As I am sure most NFL seasons debut; this 2019-2020 NFL season has us viewers questioning everything we know about foosball. Right now 7 teams in the NFL are undefeated, two of them being the Bills and Lions. Funny enough each of those two teams had 6 wins last season. What’s not funny is losing in fantasy football because we all know social Darwinism peaks during the NFL season.
How annoying would it be to give fantasy advice to a fellow coach in your league, when around the corner Josh comes in and tells this coach of your folly against him? “Don’t trust him,” says Josh, “he got destroyed last week by my team I’m Joshing you Allen and didn’t even break triple digits.” Highly annoying. Well, forget all the Joshes in your league because you’re at The LAFB Network and we are here to help!
2019 Fantasy Football Start Em Sit Em Week 4
Start Em
Quarterback
Philip Rivers
There is no doubt that the past three weeks have shown us how bad the Miami Dolphins have been. In those three weeks: Lamar Jackson hauled in 36.8 points, along with Tom Brady and Dak Prescott both slamming 27 points. Rivers has the capacity to throw for 400+ yards with some TDs and against a soft Dolphins secondary, good fortune may follow. Currently, the Dolphins sit 28th in pass defense and have given up the league most 10 TDs through the air. Not only that, the Dolphins give up almost 300 passing yards to QBs and are very favorable towards them with only one pick through three weeks of play. Start Rivers in your lineup and don’t look back, there’s plenty of points coming your way.
Daniel Jones
We all witnessed it. 4 total TDs, 23 of 36 completions, 336 passing yards, and no interceptions. Jones sprayed chrome spray paint on his face mask and destroyed the Tampa Bay defense for 39.9, truly a feat that even Mad Maxx couldn’t reproduce. This week Jones has the Redskins secondary to play around with. The same defense, might I add, that made Mitchell Trubisky look like a stud with 23.8 fantasy points and 3 TDs to one receiver. This stays consistent to the Redskins average of 3 TDs through the air per week. If research has any sway in your argument, Jones should be an easy start.
Oh no? You would like more sway. Well, Saquon Barkley is officially out for a few months, meaning Jones and Evan Engram are now the sole playmakers on the Giants offense. If we take a look at the box score from the Giants vs Bucs game, by halftime the score is 10 – 28 Tampa. Barkley got hurt in the second quarter, so in the second half of that game, Jones put the team on his shoulders scoring a couple of TDs in the third quarter and running one in in the fourth.
Running Back
Marlon Mack
Mack definitely had us coaches worried all week nursing a calf injury but stilled pulled through at the last minute. Good fortune for those that played him in a gamble but we all know it could have easily been the other way if he didn’t get a score late in the game. With Andrew Luck’s retirement, Mack has no doubt seen a rapid improvement in game time and fantasy relevance. Right now Indy is 6th in rushing offense, 6th, something that hasn’t happened since the Colts were probably in Baltimore. Last week Dalvin Cook sliced up the Oakland Defense for 110 yards and one TD, which could have been more if Alexander Mattison didn’t cleave a score from Cook. All this spells good grooves for Mack this week.
Chris Carson
Carson gets a little nomination on my list and it is not because of his consistent fumbling. The Seahawks are averaging 110.7 yards on the ground each game this year, while the Cardinals are 3rd worse against the run, averaging 157 rushing yards. Carson has had a consistent 15 attempts in all of the three games played but teeter-tottered with how much he averages per carry: 3.1, 4.0 and 3.5. Surprisingly his 3.1 games were his best and scored 20 points in fantasy. Arizona, on the other hand, gives up around 4.9 yards per carry, giving Carson’s value a super boost. Not only that, Seattle has been favoring the pass plays only 7% more than run plays, practically splitting plays for Russell Wilson to toss the ball or hand it off.
Wide Receiver
Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper has got to be the unsung hero of Dak Prescott. How else could a QB look so good without a compliment like Cooper catching the ball? Mr. Cooper has been averaging a little more than 14 yards per reception, along with 1.3 TDs a game. Luckily for Dak and Amari, the New Orleans Saints are 2nd worst in receiving defense, so here comes another big week for Dem Boyz. The Saints are averaging 319 yards a game to QB/WR combos, not to mention the six TDs through the air. To contrast, the Cowboys have been killing it in the passing game with nine TDs and an average of 306.7 yards against their opponents. The Saints might put up a fight with offensive titans of their own, but expect a big night from Amari Cooper.
