Fantasy Matchups: Week 4

The NFL officials are returning and that could mean a rise in fantasy points. Will Michael Vick continue to struggle, can Adrian Peterson keep it going and what is up with Chris Johnson? All three are highlighted in my best and worst fantasy matchups for week four. 

Quarterbacks:

Stud

Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay has been playing very tough defenses the first three weeks of the season in San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle. Last year, Aaron Rodgers torched the Saints secondary for 312 yards and three touchdowns. This year, New Orleans’ defense is averaging 34 points a game. Look for this to be Rodgers’ breakout game.

Robert Griffin III – I love RG3 this week. He is facing the worst pass defense in the league in Tampa Bay, who has allowed an average of 353 yards in the air per game. Look for RG3 to continue his fantasy dominance as the league’s best quarterback, in terms of fantasy points.

Dud

Michael Vick – He is playing a team in the New York Giants who had as recently as last week held, similar styled quarterback, Cam Newton to only 9 fantasy points. With guys like Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre- Paul pressuring Vick all day, it does not bode well for a Vick, who already has nine turnovers this season.

Tony Romo – Romo struggled last week against the Buccaneers, only managing to score five points. This week doesn’t get much better as he is set to face the Bears, who rank sixth in pass defense. I don’t see Romo bouncing back this week. Sit him.

Running Back:

Stud

Arian Foster – If there were a sure thing in fantasy, Foster would be it. Foster is playing Tennessee at home and the last time he faced them in 2011, he accumulated 115 rushing yards, 119 receiving and three touchdowns.  This year, the Titans are allowing an average of 25 fantasy points to opposing running backs. If you have Foster start him and watch the points rack up.

Adrian Peterson – Who would have thought that Adrian Peterson would be playing right now, let alone be an impact fantasy player? The Vikings were cautious in the first few games to see how that knee would respond to the speed of the game and Peterson passed with excellence. Last week, Peterson had only 10 fantasy points but it was an encouraging sign that he carried the ball 25 times against the leagues toughest run defense, San Francisco. With the Lions on the schedule for this week, I see Adrian looking like his usual Pro Bowl self.

Dud

Trent Richardson – The Browns are a one-dimensional team. Richardson is their lone offensive weapon and the Ravens know that. The Browns rookie running back will get many looks but I do no think the Ravens run defense will let him breathe all night.

Chris Johnson – Chris Johnson has been a disappointment for the last two seasons and it does not look like it is getting any better with Houston on the schedule this week. If you have Johnson, start taking a look at the waiver wire for some help.

Wide Receivers:

Stud

A.J. Green – After that 25-fantasy point game against Philadelphia last week, Green has catapulted himself into the discussion as one of the top wide receivers in the game. Green is a must start in all leagues and with Jacksonville up this week, the results should be through the roof.

Brandon Lloyd – He has been the Pats most targeted receiver and it he seems to have Tom Brady’s trust. Lloyd can make the highlight plays and with Welker looking like his former self, expect to see things open up for Lloyd on those home run routes.

Dud

Hakeem Nicks – Things do not look so promising for Nicks this week. He is still bothered by his foot injury and did not practice on Wednesday. All indications point that the Giants star will play on Sunday, but how much action he will get is still a question. If you have the luxury of having another receiver, feel comfortable starting him over Nicks.

Dez Bryant – With Chicago on the schedule, I don’t see Bryant having a huge impact on this game. Bryant has not been in the end zone for straight five games. He has targeted Dez numerous times but it seems like they are trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Bryant has value in the punt return game and almost ran one back last week. If you roll the dice on Dez this week, I envy your courage.

Tight Ends:

Stud

Jimmy Graham – The game between Green Bay and New Orleans is going to be a shoot out. They will be throwing the ball all night to the delight of all Jimmy Graham owners. Drew Brees loves throwing to this 6’7 beast and a touchdown is all but certain for him this week. No question, he’s a must start every week.

Tony Gonzalez (vs. CAR)– He’s still got it! Gonzalez has been lighting it up on the fantasy scoreboard this year and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Matt Ryan is very comfortable throwing to him in any situation and Gonzalez always seems to come up big. They play Carolina this week, who gave up 73 yards and a touchdown to Giants tight end Martellus Bennett. Look for more of the same from the veteran.