Minding My Manners: Your Week 4 Fantasy Scoutlook
Football is a game of inches, but fantasy football is a game of 10-yard increments and scores. An inch in fantasy football doesn’t mean squat, unless we’re talking those 3,600 inches that break the 100-yard milestone. So, week to week, the points don’t have to be pretty. They don’t have to help your player’s team win. They just have to help you get to 2-2, rather than walking out of Week 4 with a losing record.
This week’s edition of Minding My Manners may be the most important thus far. Philadelphia, Carolina, Arizona and Atlanta are the first four teams to get the chance to vacation in Cancun for a week, also known as the bye week. For your fantasy team, that means replacements may be in need. But can you trust those players?
Yes, Please. I’d Love Some…
Carson Palmer – QB Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are looking a lot better than they did in their preseason HBO documentary, Hard Knocks, when the injury bug hit, the O-line needed a facelift and the defense was suspect. Here they are, going into Week 4, with a 2-1 record and coming off a huge win at the expense of the Steelers. Carson Palmer has come back from injury in a big way, the same way as Tom Brady, as a matter of fact. The two have put up nearly identical fantasy points through three weeks. This week, the Bengals face Eric Mangini’s Cleveland Browns (I’ll refrain from going on and on about how he’s arguably the worst hire in history). Palmer will have plenty of opportunities to throw the ball downfield to Ochocinco and company. Week 4 Scoutlook: 286 yds passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 2 rushes for 14 yds.
Steve Slaton – RB Houston Texans
Sophomore slump? He’s about to graduate from the miserable level he’s performed at heading into Week 4. Houston will be welcoming the 28th ranked rush defense of the Oakland Raiders, a stat they’ll have to feed off of should they wish to have any success. Slaton put on some weight in the offseason, an added component to his game many experts thought would make him more powerful between the hash-marks. He’s proven to be a bit slower and less elusive, but expect the sleeping monster to wake up on the right side of the bed on Sunday. Week 4 Scoutlook: 23 rushes for 128 yds, 2 TDs, 5 receptions for 32 yds.
Earl Bennett – WR Chicago Bears
There’s been a lot of hype in Chicago since Jay Cutler came to town. The biggest storyline may have been his reunion with Vanderbilt Commodore teammate Earl Bennett. Through three weeks, both Bennett and Devin Hester have been Cutler’s favorite targets, with 13 receptions each. Enter the Detroit Lions. Maybe they aren’t the worst team in football anymore, but they still put a wimpy defense on the field. Jim Zorn’s confused offense was able to throw for over 300 yards in the Redskins’ loss to the Lions last week. Look for Bennett to be the main focus of Cutler as the connection continues to rekindle. Week 4 Scoutlook: 7 receptions for 93 yds, 1 TD.
Vernon Davis - TE San Francisco 49ers
He’s always been a talent, maybe the most hyped tight end since Kellen Winslow Jr. He’s just never been able to do much in the NFL. Mike Singletary had to bench the underachiever to make an example of him after committing a crucial penalty last year. His time to emerge may be now, as the 49ers have played like playoff contenders early in the season and could use a standout receiving threat. His two TDs last week could be foreshadowing what’s to come in 2009. If he could put up those touchdown totals against a stingy Minnesota defense, then just imagine the show he and Shaun Hill can put on Sunday afternoon. Week 4 Scoutlook: 5 receptions for 68 yds, 1 TD.
Tennessee Titans – DEF
Jeff Fisher’s team has been in reverse since last year’s top-seeded playoff berth. After going 13-3 last year, the Titans have already matched last year’s loss total, but don’t expect them to stay this dismal all season. The loss of DE Albert Haynesworth seemed to be the most devastating loss, but it’s not the rush defense that’s missed a step in 2009, it’s the pass defense, which is ranked 29th in the NFL. This week, the Titans face David Garrard and the Jaguars, a team based mainly on their run game. Look for the Titans to rediscover the magic that made them the favorites in the AFC South entering the 2009 season. Week 4 Scoutlook: 13 pts allowed, 2 sacks, 2 INT.