John Ross
We must live during an alternate dimension if the Bengals are 2nd in passing offense without A.J. Green. There is no doubt Andy Dalton has been playing his butt off these past three weeks with three losses under their belt. Playing from behind has been proof enough that garbage time plays and points are enough to make or break a fantasy team. Unfortunately, for those that played Ross last week, he did not have quite the same output as his games before. His first two games he hauled in over 100 yards receiving with some looks in the end zone, while last week he hauled in 2 of 6 targets and a measly 22 yards. This was to a solid Buffalo defense so I am not sure if we should hold it against them. This week the Bengals have division rival Pittsburgh to take down and if they’re smart, they would attack through the air. The Steelers have given up 316.7 receiving yards and almost two TDs per game. No matter the doubt you feel in the Bengals, don’t doubt the numbers; John Ross has big-play potential.
Tight End
Evan Engram
Hey look it’s the other Giant I talked about. Yes, it is and here’s why. With Eli Manning or Daniel Jones, Engram has been nothing but a juggernaut in the PPR game. Engram’s target count trumps the 2nd place guy, Mark Andrews, by six targets and leads TEs in receptions with 23. The only TE to beat Engram in any stats is Travis Kelce and that is by total yards. A simple seven yards divide Engram and Kelce but it is clear as day that the usage is there.
Will Dissly
I admit, sometimes it’s hard to comment on which Seahawk receiver will be the highlight of the Russell Wilson show. Surprisingly enough, Wilson and Pete Caroll run the offense like Brady and Belichick, where it can be hard to figure out which position player they want to thrive. Dissly stands out this week because of the playability he has against the Cardinals. Just as much as the Cardinals are bad in the rush, they’re just as bad against opposing TEs. In the past three weeks, the Cardinals have given up five TDs, 23 receptions, and 348 receiving yards, averaging 21.6 fantasy points to TEs stepping on the field. Not accounting week 1, Dissly has scored 40.2 points with three TDs and 11 receptions; talk about making some lemonade.
D/ST
Los Angeles Rams
I know, I started typing Los Angeles and wanted to put Chargers because of their game against Miami, but typed Rams instead. The Rams have had a relatively quiet defensive start this year but that might be of use because they are showing us their worth instead of telling us. Currently, the Rams sit 11th in rushing defense and 4th in the pass. Their next opponent is Tampa Bay which could show some promise because their ranks are a nice counter to those of the Rams. Tampa sits 8th for rushing offense and 16th in the pass. To shake matters more towards the Rams, the over/under on the game is 49.5 which means some scoring should take place. If there’s a blowout, chances are the Rams defense will snuff out the Bucs.
Sit Em
Quarterback
Josh Allen
The best team in New York might have their plates full this upcoming Sunday. The Patriots are coming to town and not only is this a division showdown, but both teams are also undefeated. Of course, Josh Allen has much to thank for this but this week is his “make it or break it” appearance. The Patriots have been 1st in passing and rushing defense, truly a piece of work that is awe-inspired. Not only that, Allen hasn’t had much production in scores when it comes to throwing the ball; in each of his last three games he has scored only one time per through the air. Additionally, he has only thrown around 250 yards per game and we all know the capabilities of Brady being able to run up the scoreboard. If this begins to happen, Allen might get tapped out and be over his head.
Jameis Winston
This week Winston has a less cushy defense than the New York Giants. The Rams are currently ranked 4th in passing defense, giving up only 5.8 per attempt. Not only that, but the Rams have also given up a measly QB 57.8 completion percentage to opposing teams. So far this year Winston hasn’t had a completion rate above 65% and that’s going against Frisco, Carolina, and New York. To add some sugar on this bitter biscuit, the Rams have only given up one TD through the air with three picks on the season. Winston shouldn’t be the play this week.
Running Back
Nick Chubb
The Browns have the potential to have one of the fiercest scoring teams in the league. The problem is they don’t click. This week shouldn’t be too much of a change with Baltimore as their opponents. Baltimore has been allowing just 60.3 yards a game on the ground and if the Browns keep seeing themselves in a shoot out; there might be less of a run game. Overall Chubb has only found the end zone once in three games. This doesn’t disregard his usage on the team but might be a reflection on the lack of the team wanting to use Chubb in those goal-line situations. Furthermore, the Browns are currently 25th in the run game, averaging just 89 yards a game. Chubb was a great pick but let’s check out some other options this week.
