RADIO
We are officially in the BYE week zone. Yes, three weeks in, we're reminded that the NFL tends to structure it's BYE weeks somewhat unevenly, and just as harshly, we've probably built our teams unevenly as well. Almost every fantasy platform you use to draft shows you what the BYE week is for every player, even if you flirted with the "I'm going to have multiple players with the same BYE week and I'm just gonna tank it" strategy.
There's also the popular "I think I have a deep enough bench even though I ignored a single position entirely, but maybe this will work out when I inevitably face a BYE week" strategy. Hell, my personal favorite is the "Oh god the first BYE week pointed out that I understandably didn't back up my TE and QB and oh god now I've got to drop so many people why do I do this to myself" strategy.
Anyway, you need me more than ever this week, so let's cut the chit-chat and go into the pop quiz.
Week 4 Pop Quiz
For everyone new to this column, I'm highlighting running backs and wide receivers for the 2 and 3 slot, and a tight end slightly outside of the normal top-eight. You won't see anyone named Gurley or Beckham Jr. here, but more of guys who are likely on your bench or in some cases on waivers, and why they might be a good fit this week specifically.
Quarterback Questions
There's really no excuse not to stream __________ this week
A: Philip Rivers
B: Kirk Cousins
C: Deshaun Watson
D: Ryan Tannehill
I was almost going to throw this segment out this week. With Cam Newton and Alex Smith out, it seems like you're just going to start with a top-ten quarterback facing an incredibly suspect defense whose only turned over the ball once this season. But oh my god, when are you people going to show Philip Rivers the appropriate respect he deserves? He's only being started in 23% of leagues. More people are starting Tom Brady and his deflated arms, or Carson Wentz as he's still rehabbing. Hell, there are leagues where I'm dropping Andrew Luck to pick up Rivers. Don't overthink it. Don't outsmart yourself. Lock in Rivers if you own him, and let the man just bring the points to you.
Running Back Questions
Against all odds, should you take a look at ___________ as an RB2 now?
A: Javorius Allen
B: Matt Breida
C: Jordan Howard
D: Marshawn Lynch
Going into this season, the only thing I liked in Oakland was an Amari Cooper that was being touted as the center of the offense by none other than coach John Gruden. And if myself and Khalil Mack learned anything this offseason, it's that listening to John Gruden is not a great strategy. Yet it's impossible to ignore Marshawn Lynch, especially for McCaffrey or AP owners who are looking to fill in a competent starter. Lynch is facing a Cleveland Browns defense that hasn't been the easiest to run over, but has let running backs have their way in and around the end zone. Lynch got at least 18 carries in the last two weeks, as well as seeing the end zone each week so far this season. Lynch is defaulted in at FLEX for a lot of leagues, but he's nearly a lock to be a high-grade RB2 in Week 4.
Desperation, thy name is ___________.
A: Tevin Coleman
B: Alex Collins
C: Dion Lewis
D: Corey Clement
Let's be clear, this prompt is saying that this is a player you shouldn't start under any circumstances. And despite a Week 1 that made us believe again, Dion Lewis is in the sunken place in Tennessee and has seen his usage greatly decrease from his first snap in a Titans uniform. Lewis is being started in nearly 5o% of leagues this week, while Kerryon Johnson is being started in eleven percent of leagues. Until Lewis can see 15+ carries in two straight weeks, you can't even hazard Lewis in your lineup, and there are plenty of options available to trade for that aren't being started in case he's your only choice.
Wide Receiver Questions
Yes, despite a bad performance you're starting _______ this week
A: Stefon Diggs
B: Brandin Cooks
C: DeSean Jackson
D: AJ Green
First off, I must apologize to anyone who also played Corey Davis last week on my prediction, I literally couldn't have called that worse. So this week I'm rolling out a player who also did badly last week, but is sure to rebound. With the Bucs being shut down completely by a half decent Steelers defense, you didn't see much production out of DeSean Jackson. The Bears, on the other hand, are much better rushing the quarterback than they are defending the pass, so no matter who is starting at Bucs, "run away from Khalil Mack and get the ball up there" may be a legitimate strategy the team has to use. That means that Mike Evans is a much start, but deep target Jackson has to be deployed as well, at least for this week. If Jackson fails to show up this week, then he may be a matchup-based starter only.
Tight End Question
This week I believe in the resurgence of _________
A: Jesse James
B: Austin Hooper
C: Eric Ebron
D: George Kittle
I am so on-board the Eric Ebron hype train that I actually drafted him in a very deep league, before being convinced by my co-owner to drop him, so obviously, that's hilarious. But with Jack Doyle questionable, in a game at home, vs a Texans defense that's given up a touchdown in two of the last three weeks to TE. Remember when suggesting Eric Ebron was fantasy suicide? Full steam ahead.
