Fantasy Report Week Four

As Week Four approaches in the actual and fantasy football seasons, it is necessary to realize that this is the first week where certain teams will have their Bye Week. Teams that are off due to Bye Weeks are:           

• Philadelphia Eagles         
• Arizona Cardinals         
• Atlanta Falcons         
• Carolina Panthers  

Be sure to start and sit these players this week for your fantasy team if you own them, as they each have specific factors giving them advantages and disadvantages during their respected games this weekend:  

Start ‘Em  

QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans  

In recent weeks, Schaub has been outstanding, with seven touchdowns in the last two games. This week, the Texans will look to continue their offensive success against the Oakland Raiders. The Black Hole has been nothing more then mediocre so far on defense, and with their offensive sruggles of late, the Texans will have a lot of motivation and many opportunities to move the chains on Sunday.  

RB Glen Coffee, San Francisco 49ers  

The Niners will be without their Pro-Bowl back Frank Gore on Sunday, giving way to rookie running back Glen Coffee. They will not look to alter their offensive scheme due to Gore’s absence, and Coffee has a favorable matchup against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have been a mess this season on defense and the odds of them turning things around against San Fran are not favorable.  

WR Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars  

If you haven’t heard of this guy yet, you will soon. Last week, he racked up a team-high six receptions for 81 yards against Houston. Jags’ QB David Garrard has grown comfortable with Sims-Walker over the course of the early weeks. The Titans’ secondary was proven vulnerable against rookie Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez last week, and should benefit Sims-Walker’s performance.  

Sit ‘Em  

QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers  

My surprise pick belongs to Mr. Rivers, who has put up monster numbers this season. All his success has certainly made a statement that he belongs with the likes of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, but I think he will experience his first major struggl e this week. The Pittsburgh Steelers need to win this game more than anything, and their defense realizes this, which should put a lot of pressure on Rivers.  

RB Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers  

The Minnesota Vikings are solid at stopping the run, and the Williams’ Wall (DTs Pat and Kevin Williams) will make it difficult for Grant to find running lanes. I also have a feeling that the Packers will try to showcase Aaron Rodgers, who will be going up against the former Mr. Packer himself, Brett Favre. If you have another option at Running Back, I highly suggest sitting Grant this week.  

WR Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns  

Edwards has yet to find the end zone this season, and is looking like he may be faced with a disappointing season in 2009. The Browns’ QB situation has been a head-scratcher so far. QB Brady Quinn will be on the bench, while Derek Anderson will get the start. The switching of QBs is typically not good for any receiver, let alone a struggling one.  

Sleeper Of The Week  

RB Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns  

As mentioned above, the Browns have an unreliable passing attack. This opens up many options on the ground, giving Jerome Harrison some fantasy value. Add this to the news that starter Jamal Lewis is listed as doubtful for the game and rookie backup James Davis was placed on the Injured Reserve, and Harrison quickly is in line for an unexpected incre ase in carries in Week 4.