Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Em’, Sit Em’ Preview
Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) celebrates a catch in the first quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Berry’s waiver wires and sleepers, oh my. If you started foaming from the mouth after reading the first few words, then you, my fantasy football nerd, are ready for some fantasy football—and it may also be time to see a shrink. If you’re in a league, or several leagues, it’s all business from here on out. Fantasy football. All. The. Time.
No litte quips, or snazzy intros this time around, guys. It’s straight business from here on out. It’s Week 4, which means it’s the start of bye weeks, and by now you pretty much know if you’re in love with your team or if you want to delete your league.
This week’s start em’, sit em’:
Start New York Jets running back Bilal Powell
Yes, I’m buying into the hype. Everyone underestimated the Jets and their offense, but this guy didn’t. I knew things would change for the better with new offensive coordinator Mornhinweg coaching the offensive unit. Yes, he calls a pass-heavy game, but that opens up the run game. Giving Bilal Powell an opportunity to shine — especially with no other running backs challenging him for carries.
Last week against the Buffalo Bills, he rushed for 149 yards and had four receptions for 35 yards. In three games, Powell has average a healthy 4.3 yards per carry; look for Powell to carry that success into Week 4 against an average Titans run defense.
Sit New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning
Eight turnovers in three games; and Eli is going against a stingy Kansas City defense that is first in the NFL in sacks and are second best in points allowed. Enough said.
[Deadspin]
Start Kansas City Chiefs defense
As I mentioned above, the Giants looked terrible in their first three weeks, leading the NFL in turnovers. Their offensive line is awful, and it got worse with injuries to two linemen last week. Chiefs, who lead the league in sacks, should have an easy time getting to the quarterback and creating turnovers.
Sit Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller
Look for the matchup: Spiller vs. a Ravens run defense. Yes, the Ravens secondary is shoddy, but they still have a tough run defense. Let this guy ride pine.
Spiller was predicted to have a big year, getting everyone who drafted the speedy back excited about this season. What the back has actually turned in is something that drives owners to insanity.
In three games, Spiller has rushed for 153 yards (3.6 yards per carry), no touchdowns and three fumbles. The back was limited by a thigh injury last week against the Jets, but the Jets did a good job of bottling him up before he left the game with the injury — his backup, Fred Jackson, stepped up and showed the world he still has some life left in his legs. In three games, Jackson has averaged 5.3 yards per carry, so look for Jackson to get the bulk of the carries.
Start Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck
Luck isn’t going to put up video game-like numbers against the Jacksonville Jaguars like some people are anticipating. That’s not what the Colts are going to do — just take a look at the Colts pass-plays compared to their run-plays. Last week against the 49ers, they passed just 41 percent of the time. The Colts will control the game with their run game, and will want to play with their new toy: Trent Richardson.
This doesn’t mean that Luck will not have good numbers. He’ll give your team some solid points, it just won’t be Drew Brees-type numbers. Espcially if the Colts jump out to a big lead, look for the Colts to wind down the clock by pounding it.
Start anyone on the Patriots
Ha! Remember when this was true?
Stay tuned for more fantasy football gold nuggets throughout the season from Empire Writes Back, because why not?