No, Thanks. I’ll Pass…
Matt Schaub – QB Houston Texans
After two straight weeks of dazzling fans with an electric pass game, combining for 657 passing yards and 7 TDs, his act will come to an end Week 4. The Texans face-off with Oakland and their shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who is dying for his first interception of the year. In two career games against the Raiders, Schaub has 0 TD and a QB rating of 62.3. Schaub’s stock has been rising, but look for a sharp drop-off this weekend. Week 4 Scoutlook: 221 yds passing, 1 TD, 2 INT, 1 rush for 6 yds.
Willis McGahee – RB Baltimore Ravens
McGahee has been fantasy gold through three weeks, but he’s not racking up much yardage. No coach relishes a big win more than Bill Belichick, so don’t expect his defense to take any goal line stands lightly. That’s where McGahee and his 6 TDs have shined in 2009. It will be Ray Rice’s day in New England for the Ravens, who could easily break off a long TD run. It’s the red zone falters of Patriot’s opponents that should worry any McGahee owner this week. The Patriots have given up just one rushing TD in the red zone this season. Week 4 Scoutlook: 12 rushes for 42 yds, 0 TD.
Percy Harvin – WR Minnesota Vikings
Harvin has burst onto the scene as the Vikings most exciting passing threat and return man, but he’s never faced the bright lights of an NFL national broadcast. On Monday Night Football, he’ll be in the spotlight as Brett Favre faces the Packers for the first time since leaving. The Packers 3-4 defense, developed by Dom Capers, will put pressure on Favre while maintaining a tight grip on receivers downfield. Look for Harvin, who has put up good numbers thus far, to be limited in the biggest game of his NFL career. Week 4 Scoutlook: 4 receptions for 51 yds, 0 TD.
Kellen Winslow – TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The move to Tampa looked like a perfect fit for Winslow until the Giants came to town. The inability to move the chains may prove to be too much for the potential fantasy stud to overcome. He’ll be catching passes from first-time starter Josh Johnson, who replaces the struggling veteran Byron Leftwich. The defense of the Redskins has been the only thing keeping them from being 0-3, so expect them to limit the Buccaneers similarly to the way the Giants did last week. No one down in Tampa Bay can be trusted at this point. Their offense is absolutely anemic, even Winslow. Week 4 Scoutlook: 3 receptions, 28 yds, 0 TD.
Pittsburgh Steelers – DEF
The defending Super Bowl champs are in a tough spot entering Week 4, with the Chargers poised to walk all over the Steelers. Philip Rivers has developed into one of the league’s best passers and should LT and Sproles share carries, the balance between pass and run should keep receivers and running lanes open. Until Troy Polomalu returns to the Steelers’ lineup, their defense will fail to compete at the level they did last year. Week 4 Scoutlook: 29 pts allowed, 1 sack, 1 INT, 0 TD.
Adam Hutcheson
Adam Gori
David Brick
Josh Brick
Grant Howard
Alex Lopez
Joe Giglio
Who to start this week for QB I have Brady or Schaub, my recievers are R Moss and K Walter, I need two rb R Brown M Barber D Sproles W Parker and G Coffee
I’d definitely start Brady over Schaub this week. The Ravens defense has not been winning games, it’s been the offense. With that said, we could see a shoot-out in Foxborough.
I’d take Ronnie Brown for certain, but Barber could be a question mark come gametime. Considering some of the tough defenses those RBs will be facing, I’d test the waters with Coffee vs. St. Louis. He’ll be the focal point of the offense and could pay big dividends. Good luck!
Clinton Portis should be on your yes, please list
Can you include kickers in your picks please
Kickers are a dime a dozen. While you can look at favorable matchups to help make a decision, the predictions are blind guesses.
Need Help
Should I start Hester vs Lions or Colston vs Jets?? Normally this would be a no-brainer but hester does get the very leaky pass defense of the Lions while Colston gets Darrelle Revis and the Jets who held Andre Johnson and Randy Moss to a combined 8 catches for 59 yrds and 0 TD’s in the first two weeks. I also have Roy Williams but he’s pretty junky and lives on my bench.
