Fantasy Football Matchups

Fantasy Football Matchups - Week 4

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In our weekly Fantasy Football Matchups series, Dan Croop will analyze all of the NFL games on the slate that week and rate the fantasy players in each matchup. Look for this series Friday of every week, with the Thursday night game getting its own analysis every Wednesday.

 

Byes: Indianapolis, Pittsburgh

 

Carolina at Atlanta

 

Panthers: This team, as a whole, got completely stomped out by the Giants on Thursday night. That includes superstar must-start quarterback Cam Newton. Newton was incapable of establishing anything through the air or on the ground while the Giants successfully mixed up defensive packages to keep him off his game. That shouldn't happen two weeks in a row. While the Falcons' defense is talented, this is a matchup that looks probably to turn into a shootout. This means good things for Newton (if he can find the end zone) and receivers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Greg Olsen. All should be in most fantasy lineups this weekend. The losers in this scenario are DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. I wouldn't have Williams anywhere near a lineup if I could help it. Stewart is only a flex-start, at best.

 

Cam Newton *****

Jonathan Stewart **

DeAngelo Williams *

Steve Smith ****

Brandon LaFell ***

Greg Olsen ***

Justin Medlock **

Carolina DEF *

 

Falcons: The reign of awesomeness continues. It's looking as though this is the best offense in the NFL. They have to have topped New England. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are all currently must-starts. That's insane. Don't expect their success to slow down anytime soon with their matchup this week being against Carolina, a defense that has failed to stop anybody through three games. Jacquizz Rodgers is decent flex option. He actually played more snaps than Turner in week three, even though Turner got more carries. This timeshare should be relatively consistent for the time being.

 

Matt Ryan *****

Michael Turner **

Jacquizz Rodgers *

Roddy White ****

Julio Jones *****

Tony Gonzalez ***

Matt Bryant ****

Atlanta DEF ****

 

 

 

Patriots: Alright, really, who are you benching here? There’s only one right answer, and it’s “nobody,” especially with a matchup against Buffalo. All the studs are obvious. Stevan Ridley has played well enough thus far into the season to at least be worth a flex spot. Wes Welker has re-emerged after a big week three and is worth at least a number two receiver spot on your roster. Kellen Winslow becomes interesting. He only had one reception for 12 yards last week, but that should change as he grasps more of the offense. Despite Buffalo dominating Cleveland last week, Cleveland’s two tight ends led the team in targets and combined for nine catches for 60 yards. So, if you’re desperate, Winslow is a sleeper with big potential this week.

 

Tom Brady *****

Stevan Ridley ****

Brandon Lloyd ***

Wes Welker ****

Rob Gronkowski *****

Stephen Gostkowski ****

New England DEF ***

 

Bills: I think I’ve said this before, but here’s a friendly reminder. I love being right. And, so far, I have been about Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is currently the ninth ranked quarterback in standard scoring leagues. He should continue his success this week against New England, as the Bills will likely be playing from behind, and their running attack will be led by third-stringer Tashard Choice. Stevie Johnson is the only real play from a receiving standpoint, though, as the Bills don’t really have any standout options aside from him.

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick ***

Tashard Choice **

Stevie Johnson ***

Donald Jones *

Scott Chandler **

Rian Lindell ***

Buffalo DEF *

 

 

 

Vikings: Considering the Lions have given up 23, 27 and 44 points in three games so far this season, fantasy owners of Vikings should have no reason to worry. Christian Ponder is no better than a bye-week fill-in, still, but he should be efficient against Detroit. Adrian Peterson is a high-end number two, or low-end number one, running back this week. Percy Harvin is one of the best in the game, and a must-start every week. Who could be huge for fantasy owners is Kyle Rudolph. He’s already been one of the best tight ends in the game this season, and now he gets to face a defense that allowed four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown to Jared Cook last week. Rudolph is a solid number one tight end this week.

