In the chaos of the NFL’s referee lockout, games are being decided directly and indirectly, penalties are going unnoticed, players are getting hurt and coaches are receiving hefty fines for their lack of patience for the replacement refs’ incompetence. However, fantasy football soldiers on. The number of owners is higher than ever, and football viewership is still setting records. So here’s a look back at last week and a look ahead to week 4 to help out your fantasy lineups.
Injuries
RB Reggie Bush, MIA: Bush went down late in the first half with a knee injury and was unable to return to the game on Sunday. After an MRI on Monday it was determined the injury wasn’t too serious, and Bush is expected to play, though most likely in a limited capacity. Look for rookie Daniel Thomas and counterpart Lamar Miller to carry the load this week.
RB CJ Spiller, BUF: After breaking out in the absence of Fred Jackson, Spiller left the game with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks in recovery. Fred Jackson may actually return before Spiller, drastically reducing his fantasy value. With both running backs nursing injuries, Tashard Choice will receive the bulk of the carries.
WR Darius Heyward-Bey, OAK: DHB was carted off the field after a helmet to helmet collision left him unconscious in the end zone. After spending Sunday night in the hospital, the speedy receiver was released with a concussion and neck sprain. He will miss this week, leaving Carson Palmer to favor wideout Denarius Moore and tight end Brandon Myers, who leads the team in receptions.
Matchups, matchups, matchups. A key matchup may determine a player’s total worth that week, turning average day to good starters into fantasy studs. Watch these upcoming contests to maximize your lineup.
QB Matt Schaub vs. Tennessee: Schaub went off last week against the improved Denver secondary, passing for 290 yards and a whopping four touchdowns. Tennessee is 30th in the league against the pass, giving up an average of 312 yards a game. Scab’s arsenal is potent and varied with Andre Johnson, Arian foster and Owen Daniels keeping the defense honest.
WR Demaryius Thomas vs. Oakland: The Oakland Raiders are paper thin at cornerback after losing both starters to injury in the first two weeks after revamping their pass defense this offseason. The backups played well enough, but Oakland is giving up 264 passing yards a game and Peyton Manning will pick on the inexperience all game. As Thomas is his most targeted receiver, he should have a big day.
RB Cedric Benson vs. New Orleans: The Saints own the league’s worst run defense by a margin of an incredible 200 yards through 3 weeks. With an average of 215 yards a week, any competent back may have a decent fantasy output. Benson, while not insanely impressive this year, has proved to be a serviceable back and plays for the high scoring Green Bay offense.
Every week players step up to fill important roles when needed, and fantasy starters are found. While maybe not full starters yet, these players show potential and deserve a look.
Free Agents
TE Heath Miller, PIT: Miller has four touchdowns this season after catching two on Sunday against the Raiders and adding 8 receptions for 60 yards. He has been proven to be a favorite target of Roethlisberger and will continue to produce solid fantasy numbers. He is on a week 4 bye, but will be a solid addition for the remainder of the season.
WR Kendall Wright, TEN: Wright leads the Titans in receptions this season, racking up 7 more on Sunday for 41 yards. Though he is listed behind Nate Washington and Kenny Britt, Wright has fantasy potential building, especially in PPR leagues.
RB Tashard Choice, BUF: With both CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson out for at least this week, Choice has value as the number one back. He carried the ball 20 times for 90 yards on Sunday, proving the Bills will use him and aren’t going to shy away from the running game.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers, ATL: Rodgers split carries with starter Michael Turner, taking the rock 10 times for 32 yards to Turner’s 15 carries. Rodgers was more valuable in the Falcons’ preferred high-octane passing attack however, catching five passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. Facing a weak Carolina run defense, Rodgers could see his role increase.
With week 4 looming ahead remember to watch your lineups carefully for late developments, such as the tragedy that beset Torrey Smith the day of his last standout game. The replacement refs will get one more chance in the spotlight, because though the NFL is currently in talks to get the regular officials back, it is too late for any action this week. Good luck, and may the fantasy gods be with you.
