We’re officially a quarter-way through the season, a good marker for measuring the progress of any fantasy team. From here on out, the season will be built on smart waiver wire moves and starting the right players. With that in mind, here’s a look at the week past and a view of what’s to come.
WR Brian Hartline, MIA: Hartline absolutely exploded this weekend against the undefeated Cardinals, catching 12 passes for a massive 253 yards and one score. It seems as though he has developed a strong bond of chemistry with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, as this is his second game with a hundred-plus receiving yards. Though this monster level of production is likely to decrease, Hartline is the clear number one target in Miami.
WR James Jones, GB: With Greg Jennings looking to miss more time this season, Aaron Rodgers will continue to spread the ball throughout the Green Bay receiving corps. Jones was a beneficiary of this last week, finishing the game with five receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns, his second consecutive game with five receptions. The young receiver is a physical specimen with potential, and is worth a pickup for his upside, though inconsistency comes with the whole package.
RB Jackie Battle, SD: In Ryan Mathews’ first game back since breaking his collarbone in the pre-season, it was Jackie Battle who received the bulk of the work, finding his way into the end zone twice this weekend. Battle carried the ball for 39 yards on 15 carries, and caught the ball 4 times for 42 yards. Even with Mathews expected to play a bigger role in the future; Head Coach Norv Turner’s confidence in Battle gives him decent fantasy value.
WR Domenik Hixon, NYG: It appears as both Hakeem Nicks (knee) and Ramses Barden (concussion) may miss time this week. That leaves plenty of room for Hixon to see targets, as last week he was able to haul in 6 of the 11 passes thrown his way for 114 yards. When his teammates do return, Hixon’s value will decrease drastically, but as of now he is Eli Manning’s number two receiver.
WR Santonio Holmes, NYJ: Holmes will miss the remainder of the season with a lisfranc injury, the same foot ailment that sidelined Raiders’ running back Darren McFadden for over half of last season. Jeremy Kerley’s role in the offense will be increased, though even before this injury the Jets’ offense has been lethargic and unproductive all year.
WR Hakeem Nicks, NYG: Nicks missed last week with a knee injury, and it’s highly possible this week will be a miss as well. Victor Cruz, Martellus Bennet and Domenik Hixon will likely see most of Eli Manning’s targets.
Last week saw the return of a few featured backs to the game, though mostly in limited roles. Fred Jackson, Matt Forte and Ryan Mathews all saw some action, and look to build on their performances. Rashard Mendenhall will return for the first time this season on Sunday for the Steelers, and has immense fantasy potential with a 4.1 yard-per-carry average over his career.
Shonn Green vs. Houston Defense: The Jets offense has been atrocious this season, emphasized by last week’s scoreless offensive showing against the 49ers. Shonn Green has not done much to help his floundering team, contributing a measly 191 yards over four games. The undefeated Texans have yet to allow one rushing touchdown this year, greatly impeding Green’s ability to improve on his one score of the season. Do not start him against this impressive defensive unit.
Matt Ryan vs. Washington Defense: Matty Ice is on fire this year, lighting up secondaries all over the league with his tool belt stocked with studs like Roddy White, Julio Jones and veteran Tony Gonzalez. He leads the NFL in passer rating and is sixth in total yards, while the Washington defense is giving up the league’s second worst 337 passing yards per game. Ryan should go off against the Redskins.
Marshawn Lynch vs. Carolina Defense: Carolina’s run defense has been Swiss cheese over four weeks, allowing 134 yards per game while giving up five touchdowns, while simultaneously Marshawn Lynch has been rolling of late, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and over 100 a game. The Panthers’ defensive unit does not pose too much of a threat to end the power back’s hot streak, setting the stage for a big fantasy output from Lynch.
Week 4 kicks off Thursday night with an NFC west rivalry game as the 4-0 Cardinals take on the 2-2 Rams. Make sure to check those waiver wires and study your matchups so as not to leave any points on the bench, the bane of any fantasy owner. Good luck this weekend, and remember to check back next week for more fantasy advice.
