EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Week 4 is here and that means 2 things...
1) - BYE WEEK... Dallas, Minnesota, Tampa, and KC all have the weekend off...
2) -INJURIES...It is about this time where we begin to hang on the edge of our seats...Sunday at 1230pm...to see who is active and who is not...
Therefore...some news and a few notes to pay close attention to:
· A. Johnson still a game-time decision
· Rice says he'll play vs. Steelers but missed practice Wednesday
· Brees may wear knee brace
· Portis still starting for Redskins
· Best thinks he'll be ready to go
· Marshall defends his stamina, effort
· Hester still working on route-running
· Delhomme could start on Sunday
· Houshmandzadeh hopes for chances
· Manningham cleared to practice
· Revis says he won't play this week
Time for Projections...
Who we think will be the Studs, Duds, and Sleepers in Week 4!
QBs
Studs- The obvious...Peyton Manning vs Jags, Aaron Rodgers vs Lions, Drew Brees vs Carolina
Not so obvious...
Mike Vick vs Redskins. Michael Vick has been a man on a mission, and with Kolb lurking on the sidelines, I think it will continue this week. The Redskins defense is last in the league in allowing total yards.
Chad Henne vs Pats. Pats secondary is young and inexperienced. They are 27th in total yards allowed and giving up 27.3 points per game. Henne would be a great pick up bye week replacement.
Sleepers...
Bruce Gradkowski vs Texans. The Texans are allowing 423 yards per game this year, and Gradkowski should be able to utilize Heyward-Bey against a weak Texans secondary. *
*Eli Manning vs Bears. Although he has protection issues, he is going to come back big this week! Rodgers was able to find gaps in the Bears Tampa 2, and the Giants will do the same.
Duds...
Joe Flacco vs Steelers.Joe started to get his rhythm back last week, but it was the Browns. He's not going to be able to handle the fans, the pressure, and most importantly the best safety in the game right now!
RBs
Studs - The obvious...Chris Johnson vs Broncos, Michael Turner vs 49ers
Not so obvious...
Rashard Mendenhall vs Ravens. They confirmed that he will get the goal line carries, and even if the Ravens were looking past Hillis and the Browns, Mendenhall is a dynamic back and will find the holes.* *
Sleepers...
Ronnie Brown - In three career Monday night games, he's averaged over 106 yards per game. Give Ronnie the ball!
Arian Foster vs Raiders. The Raiders are allowing 133 rushing yards per game, and Houston is going to pound it!
Ryan Mathews vs Cards. The Cards are giving up over 146 yards per game on the ground. Matthews practiced Wednesday and should be ready to make a big come back!
Duds...Ray Rice or Willis McGahee vs Steelers. This Steeler defense just looks too good.
CJ Spiller vs Jets. The Jets are only allowing 61.7 rushing yards per game, and for some reason The Bills won't unleash CJ Spiller.
WRs
Studs - The obvious...Reggie Wayne vs Jags, Roddy White vs 49ers, Brandon Marshall vs Pats
Not so obvious...
DeSean Jackson vs Redskins. The Redskins are giving up the most fantasy points to wr's in the league.
Greg Jennings vs Lions. Although Finley and Driver are taking away grabs from Jennings, the matchup is too good to give up on him yet.
Sleepers...
Austin Collie vs Jags. Jags allow the 3rd most fantasy points to receivers and he's been a trusted source for Manning. One hesitation is the fact that Indy will be winning after the first drive and might look to run the ball considerably.
Louis Murphy vs Texans. Gradkowski is taking over the offense and the Texans secondary is week. Look for a big day for Murphy.
Mark Clayton vs Seahawks. Seattle's secondary is weak and Clayton has made the most of his new uniform.
Duds...
Andre Johnson. If he plays, he will be hurt and no real match for Asomugha unfortunately.
Lee Evans vs Jets. Had a great game against them last year, no Revis, but I still say a no go for Evans with Fitzpatrick taking over. (pss...Hey Bills, unleash C.J. Spiller).
TEs
Studs - The obvious...Jermichael Finley vs Lions, Antonio Gates vs Cards
Not so obvious...
Aaron Hernandez vs. The Fins. Miami is allowing the most fantasy points to TE's in the league.
Sleepers...
Dustin Keller vs Bills. The Bills corners may hold the receiving core in check, Keller is going to be a great check down for Sanchez.*
*Zach Miller vs Texans.The Texans defense is giving up 2nd most fantasy points in the league to TE's.* *
John Carlson vs Rams. Great matchup and has put up serious numbers on them in the past.
Duds...
Todd Heap vs Steelers. Pretty much the entire Ravens offense are going to be duds in an amazingly bloody battle that I can't wait to watch!
Brent Celek vs Redskins. There's just not enough room for Celek when Vick is running wild.
DEFs
Studs - the obvious...Packers vs Lions, Steelers vs Ravens, Jets vs Bills
Not so obvious...
Chargers vs Cards. Anderson and the Cards offense have been a disaster and SD plays great at home.
Sleepers...
Bengals vs Browns. Seneca Wallace or Jake "I love INT's" Delhomme, either way, Bengals win.
Colts vs Jags. Garrard has been getting sacked and throwing INTs like crazy. The Colts will jump on this new wave.
Duds...
49ers vs Falcons. The 9ers have been absolutely awful on the road.
Redskins vs Eagles. Vick is too hard to sack and the Redskins defense has been allowing way too many yards.
