Fantasy Football Week 4: Start’em / Sit’em
WR:
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Josh Gordon CIN (43%, 12) – I’m taking some risks this week and none bigger than benching Josh Gordon after his 19 target week 3. Hear me out for a second though. Last week the Bengals forced the immortal Aaron Rodgers into a 64.5 passer rating. To put that in perspective, Rodgers hasn’t had a passer rating lower than 80 since week 15, 2010! I just don’t trust Brian Hoyer to have two good weeks in a row, especially against a defensive that is playing well right now. Nothing against Gordon, who I think is a special talent and a solid start most weeks.
Dwayne Bowe NYG (74%, 10) – I didn’t put any stock in the pre-season comments that Alex Smith couldn’t throw more then 10 yards. I just kept my mouth shut and chuckled to myself about how Bowe was a steal at his $16-$18 price. The #1 option in an Andy Reid offense? With Bowe’s talent? Now I feel like an idiot, because Bowe is off to a terrible start and Alex Smith really doesn’t throw the ball farther then 10 yards. How the heck was he a #1 overall pick? Smith isn’t going to all of a sudden start throwing the ball down the field and the Chiefs are a surprising 3-0, so Smith’s job is safe. That basically makes Bowe worthless for fantasy purposes right now. The only hope for Bowe owners is that the Chiefs have Bowe start running shorter routes to at least get him some catches. I wouldn’t be shocked if Bowe is traded before the deadline. Maybe that is wishful thinking, but if Bowe ends up on a WR friendly team like Det or NE, he will be fantasy relevant again. Until something changes, keep Bowe on your bench unless you have absolutely no one else.
Eddie Royal DAL (35%, 10) – I’ve been calling Royal a fluke all season and I’m not stopping now. His TD/Catch ratio is unsustainable. Royal is a decent slot receiver at best and not a reliable fantasy option.
DeAndre Hopkins SEA (34%, 11) – If you’ve been reading my waivers articles, you know I’m a huge Hopkins fan. I’ve also learned my lesson starting WRs against Richard Sherman and the Seattle secondary. This matchup will be a wake-up call for the rookie and I think he will stuggle against whichever Sea CB he is lined up against (Sherman, Browner, Thurman). If Hopkins manages to beat Seattle’s physical press coverage and have a big game, you won’t see him on this list again.
Golden Tate @HOU (32%,9) – Ugh. I made the mistake of snatching up Tate stock in the late rounds of most of my leagues figuring that opportunity (#1 WR) equaled success. I forgot you need skill as well. Tate had a decent week 3 (5-88) but he is just a guy and I’m sure there is a better option on your waiver wire.
TE:
Tony Gonzalez NE (86%, 100): It’s been the year of the tight end so far in fantasy, but one big name that has disappointed is Tony G. He is averaging just 4 catches for 31 yards and only has 1 TD on the year. Those are Dwayne Bowe numbers, yet I haven’t heard anyone crying about Tony G yet. I’m expecting another weak performance in week 4 against the Patriots who are giving up the fewest fantasy points to TEs in the league and have yet to allow one in the end zone. It’s been a good run Tony, but your 37, it might be time to hang em up.
Bust:
Vincent Jackson ARI (91%, 13): Do you trust Mike Glennon? Who is Mike Glennon you may be asking? The rookie out of NC State (3rd round) is the Bucs new starting QB. Even if Glennon is competent in his first NFL appearance, Jackson is banged up (brusied ribs), Arizona is allowing the 7th fewest fantasy points to WRs, and V-Jax will likely be matched up with all-pro CB Patrick Peterson. That’s quite a few factors going against Jackson this week and enough for me to put him on the bench provided I have a decent replacement option (Edelman, A Brown, Shorts, or either Austin).