Bye-week football could not come soon enough for the offenses of Atlanta, Arizona and Carolina. The safe bet is that those offenses will find their stride — as Philadelphia did, despite missing Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook — but fantasy owners know it has been a stumble out of the gate.
Week 4 football will give many owners a gut check for some studs to find whether they really are every-week plays.
After a so-so outing, is Drew Brees (Saints) still the top play this week against an ominous Jets defense? The Saints will get their yards, but conservative outlets such as Pierre Thomas or Jeremy Shockey could get boosts.
Will Joe Flacco and the Ravens keep up their scoring at New England? Will the Packers and Vikings go pinball or slugfest? Can Matt Forte (Bears) finally have a big game against the Lions?
Frank Gore (49ers) owners were licking their chops with a game against the Rams, but if he can’t go, Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan look like a better play than Glen Coffee.
Other great plays in Week 4: Any Broncos running back, because the Cowboys haven’t been convincing run stoppers; the (gasp) Raiders’ offense against the Texans; and Jason Campbell (Redskins) could be a one-week treat against the sinking Buccaneers.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets eight catches, 108 yards, TD
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles six catches, 149 yards, TD
Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers five catches, 120 yards
Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens seven carries, 67 yds, two TDs
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers 22 completions, 276 yards, TD, INT; two carries, 3 yards, TD
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns three catches, 35 yards
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions five catches, 49 yards
Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs 19 carries, 38 yards
Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders 12 carries, 45 yards, fumble lost
Terrell Owens, WR, Bills 0 catches, 0 yards
