Week 4 Watch List

Here are some players to keep an eye on this week. If they continue to perform, add them to your roster.

QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ): His numbers are not jaw-dropping, but he is fairly consistent and plays on a team with a good defense and good running game. Which makes him a solid play if your starter is on bye or injured.

QB Chad Henne (MIA): Not sure how good he will be, but he is a starter now that QB Chad Pennington is done for the year, so give him some thought if you are desperate.

QB Josh Johnson (TB): It looks like QB Byron Leftwich has been benched. I doubt Johnson will do much, but you never know.

RB Jerome Harrison (CLE): I am a little disappointed that RB James Davis did not get more chances while RB Jamal Lewis was out with injury. Not sure if Harrison is the RB2 in CLE or if Davis is still dealing with injury issues of his own. Either way, as long as Lewis is slowed by injuries, keep an eye on both Harrison and Davis to see who gets the touches.

WR Keenan Burton (STL): I was big on WR Laurent Robinson, but now that he is on IR, someone else has to step up. And that guy could be Burton.

WR Mike Wallace (PIT): PIT cannot run the ball, so they will have to pass. And Wallace has looked pretty good as the third option. Keep an eye on him.

WR Andre Caldwell (CIN): I expected WR Chris Henry to be more productive, but he seems to be limited by injuries. Which has opened the door for Caldwell.

WR Chaz Schilens (OAK): He could play this week. Although with how poorly the fat caveman is throwing the ball, it might not matter. But keep an eye on him. He is tall and lanky, so maybe he can catch some of those errant passes.

TE Vernon Davis (SF): Davis had a big game against MIN and has done alright otherwise this year. Keep an eye on him and see if they continue to go to him in the red zone.

Week 4 Waiver Wire

Here are some guys you should have added last week. But on the off chance that they are still available in your (bush) league, go grab them now:

QB Kevin Kolb (PHI): It is still unclear how much longer QB Donovan McNabb will be out, but Kolb has shown that he can play. Now that bye weeks are hitting, he is a very serviceable option.

RB LeSean McCoy (PHI): He will perform very well any time RB Brian Westbrook is out. And it only took 2 games for that to happen.

RB Tashard Choice (DAL): He did well this week with RB Marion Barber out. And now that RB Felix Jones is also hurting, he could end up getting a lot of touches.

WR Pierre Garcon (IND): With WR Anthony Gonzalez out with a knee injury, Garcon has stepped in and been very productive.

WR Johnny Knox (CHI): He seems to be Cutler’s favorite target, making him worthy of a WR3 play in most leagues.

WR Mike Sims-Walker (JAX): After disappointing me with a zero catch performance in week 1 after I touted him as a sleeper, he has performed pretty well in weeks 2 and 3. He seems to be the No. 1 option in JAX at WR.

WR Julian Edelman (NE): As long as WR Wes Welker is out with injury, Edelman makes a solid play as a WR3.

TE Brent Celek (PHI): I added this guy in two of my leagues last week. He is currently the 2nd best TE in fantasy. But for some reason, he was still available.

And here are some names of guys who you should add to your roster this week:

RB Glenn Coffee (SF): It sounds like RB Frank Gore is going to miss a few weeks. Coffee should be a great fill-in.

RB Fred Taylor (NE): He seems to have emerged as the main RB in NE — at least for one week. It’s hard to trust him, but he’s definitely worth a roster spot given injuries and bye week issues that are likely to hit soon enough.

WR Kevin Walter (HOU): After missing the first 2 games, Walter came back and had 7 catches for 98 yards and a TD in week 3. He is a very solid WR3 play and he is probably available in many leagues due to his whiteness and his injuries.

WR Nate Washington (TEN): Not a ton of yards, but in 2 games he has 2 TDs.

WR Kelley Washington (BAL): He has picked up the slack and emerged as the WR2 in BAL.

3 Losers & a Douchebag

Loser #1: I think we can officially say that WR Terrell Owens is no longer an elite fantasy WR. He had zero catches in week 3, and only has 5 catches for 98 yards and a TD on the season. Which is what he used to have in a game. For falling from fantasy stardom, Mr. Owens, you are a loser.

Loser #2: When you repeatedly post super-human numbers, people expect super-human numbers. Which is why QB Drew Brees is a loser this week. He failed to throw for more than 200 yards and failed to throw a TD pass. Which is par for the course for half of the starting QBs in the NFL. But for Brees? It is unacceptable. Mr. Brees, you are a loser.

Loser #3: No one expected monster numbers from RB Frank Gore this week against MIN, but people expected more than 1 carry. For tricking us into thinking you were healthy enough to play and then bowing out after only 1 carry, Mr. Gore, you are a loser.