 

Christian Ponder ***

Adrian Peterson *****

Percy Harvin *****

Jerome Simpson *

Kyle Rudolph ****

Blair Walsh ***

Minnesota DEF **

 

Lions: Quite the predicament for these guys, eh? Just as they looked like they were about to right the ship after an epic comeback, their coach pulls it out from under their feet. Rough. If Matthew Stafford plays, you have to start him. If not, Shaun Hill is a good bye week fill-in. Mikel LeShoure proved in week three that he’s 100 percent healthy and ready to carry the full workload. He’s a number two running back for the time being. Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew are number ones at their positions. Titus Young finally showed something, but his numbers were largely boosted by a fluke Hail Mary at halftime. He’s a borderline number three wide receiver, at best.

 

Matthew Stafford ****

Mikel LeShoure ****

Calvin Johnson *****

Titus Young *

Brandon Pettigrew ****

Jason Hanson ****

Detroit DEF **

 

 

 

Chargers: I’m assuming the stinkbomb against Atlanta last week was more anomaly than anything else. Philip Rivers is still worth a start, at least for now. Ryan Mathews returned and was effective in a limited role. Expect him to get more work this week. He’s a good number two running back considering his involvement in the passing game. Malcom Floyd continues to be the number one receiver on this team and the only one worth starting. Yes, that includes Antonio Gates, who is a low-end number one tight end at best right now.

 

Philip Rivers ****

Ryan Mathews ****

Malcom Floyd ***

Robert Meachem *

Antonio Gates ****

Nate Kaeding ****

San Diego DEF **

 

Chiefs: And we finally see the running attack! Well, at least from Jamaal Charles, that is. Peyton Hillis was seen in a walking boot earlier this week, so he’s likely out. Shaun Draughn makes for an interesting flex play if you’re desperate, but he should be relied on. Matt Cassel is still a low-end backup with little upside. Dwayne Bowe is still a must-start, low-end number one receiver. Tony Moeaki could be in line for a boost this week while facing a San Diego defense that gave up 91 yards on nine receptions and a touchdown to Tony Gonzalez last week. That’s a risk I’m not personally willing to take, though.

 

Matt Cassel **

Jamaal Charles ****

Shaun Draughn **

Dwayne Bowe ****

Jon Baldwin *

Tony Moeaki **

Ryan Succop ***

Kansas City DEF **

 

 

 

Seahawks: Did anything interesting happen with the Seahawks last week? No? Same old story? Right, moving on then. Russell Wilson is a low-end backup who is almost definitely worth less than someone on your waiver wire, especially while Seattle keeps the ball out of his hands. Marshawn Lynch is a number one running back due mostly to his heavy workload. Golden Tate emerged as Seattle’s best receiver in week three, but this receiving corps is too inconsistent to rely on any one of them as a starter. Sidney Rice would be on my bench, but I can understand him being used as a number three receiver.

 

Russell Wilson **

Marshawn Lynch *****

Sidney Rice *

Golden Tate *

Evan Moore *

Steven Hauschka ***

Seattle DEF ****

 

Rams: It’s been a tale of two extremes so far for Sam Bradford, and I think that keeps him from cracking my lineup even as a bye week fill-in. Steven Jackson’s injury issues have me worried, but you most likely have no choice but to start him. Danny Amendola’s chances of repeating week two were slim, but he still had a respectable week four. He’s worth a number three wide receiver spot with all the targets he’s getting. A sneaky, desperate play might be Steve Smith, as Seattle let Green Bay slot receiver James Jones catch five passes for 55 yards. But seriously, that’s for the 20-team league diehards out there.

 

Sam Bradford *

Steven Jackson **

Daryl Richardson *

Danny Amendola **

Brandon Gibson *

Lance Kendricks *

Greg Zuerlein ****

St. Louis DEF ***

 

 

 

Niners: The invincible suddenly seem vulnerable. Coming off a disappointing loss to the Vikings, the Niners have to be looking to prove they’re still at the top of the NFL. Alex Smith is a solid backup option, especially against a Jets defense that no longer has Darrelle Revis. Frank Gore should keep rolling against a rushing defense that gave up 185 yards on the ground to the Dolphins last week. Anthony Fasano had the most targets and receptions for Miami against the Jets last week, which should bode well for Vernon Davis this week. Michael Crabtree continues to be the clear number one wide receiver in this offense and the only one worth starting.