Thanks for the help.
You’ve definitely got a tough decision to make come gametime, but I find it hard to bench Colston. He can find the end zone against any team, but you can’t expect him to get the yardage he normally accumulates.
If you go with Colston, it’s a risky play. You’d be banking on getting at least one score out of him.
have 4 back in week 4 which three would you start…
slaton vs oakland
mcfadden vs houston
parker vs san diego
bradshaw vs kansas city
thanks for your advise
Slaton and McFadden are a must this week. The rushing attack in that game (on both sides) should be fun to watch.
Your 3rd RB should probably be Parker, the safe bet considering he’ll be getting the majority of Pitt’s carries. But Bradshaw is getting his fair share of touches for the Giants and has made the best of them. Considering Jacobs gets the red zone looks in that offense, Parker is your safest bet until Mendenhall plays up to his potential and dethrones him.
Looks like Parker might not play this week. He didn’t practice today and is listed as questionable. Keep a close eye, but Mendenhall is probably going to get the start. If that’s the case, looks like you have your three RBs.
also i have lt and sproles going pittsburgh with other 4 stated earlier
Start 3 WR, 2 RB…Who should I start?
WR- Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Pierre Garcon, Andre Caldwell, Chris Henry
RB- Ricky Williams, Thomas Jones, Reggie Bush, Mewelde Moore
Right now I’ve got Moss, Welker, Garcon starting..and Williams and Jones starting.. Bush vNYJ to me is a big no-no.. Thanks for your opinion.
I agree with all of your picks, except I would put Bush in rather than Ricky Williams. The Saints will have to be creative to score points against Rex Ryan’s Jets, and that will start with Bush and Pierre in the run game.
Which 2 RBs to start? No PPR.
McGahee v NE
Slaton v OAK
Coffee v STL
McFadden v HOU
Moreno v DAL
He didn’t have a great week filling in for Gore, but start Coffee this week. He plays the Rams, a much different run defense than the Vikings. Second one being Slaton, as previously mentioned in the article.
Winslow killed me last week, ugh, everyone at http://www.starthisguy.com had him voted up against Gregg Olsen. He’s the guy this week…
Need to start 2 of the following RB…. L Washington, K. Moreno, Ray Rice, L Tomlinson, M Lynch….. Thanks
Back for more, huh?
Moreno and Ray Rice this week. The others are too flaky right now.
Yea, you helped me out last week so expect to hear from me often… thanx
I agree. Rice and Moreno. But don’t be too surprised if Lynch has a good game. Supposedly he’s been training hard during his suspension. Yeah, Jackson did amazing filling in, but I expect Lynch to get most of the carries. I look for it to be similar to how Barber and Jones were used. Lynch (Barber) getting the bulk with Jackson (Jones) coming in to keep them both fresh and still putting up decent fantasy numbers. It might not occur this week, being his first back, but don’t be surprised. And don’t be discouraged if you have him and he doesn’t put up huge numbers this week.
Who should i start at WR Greg Jennings, Jerricho Cotchery, Brandon Marshall need 2 and what DEF Ravens or Jets
I’d hate to bench Jennings, especially in a match up where I can see Rodgers airing it out. But, the Vikings defense has only given up 167.7 passing yards per game. Jennings might find the end zone, though. Marshall and Cotchery have more favorable match ups. Cotchery faces the Saints who give up 245.3 passing yards per game and Marshall goes up against a Cowboys defense that allows 268 passing yards per game. Marshall is a must-start up against the Cowboys. It’s a tough call for the second, but I think I’d go Jennings on Monday night. The Vikings have at least given up 4 passing TDs per game and 4 INTs. The Saints allowed 3 TDs through the air and so far have amassed 7 INTs. Jennings and Marshall.
Again, I like the picks, but this time we disagree on Kellen Winslow. I think the first thing a young NFL quarterback learns is that the tight end can be your best friend. The Bucs don’t exactly face a Super Bowl contender this week, so there should be more opportunities for the offense than there were last week.