Todd Gurley
Gurley will have his work cut out for him this week against the Bucs. If you haven’t kept track, Gurley’s usage has been suspect since Week 1 took off. He hasn’t had a game rushing more than 17 attempts and this should have you worried. Tampa Bay is ranked 3rd in rushing yards per attempt with 3.0 and if you look at Gurley’s yards per attempt, they’re no better. Last week against the Browns he only averaged 3.1 and the week before 3.9; definitely not the man who we thought the Rams came to love. Gurley should grab some bench this week.
Wide Receiver
John Brown
If Josh Allen doesn’t get the play, John Brown should definitely not get the start. At this point in the season, the Patriots have been averaging a league-leading 5.2 yards per catch to opposing receivers. To contrast, the Buffalo Bills have been receiving 7.3 yards per catch. This doesn’t go without adding the little usage of Brown the past week or so, falling from 25.3 fantasy points Week 1 to 14.2 and then 9.5. Their opponents weren’t too impressive as well: the Jets, Giants, and Bengals have okay defenses to say the most. This week is going to be a test for John Brown and Josh Allen, you do not want to be apart of it.
Dede Westbrook
If you haven’t already, it may be time to bench Westbrook. D.J. Chark has no doubt shown to be Gardener Minshew’s more favorable target. In each of Jacksonville’s games, Chark has scored. Westbrook has found the end zone only once, Week 1, and has yet to ever since. Jacksonville’s opponents this week, the Broncos, have also had some recent success against the passing game ranking 6th best among the league. On average, they give up just over 200 yards in the air and only allowed two scores. As impressive as two TDs are, the Broncos still haven’t recorded an interception or sack yet. This game might have a low scoring outcome which means no points for us fantasy players. Westbrook should get comfortable on your bench.
Stefon Diggs
Mr. Diggs has played with our emotions for the last time. I gave him a little shout-out last week because he was in the bargain bin but there could be a possibility that he might belong there. Adam Thielen has been taking quite a bit of attention and Dalvin Cook has been such a dynamic player on the field, there has been little use to spread the ball. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Minnesota has been feeding Dalvin Cook and it should stay like that. If not, Thielen would be the second weapon to take hold of Kirk Cousins, leaving Diggs in the cold. Currently, Diggs has 12 targets over three games, not very favorable. Steer clear.
Tight End
Greg Olsen
This year the Houston Texans have not allowed a TE to score in any of their last three games. Not only that, but the Texans have also only let TEs take the ball 93 yards total on 11 receptions. Clearly something is in the water down in Houston if the reliable check down TE is getting smothered for no production. What doesn’t help Olsen’s cause is Cam Newton’s absence. With Cam, Olsen averages nine targets a game; without Cam, he gets seven. Those targets might be easily overlooked because of his two scores but his looks might be taking a fall. If Olsen is in your lineup, you might want to reevaluate some of the free agents.
Austin Hooper
This season Austin Hooper has two TDs. That is half of what he has averaged on the Atlanta offense in the past three seasons with the team. A magical feat for the TE but as a coach, it should make you worry about if Hooper’s production and value is going to begin falling. His first two weeks were shaky, especially if you’re in a standard format, but last week he shined for his two TDs. This week Atlanta faces the Titans and they’re 3rd ranked passing defense and 11th in receiving yards against TEs. In three games they have averaged only four receptions to TEs, totaling out to just above nine points in PPR formats for TEs.
D/ST
Detroit Lions
As sad as it is to say, one of the underdog undefeated teams will most likely receive their first loss. The Detroit Lions should have an asterisk next to their “undefeated” because of the tie in their record, but because of the tie is why I chose them. In that Week 1 game against the Cardinals, Detroit was stomping on Arizona but after halftime, it was like the Lions started playing Madden instead of watching the coach do his Xs and Os. This week the Lions have Kansas City and we all know the points they are able to put up. As fun as it was to say they were undefeated, the Lions have a losing battle ahead.
Vikings at Redskins 11/12/17. Photo Credit: KA Sports Photos | Under Creative Commons License