Fantasy Football Week 4: Foster Some Hope
By Tim Bearden in News on Oct 1, 2011 9:00PM
It's week 4 and the injuries are continuing to mount. Most recently Kenny Britt (WR) was carted off the field with a knee injury and is out for the season. We also have running backs Frank Gore and Arian Foster returning this week from injuries, but are high risks for re-injury. So who can you trust this week?
Ryan Fitzpatrick is getting a lot nods this week from fantasy owners. The Buffalo Bills toppled the giants of the AFC, the New England Patriots, in week 3 and are looking to go 4-0. He put up some good numbers against a tough defense last week. David Nelson, the Bills' third rated wide-out is looking promising if he keeps getting looks from Fiztpatrick, but he has some competition still with Stevie Johnson (WR) and Donald Jones (WR) being his top two passing targets.
So who should start this week and who should have a seat?
Starts:
1. Tom Brady (QB) - This should come as no surprise honestly. He's putting up a record season so far and his fantasy owners have to be enjoying themselves. The Patriots are going up against a stingy Raiders defense, but this should be no problem for Brady to make big yards.
2. [HIGH-RISK] Arian Foster (RB) - It was tough deciding whether or not to put Foster on this list of definite starters due to his lingering hamstring injury, but they're reporting he's back and ready to go for Sunday. Fantasy owners have been waiting all season to see if Foster was a one-season wonder. This may not be his breakout game, but it'll be a good starting point for what he's going to be capable of. He's cost you points already, time to see if he can make them up with interest.
3. [HIGH-RISK] Cam Newton (QB) - Newton had a good first two weeks and a decent third week. He will be trying to redeem himself though when the Panthers take on the Bears Sunday. The Bears don't give a lot of looks through the air and Newton's style makes him an interception risk. Starting him is generally a good decision by the numbers, but realize he's either going to have a great week or a rough one against Chicago.
4. Wes Welker (WR) - It's almost as if he's unstoppable this season. He put up a lot of points in week 3 and the trend only has the potential to increase playing Oakland this weekend. Let him run wild.
5. Matt Forte (RB) - Forte had a rough week 3, it's true. But Green Bay came in with the intent of making Forte irrelevant on the ground. He made up for his lack of runs in receiving yards though. He's a go for Sunday against the Panthers who have had trouble stopping the run.
6. Greg Jennings (WR) - He's Aaron Rodgers favorite receiver and he's had plenty of time to prove himself as a fantasy asset. Throw him in as Green Bay takes on the Broncos this week. The Broncos have a decent passing defense, but if anyone can pick it apart, it would be Rodgers and Jennings.
7. Greg Olsen (TE) - Olsen is playing his former team this week behind rising star quarterback Newton. Chicago has had a tough time this season stopping tight ends from getting receptions. He's either going have blanket coverage or he's gonna break a big one. He's not high-risk only because it's his former team and he could help the Panthers pick apart the defense.
8. Tim Hightower (RB) - Hightower was coming in to be a threat running-back. He's making his name among the fantasy owners and he's only going to pad his stats more this week against the St. Louis Rams. Give him the green light.
9. Matt Stafford (QB) - Even with his numbers this season it was uncertain whether he'd be a solid fantasy player, but with the Lions going 3-0 with no signs of stopping, it's OK to give him a starting nod this week. Just keep an eye on that forearm.
10. Vernon Davis (RB) - Davis challenged coach Jim Harbaugh by saying he needed to get the playmakers more involved. That he did as Davis had 8 receptions for 114 yards. Look for him to repeat a similar performance this week.
Sits:
1. Michael Vick (QB) - He may be playing in Sunday's game, but the injury addled Vick isn't a likely starter for a lot of fantasy owners this week as they see if he can heal. Leave him alone.
2. Frank Gore (RB) - They may say he's good to play, but Gore's injury history should worry fantasy owners. I wouldn't play him until he's reported at 100% again.
3. Ben Tate (RB) - Tate filled in for Foster while he was out with a hamstring injury and did well for fantasy owners in the meantime. But with Foster back in the spotlight don't expect Tate to see much playing time.
4. Dez Bryant (WR) - He's still questionable after last week and while he may play, I wouldn't risk any fantasy points by trying him. Pick another receiver this week.
5. Ben Roethlisberger (QB) - He's been hot and cold this season. Many fantasy owners are waiting for him to get a big week, but Big Ben's been a bit weak so far. He wouldn't be a first choice for QB this week.
6. Daniel Thomas (RB) - Rumors are flying he didn't even make the trip to San Diego this week. Don't play him.
7. DeAngelo Williams (RB) - He hasn't seen a lot of looks because of the caliber of the Panthers' QB. Don't expect to see him get many this week either against the Bears run defense.
8. Kevin Kolb (QB) - For those of you paying attention, this should come as no surprise. Kolb was sick of being a second-string quarterback, but he hasn't proved he's a capable starter. Bench 'em.
9. Chad Ochocinco (WR) - Still second fiddle to Welker. Don't expect him to make any big plays this week.
10. Bears (D/ST) - Cam Newton is too much of a risk factor to play the Bears this week. He could really embarrass this defense. They have the potential to have a big week, but the risk is too high to declare them as your defense. Use your backup.
That's it for week 4's top 10. Remember next week you're not working with a full roster as BYE weeks are starting. Check back here to see who your back-ups should be for next week.
Follow me on Twitter (@tdbearden) for last minute decisions on Sunday's between 10 a.m. and 11:55 a.m. (when rosters lock-in). Tweet me your questions and follow hashtag #CFF.