 

Alex Smith **

Frank Gore ****

Michael Crabtree **

Randy Moss *

Mario Manningham *

Vernon Davis *****

David Akers ***

San Francisco DEF *****

 

Jets: So. About that offense from week one. Where art thou? There were actually, believe it or not, two positives from the Jets on the offensive side of the ball in week three. The first is Bilal Powell, who has shown enough to warrant a bench spot and possibly a flex play during bye weeks. The second positive is Santonio Holmes, who has solidified himself as a low-end number two/high-end number three fantasy wide receiver. Shonn Greene is still worth a flex play for now while he’s still getting plenty of carries, but that should slow down if Powell continues to impress. Also, the San Francisco defense has been known to stop the run every once in a while. Just saying.

 

Mark Sanchez *

Shonn Greene **

Santonio Holmes ***

Stephen Hill *

Jeremy Kerley *

Dustin Keller **

Nick Folk **

New York DEF ***

 

 

 

Titans: Did you think there was any way the Titans-Lions game would end up as the SECOND craziest game of week three? Well, at least the Titans showed they can move the football through the air. No jumping to conclusions on Jake Locker as a stud or anything. It’s too soon for that. But I’d be willing to play both Kenny Britt and Nate Washington as number three wide receivers depending on the matchup. Oh, this isn’t the matchup, huh? The only worthy starter on this squad is Jared Cook, and even he is iffy. Yes, time to send Chris Johnson to the bench. If he couldn’t run against Detroit, he certainly won’t run against Houston.

 

Jake Locker **

Chris Johnson **

Kenny Britt **

Nate Washington **

Kendall Wright *

Jared Cook ***

Rob Bironas **

Tennessee DEF *

 

Texans: After a game that came down to the wire against Denver, the Texans’ offense gets a near-perfect matchup against a Tennessee defense that allowed Detroit to run all over them last week. I’d consider Matt Schaub over some borderline guys like Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are obviously must-starts, and Owen Daniels is someone you probably should start (and someone I’ve been touting for a couple weeks now). Outside of them, I’d avoid guys like Ben Tate and Kevin Walter, who have inconsistent production from week-to-week.

 

Matt Schaub ***

Arian Foster *****

Ben Tate **

Andre Johnson *****

Kevin Walter *

Owen Daniels ****

Shayne Graham ****

Houston DEF ****

 

 

 

Bengals: I was probably the only one starting Andy Dalton last week, but he helped win my fantasy game with a huge game against Washington. This week, he’s a decent option, as well. If Andrew Luck can throw for 313 yards and two touchdowns against Jacksonville, why can’t Dalton? “The Law Firm” continues to be a solid number one running back option, and A.J. Green is obviously a must-start wide receiver. I’m being swayed onto the Andrew Hawkins bandwagon, and I can understand you starting him at the flex or number three wideout spot. Jermaine Gresham had his first big game of the season and is a low-end number one tight end option.

 

Andy Dalton ***

BenJarvus Green-Ellis ***

A.J. Green *****

Andrew Hawkins **

Jermaine Gresham ****

Mike Nugent ***

Cincinnati DEF ****

 

Jaguars: MJD arrives! The stud running back should never be doubted and is always a must-start running back option. Unfortunately, I’m not on board with the rest of this offense. Blaine Gabbert is a poor backup option, and none of the receivers on this team are anywhere near consistent enough to start even in a number three spot. I’d even consider dropping guys like Justin Blackmon if there’s someone more worthy on the waiver wire. Stay away until the passing game starts to click a little bit more.

 

Blaine Gabbert **

Maurice Jones-Drew *****

Justin Blackmon *

Cecil Shorts *

Marcedes Lewis *

Josh Scobee **

Jacksonville DEF **

 

 

 

Dolphins: The only real starting option in this offense is hurt. So, what to do? Bench your Dolphins! Even drop them if you have to. If Reggie Bush can play, which remains to be seen right now, then you probably start him. If he can’t, Daniel Thomas isn’t the worst flex option in the world. But, besides that, there’s nothing to see here. Arizona’s defense is very good and should do a fine job in shutting down Miami’s passing game (or lack thereof). Stay very far away.

