Wow, almost a month down and this is already shaping up to be one of the more unpredictable seasons in recent memory. That's a good thing, because it gives fantasy dorks like us tons of material to fill these fine pages with. And so, I will now pass on my thoughts on the smart plays and the potential duds for this upcoming week 4. Now, hopefully you don't need me to tell you to start a stud like Frank Gore or Jay Cutler, so I will concentrate on borderline players that may have you going crazy, trying desperately to make that last minute decision whether to bring 'em or bench 'em. Hopefully I can help you. If not, remember that this is a volatile game we play, so don't go blaming me when your co-workers seek an explanation for your morose demeanor following a Sunday pummeling. Just take it like a man.
Bring It!
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buf - The
Bills are stampeding once again, and their dynamic running back is
leading the charge. Lynch has been putting up great numbers so far,
and he should tear up the Rams, who can't seem to do anything right.
Expect a bombastic performance. Prediction: 120 yds, 2 TD.
Reggie Bush, RB, NO - For those who took a chance on him having a break-out year this season, give yourself a pat on the back, because it seems that will be the case, barring an injury. The Saints were already missing WR Marques Colston, and now with TE Jeremy Shockey out, one would have to surmise that Bush will be the go-to guy for not only the run, but the short pass as well. Take all that, and consider that their opponent San Francisco, though fairly strong on pass defense, has yet to prove they can stop a player of Reggie Bush's caliber. Prediction: 110 yds (30 receiving), 2 TD.
Trent Edwards, QB, Buf - I don't want to seem like I'm kissing too much Bills ass here, but Edwards has been solid and consistent so far, and, again, they are going up against the Rams, whose pass D is, umm, AWFUL! This is mostly for those who are stuck without a strong QB, as he is likely available in your league. I wouldn't recommend starting him over a Phillip Rivers or a Donovan McNabb, but if you can use him, go for it. Prediction: 280 pass yds, 20 rush, 2 TD.
Titans D/ST - The Titans D has been money to this point. They get the turnovers and the sacks, all day. Speaking of all day, the Titans will face Adrian Peterson and the Vikings this week. Expect them to give up some yards and a TD or two to the Viking run, but I really have a feeling that they are going to tear Gus Frerotte a new one. Prediction: 17 PA, 2 INT, 5 sacks, 1 fumble recovered.
Eddie Royal, WR, Den - The Chiefs will be hanging on for dear life this week against the high-powered Denver offense, and their likely play will be to double up on Broncs' WR Brandon Marshall. Therefore, rookie stud Royal should get some catches in, especially in the red zone. Prediction: 80 rec. yds, 1 TD.
Ride The Pine!
Matt Forte, RB, CHI - If
you don't have a deep bench for RBs, then by all means, give Forte a
shot, but if you have options, I urge a benching. Here's why: the
Bears face the Eagles and their very tough run D this week. On top of
that, if McNabb and Co. get the early lead, as they are sure to do,
then the Bears will be looking to the air. Chicago is a solid team and
Forte is an impressive back, but they are simply outmatched here.
Prediction: 45 yds, 1 TD.
Matt Ryan, QB, ATL - Nothing against the promising young Ryan's ability, it's just that the Falcons will likely be grinding out the run most of the day against Carolina, making Ryan's fantasy value limited. Prediction: 130 pass yds, 15 rush, 1 TD.
Larry Johnson, RB, KC - LJ has been inconsistent thus far, and the game against Denver should be another case of the Chief's trying to play catch-up most of the game. Though LJ had a good game last week, I don't expect much out of him aside from short yardage. Prediction: 75 yds, 0 TD.
Carolina D/ST - I would not expect to see many sacks or INTs against the run-crazy Falcons this week, therefore, no matter what the score, this isn't really your strongest option. Prediction: 21 PA, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 1 fumble recovered.
Hines Ward, WR, PIT - With QB Ben Roethlesberger hurting, Ward's yardage will be less than spectacular. Still, he might be good for the odd TD catch. Prediction: 25 rec. yards, 1 TD.
Again, I hope this helps to make that tough decision an easy one. Feel free to email me any comments/praise/death threats! Have a great week!
-- Jay Hathaway
Good shit. Love these posts.
At some point it would be great to see a retrospective post detailing how right/wrong you were with your calls.
You always seem to be on point.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | September 26, 2008 at 07:14 AM
I agree with the Larry Johnson call - in fact I would expand that to ALL Kansas City Chiefs skill position players except maybe Tony Gonzales. That team sucks and seems to be going backwards.
I disagree with Matt Forte - he may have a down week against Philly but he's their featured offensive weapon and I think he'll get close to 100 total yards and has a 50/50 shot at a TD.
Posted by: beavercat | September 26, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Yeah Forte was actually a tough call. Just a gut feeling. We'll see.
Posted by: Jay Hathaway | September 26, 2008 at 08:06 PM