Fantasy Football is Won on Tuesdays

It’s time to take a look at the match ups for week 4. Don’t forget to set your line ups…Today

Also this is the first week of byes. The Jaguars, Saints, Titans and Redskins have the week off.

Top Five Defenses Against the Pass (Playing this week)

Broncos
Patriots
Rams
Jaguars
Chiefs
Steelers

This week has some of the best passing offenses versus some of the best passing defenses. Something has gotta give.

Look for lower production from…

Manning, Peyton QB IND
Palmer, Carson QB CIN
Romo, Tony QB DAL

Harrison, Marvin WR IND
Houshmandzadeh, T.J. WR CIN
Johnson, Chad WR CIN
Owens, Terrell WR DAL
Wayne, Reggie WR IND

Bench…

Warner, Kurt QB ARI
Leinart, Matt QB ARI
Rivers, Philip QB SD

Boldin, Anquan WR ARI
Fitzgerald, Larry WR ARI
Hurd, Sam WR DAL
Jackson, Vincent WR SD

Worst Five Defenses Against the Pass (Playing this week)

Bills
Lions
Seahawks
Giants
Jets
Big Day Candidates…

McNabb, Donovan QB PHI
Pennington, Chad QB NYJ
Smith, Alex QB SF

Given the situation in Chicago and Buffalo, I don’t think it matters for those two teams

Battle, Arnaz WR SF
Coles, Laveranues WR NYJ
Cotchery, Jerricho WR NYJ
Curtis, Kevin WR PHI
Jackson, Darrell WR SF

Top Five Defenses Against the Run (Playing this week)

Ravens
Vikings
Eagles
Patriots
Texans

Some hard yards this week…

Droughns, Reuben RB NYG
Dunn, Warrick RB ATL
Johnson, Rudi RB CIN
Norwood, Jerious RB ATL
Ward, Derrick RB NYG
Watson, Kenny RB CIN
Wynn, DeShawn RB GB
Lewis, Jamal RB CLE (A Special Welcome Home Awaits)

Worst Five Defenses Against the Run (Playing this week)

Bills
Browns
Dolphins
Broncos
Rams

Could be great weeks for…

Addai, Joseph RB IND
Barber, Marion RB DAL
Jones, Thomas RB NYJ
Jordan, LaMont RB OAK
McGahee, Willis RB BAL

I have found that many fantasy owners totally neglect their defense. Granted, there is just a few elites and then a huge middle of the pack but this is the week you may be able to steal a good upgrade.

There are a lot of people that still have the likes of Miami on their roster. Upgrade your D already! When you are one of the bottom defenses after three weeks it’s more than just a funk.

Its probably too late to grab Houston but you may be able to snag Tennessee. Tennessee has shown itself to be a stout defense against some tough offenses included the Colts. They have a pretty favorable remaining schedule and three people, including Young, to carry the football for ball control if they ever need it.

Detroit is giving up a lot of points but they are getting a lot of turnovers and that has them scoring fantasy points. Especially if your “good” D is having their bye in the next couple weeks. Look at the match ups for the available defenses for that week and pick up your fill in now before the other owners think to do it.

-Chris

Don’t forget, the first Bye week is this weekend. Teams with byes include New Orleans, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Washington. Maybe New Orleans can find their team from last year in their time off. Maybe not.

Here are some guys that may be in play in your league:

Quarterbacks:

Brian Griese, QB CHI: If your QB has a bye somewhere in weeks 6-10 and your #2 sucks or is non existent, Griese may be a good pickup to hold onto and see what develops. He may play as soon as this weekend as the Grossman era has to coming to an end. He is a solid veteran who will serve you well on a by or injury week

Trent Green, QB MIA: Ok, Trent has gone under the radar so far but her threw for 318 yards this week. Granted it was the Jets. Look for better production form this offense in the weeks to come. If he is available, he is at least worth a #2 spot.

Kurt Warner QB ARI: This is patrol car 54, we have a bandwagon heading west on I-10 easily exceeding the maximum number of passengers. Just stop, it was one week and they are not going to trash their future over this. They will use this to give Leinart a wake up call. Pick him up if you need a QB this weekend but I’m not even sure you’ll have him for that.

Running Backs

Deuce McAllister, RB NO: A metaphor for the Saints season. With Deuce done for the year look for Bush’s numbers to jump and possibly Aaron Steckler but I wouldn’t bother with him. If you are a gambler and see a need for RB down the road then take a chance on rookie RB Pierre Thomas who should now get worked into this offense some.

