Fantasy Football Starts and Sits: Week 4
It's Week 4 in the NFL and you need to be aware of two things before you set your fantasy football lineup. First, there's a London game. So if you don't plan on waking up at 9:25 a.m. (ET), make sure you have your Dolphins and Bengals in the right spot before the game locks. Secondly, we have two teams on a bye week: Packers and Eagles.
Starts:
QB - Blake Bortles, Jaguars (vs. Colts)
The water has seemed to reach it's level with Bortles this season. He was the third-highest fantasy scorer in 2015. Currently, Bortles is the 22nd-highest point producer. His interception total has increased from week to week, and he was held to under passing 200 yards last week against the Ravens. However, Bortles found Allen Robinson twice in the end zone. As for this week, the Colts are allowing the third-most points per game (31.7). Plug Bortles in for at least two TDs in Week 4. In 2015, he averaged two scores and 274 passing yards per meeting against Indy.
Others include: Kirk Cousins (Redskins), Matthew Stafford (Lions) and Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
RB - Fozzy Whittaker, Panthers (at Falcons)
Pass-catching running backs are thriving against the Atlanta secondary. Both Travaris Cadet and Mark Ingram had six receptions apiece Monday night. In Week 2, Latavius Murray caught six balls. With the absence of Jonathan Stewart, the running back duties were split between Cameron Artis-Payne and Whittaker. Fozzy Bear caught five passes against Minnesota. In PPR formats, Whittaker will be a solid addition.
Others include: Jordan Howard (Bears), Matt Jones (Redskins) and Theo Riddick (Lions)
WR - Cole Beasley, Cowboys (at 49ers)
For this portion of the Start/Sit column, we'll focus on potential replacements for those who have Dez Bryant. Let's start with his teammate, Beasley. He's received at least six targets in each of the first three games this season. Though Beasley hasn't scored a TD, his double-digit (PPR scoring) point totals are always welcomed in the fantasy world. Other than Beasley, I'd focus on acquiring Terrelle Pryor from the Browns. He is still the No. 1 receiver for Cleveland until Josh Gordon returns. Pryor did it all for the Browns last week: 8 receptions for 144 yards, 4 rushes for 21 yards (plus a TD), and even 35 passing yards.
Others include: Phillip Dorsett (Colts), Jamison Crowder (Redskins) and Mike Wallace (Ravens)
TE - Zach Miller, Bears (vs. Lions)
With Brian Hoyer under center last week, Miller was the leading receiver for Chicago. He had eight receptions for 78 yards on nine targets and Miller scored twice. As for Detroit, it's allowed opposing tight ends to score every week: Jack Doyle twice (and Dwayne Allen once), Delanie Walker and Richard Rodgers. That's the exact combination you look for in a buy-low-and-start option.
Others include: Hunter Henry (Chargers), Jimmy Graham (Seahawks) and Coby Fleener (Saints)
Sits:
QB - Eli Manning, Giants (at Vikings)
Mike Zimmer has his defense picking up the slack for the team's injuries on offense. The Vikings have held opponents to 16 or fewer points in each game this season (Titans, Packers, and Panthers). Last week, the 2015 MVP, Cam Newton, was forced into throwing three interceptions and completed zero passing TDs.
Others to bench: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Matt Ryan (Falcons) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jets)
RB - Christine Michael, Seahawks (at Jets)
The Jets defense has stymied opposing running backs this season. It's allowing an average of 64.3 rushing yards per game, and only one RB has scored against it on the ground (Jeremy Hill in Week 1). Seattle's offense was struggling until last week. Prior to the 37-point performance against the 49ers, the Seahawks averaged 7.5 points in the first two games. In deeper leagues, Michael is a fine option, but I would avoid his matchup this week if you can.
Others to bench: Orleans Darkwa (Giants), Chris Ivory (Jaguars) and Jay Ajayi (Dolphins)
WR - Sammy Watkins, Bills (at Patriots)
I've been getting a lot of "What do I do with Watkins" questions. It's a tough answer to give, but I think you need to either keep him on your bench or sell low. He missed Week 3, but we know what he's capable of producing on the field. Watkins recorded over 1,000 receiving yards last year. Yes, the foot injury is holding him back in 2016, but you can't completely cut him. As for this week, Watkins gets a stifling Patriots defense. Last year, New England kept him to under 65 receiving yards in both meetings.
Others to bench: Quincy Enunwa (Jets), Mohamed Sanu (Falcons) and Vincent Jackson (Buccaneers)
TE - Jack Doyle and Dwayne Allen, Colts (at Jaguars)
Andrew Luck has provided a solid amount of targets for both of his tight end teammates this season. In fact, they both have 15 targets in 2016. However, in their matchup against the Jags in Week 4, they both might suffer from a fantasy standpoint. So far, Jacksonville has faced the Packers duo (Richard Rodgers and Jared Cook), Antonio Gates, and Dennis Pitta. None has notched more than 45 receiving yards, and only Gates scored a TD. The Jags allow an average of 8.5 fantasy points per game (PPR format) to all of their opposing team's tight ends. Since Indianapolis has two, that's even less production for this week.
Others to bench: Jesse James (Steelers), Tyler Higbee (Rams) and Cameron Brate (Buccaneers)