 

Ryan Tannehill *

Daniel Thomas**

Reggie Bush ****

Davone Bess *

Brian Hartline **

Anthony Fasano *

Dan Carpenter ***

Miami DEF **

 

Cardinals: How ‘bout them Cards?!? They put the hurt on the Eagles last week. Kevin Kolb actually looked competent against his former team, Ryan Williams impressed with his carries, and Larry Fitzgerald finally showed he’s still the same guy we know and love (and proved me very, very wrong). You’re definitely starting Fitzgerald, and you’re definitely not starting Kolb. Williams is a high upside flex play due to the workload increase he’s bound to get with Beanie Wells hitting the IR. Outside of that, there’s not much to say. But this is a nice matchup for a team on the rise.

 

Kevin Kolb **

Ryan Williams ***

Larry Fitzgerald ****

Andre Roberts *

Todd Heap **

Jay Feely ***

Arizona DEF ****

 

 

 

Raiders: What a comeback. They certainly had karma on their side after Darrius Heyward-Bey went down. Carson Palmer looked better, but he’s firmly entrenched as a backup fantasy quarterback. Darren McFadden continues to be a stud. Start him every week. With Heyward-Bey out for the time being, Denarius Moore takes over as the number one receiver on this unit and is worth a shot as a number three fantasy receiver if you need him. Rod Streater and Brandon Myers aren’t worth starts. Expect a lot of McFadden in a good rushing matchup for the Raiders.

 

Carson Palmer ***

Darren McFadden *****

Denarius Moore **

Rod Streater*

Brandon Myers *

Sebastian Janikowski ***

Oakland DEF *

 

Broncos: What a (almost) comeback. While Peyton Manning only completed 50 percent of his passes, he did look improved over previous weeks. He’s a low-end number one starter. Willis McGahee was less than impressive, but he’s still worth at least a flex play for the time being. Just keep in mind this isn’t a matchup that works in his favor. The Raiders completely shut down the Steelers’ rushing attack last week. Eric Decker finally had his breakout game of the season and is worth at least a number three starting spot, along with Demaryius Thomas. Jacob Tamme keeps getting targeted enough to be a low-end number one tight end or high-end number two on your fantasy squad.

 

Peyton Manning ****

Willis McGahee **

Demaryius Thomas *****

Eric Decker ***

Jacob Tamme ***

Matt Prater ***

Denver DEF ***

 

 

 

Saints: Rough week for the Saints. Drew Brees still put up decent numbers because of the touchdowns obviously should be starting every week. Darren Sproles is a high-risk, high-reward guy. He’s always a threat to hit a home run, but isn’t getting enough work to be a definite play. Pierre Thomas is a decent backup or bye week fill-in, but I wouldn’t want to rely on him every week. Guys I would rely on and wouldn’t worry about are Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham. This matchup will likely turn into a shootout. The Saints can’t stop anyone on defense, and the Packers will be out to prove something after losing to Seattle last week. I’d even play Lance Moore in my number three receiver spot. Start the passing game options.

 

Drew Brees *****

Darren Sproles ***

Pierre Thomas *

Mark Ingram *

Marques Colston ****

Lance Moore **

Jimmy Graham *****

Garrett Hartley ****

New Orleans DEF *

 

Packers: This team is hurtin’. I feel for the Saints, though, because I don’t see any way they win this game. The Pack will come out hungry. Cedric Benson gets enough work to at least be a flex this week. You’re obviously starting Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Jermichael Finley is a little more interesting. While the passing game will thrive against the Saints, Finley has yet to prove himself as worthy of starting every week this season. He’s a borderline start this week, but it’s doubtful you have another tight end worth starting over him.