DeShaun Foster RB CAR: I used to be real high on this guy and maybe its just me but watching him on Sunday, he looked bigger and more like a north south runner. Anyway I’m still looking for him to be a one hit wonder here.

Kevin Jones/Tatum Bell RB DET: Tatum had his chance to claim this job and didn’t. Jones ran a couple on his foot and survived. look for Jones to split carries for a week or so and then assume the starting role. Drop Bell if you were holding him like me.

Wide Receivers:

Roddy White, WR ATL: Sorry, he’s going to have to put up more than one decent week to convince me

Vincent Jackson, WR SD: I’m ready to start this guy. I hope you listened and picked him up when he was availible.

Greg Jennings, WR GB: Patience is a virtue. It was wonderful seeing him take that crossing route to the house and help tie Marino’s record

Jerricho Cotchery, WR NYJ: If there is any sort of problem here its with the QB spot. Cotchery is for real.

Mike Furrey WR DET: He’s getting some touches but the rookie Calvin Johnson seems to have squeezed him out. To get only 43 yards on a day Kitna threw for well over 400 tells me that last year was last year, time to move on.

Donte’ Stallworth WR NE: I can’t figure this one out. I expected a huge year from him with Moss drawing the double team. I’m tempted to try and trade for him in all my leagues.

Jacoby Jones WR HOU: I was hih on this guy’s prospects but it looks like he needs some more seasoning. Maybe worth a look later in the year but I’m pulling the pug on this project.

Reggie Brown, WR PHI: Apparently the key to success in Philadelphia is to NOT throw it to Brown. This flash in the pan is extinguished.

Terry Glenn, WR DAL: This is as thin as I’ve seen the receiver depth in the league in a while. Glenn plus patience could mean some late season success. This Dallas air attack is for real but they may wrap up their division too soon.

-Chris

NFL Weather for September 23rd

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m.
Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 90.

San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 75.

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 85.

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 80.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 75.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 80.

San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the North at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 80.

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the North at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 85.

St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m.
Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the East at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 90.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 70.

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 60.

Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.
Mostly clear. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 70.

New York Giants at Washington Redskins, 4:15 p.m.
Sunny. Winds blowing from the North at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 85.

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m.
Mostly clear. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temp.: Around 70.

Look over the injury report and make a decision now. Set your lineup and don’t look back. You can always change your mind later but make a decision now and assume it is final.

Injury Report

Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair Groin QUESTIONABLE
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton Toe QUESTIONABLE
Baltimore Ravens MLB Ray Lewis Triceps QUESTIONABLE

Cincinnati Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Knee PROBABLE
Cincinnati Bengals K Shayne Graham Hip PROBABLE

Dallas Cowboys WR Terry Glenn Knee OUT

Denver Broncos TE Stephen Alexander Calf QUESTIONABLE
Denver Broncos WR Javon Walker Shoulder PROBABLE
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith PUP

Detroit Lions RB T.J. Duckett Ankle OUT
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones Foot DOUBTFUL

Green Bay Packers WR Greg Jennings Hamstring PROBABLE
Green Bay Packers WR James Jones Hamstring PROBABLE
Green Bay Packers RB Vernand Morency Knee DOUBTFUL

Houston Texans RB Ron Dayne Chest QUESTIONABLE
Houston Texans RB Ahman Green Knee PROBABLE
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson Knee PROBABLE

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones Heel PROBABLE
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Reggie Williams Back PROBABLE

Kansas City Chiefs WR Eddie Kennison Hamstring OUT
Kansas City Chiefs RB Priest Holmes IR OUT

Miami Dolphins QB Trent Green Ankle PROBABLE

Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson Groin DOUBTFUL
Minnesota Vikings RB Chester Taylor Hip QUESTIONABLE
Minnesota Vikings WR Robert Ferguson Ankle PROBABLE

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady R Shoulder PROBABLE
New England Patriots WR Donte’ Stallworth Knee QUESTIONABLE

New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress Ankle QUESTIONABLE
New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Knee OUT
New York Giants WR Steve Smith Shoulder OUT
New York Giants QB Eli Manning R Shoulder QUESTIONABLE

New York Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery Shoulder QUESTIONABLE
New York Jets RB Thomas Jones Calf QUESTIONABLE
New York Jets QB Chad Pennington Ankle QUESTIONABLE

