Week Four of the NFL season is upon us and hopefully you haven’t given up on your fantasy team yet. There is still time to turn it around if you’ve made some wrong coaching decisions thus far.
Here’s a look at the guys who should be in your lineup this week and those that are better off sitting out.
As usual the obvious top tier guys will not be on this list as they are a given every week.
Quarterbacks
Studs
Joe Flacco vs. Browns – Cleveland’s defense has given up almost 20 points a week to opposing quarterbacks and Thursday night should be no different. Flacco plays well at home and should be in your lineup if you have him.
Peyton Manning vs. Raiders – This is a great matchup for Manning who has been somewhat inconsistent to start this season. The Raiders defense has been lenient on their opponent’s fantasy points behind center and Manning is going to be playing with something to prove.
Philip Rivers vs. Chiefs – Rivers has been a bit disappointing so far, however this weekend his matchup is very favorable. The Chiefs defense has given up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season making Rivers a great start this week.
Duds
Sam Bradford vs. Seattle – The Seahawks defense has been very stingy this season and is playing very tough football. Bradford has been inconsistent and should stay on your bench this week if you have another option.
Jay Cutler vs. Dallas – The Cowboys secondary is playing well and should hinder Cutler from getting too many fantasy points this weekend.
Running Backs
Studs
BenJarvis Green-Ellis vs. Jaguars – The law firm has been quietly putting up solid numbers this season and he has a great matchup this week. The Jags have given up six touchdowns to opposing running backs this season and the second most fantasy points.
Ryan Mathews vs. Chiefs – While Mathews has had a rough start to the season; he does have a favorable matchup this week against Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed an average of 20 points this season to running backs and this week should be no different.
Mikel Leshoure vs. Minnesota – Leshoure came out swinging in his first real NFL start. He should have another great game as Stafford is somewhat banged up and the Lions may look to the run more often.
Duds
Steven Jackson vs. Seattle – Jackson has struggled this season and that should continue this week. The Seahawks have been tough against the run so Jackson should be reserved again if you have a decent running back replacement.
Andre Brown vs. Eagles – While Brown has been a great surprise to fantasy owners this season; Ahmad Bradshaw is set to return to the lineup for the Giants this week. This will hinder Brown’s playing time and a tough Eagles defense won’t help his cause either.
Wide Receivers
Studs
Eric Decker vs. Raiders – Coming off a great game last Sunday, Decker should have a repeat performance against division rival Oakland. Both Decker and Demaryius Thomas should have success against a weak Raiders secondary.
Torrey Smith vs. Browns – After an emotional performance last week following the death of his younger brother, Smith should continue to have success on Thursday night against the Browns. Cleveland has given up the third most points to fantasy receivers so Smith should be in your lineup this week.
Vincent Jackson vs. Redskins – Even though Jackson has been spotty so far this season, the Redskins have given up the most fantasy points to receivers making it tough to not start Jackson this week.
Duds
Brandon Marshall vs. Dallas – The Cowboys secondary is no joke and Marshall may pay the price this weekend. While you may not have the depth to sit someone like Marshall, it’s a good idea to do so if you can.
Danny Amendola vs. Seattle – Seattle has been playing wideouts tough this season and Amendola could struggle in this game. Keep him on your bench if you can this week.
Tight Ends
Studs
Owen Daniels vs. Titans – Tennessee has given up the most fantasy points to tight ends this season, making this week a great matchup for Daniels. He is still a free agent in many leagues so jump on him if he’s available this week.
Kyle Rudolph vs. Lions – Rudolph is another tight end who is available in many leagues. He’s been a great surprise this season and should have continued success this week against the Lions. Detroit has given up three touchdowns to tight ends so far this season, which bodes well for Rudolph.
Antonio Gates vs. Chiefs – Even though Gates has been frustrating for fantasy owners this season, his matchup this week makes him a great start in all formats. Gates has a history of success against Kansas City and with the way the Chiefs defense has started out the season, his domination should continue in 2012.
Duds
Jason Witten vs. Bears – Witten owners are certainly hitting the panic button this season and with good reason. He has dropped passes and not put up the numbers that we are used to from him. Keep him on your bench until we see some improvement from him.
Jared Cook vs. Texans – While Cook had an excellent game last week; the Texans defense is one of the stingiest in the league against tight ends. Keep him reserved if you can this week.
Defense
Studs
Giants vs. Eagles – The Eagles have given up the most points to opposing defense in the first three weeks of the season. With Vick’s struggles to hang onto the football along with his iffy offensive line; the Giants defense will have plenty of opportunities to rack up fantasy points this weekend.
Duds
Bills vs. Patriots – The Bills are going to have their hands full this week with a Patriots offense coming off a tough loss. Tom Brady has a history of lighting up the Bills and will be looking to continue that this weekend.
Got a fantasy football question? Tweet Jennifer @themondaymommy.