Paul
peoplespigskin.wordpress.com
Don’t talk about my Redskins that way. Haha. We’ll see…
Having a tough time deciding on who to start this week especially in my running game which is lacking
I have Driver and Wayne but for my third I’ve been starting Housh who hasn’t been doing anything especially since Wallace is still in..should I take one more chance with him or give Nate Washington a try? and I have Lance Moore and Stokley but both with injuries…now my running backs..please don’t laugh
Lt(who knows whats going to happen),Bradshaw( poss. injury) R.Bush, Jamal Charles(still scared to take a chance) and Mewelde Moore( poss. since Parker’s turf toe) Pick two. Thanks for the advice!
Alright well, I think you’re on the right path with Nate Washington this week. The Jaguars should give up some points this weekend.
As for your RBs, I’m not too sure what to say….but I won’t laugh. LT is your best option, but only if you get good news Sunday morning. I’d go with him and Bradshaw this weekend.
We’ll be here all season to help.
Interesting article. I have Carson Palmer, Steve Slaton and Vernon Davis starting this week so I hope you are right!
Who should I start between Santana Moss and Steve Smith (NYG)? I am worried that the Giants run game will dominate and get the scores while on the other hand S. Moss seems to be very inconsistent on a weekly basis…
If there were to be back-to-back good weeks from Santana Moss it would be 3 and 4, Lions and Bucs. Go with Santana. Could hover around 100 yds again.
If LT doesn’t play would you play it safe and go with Bush or take a chance on one of the other two
Yeah, the others are too part-time right now.
I have a trade proposed to me: I give up knowshon and megatron and get westbrook and rowdy roddy white. I’m leaning towards accepting. What do you think?
I like it. So here’s what I’d do. Take the trade, but only if it will process for Week 5. If you have to sit on it for an extra day, then so be it. You don’t want those 2 bye weeks right now. Get your use out of Knowshon and Calvin this weekend. So pull the trigger tomorrow afternoon if you think it will process before Sunday.
Hey, cool site, i like your suggestions.
Still stuck on a few decisions and hoping you can shed some insight for me. Much appreciated either way.
Who should I play this week?
Andre Caldwell
or Earl Bennet
Jerome Harrison
or Chester Taylor
or Tashard Choice
or Fred Jackson
Earl Bennett is my guy this week. He’s been getting more and more looks from Cutler and the Bears have that sexy matchup with the Lions.
I think Fred Jackson is still worth starting, since Marshawn will be somewhat eased back into the swing of things. Go with Freddie.
I am struggling big time with RB’s. We have a semi-ppr league with getting a ppr after 5 receptions. Here are my RB options:
Felix Jones – out
Jonathan Stewart – bye
Tashard Choice – looked good until they made Barber probable
Kevin Smith – Says he is playing, but still not 100% and bad match-up
Donald Brown – eh.
Yeah, I know, my RB’s suck. I got stuck with Choice cause I got out-waivered for Coffee.
Also wouldn’t mind your thoughts on my WR’s as Fitz has a bye.
Calvin – Definitely Starting
Burleson – lots of targets but scared of the Indy zone.
Garcon – not a true believer yet.
Thanks.
Keep a close eye on Kevin Smith, as should he be close to 100% tomorrow, he’ll be a good start for you. Donald Brown is a must start considering your RB options and Tashard Choice’s chances of being a big factor plummeted when Barber declared himself pretty much ready to go. So with that said, give Smith a chance if he’s going to play, otherwise default to Choice.
As for your WR, I like Garcon to keep it up while Anthony Gonzalez remains out. Burleson and Garcon aren’t the best options, by any means, but as reserves who will fill in for your bye week voids, you gotta give it a shot, unless Earl Bennett is available in your league.
need 2 rb to start
ryan grant vs minn.
mcfadden vs hou.
marion barber (p) vs Den
i got grant and mcfadded starting as of now
sims-walker over berrian for a 3rd WR?
thanks for the advice
You’ve gone the right route with your RBs. Denver’s defensive line has been impressive thus far, and nothing is certain with Barber going into this week.