Oakland Raiders RB LaMont Jordan Back PROBABLE
Oakland Raiders RB Dominic Rhodes Suspension

Philadelphia Eagles K David Akers Left quadricep PROBABLE
Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis Quadricep PROBABLE
Philadelphia Eagles WR Greg Lewis Hip PROBABLE

San Francisco 49ers WR Arnaz Battle Groin PROBABLE
San Francisco 49ers WR Darrell Jackson Back PROBABLE

Seattle Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander Wrist PROBABLE
Seattle Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett Ankle OUT

St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger Ribs PROBABLE
St. Louis Rams WR Drew Bennett Thigh PROBABLE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Ike Hilliard Ankle QUESTIONABLE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Carnell Williams Ribs QUESTIONABLE

-Chris

Its important to study your match ups because they can make your starters average and a player on your bench a superstar. There are top shelf players that you are always going to start regardless of the match up because a bad week for them is better than a good week for most.

When looking at match ups you are focusing on guys that are just better than a guy on your bench. Week 3 is maybe the biggest week for match ups until late in the season because you have 2 weeks of real performance data as a baseline and this is the last week of no byes for some time. The bye weeks will often make match ups irrelevant for you because if you only have to guys available they are your starters regardless of who they are playing

The players below are facing some of the worst defenses against the pass or run and offer the potential for an above average performance.

Bad Match Ups

Quarterbacks

Garrard, David QB JAC

Cutler, Jay QB DEN

Smith, Alex QB SF

Losman, J.P. QB BUF

Running Backs

Addai, Joseph RB IND

Barber, Marion RB DAL

Gore, Frank RB SF

James, Edgerrin RB ARI

Jones, Julius RB DAL

Lynch, Marshawn RB BUF

Wide Receivers

Walker, Javon WR DEN

Marshall, Brandon WR DEN

Stokley, Brandon WR DEN

Battle, Arnaz WR SF

Northcutt, Dennis WR JAC

Broussard, John WR JAC

Williams, Reggie WR JAC

Jackson, Darrell WR SF

Parrish, Roscoe WR BUF

Evans, Lee WR BUF

Good Match Ups

Quarterbacks

Anderson, Derek QB CLE

Campbell, Jason QB WAS

Grossman, Rex QB CHI

Hasselbeck, Matt QB SEA

McCown, Josh QB OAK

Running Backs

Alexander, Shaun RB SEA

Griffith, Justin RB OAK

Henry, Travis RB DEN

Jones, Thomas RB NYJ

Jordan, LaMont RB OAK

Maroney, Laurence RB NE

Morris, Maurice RB SEA

Morris, Sammy RB NE

Strong, Mack RB SEA

Wide Receivers

Edwards, Braylon WR CLE

Curry, Ronald WR OAK

El, Antwaan Randle WR WAS

Engram, Bobby WR SEA

Berrian, Bernard WR CHI

Branch, Deion WR SEA

Burleson, Nate WR SEA

Moss, Santana WR WAS

NFL Week 4 is the first Bye week. Is your team ready? Tennessee, New Orleans, Washington and Jacksonville get the early bye. If you haven’t already, you need to check your teams and make sure you aren’t left with a hole at a position because 3 of your 4 wide receivers play for these teams.

Week 4 Games:

Baltimore at Cleveland
Chicago at Detroit
Denver at Indianapolis
Green Bay at Minnesota
Houston at Atlanta
Kansas City at San Diego
NY Jets at Buffalo
Oakland at Miami
Philadelphia at NY Giants
Pittsburgh at Arizona
Seattle at San Francisco
St. Louis at Dallas
Tampa Bay at Carolina
New England at Cincinnati

Your best bet is to offer out a few trades. Be careful of a straight A to A trade as unless you are willing to downgrade that position, why would the other owner bother? A 2 for 2 trade works best where you can try and get equal value for the primary player and give them some value on the other.

An example: Lets say you have Frank Gore, Clinton Portis and Maurice Jones-Drew. You are banking on Jones-Drew improving and you know you can’t get much for him now so you shop Portis on the trade blocks.

Maybe the guy who has Willis McGahee is stacked and RB and start 2 backs with him. Because it is a fairly even trade you will need to sweeten the pot with the other player in the deal. Lets say you add Braylon Edwards (assuming you are Ok at wide receiver without him) for his Jerry Porter.

