I am back for another edition of my Start/Sit piece. Last week was another interesting week of Fantasy with the likes of Jake Locker, Geno Smith and Antonio Brown in the top 10 of scoring. The ups and downs of some players this year has been crazy. A new guy has stepped up and showed up in the top 10 each of the first 3 weeks of the season. Before I take a look at week 4, I show you how I did in week 3.
Starts & Sits that made me look good.
Matthew Stafford (385 yards & 2 TDs), Julio Jones (9/115), Pierre Garcon (8/73) & Patriots D
Daryl Richardson (1 touch), Stevan Ridley (35 yards) & T.Y. Hilton (2/13)
Start & Sits that made me looks bad.
Terrelle Pryor (281 yards & a TD), Marshawn Lynch (69 yards) & Cecil Shorts (8/143)
Week 4 Must Start
Andrew Luck vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Luck didn’t have the best game in week 3 but didn’t need to as the run game was on fire. The Jaguars have played pretty well against the pass; they rank in the top 10. But Luck had some success last season against the Jaguars and fully expect the same this year. They aren’t a very good team; look for Luck to be a great fantasy option in week 4.
Matt Forte vs. Detroit Lions
Forte has 18 catches through 3 games, he had 44 all of last year. He is on pace to have the best season of his career. He is getting the goal-line touches and rushed for 199 yards and a TD against the Lions last season. Forte is an easy must start for the week.
Bilal Powell vs. Tennessee Titans
Powell had a coming out part against the Bills, rushing for 149 yards. The Titans D has been quite impressive in 2013 but I think they can be run on. They have yet to face a QB with the athleticism as Geno Smith does. Powell should help the Jets open up the run this weekend and should be started as a RB2/Flex.
Cecil Shorts vs. Indianapolis Colts
Shorts showed even in a touch matchup he should be in the lineup. There is concern this week as Gabbert has taken the job back from Henne but I am here to tell you not to worry. Last season Shorts caught 7 balls for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Colts and Blaine Gabbert was the QB of both of those games. Start Shorts as a borderline WR1 this week.
Denarius Moore vs. Washington Redskins
I don’t think it matters who will be starting at QB for the Raiders this weekend. Whoever it is will be throwing against a terrible Redskins pass defense. In 3 games he has 11 catches for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. The quarterback situation should not hold you back from starting him in week 4.
Antonio Gates vs. Dallas Cowboys
Are the Gates finally open again? Boy that joke sounded better in my head. Well he has 15 catches for 228 yards a TD heading into week 4. He didn’t get his 15 reception or over 200 yards until week 5 of last season. I would roll with Gates until they are closed. (Yep I did it again)
New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans
I think you could start both teams this week but if I had to pick one it would be the Jets. They are playing some really good football on defense. They are facing a Titans team that isn’t overly impressive on offense. The Jets have managed 12 sacks through 3, if they get to Locker early this defense will have a field day on Sunday.
Must Sit
Michael Vick vs. Denver Broncos
This Broncos D is playing a lot better than I thought they would to start the season. They are giving up a lot of garbage time yards and points to teams after getting up by 3 or 4 scores. I see the Broncos getting up early in this game causing Vick to throw more and making some mistakes. I would recommend against starting him this week.
Carson Palmer vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For those with Newton and Rodgers looking for a spot start for the week, Palmer is not the answer. The Bucs have 4 interceptions and 12 sacks through 3 games; he is in for a long day in Tampa.
Ryan Matthews vs. Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys are giving up 66 YPG on the ground, WOW. If they Cowboys shut down the run expect to see a lot of Woodhead and Brown this week as the Chargers are going to have to throw if they have a chance at winning this game.
Fred Jackson vs. Baltimore Ravens
Even if Spiller were to somehow miss this week’s game I still wouldn’t recommend starting Jackson. The Ravens run defense has been really good; teams are averaging only 74 YPG against them. Tough matchup = easy sit for him.
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Seattle Seahawks
I recommended sitting Cecil Shorts last weekend and it bit me in the butt. This week I say sit Hopkins, Andre Johnson doesn’t look likely for this game so Hopkins will be all alone out there. He may be Schaub’s best option this week but I would recommend if you have better options, start them.
Roddy White vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots have been really good against the pass, actually they rank in the top part against teams top receiving options. Whtie hasn’t shown to be healthy this year and until he does he shouldn’t be in the lineup.
Kyle Rudolph vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
As bad as the season has been for the Steelers they are playing fairly well on defense. The offense is what is causing the high scoring by giving up a ton of turnovers. They have yet to give up a touchdown to a tight end this year and held Martellus Bennett to 2 catches for 10 yards in week 3. If you have other options I would use them instead this week.
Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks
This is just one of those weeks you have to sit the Texans defense. They are playing probably the best team in football right now and even though they are at home, the Seahawks will be coming to play.
Also don’t forget to check out our new Podcast/Show on Sunday’s at 11am (EST) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/foryourconsideration we answer questions your Fantasy Football questions live on the air.
You can also follow me on Twitter (@rickygangster) or (@thesportsscript) as we answer all your Fantasy Football questions all week up until game time.