The display that’s been unveiled to us NFL football fans over the course of weeks one through three is the exact reason I play in multiple fantasy leagues. Injuries are inevitable. I understand and accept that. Numerous legal issues though? That to me is absolutely ridiculous. The consensus top five running backs have all been irrelevant from a fantasy perspective and are leading the players that drafted them to their leagues’ version of “The Sacko Bowl”. If you’re like me and drafted Adrian Peterson in the first round this year, your team is more than likely a fantasy disaster. Fear not, my fellow reader. I am here to help. What I have presented before you is a list of players that are either on your bench or the waiver wire that will lead your team to victory this week. I’ve also included some “fantasy studs” that may belong on your bench this week. Let’s begin.
Like #1: Donald Brown – RB –San Diego Chargers
It’s not often you find a bell-cow running back on the waiver wire like many did last week with Donald Brown. Injuries to Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead have made Brown a top-20 running back going into week four, and the matchup couldn’t be juicier. The Jacksonville Jaguars have surrendered a league worst 480 rushing yards, as well as four rushing touchdowns through three games this season. With virtually no one to steal carries from him, I consider Donald Brown a must start this Sunday.
Like #2: Steve Smith – WR – Baltimore Ravens
He’s back, and he’s very angry. Steve Smith has looked ageless thus far, as he ranks 15th in receptions and seventh in receiving yards this season. The matchup doesn’t look great on paper but consider this: the Carolina secondary just got shredded by Antonio Brown and now they face a wide receiver that is very familiar with their coverage scheme. I expect Smitty to do to the Panthers what DeSean Jackson did to the Eagles last week: catch an 80-yard touchdown. Smith should definitely be in your lineup this week if you own him.
Like #3: Niles Paul – TE – Washington Redskins
With Julius Thomas on a bye this week, many are scrambling to find a replacement tight end for week four. Why not Niles Paul? All he’s done since the season started is put up the same yardage total as Jimmy Graham. Paul has developed some beautiful chemistry with Kirk Cousins since RGIII’s ankle injury and I expect that to continue. Paul is available in roughly 89 percent of ESPN.com leagues. I practically don’t even need to mention that he is playing the Giants horrid secondary this week. Seriously, go add him immediately. You won’t regret it.
Dislike #1: Matt Ryan – QB – Atlanta Falcons
I must be crazy telling people to sit fantasy football’s second-ranked quarterback this week. Or am I? Matt Ryan has been absolutely dreadful on the road since the start of the 2013 season, throwing 17 interceptions and just 14 touchdowns. I know the matchup looks good against a mediocre Minnesota Vikings defense but Matty Ice is not a must start when he’s not playing in the Georgia Dome. I’d feel much more comfortable starting Philip Rivers against the Jaguars, Jay Cutler against the Packers, or even Kirk Cousins against the Giants.
Dislike #2: Rashad Jennings – RB – New York Giants
What a value Rashad Jennings has turned out to be! Jennings’ average draft position was in the vicinity of rounds five and six before the season started, and he’s become one of the leagues last true backfield workhorses. Let’s not kid ourselves though. Washington’s defense just held LeSean McCoy to 22 yards on almost as many carries. Rashad Jennings is nowhere near the caliber of player Shady is. He’s been a stud this season so start him if you must but just know there are better options out there. Donald Brown against the Jags (as stated earlier), Khiry Robinson against Dallas’s pathetic run defense, or maybe even Frank Gore against the Eagles would all be less frightening options than Jennings this week.
Dislike #3: Cordarrelle Patterson – WR – Minnesota Vikings
We’re all still waiting for Cordarrelle Patterson’s breakout game. Week one does not count, considering the majority of his production came on one big play. The Falcons have not covered the pass very well this season but, keep in mind that Teddy Bridgewater is lining up under center. Three Vikings receivers were targeted more than Patterson when Bridgewater took over last week and I would not be shocked if that continues. If Corderralle is going to be the player we all know he can be, he needs to touch the ball more often. Until that happens, stash him on your bench in favor of someone on the Chargers (seriously, start anyone that’s playing Jacksonville’s defense), Kelvin Benjamin against a Baltimore defense that cannot prevent the deep pass to save their lives, or DeAndre Hopkins in a game where the Texans will be forced to throw a lot against the Bills stout front seven.
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