Douchebag: The douchebag this week is someone most of you have probably never heard of. His name is FB John Kuhn of GB. Why is he the douchebag this week? Well, because he scored on a 1-yard TD run and a 10-yard TD reception, both of which most likley would have otherwise been TDs for RB Ryan Grant. So, for stealing TDs from a guy who should have had a huge fantasy day, Mr. Kuhn, you are a douchebag.

Douchebag Honorable Mention: Umm… Can someone tell me who FB Daniel Fells is? He came out of nowhere to have 2 TD catches against GB. Which means that both FBs in the GB-STL game were douchebags this weekend.

Week 3 Injury Update

Here are some key injury updates…

QB Chad Pennington (MIA): Pennington (shoulder) could be done for the year. QB Chad Henne will likely take over, and could be a decent QB2 against favorable matchups. But I would wait and see what he does.

QB Marc Bulger (STL): Bulger (shoulder) could miss some time. If he is out, QB Kyle Boller will start in his place. Boller actually looked alright against GB.

RB Frank Gore (SF): Gore (ankle) could miss a couple weeks. Go get RB Glenn Coffee now.

RB Kevin Smith (DET): It sounds like Smith (shoulder) should be okay, but if you own him, consider adding RB Maurice Morris.

RB Brian Westbrook (PHI): Westbrook (ankle) missed this week’s game with an ankle injury, and it is not clear when he will be back. Go get RB LeSean McCoy now.

RB Marion Barber (DAL): Barber (thigh) is inactive for the game tonight against CAR. Watch to see how DAL uses RB Felix Jones and RB Tashard Choice tonight, because Barber could miss another game or two.’

RB Jamal Lewis (CLE): Lewis was out this week. RB James Harrison got most of the carries in his absence, with RB James Davis getting some touches, as well. But neither really did much. And I would probably avoid any CLE players for the time being, given their woes on offense.

RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (toe) is dealing with a minor case of turf toe, which is a notoriously annoying injury. If Parker misses any time, RB Rashard Mendenhall would get the start. Although he has not looked good and the PIT OL is marginal.

WR Wes Welker (NE): Welker missed his second game in a row. WR Julian Edelman played in his place but did not have another Welker-esque outing. Edelman could be worth a roster spot, though, if Welker misses any more time.

WR Laurent Robinson (STL): Robinson (ankle) is likely done for the year after breaking his lower leg. Which is too bad. He was having a great start to the season. I expect WR Keenan Burton to get some extra looks with Robinson out.

WR Chris Henry (CIN): Henry (thigh) has been battling a leg injury all year, which could explain why he has yet to explode onto the scene like I expected/predicted. Or maybe he is just not going to explode. Either way, while he is slowed by injury, WR Andre Caldwell seems to be getting some extra looks.

3 Losers & a Douchebag

Loser # 1: Everyone expected NE to go right back to their glory of 2007 when QB Tom Brady returned. And week 1 was a nice start. But in week 2, WR Randy Moss only posted 24 yards. And for that, he is a loser.

Loser # 2: Last week, TE Zach Miller showed everyone why he was considered a sleeper at TE when he caught 6 passes for 96 yards. Then he followed that up by completely disappearing. That should teach us a lesson: Never trust the fat caveman (aka QB Jamarcus Russell). And for teaching us that lesson, he is a loser.

Loser #3: Umm… WTF WR Greg Jennings? Zero catches against CIN? How is that even possible? You know what? I don’t even wanna know. Because either way, you are a loser.

Douchebag: My douchebag this week is personal. QB Matt Schaub (HOU) is my douchebag this week because I recommended that you sit him because he was facing the TEN defense and he struggled in week 1. But instead of struggling, he blew up and threw for 347 yards and 4 TDs, making him the highest scoring QB. What a douchebag.

I think…

1. I think … I’m glad I had RB Chris Johnson on my team in one league. But I am not so glad I had to play against him in another.

2. I think … RB Cedric Benson is shaping up to be a very nice RB2. He is tied with RB Michael Turner for the most carries in the league through 2 weeks.

3. I think … the GB offense has disappointed thus far. The OL is the problem. And it could have a major affect on QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, and WR Greg Jennings if it does not improve.

4. I think … NYJ CB Darrelle Revis is very good. He held WR Andre Johnson to 4 catches for 35 yards in week 1 and WR Randy Moss to 4 catches for 24 yards in week 2. I might consider benching your WRs against him.

5. I think … RB Darren Sproles is not a great RB. But, damn, he is great when he gets the ball in space. He is worth starting every week, especially while RB LaDainian Tomlinson is hurt.