 

Aaron Rodgers *****

Cedric Benson ***

Greg Jennings ****

Jordy Nelson ****

Randall Cobb *

James Jones *

Jermichael Finley ***

Mason Crosby ****

Green Bay DEF *

 

 

 

Redskins: The reign of RG3 was stopped, just as I predicted! Okay, maybe not so much, but at least he wasn’t as dominant as he had been in previous weeks. His matchup this week is decent. I believe the Cowboys had more of a rough game last week than the Bucs shut them down. He’s worth a start here unless you have one of the studs. Alfred Morris continues to be a legitimate starting running back (fingers crossed) and is worthy of your number two spot in your lineup. Pierre Garcon is worth your number three receiver spot pending his return. I’d still like to see more out of Fred Davis before I bring him back into my lineup. One week doesn’t make him a starter. Keep your eyes on him.

 

Robert Griffin III ****

Alfred Morris ***

Pierre Garcon ***

Santana Moss *

Fred Davis ***

Billy Cundiff ***

Washington DEF **

 

Bucs: Josh Freeman has looked like one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL so far. He may even be worse than Blaine Gabbert. He’s a low-end backup for me right now. Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson are the only starters on this team. Martin gets heavy work every week and will find the end zone probably close to every other week on average. Jackson is a home run player who is worth at least the number three starting spot because he will single-handedly win you fantasy matchups some weeks. Outside of that, not much to see here...

 

Josh Freeman ***

Doug Martin ****

Vincent Jackson ****

Mike Williams **

Dallas Clark *

Connor Barth ***

Tampa Bay DEF **

 

 

 

Giants: This could get ugly. Let’s hit the basics: you’re starting Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Ahmad Bradshaw (assuming he starts). Andre Brown could be a decent flex play, especially if you need a fill-in, since Tom Coughlin seems to think he played well enough to carve out a complimentary role in this offense from now on. Martellus Bennett remains one of the better backup tight end options as long as he keeps getting the work that he has, and he may even be a low-end number one at this point.

 

Eli Manning ****

Ahmad Bradshaw ***

Andre Brown ***

Hakeem Nicks****

Victor Cruz ****

Martellus Bennett ***

Lawrence Tynes ***

New York DEF ****

 

Eagles: Here’s the fun part. They have to play better than they did against Arizona because it doesn’t get much worse than that. By the same token, the Giants’ defense looked amazing against Carolina, and is there really that much of a difference between the offenses of the Eagles and the Panthers? Michael Vick is still worth a start because of his rushing possibilities, and LeSean McCoy is a must-start stud. With Jeremy Maclin back, I have both him and DeSean Jackson as low-end number two or high-end third receiver options. Brent Celek is still just a backup. Just a warning: don’t expect monster days out of any of these guys. This could end up just like last week’s game against Arizona.

 

Michael Vick ***

LeSean McCoy *****

DeSean Jackson ****

Jeremy Maclin ***

Brent Celek **

Alex Henery ***

Philadelphia DEF *

 

 

 

Bears: Jay Cutler has really got to get his act together. This stuff isn’t all that unexpected from guys like Josh Freeman, who were terrible as recently as last year. But some people assumed Cutler would be worth even a fourth round pick after the acquisition of Brandon Marshall. Now he’s looking like a low-end backup option. Speaking of Marshall, he and Michael Bush are the only guys I want a part of this week. Even if Matt Forte somehow plays, he’s someone I’d play it safe with and leave on the bench.

 

Jay Cutler **

Michael Bush ***

Matt Forte *

Brandon Marshall ****

Alshon Jeffery *

Kellen Davis *

Robbie Gould ***

Chicago DEF ***

 

Cowboys: The opening schedule has really been rough on the Cowboys, huh? At least for their fantasy purposes, it has. Tony Romo is still a low-end number one fantasy quarterback, but who knows how long that will last? He’s worth a shot here. DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten are all worth starts here, but keep in mind how much this team struggled last week against Tampa Bay. The Bears’ defense is actually better than them, so it could be some rough sledding for fantasy owners.

 

Tony Romo ***

DeMarco Murray ****

Dez Bryant ****

Miles Austin ***

Jason Witten ***

Dan Bailey ***

Dallas DEF ***

 

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