Week Four in Review Oct 1, 2008 | More

Ballers of the Week

Brett Favre , QB New York Jets

I’m sure that it’s no surprise that Favre tops the list of fantasy ballers for week four. He was simply incredible against the Cardinals, throwing for six touchdowns and 289 yards! He did throw one INT, but other than that Brett was unstoppable. This performance came just in time because Gang Green fans were starting to grow impatient with Favre. He silenced the doubters and is starting to build quite the relationship with his receivers.

Larry Johnson , RB Kansas City Chiefs

After doing a lot of complaining last week, LJ backed it up with a huge fantasy day as he went off for 198 rushing yards on 28 carries and two TD’s. He broke free for a 65-yard run early in the game and never looked back as he helped his team upset Denver 33-19. It is very hard to say that Johnson is back in the elite group of fantasy running backs even though he has rushed for over 300 yards in his last two games. Nonetheless, he needs to be started every week, just expect some inconsistencies because of the weak team he is on.

Laveranues Coles , WR New York Jets

Everyone was waiting for at least one Jet WR to breakout as a fantasy threat in 2008 and Coles finally did that with an eight catch-105 yard performance that included three trips to the end zone. It is clear that Coles is starting to become very comfortable with his new QB and this chemistry should only grow because the Jets’ next three games are all very winnable contests. The Jets have a bye in week five, but make sure to get Coles in your lineup for week six against the Bengals.

Busts of the Week

Reggie Bush , RB New Orleans Saints

Many fantasy owners were very disappointed with Reggie’s day on Sunday against lowly San Francisco. He was projected for a big day, but simply could not get into a rhythm. He ran the ball 10 times for only 31 yards and had five receptions for just five yards. Meanwhile Deuce McAllister got most of the carries and had a nice day (see Shocker Special). This was a disastrous day for Bush and his owners, but these days happen, unless you’re Adrian Peterson. Don’t look too much into Deuce getting the majority of the carries as Reggie should be the focal point of the offense next week against the Vikings.

Ryan Grant , RB Green Bay Packers

The frustrations towards Grant continued for the fourth straight week with just 20 yards on 15 carries. Grant still hasn’t crossed the goal line and has run for just 94 yards in his last three games total. The only positives owners can take out of the first four weeks is that Grant has gone up against good run defenses in Minnesota, Detroit, Dallas and Tampa Bay and he has been banged up with a hamstring injury. So hopefully he can get back on track against Atlanta next week.

Michael Turner , RB Atlanta Falcons

It seems like Turner is starting a trend here in 2008 where he has a great game then a very poor game. After rushing for over 100 yards and three touchdowns last week, Turner went the opposite way in week four and ran for just 56 yards with no TD’s. It has been an up and down season for Turner thus far, but there is no way you can bench him ever because he is so explosive. Keep an eye on him the next two weeks though as he goes up against two tough defenses in Green Bay and Chicago.

Waiver Wire

Lance Moore , WR New Orleans Saints

Moore has come out of nowhere the last two weeks, logging 179 receiving yards and two TD’s in that span. QB Drew Brees has been on a roll this season and he needs to throw to someone with his big-play WR Marques Colston out right now. Moore may be one of the candidates to receive some targets over the next month or so and could be useful to fantasy owners at least until Colston returns.

Matt Jones , WR Jacksonville Jaguars

Jones has been a steady WR over the first quarter of 2008. He has at least five receptions in every game and just reached the end zone for the first time last Sunday. It looks as if Jones is becoming David Garrard’s favorite wide out in Jacksonville so grab him if you need some WR help.

Shocker Special

Deuce McAllister , RB New Orleans Saints

Deuce finally became a part of the Saints offense in week four, receiving 20 carries that were good for 73 yards. The more important stat is that he found pay dirt once as well. McAllister’s knees look to be holding up so far in 2008, but don’t expect him to continue to get 20 carries a game as long as Reggie Bush is healthy. New Orleans went with the hot hand on Sunday. Deuce should still get his share of the ball, but he remains nothing better than a RB3 or deep flex option in fantasy leagues.

Keep on Your Radar

Dustin Keller , TE New York Jets

Keller has now scored a touchdown in his last two games and you know how Brett Favre loves his tight ends. That is reason enough to watch the rookie out of Purdue closely. Though he only has six catches in four games, Keller has shown great hands and the ability to get down the field. Look for Keller to become a bigger part of the Jets offense in the second half of the season when Brett gains more chemistry with him and his grasp on the offense improves.

Start in Week Five

Antonio Bryant , WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bryant has been the favorite target of QB Brian Griese over the past two weeks and that should continue in week five against an overrated Denver secondary. In all likelihood, the Bucs will be playing catch up against the Broncos so look for a lot of pass attempts going Bryant’s way.

Bench in Week Five

Detroit RB’s

Rudi Johnson has been named the starter for week five over rookie Kevin Smith, but either way it’s not looking good for Detroit against a very good Chicago run defense. The Bears looked very impressive last week against the Eagles and should carry that momentum with them to Detroit. Bench both Johnson and Smith if you have any other options available because these Lions RB’s are in for a long day.