I’ve gotta say, I think Sims-Walker is a bit of a fad right now. I’d trust Berrian more so against GB. Brett will definitely be throwing the ball.
not sure why my first comment was erased?
Need 2 RBs:
Choice, Kevin Smith, Donald Brown
Need 1 Receiver:
Burleson or Garcon
now that LT is playing sunday night would you start him in front of a bradshaw going against kansas city easy run defense.
thanks
I think you’ve got to trust your 1st round pick if you know he’ll be playing. He’s obviously talented, so the only risk here is the limitations the coaching staff may put on him, with Sproles ready to carry some of that load.
Who do I start at RB
Barber
Rice
Lynch
Forte
D. Brown
Coffee
Who do I start at WR
R. Moss
S. Smith (Giants)
K.Walter
Devery Henderson
Johnny Knox
Sorry Pick Two RB and Three WR
Starting with your RBs, Forte is a must. If he doesn’t break out this week, he never will. Glen Coffee is looking like a good start against St. Louis, but he’s a risk. If you’re willing to take that risk, he’s got the chance to see the most touches. Otherwise, Marion Barber (if he does indeed play) is your safe bet as your 2nd RB.
At WR you’ve got to go with Moss and Smith. With Darrelle Revis locking down Colston for the Saints, Devery Henderson becomes a very valuable receiver. Those are my 3.
In a PPR league with many players on a bye week. Looking for temp help at RB and WR. Right now I have:
WR
C. Johnson – start
B. Berrian – start
J. Knox – start
L. Fitzgerald (Bye)
RB
R. Grant – start
J. Harrison -start
M. Moore – flex
F. Jones (out)
D. Williams (bye)
L. McCoy (bye)
E. Royal, L. Evans, C. Buckhalter, D. Bess are also available in my league. Should I stick with my roster or would one of the free agents be good for this week?
N. Washington, K. Britt, C. Stuckey are also available…
Get Eddie Royal in there this week. It’s time for him to turn it around. The fact that he’s getting dropped in a ton of leagues is just a lack of patience. He and Lee Evans should be scooped up in your league. I’d drop Mewelde and Knox to get Royal and Lee Evans. Moore or Knox may be a slight bit better this week, but when you get into the playoff push, you’ll want more reliable players like Royal and Evans who will, presumably, have turned their seasons around.
Ppr league. Do I start Pierre Thomas or Glen Coffee? What do you recommend between Derrick Mason or Nate Burleson? Thanks for the input!
Pierre Thomas is coming off of a huge week and will face a much bigger challenge with the Jets, but he’s worth starting. Any goalline opportunities will go his way. I’d go with Burleson this week. The Colts D won’t be quite as ferocious with Freeney out. Could open things up for the Seahawks passing game.
Need help. Should I start Ricky Williams or LT?
Go with LT. He’s gotta build your trust at some point…this should be the week.
i need to pick up a TE this week to fill in for gates…
todd heap or marcedes lewis?
also, rodgers is on a bye so do i wait it out with eli manning & see how he’s doing later in the week or do i pick up another QB now?
thx. for the help
Those 2 TEs have put up nearly identical numbers in ’09 through four weeks. I’d go with Heap though. Cincinnati’s defense is getting a bit more respectable, so Heap could wind up being a checkdown option for Flacco.
I’m in the same QB dilemna you are this week. Personally, I’m waiting on Eli to give me some good news. If all else fails, I’ll pick up a scrub for a week and let him go later.
I have Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitz, Burleson and Garcon. Calvin has his bye week upcoming in week 7. It’s the same as Burleson. Am I crazy for considering dropping Garcon for Massequaui (sp) now that Edwards is gone?
Garcon would be going against StL in week 7, but Gonzo could be back and Peyton spreads the ball around a ton. They also will probably be running a lot in that game. Massequai (sp) will be up against Green Bay, who were just exposed by Favre with some average receivers, and they will probably be playing from behind.
Just looking for a second opinion.