6. I think … RB Felix Jones could benefit greatly if RB Marion Barber misses any time due to his quad injury. But watch for RB Tashard Choice to get some touches, too.

7. I think … As (I) expected, WR Devin Hester is not a real WR. However, its a little surprising to see rookie WR Jonny Knox has become the leading WR in Chicago.

8. I think … I love the NFL. QB Jay Cutler throws 4 INTs and CHI loses go GB in week 1. Then CHI beats PIT in week 2, and GB loses to CIN. So tough early on to tell who is for real.

9. I think … QB Matt Ryan is the real deal. And TE Tony Gonzalez is his new best friend.

10. I think … I was wrong about WR Dominic Hixon. It looks like WR Mario Manningham and WR Steve Smith are going to lead the way. One or both might even be available in your league.

Matt Schaub

Yeah. Sorry about that one. Jesus.

Week 2 Injury Report

Here are some notable players who are injured and what you should do about it:

QB Matt Cassel (KC): Cassel (knee) is expected to be a game-time decision (GTD). I would avoid him. OAK has a solid pass defense.

QB Donovan McNabb (PHI): McNabb (ribs) is out this week and could even miss a couple more.

QB Matt Schaub (HOU): Schaub (ankle) is reportedly feeling better and will be close to 100% this week against TEN.

Some possible fill-ins who might be available on waivers include:  QB Trent Edwards (BUF), QB Shaun Hill (SF), QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ), QB Byron Leftwich (TB), and QB Jason Campbell (WAS).

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD): Tomlinson (ankle) is out. RB Darren Sproles should get some extra touches. And RB Michael Bennett might even get some work.

RB Pierre Thomas (NO): Thomas (knee) was looking good-to-go earlier this week, but now is reportedly questionable (50-50). I would avoid him. But since he might play, it makes using RB Mike Bell somewhat risky.

Some possible fill-ins at RB who might be available on waivers include: RB Michael Bush (OAK), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG), RB Leon Washington (NYJ), RB Kevin Faulk (NE), and RB Correll Buckhalter (DEN).

WR Anquan Boldin (AZ): Boldin (hamstring) is questionable (50-50) but I say he will probably play (which, of course, means he will not). I wish AZ would rest him. But he generally refuses to sit unless he absolutely has to (i.e. last year when he broke his jaw — and even then he only missed two games).

WR Anthony Gonzalez (IND): Gonzalez (knee) is expected to miss up to 8 weeks. WR Pierre Garcon should step into his spot and is worth a start if you are hurting for WRs.

WR Antonio Bryant (TB): Bryant (knee) suffered a set-back last week and is unlikely to play. Avoid him either way. WR Michael Clayton played well last week and makes a solid start with Bryant out.

WR Andrew Walter (HOU): WTF? Is every single WR who’s name starts with “A” injured this week?

WR Steve Breaston (AZ): Breaston (knee) is questionable (50-50). If he (and Boldin) are out, WR Jerheme Urban will get more looks and makes a soild start.

If you are desperate at WR this week, consider these guys (who are probably on waivers): WR Laurent Robinson, WR Pierre Garcon, WR Kenny Britt, WR Michael Clayton, WR Jerheme Urban, WR Robert Meachem, WR Davone Bess, and WR Chansi Stuckey.

Anyone I missed? Post a comment if you have a question about an injured player and I will get back to you…

Coach’s Kid & Point Shaver

The “Coach’s Kid” is a player who most people would never expect to do well but ends up turning in a good game. If you put him in your lineup, people will ask: Why is that guy even in the lineup? He is terrible. Maybe he is the coach’s kid.

This week, the “Coach’s Kid” is RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) @ DAL. Bradshaw had a respectable showing in week 1 (71 total yards on 15 touches), and now he is up against a DAL team that let the RBBC in TB run all over them (31 carries for 174 yards and 2 TDs). I think both RB Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw will have solid games, as NYG will look to run the ball quite a bit against their division foe.

The “Point Shaver” is a good player who, for some unknown reason, fails to perform this week. Much like a stud basketball player mightmiss a few free throws at the end of a meaningless game to put some extra cash in his pocket.

This week, the “Point Shaver” is RB Matt Forte (CHI) vs. PIT. Do you see a trend here? Last week, I picked a RB who was playing against PIT. Basically, any RB that is playing against PIT is going to disappoint. And Forte disappointed last week against GB. So he will have a tough time against PIT this week.

How did I do last week? I suggested sitting RB Chris Johnson, who managed just 6.8 points. And I recommended starting RB Mike Bell, who put up 143 yards, but also lost a fumble, so he had 12.3 points. I call those both wins for me.