Make some trades if at all possible because if you have to drop someone for the scraps left on the waiver wire you will be loosing value. You don’t want to be one of those guys who didn’t pay attention to the byes and have to decide to lose a game or lose a decent player.

If you absolutely have to pick up some players, here are a few options that may be available and could stand to have a decent week 4.

Quarterbacks
Green, Trent QB MIA
Losman, J.P. QB BUF
Grossman, Rex QB CHI

Running Backs
Morris, Maurice RB SEA
Foster, DeShaun RB CAR
Griffith, Justin RB OAK
Pittman, Michael RB TB

Wide Receivers
Booker, Marty WR MIA
Avant, Jason WR PHI
Jones, James WR GB
Horn, Joe WR ATL

Defenses
Raiders, DST DST OAK
Dolphins, DST DST MIA

-Chris

Wednesdays are a good day to send trades once the waiver wire has sorted itself out. Make sure you look to sort through the players that were dropped. A lot of times owners will set their waiver claims on Saturday and not repeal them when Sunday proves the guy only had a bad first week. I saw Jericho Crotchery get dropped in one of my leagues this way.

TRADE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Quarterbacks:

Schaub, Matt QB HOU: Trade him now before he settles into a midrange QB

Green, Trent QB MIA: He may even be available to just pick up but if your QB has a late bye, that gives you a few weeks to see if he develops into a decent #2. Miami’s defense is not what it once was so that means more throwing yardage.

Leftwich, Byron QB ATL: Everyone will be on this one but if you can get him cheap he may turn into a decent #2

Running Backs:

Jones-Drew, Maurice RB JAC: A slow start could mean a cheap acquisition

Jacobs, Brandon RB NYG: People get impatient with early injuries so there is a chance you can get him pretty cheap

Benson, Cedric RB CHI: When he hits 100, sell! He had 101 yards this week

McAllister, Deuce RB NO: A lot of times, when you see a team in a funk, good coaches will simplify things and go back to basics. I predict Sean Payton will look to re-establish the run game and that means good things for Deuce. He will probably be a good bargain right now.

Jordan, LaMont RB OAK: I still say sell now because he will not be this valuable all year.
Jones, Kevin RB DET: Its hard to stay patient. Look for him to have a shaky start coming off of his injury and you may get him pretty cheaply

Morency, Vernand RB GB: I’m still talking this guy up. I think he is a great pick up and you should be able get him pretty cheaply.

Wide Receivers:

Fitzgerald, Larry WR ARI: Numbers are low for him…for now, so you may get a bargain
Boldin, Anquan WR ARI: See Larry Fitzgerald

Ward, Hines WR PIT: Numbers are lower for him…for now, so you may get a bargain

Jackson, Vincent WR SD: This guy will get better and hotter as the season progresses

Horn, Joe WR ATL: Horn is a worthy gamble. You can probably get him cheaply. He seemed crushed by the whole Vick situation and never had a chemistry with Harrington. If he finds a friend in Leftwich, watch out! This is my gamble trade of the week

Jennings, Greg WR GB: Impatience can play in your favor as his injury lingers

Furrey, Mike WR DET: A slower start means a good trade for you

Jones, James WR GB: Seems to be this years Greg Jennings. May remain a Favre favorite.

Jones, Jacoby WR HOU: Get him before this weekend and watch. With Johnson out his week this will be his chance to shine or fade.

Jurevicius, Joe WR CLE: Sell….NOW

Northcutt, Dennis WR JAC: See Joe Jurevicius

As they say: Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is trend

Keep you eyes on these guys who are all a steal if you want to take the chance:

Evans, Lee WR BUF: He is a streak guy so maybe a strong finish

Brown, Reggie WR PHI: This is your shot to be the goto guy

Stallworth, Donte’ WR NE: Boy, Philly needs him back

-Chris

It’s time to raid the waiver wire for the guys who will win it on Sunday

Quarterbacks:

Anderson, Derek QB CLE: If you were a swami and had this guy as your QB on Sunday then I bow to your supreme knowledge but otherwise, I think this is more a situation where all the planets aligned rather than Payton’s second coming

Schaub, Matt QB HOU: Living in Atlanta I saw what this guy could do but I had no faith in the rest of the Texans. I’m coming around real fast.

