It's hard to believe it's the fourth week of the fantasy season, and even harder to read the injury report for many fantasy owners. Now the bye weeks begin. If you have been riding Tom Brady's coattails to victory, it's a tough week. It'll be tougher even longer if you have Ben Roethlisberger with his injury. The Patriots and Titans have the dreaded early bye. That means many are looking for tight ends as well.
So let's start with quarterbacks. Tyrod Taylor continues to be available in many leagues. He has had a great start to the season, and even though I understand you keep waiting for the wheels to come off, it's time to trust him -- especially if you need a fill-in for Brady.
Check out the images that defined the Week 3 games from around the AFC West. (All photos by AP Images unless otherwise noted)
The Broncos continued to force turnovers with two interceptions and one forced fumble on Lions QB Matthew Stafford. This athletic interception by Bradley Roby was the first of the night.
The rushing defense held the Lions to just 28 yards on the ground.
This touchdown by Owen Daniels put the Broncos up 24-12, effectively shutting the door on any realistic hopes for a Lions comeback.
RB Latavius Murray was able to shed tackles and elude defenders with ease, running for 139 yards against Cleveland.
DE Khalil Mack made Browns quarterback Josh McCown uncomfortable all day, recording two sacks and a forced fumble.
QB Derek Carr celebrates with WR Seth Roberts after a touchdown pass in the second quarter. The Raiders moved to 2-1 with the win.
The Chargers kept it close in the first half with this touchdown reception by WR Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to three points before halftime.
But the Vikings--much like RB Adrian Peterson on this play--broke away from the Chargers, reeling off 21 unanswered points. Peterson ran for a 43-yard touchdown on this play.
Ultimately the Chargers dropped their second straight game after losing to Cincinnati in the previous week.
The Chiefs fell down early in Green Bay on Monday Night Football as Aaron Rodgers connected on three touchdown passes in the first half.
WR Jeremy Maclin recorded 141 receiving yards and a touchdown, but the Chiefs' scoring came much too late.
QB Alex Smith was sacked seven times by the Packers and the Chiefs staggered to their second straight loss in a prime-time game.
Another great option for now, although it's going to hurt you, Broncos fans, is Raiders QB Derek Carr. He has an arsenal of weapons, and they have shown great balance on offense. Carr looks better every week, and he can certainly get you through a bye. He's a good pickup now even if you don't have Brady, because the stock will continue to go up is my guess. He might even be a better option than starters such as Josh McCown, Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford and I think he could outplay Ryan Tannehill this week as the Dolphins head to London. A guy I think is another great QB option, and he continues to be available, is Blake Bortles. The Jaguars are not a great team, but they have to throw the ball a lot, and he is getting better at it. Take a gamble.
At the tight end, the options are not great for this week. Washington's Jordan Reed is still out there for many, but you have to trust that the offense isn't going to go in the toilet. Good luck. Andrew Quarless is out for the Packers, and that should give Richard Rodgers more targets, but the Packers tight ends haven't been in on the touchdown parade like in years past. The top pickup in many leagues is Buffalo TE Charles Clay. He is facing the Giants, and should be a good fit for Gronk owners. As for the top down-the-line pickup, it has to be Antonio Gates. This is his last weekend on suspension. Grab him now, for the bye weeks to come will have him getting added next week. He's especially a must if you have a low waiver claim.
The WR position has some intriguing names, but no slam dunks. A guy getting a TD Monday night for Green Bay is Ty Montgomery. With Davante Adams not being able to stay healthy, Montgomery could start to find a role. Kendall Wright from Tennessee has had a good start with Marcus Mariota. He's a future guy this week, but a target for the low waiver claim. A guy that has had a lot of targets, but not a guy I'm real high on, is Ted Ginn Jr. from Carolina. His hands are questionable, but Cam is looking his way. I also think that Bennie Fowler from the Broncos made an impression over the middle last Sunday night. Watch and react if there is another good game this week.
Marshawn Lynch will be a problem for his owners, including this guy. The Seattle offense hasn't looked all that good, and now Lynch has a hamstring injury, and will probably spend the next few weeks making you sweat his status game day. Matt Jones from Washington is a possibility. He was having a good game until a fumble last Thursday. Chris Johnson - you know, CJ2K - is having a nice start in Arizona. Cowboys Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden are both available in my league. Dunbar may give you some ppr [points per reception] too. The 'Boys need to run, so at least you should get carries. Just watch for a trend as the starter.
As for the Broncos, they are all must plays this weekend, except for the running backs. I feel like every week they get closer, and the turf didn't do Hillman or Anderson any favors, but this has been an offense defined by the pass so far. I still don't think C.J. Anderson is fully healthy. He could have a breakout week, but if you have other options, go with them.
Questions, comments?
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