Yes… No… Maybe?

“Yes… No… Maybe?” is my version of the start-sit post. For the most part, I avoided the obvious (i.e. “Start Adrian Peterson and Drew Brees!”) and tried to focus on the fringe players. Beginning next week, I will recap how I did the previous week. So, eventually, when it turns out I am wrong all the time, you can pull a Costanza and just do the opposite.

And, just in case you are confused by the obvious nature of the post, here is a key:

Yes = Start these players. They have a high likelihood of performing well.
No = Sit these players. The risk is too high that they will struggle.
Maybe = Start these guys if you do not have better options. They could do well. Or they could fail.

Yes

QB Trent Edwards (BUF) vs. TB: Last week, QB Tony Romo put up a career-high in passing yards against TB. I doubt Edwards will replicate that effort, but he should have a good game. He has the weapons and TB is vulnerable.

RB Ray Rice (BAL) @ SD: OAK was able to push the SD DL around last week and managed to put up some rushing yards. BAL is a better running team, so Rice should get plenty of work. RB Willis McGahee and RB LeRon McClain could steal his TDs, but that is no reason not to use him. He should have around 100 total yards again.

RB Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. TB: Jackson did very well last week in place of suspended RB Marshawn Lynch, and he should have another solid outing against TB, who is not nearly as strong on DEF as most people think.

RB Clinton Portis (WAS) vs. STL: Portis is probably a must-start guy each week, but there are rumors that hsi touches are going to be limited and RB Ladell Betts is going to get more work. But RB Julius Jones went nuts on STL last week, so Portis should have a big day.

WR Louis Murphy (OAK) vs. KC: Yes, I know he has the fat caveman throwing him the ball. But there are just not many other options in OAK outside of TE Zach Miller (here’s a free one: Start Miller, too). Murphy was inches away from scoring 2 TDs last week and should have another good day against a KC pass DEF that struggles.

NO

QB Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. PIT: I doubt Cutler wil blow up and have 4 INTs again — although it would be awesome if he did — but I would consider other options this week. PIT is very good on DEF and could give him troubles, just like GB did with their version of the 3-4.

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) @ TEN: Schaub struggled last week against NYJ, and TEN is just as good or better than NYJ against the pass. TEN does not have a shutdown CB like NYJ has in CB Darrelle Revis, but I think they will contain Schaub enough to make him bench-worthy. Plus, I think his ankle is still bothering him.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) vs. BAL: LT is banked up with an ankle injury and is expected to be a game-time decision. Even if he does play, I have very little confidence that he will have a good day against the BAL DEF.

RB Steve Slaton (HOU) @ TEN: This was a tough one. Partly becuase I have him in one of my leagues. But also because, last year, he was the only RB to put up over 100 yards rushing on TEN. And he did it twice. So he is a lock to have a good game again, right? I wish. I think he will struggle. He is a borderline “no/maybe” though. Start him if you are really desperate.

WR Devin Hester (CHI) vs. PIT: But for one blown coverage last week in the GB game, Hester did nothing. I do not think PIT will blow coverage and let him get behind them, even without SS Troy Polomalu.

MAYBE

RB Pierre Thomas (NO) @ PHI: Thomas claims to be healthy and ready to go. If this is true, he should get enough work against PHI to make him worthy of a start. I think RB Mike Bell will continue to get some reps as they ease Thomas back in, but Thomas will be the man once he is 100%.

RB Darren Sproles (SD) vs. BAL: I am not sure why I hate Sproles. I was not high on him coming into this year. And now, even with LT hurt, I am still not all that high on him. He is very involved in the passing game, which is great. But he simply is not an every-down RB. However, with LT out, he makes a good start if you do not have other options. But I think BAL will do a better job of containing him than OAK did.

RB Kevin Smith (DET) vs. MIN: Smith could have an okay day, because he is involved in the passing game. And that is the only reason he is a “maybe” and not a “no”. MIN is just too stout against the run. But this has “trap game” written all over it… MIN has all the hype, and DET has not won a game in a long time. Who knows a good bookie? I just got paid…

RB Willie Parker (PIT) @ CHI: I am not a fan of FWP this year. He looked very marginal in week 1. And the PIT OL is not great. But CHI is without MLB Brian Urlacher, which makes him slightly more attractive.

WR Laurent Robinson (STL) @ WAS: Robinson had a solid week 1 and led the team in targets. And he had a couple red zone looks. STL is gonna be losing so they will have to pass. Which makes him a sneaky WR3 play this week if you need help.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Or, if you have other start-sit dilemmas, leave a comment and I will respond.