Garrard, David QB JAC: I still think this guy is at best a decent number 2

Campbell, Jason QB WAS: Lots of potential but I wouldn’t gamble a spot on him until next year

Huard, Damon QB KC: Show Me anything…Take a chance, your a starter now

McNabb, Donovan QB PHI: Will someone please explain to me why the management in Philly refuses to McNabb someone to throw the damn ball to? I understand TO but why let Dante Stallworth go when he had something going. He isn’t getting the ball in NE and he knows the Eagle system, call the Patriots and get him back today!

McCown, Josh QB OAK: I’m not convinced yet. Maybe one more game.

Running Backs

Lewis, Jamal RB CLE: If you got him, trade him. If you can pick him up for free, do and then trade him. Cleveland won’t score 51 points over the next 3 weeks combined.

Morris, Sammy RB NE: Next week it could be Malroney getting the FPs. RBBC is a death knell to fantasy owner. Note: RBBC (Running Back By Committee)

Ward, Derrick RB NYG: He will put up some decent points filling in for Jacobs but with that last into the bye stretch of the season? I’m concerned that a RBBC situation may break out when Jacobs returns. If I could get something for Jacobs I would but seeing as his stock is low I would recommend the wait and hope he establishes himself as the starter

White, LenDale RB TEN: RBBC sucks. Who will be the FP winner next week?

Wynn, DeShawn RB GB: My money is still on Morency. Get something for Wynn now if you can and pick up Morency if he is available. Patience is a virtue.

-Chris

What an interesting week of games. It almost looks like we can call the November 4th showdown between New England and Indianapolis the the preview to the De facto Super bowl. It is amazing how much better the AFC looks again this year than the NFC.

In fact, with the exception of the Bears Defense and the Cowboys offense there isn’t a whole lot to look at in the NFC for post season activity at this point. Where dem Saints?

Why does it look like every team in the NFC is on the decline and every team in the AFC is on the rise? The NFC has the Saints, Falcons, Rams, Giants, Panthers and Bears while the AFC has the Colts, Patriots, Steelers and …..Texans?

Ok, maybe its not really the AFC over NFC but Really the Colts, Patriots, Steelers and up until last night, the Chargers being so much better seemingly than the rest of the league. I guess thats a big assessment after only two weeks. We’ll see.

The Quarterbacks

Schaub, Matt QB HOU: I’m still not convinced for the long haul but a nice start. I would be happy to have him as my bye week QB.

Garcia, Jeff QB TB: I have always been a fan and I think he would be a great #2.

Garrard, David QB JAC: I’d shop for a new #2 unless he has a great match up in your bye week

Bulger, Marc QB STL: It’s hard to throw touchdown’s from your back or worse yet, IR.

Green, Trent QB MIA: Given some time he is going to make a decent starter for someone affected by injury later in the year.

Brees, Drew QB NO: Trade for him now cause his stock can only go one way.

Jackson, Tarvaris QB MIN: Stay away from young QB’s

The Running Backs

Lewis, Jamal RB CLE: One week does not make a season

Wynn, DeShawn RB GB: My money is still on Vernand Morency

Jordan, LaMont RB OAK: I’m starting to believe

White, LenDale RB TEN: Damn thee cursed running back by committee

Dunn, Warrick RB ATL: Nice pickup if available

Morris, Sammy RB NE: Damn thee again cursed running back by committee

Jackson, Steven RB STL: A slow start may be a chance for a bargain back

Johnson, Larry RB KC: See Steven Jackson

Maroney, Laurence RB NE: Damn thee thrice cursed running back by committee

Brown, Ronnie RB MIA: See Larry Johnson

The Wide Receivers

Galloway, Joey WR TB: 35 and still alive deep. Wow. He’s probably not available but if so, you know what to do

Johnson, Andre WR HOU: A resurgent year

Williams, Roy WR DET: Balls are flying in Detroit

Johnson, Calvin WR DET:

Bruce, Isaac WR STL: How many big games has he had against the Niners? I remember one time when OJ Simpson was in the backfield for the 49ers… Ok, its only been 14 years but wow. Don’t look for many more days like this

Williams, Roydell WR TEN: Maybe becoming the target in Tennessee?

Porter, Jerry WR OAK: Okay, time for him to disappear for the next 8 games or so.

Williams, Reggie WR JAC: Could be the goto guy if he were able to step up. I wouldn’t start this guy on a regular basis
Jones, Jacoby WR HOU: Wow, I found big talk about this guy and then promoted him myself. Serves me right for not doing my own homework. A flop so far.