Week 4 start'em/Sit'em
Written by Sean Naylor.. Rat Pack Sports NFL/Fantasy Football Guru
Well here it is, week 4 and we now see where a fantasy manager makes his or her money. Bye weeks are now in play. You need to be paying close attention to your weekly injury reports and waiver wire. Let us get you set for week 4.
Start Em
Quarterback
Trever Siemian. Siemian has been anything short of disappointing for the Denver Broncos. He gained AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after his performance against the Bengals. Against the Bus he is playing a defense that allowed 37 points to a team that had yet to score a TD on the season.
Running Back
Carlos Hyde. The 49ers run game was non-existent thru 3 quarters last week. However, they continued to run the ball even when behind and Hyde was a factor late. This week against a Dallas run defense that is suspect he should be considered a solid start.
Wide Receiver
Travis Benjamin. TB had a solid game last week against the Colts. He has really become the main target in San Diego. Not only is he a deep threat but he also is a dangerous punt returner. Against a Saints secondary that is usually invisible to opposing QBs, Benjamin is quite the play.
Tight End
Jacob Tamme. Tamme has become the premiere tight end in Atlanta. He knows the Shanahan system very well and has built a solid connection with Matt Ryan. Look for the falcons to utilize the middle of the field to try and slow down the Panthers defense.
Defense
New York Jets. Yes, I understand they are playing the Seahawks. But, Russell Wilson is injured. He may not be able to get away from the Jets front 4. Also, 2 out 3 weeks opposing defenses have scored double digits against Seattle.
Kicker
Dustin Hopkins. NFC Special Teams player of the Week. Some may not see this as solid start playing the Browns. However, with the Redskins red zones struggles he could get some solid points.
Sit Em
Quarterback
Marcus Mariota. Playing a Houston defense that is going to look to ball out. They are going to want to show that they can play without JJ Watt.
Running Back
Jay Ajayi. Going up against a Bengals defense that is stingy against the run. It is also a short week and they have to travel. Combine this with the fact that Ajayi was 3rd in fantasy points on the team at the position.
Wide Receiver
New York Jets. Why the entire team? They are playing Seattle. The secondary is still the strongest part of their defense. And after last week’s performance by Ryan Fitzpatrick, I would stay away from this group like the plague.
Tight End
Gary Barnidge. Although Barnidge has seen significant playing time, 100% of last week’s snaps, he still is on my bench. His production is way down and he is playing with a rookie QB who was 3rd on the depth chart before injuries.
Defense
San Diego Chargers. Even though the Saints defense is invisible, their offense is not. Drew Brees can still carve up a defense, even without his best WR. I would look at keeping the Chargers defense on the sideline in week 4.
Kicker
Sebastian Janikowski. Playing a Baltimore defense that is better than advertised makes this a tough play for week 4. Yes the Raiders are better but that have had their struggles early. Also the ravens are only giving up 2 points per game to opposing kickers.
Remember, now is where you show your prowess as a fantasy manager. If you cannot manage your bye weeks it will make for long fantasy season. Double your heartaches if you’re a Browns fan….lol!
Good luck!