Fantasy Football: Week 4 starts

October 3, 3:22 PMBoston Fantasy Sports ExaminerMark Fuery

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The Buffalo Bills defense is a strong fantasy play against the
Miami Dolphins.

Week four of the NFL season is quickly approaching and bye weeks are upon us. This week Carolina, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Arizona are off, leaving multiple holes in fantasy lineups.

If you have been hit hard by the first round of byes, or if you are just looking for some great fantasy matchups, here are a few players who will should bring in some big points for week four.

Carson Palmer (QB – CIN): At one point Palmer was considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Now he is coming off an elbow injury that cost him most of last season and he has yet to regain his status as a top QB.

This week he should remind everyone why he was once put in a similar class to Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning when he faces the hapless and hopeless Cleveland Browns.
The Browns secondary has been dreadful all year. They can’t cover or tackle, and everyone who has played against them has put up big numbers. Palmer will be no different. Expect him to spread the ball around and be among the top QBs this week.

Jason Campbell (QB – WAS): The name won’t excite you, but Campbell has proven he can have a productive fantasy game in the right situation. Last week he threw for 340 yards in a loss to Detroit.

He has another favorable matchup this week when he faces a young Tampa Bay secondary. This Bucs team is giving up an average of 251 yards through the air and two passing touchdowns so far in 2009. Look for Campbell, the average quarterback, to be right near those average numbers. He would be a nice fill-in for Matt Ryan or Kurt Warner owners this week.

Cedric Benson (RB – CIN): Benson has been banged up, but was a full participant in practice later in the week and should be good to go.

The Bengals should have a big lead late in the game, so Benson should have a shot at some extra carries at the end of the game. Add to that Benson’s much improved play this year, as he is averaging 97.7 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry, and he looks to be a fantastic play this week.

Matt Forte (RB – CHI): I shouldn’t have to tell you to play a consensus top-5 pick, but this is an extreme circumstance. Forte has been perhaps the most disappointing player in fantasy football so far this season.

The good news is he showed signs of life last week when he picked up 66 yards rushing and another 40 receiving. Those aren’t the numbers you envisioned when you picked him up, but it was a relief to see him start to produce.

This week he faces the Lions and he should finally get into the end zone. Look for Forte to stay involved in both the running and passing games and remind you why he was a top pick. Don’t give up on him yet.

Steve Smith (WR- NYG): The “other” Steve Smith has quickly become one of Eli Manning’s most reliable targets.

Smith is developing into one of the better possession receivers in the game and is a fantastic third down option. Eli appears to now have confidence in him as he develops into the team’s clear number one receiver.

This week he should have a huge game against Kansas City, but Smith is now someone you want to start nearly every week. You’re in good hands here.

Santonio Holmes (WR - PIT): Last week Holmes disappointed his owners by putting up a dismal 18 yards receiving after back-to-back strong performances to start the year.

This week he should bounce back when he faces a weak San Diego secondary, especially since Willie Parker is officially listed as doubtful for the week.

With questions surrounding the ground game look for the Steelers to put the ball in Ben Roethlisberger’s hands and make him beat the Chargers. With Roethlisberger in control of the game Holmes will have plenty of opportunities to make you forget about last week. Look for at least 100 yards from Holmes this week.

Owen Daniels (TE- HOU): Sure, Daniels was one of the top tight ends drafted, but with a deep group at that position this year he could find his way onto some benches. Don’t let that happen this week.

Houston is facing the Oakland Raiders, who did a great job of shutting down their wide receivers last season, largely because of All-Pro cornerback Nmandi Asomugha.

Andre Johnson was held to 19 yards in that contest, and his lack of production left a window open for Daniels. Daniels responded with 111 yards. Look for a similar game this time around.

Cincinnati Bengals (Team Defense): The Bengals defense has been very impressive so far this year. They have only allowed three touchdown passes all year, and one of them was the now famous Brandon Stokley play in week one.

This week they face Derek Anderson and the Browns in what is expected to be a big win. If the game goes according to plan the Browns will be forced to play catch-up and throw the ball around the field. With Anderson under center for Cleveland this means there should be some turnovers and a good chance for the Bengals to take one to the house.

They will shut down the Browns non-existent running game and make Anderson beat them. He won’t.

Buffalo Bills (Team Defense): Last week the Bills gave up 27 points to the Saints, but don’t let that number fool you, they played well. Brees was shut down for the most part and the Bills were in the game most of the way.

This week they face the Miami Dolphins and Chad Henne, who is making his first career start. Even if they run a heavy dose of the wildcat, don’t look for the Dolphins to do much this week.

The combination of an underrated defense and an inexperienced quarterback makes for a great fantasy play. Don’t be afraid to start the Bills this week.
 

For more fantasy football advice check out the Beantown Fantasy Show.