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Sunday Quick Hits > Week 4

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.

posted @ Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:40 PM by Buck Davidson

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