change, but he should start this week and tote
the rock against a tough Buffalo defense geared to stop him. Downgrade Jackson
to a low-end No. 2 running back in Week 4.
*Wideout Torry Holt accepted some of the blame for Bulger’s
lack of production, but even that magnanimous gesture makes him no better than
a No. 2 fantasy wideout this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Quarterback Brian Griese had a monster game last week, and
should be a decent low-end fantasy starter this week against the Packers’
banged-up secondary.
*Wideout Joey Galloway (foot) won’t play again this week,
meaning Antonio Bryant could be in for another nice game as
Griese’s top target.
*Running back Earnest Graham faces a mediocre Green Bay
front seven this week, and he’s a viable No. 2 fantasy running back because of
it.
*Kicker Matt Bryant (personal) is dealing with the tragic
death of his 3-month-old son, but it looks as though he’ll play this week.
*IDP note: Linebacker Derrick Brooks (hamstring) was
limited again in practice this week, and if you have a better option, use it.
Tennessee Titans
*Wideout Justin Gage (groin) was not on the injury report
this week, and he’s a solid No. 3 fantasy wideout against the Vikings.
*Chris Johnson and LenDale White (shoulder)
should both find the going tough against the stout Minnesota run defense this
week. Both Titans running backs should be considered No. 2 fantasy options this
week, with Johnson the slightly better play.
*IDP note: Stephen Tulloch starts at middle linebacker this
week, supplanting Ryan Fowler. Keep an eye on Tulloch’s progress, as he could
become a nice waiver wire grab in deeper IDP formats.
Washington Redskins
*Quarterback Jason Campbell had another strong game in Week
3, but he’s no better than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback this week as he faces a
pretty good Dallas D.
*Wideout Santana Moss is off to a nice start this season,
and he tends to save his best games for Dallas. Start the speedster in all
formats as a No. 1 fantasy wideout.
*IDP notes: Defensive end Jason Taylor (knee) will miss the
game this week, marking the first time since 1999 that he won’t play all 16
games in a season.