DEZELSKE: Fantasy Football 2014-15: Week 4

Week 4 of the NFL season kicks off the start of bye weeks. Byes are always a cause for concern with fantasy owners who are already reeling from player injury and fantasy disappointment. Here’s a list of players that owners may want to tap into this week to help them through having to sit the likes of Peyton Manning, Marshawn Lynch and AJ Green.

Remember: Our analysis is based around a 12-team standard scoring system, and you won’t see players that are every-week starts on this list.

 

Starts

 

Tony Romo vs. New Orleans Saints

It hasn’t been a great start to the 2014 NFL season for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. He hasn’t eclipsed the 300-yard mark yet, and has only gone over 275 yards once—and let’s not forget he’s tossed just four touchdowns in three games. But in a week where Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson are forced to grab some pine, fantasy owners could do worse. In Romo’s last three meetings against the Saints, he’s averaging just over 285 yards and two scores per game. Then add to it that the Saints rank 30th in overall pass defense, and owners have themselves a potential fantasy goldmine as a plug-and-play option.

 

Ben Roegthlisberger vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Just when it looked as though we were witnessing the beginning of Big Ben’s decline, he goes and hangs two touchdowns on a very tough Carolina Panthers defense—on the road no less. This week is much easier for the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback. The Steelers will host the Buccaneers who have already allowed at least 18 fantasy points to opposing gunslingers twice this year.

 

Eddie Lacy vs. Chicago Bears

IMPORTANT: Fantasy owners simply can’t give up on Eddie Lacy yet. Don’t do it. Three straight matchups against elite NFL run defenses to kick off the season is what’s kept the big man down. Not only is Lacy a huge buy-low candidate right now, he’s poised to explode real soon. And it could be this week. The Bears are giving up 17 fantasy points per game to runners, and are allowing an average of 143.6 total yards per game to opposing backs. If you’re going to buy low on this guy, do it before Sunday.

 

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Tennessee Titans

Another favorable matchup against a Tennessee defense that’s allowed four rushing touchdowns has Ahmad Bradshaw owners licking their chops. It feels like 2008 all over again, but for those savvy owners who opted for Bradshaw over Trent Richardson this year, continue to run with him until Bradshaw, and the rest of us, are brought back to present day reality. And I’m sad to say that day is coming sooner rather than later.

 

Donald Brown vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

For the next 3-5 weeks, Donald Brown must be owned in all leagues. Unfortunate injuries to Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead have propelled Brown into the starting role, and he was promptly rewarded with 31 carries in Week 3. Sheer volume and facing a Jaguars defense that gives up the most points per game (28.7) to running backs, makes Brown a worthy option when guys like Marshawn Lynch, Zac Stacy and Giovanni Bernard are sitting on owner’s benches this week.

 

Golden Tate vs. NY Jets

The New York Jets did a fantastic job of bottling up Brandon Marshall this past Monday night, but Alshon Jeffery was major beneficiary as a result. Fantasy owners can expect the Jets to give the same kind of attention to Calvin Johnson, leaving Tate with one-on-one matchups most of the afternoon. Also, Gang Green gives up the fourth-most fantasy points (26.0) to opposing receivers.

 

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Buffalo Bills

Nuk Hopkins has at least 100 yards receiving or a touchdown in all three games this year. He’s quickly ascending to the top of the wide receiver food chain in Houston, much like Michael Floyd in Arizona—no disrespect to Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Look for D-Hop to continue his streak against the Bills who give up 21.3 points per game to opposing wideouts.

 

 

Sits

Alex Smith vs. New England Patriots

Fantasy owners who have quarterback issues this week should look elsewhere for bye-week help. Smith has scored single-digit fantasy points in two of his last four starts, and failed to throw a touchdown in Week 2. Not to mention the lack of help at the receiver position is forcing Andy Reid to call more running plays. Smith shouldn’t be considered this week, unless owners are in deeper 14-16 team leagues.

 

Ryan Tannehill vs. Oakland Raiders

Ryan Tannehill has been playing so poorly that Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin would not commit to Tannehill even starting this week. And there’s still no word of his status as of yet. This could mean that the Miami signal-caller could be on a short leash this week, and could get yanked from the game if he continues to play this way. Steer clear until further notice.

 

Shane Vereen vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Shane Vereen lost out on the snap count to Stevan Ridley for the second consecutive week. This means that, unfortunately, he’s a sit in standard leagues until things change. He’s also a risky play in PPR leagues right now. Owners may be forced to play him due to lack of options (like myself), but the expectations should be tempered.

 

Reggie Bush/Joique Bell vs. NY Jets

The New York Jets have faced Eddie Lacy and Matt Forte so far this year, and continue to allow the fewest fantasy points per game (5.3) to opposing runners. And those are two backs that are featured in their respective offenses. Bush and Bell pretty much split 50/50, making their production even more risky. Both should be considered low-end RB3’s at best in PPR formats this week.

 

Mike Evans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

With players such as Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, AJ Green and Michael Floyd all on the bench this week, owners might be considering rookie Mike Evans as a potential option. And although he’s getting enough looks to be considered this week, those looks haven’t translated into anything thus far. The Steelers have given up 17.3 points per game to receivers through three games, but all were against offenses better than Tampa Bay’s. Keep the rookie on your bench and look for a more favorable matchup.

 

Justin Hunter vs. Indianapolis Colts

We still haven’t seen the breakout game that we have been expecting from Justin Hunter. Just eight receptions through the first three games of the season. He’s too much of a boom-or-bust type player right now to feel safe having him in your lineup against a Colts defense that allows the ninth-fewest fantasy points (17.0) to opposing receivers.