Fantasy Football: Week Four

By Ryan Kerr, contributing writer
Posted on September 27, 2007

Good Morning Fantasy Owners,

Week 4 is quickly approaching. At this point in the season, we have found out who deserved the hype, and who deserves to be dropped. Certain Studs from last year have seen their production drop off at a considerable rate. Receivers such as Isaac Bruce, Eric Moulds, and Joe Horn don’t give the type of fantasy production they once did. Names like Maurice Jones-Drew, DeAngelo Williams and a trio of Saints: Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, and Marques Colston, have vastly underperformed and are clearly the Duds three weeks into the NFL season. Not to mention the slew of injuries to top-tier players including Stephen Jackson, Duece McCalister, Andre Johnson, Hines Ward, and Todd Heap. With two new players going down each week, it’s time you started scavaging the waiver wire on a daily basis. Keep in mind that injuries to star players open up doors for the No. 3 receiver and No. 3 running back. Last year, after Clinton Portis went down with aninjured knee, all that Ladell Betts did was rush for over 1,100 yards and record six consecutive 100 yard rushing games. These are the types of players that make or break your fantasy season. With this advice in mind, here are this upcoming weeks Studs, Duds, and Sleeper picks.

Studs

Brandon Marshall, Denver

Marshall has emerged as the No. 1 receiver for Jay Cutler and the Broncos. The lanky receiver has an explosive first cut and has done a great job of avoiding defenders after the catch. Marshall caught seven passes for 133 yards against Jacksonville last week and should have another huge game against the Colts.

Laurence Maroney, New England

The Patriots running back goes up against the measly Cincinnati defense this weekend. After giving up back-to-back huge games to Jamal Lewis and Sean Alexander, don’t expect the Cincinnati to stop Maroney short of 150 yards and a touchdown.

Jerrico Cotchery, NYJ

Cotchery is off to the best start of his young career. After destroying the Baltimore defense for seven catches and 165 yards, the N.C. State alum had a modest five catches for 54 yards against Miami this past weekend. Look for Cotchery to go big against a depleted Buffalo defense in New York this Sunday.

Duds

Jamal Lewis, Cleveland

The former Raven will get his first taste against his old team this Sunday. Lewis will want to make a statement and will try to punish the Ravens for letting him go in the offseason.  Look for the Ravens to make a statement and remind Cleveland fans that Lewis is past his prime.

Tatum Bell, Detroit

No one has been able to run on the Bears defense this season. Take away a 40 yard touchdown scamper by Marion Barber and the Bears defense has limited some of the leagues best, L.T. and L.J., to less than three yards a carry. Bell is not in the same class as those guys, not even close. Keep him on the bench for Week 4.

Edgerrin James, Arizona

The Steelers defense has been one of the leagues best and limited Frank Gore to 39 rushing yards in Week 3. Despite James improved play this season, he will wish that Peyton Manning was still behind center this weekend.

Sleepers

Brian Leonard, St. Louis

The rookie out of Rutgers will look to replace Stephen Jackson this weekend. For fantasy owners it might be a welcome change.

Brian Griese, Chicago

The former Pro Bowler finally will get his chance to start for the NFC Champion Bears.  Griese’s career has been much like a roller coaster, peaking and plummeting from season to season. For Bears fans out there, it can’t get much worse, can it?