It's time for week 4 NFL action. We've learned a lot these first 3 weeks, but there is a ton that we still don't know. There are some big name players that have failed to make an impact (Johnson, Foster, Manning...) and there are, as always, some young guys coming out of nowhere with huge weeks (welcome to the league Torrie Smith). Predicting all this madness is, well, madness, but here is my best attempt to steer your fantasy team (as long as your team isn't called the good ship lolly-pop or anything to do with black and yellow) in the right direction with 5 guys I think will impress and 5 guys that are going to make you throw you smart phone across the room. Without any further...
STUDS:
Cam Newton: I haven't been on high on this guy and I thought the hype was a bit overplayed, but I can't ignore numbers and if you're smart, you won't either. This guy is the real deal (outside of the redzone...) and he is facing a Bears defense ranked 26th is passing defense. Cam is going to be able to throw as long as his line gives him time.
PREDICTION: 23 points
Michael Vick: Vick has a ton to prove this week and he normally welcomes the spotlight. With all the negative talk and after completing only 1 of his first 3 games, look for Vick to come out swinging with both his arm and his legs. The Eagles are at home (the fans will NOT be happy with a 1-3 record) and the 49ers defensive numbers are skewed (their 2 wins have come against the Seahawks and Bengals). I'm guessing Vick hangs tough this week and torches the unproven 49ers D.
PREDICTION: 25 points
Tim Hightower: I like the Skins to bounce back this week after a prime time fist fight with Dallas that went to the cards at the ends. The Rams ranks last in the league in run defense. That's really all you need to know. The Rams rank last in run defense (I said it again). So start Timmy and don't worry about Helu. He may see some spot work but I'm guessing Hightower breaks off a big play early and locks in the lions share of the touches for the game.
PREDICTION: 19 points
Chris Johnson: I know, I know... I picked this guy last week and he tanked. Before you tar and feather me, please remember that Johnson held out for virtually the entire preseason. He has big time talent and I don't think that has changed. On top of that, he is facing the Browns who rank 3rd against the pass and 28th against the run. This translates into a bad day for Hasselbeck and a good day for Johnson. Numbers don't lie and I think the stars will align for CJ to finally put his critics to rest.
PREDICTION: 18 points
Matt Ryan: Ryan has been extremely sub-par so far this season. Whether it has been his fault or the blame lies with the entire offense remains to be seen. The first 3 games aside, this kid can play ball. The Seahawks ranks 10th in the league against the pass and I'm trying to think of a good reason to start Ryan... I just have a good feeling about the guy. The talent didn't go anywhere and a loss to Seattle would all but spell the end for the Falcons to return to the playoffs. I'm looking for a strong effort from the entire offense to keep that from happening.
PREDICTION: 19 points
DUDS:
Tony Romo: "The legend of Tony Romo..."? I don't buy the load of sh*t that ESPN continues to sell when it comes to Romo being anything but a middle of the road QB. Sorry to be critical but the guy has had his chances and blown them. I love the Lions D this season (especially against the pass... 4th in the league) and Romo's ribs didn't heal in 2 weeks. The Lions are going to get after him and force at least 2 turnovers.
PREDICTION: 10 points
Jets Defense: Yea, I'm a Ravens fan... so what? The mighty Rex Ryan run defense is second to last in the league and Ray Rice is ranked 8th in rushing yards, not to mention he's averaging about 5 catches a game. i don't think this will end up being the smash mouth style game most expect and when it opens up, the Jets are in trouble.
PREDICTION: 1 point
Arian Foster: Is his hammy healed up? Nobody really knows for sure. I'm going to sit on this guy one more week before he's a starter. If you bet the farm on this guy at the beginning of the year, I'm sorry. I hope it works out for you but, until he comes back and puts up a couple 100+ yard games, he will be a flash in the pan living on of last year's glory.
PREDICTION: 9 points
Patriots Defense: All you need know is Darren McFadden... The Pats just aren't that good on defense and the Raiders have a hot hand. I'm betting this a hiiiiiiigh scoring game and no matter who comes out on top, the defensive fantasy points are going to be uglier than the Raider's fans.
PREDICTION: -1
Mark Ingram: As bad as the Jags are, their run defense has really been a bright spot. I'm not saying Jacksonville is going to even come close to stopping the Saints offensive machine, I'm just saying it's going to be through the air and not on the ground.
PREDICTION: 8 points
There you go. There's a ton to like this week and my STUDS list could have been much longer. I said it last week and I'm saying it again... Look at starting 3 wide receivers. WR's have been coming up huge this season (bigger than most of the RB's). Start looking at the QB that's throwing to them and not the name of the receiver. Good QB's have the ability to turn anybody into a factor WR and that has never been more apparent than this season. Good luck to everybody and stay tuned for more NFL stuff later today and tomorrow.
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