Week 4 gets underway Thursday night when the Giants head to Washington to take on the Redskins. By now, fantasy owners know who their studs and duds are, but this week The Denver Post looks at some big names who have yet to produce.
Will CJ2K run roughshod over the Lions? Can Victor Cruz maintain his momentum from a big game in Week 3? Will Keenan Allen go back to being the star he was in 2013? Find out in this week’s fantasy football starts and sits.
Start
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
It seems like Eli Manning and the Giants’ offense have gotten things together after a slow start. Manning found Cruz last week for five catches, 107 yards and a touchdown. Given that Andre Johnson was able to get 93 yards against the Redskins in Week 1 and Jeremy Maclin last week, Cruz is a solid start in what could be a shootout Thursday night in Washington.
Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Allen has had a disappointing start to the 2014 season despite the Chargers’ offense playing well. Sunday’s contest against Jacksonville should provide a much needed return to form for Allen, who has just 102 yards through three games.
San Diego Chargers, DEF
The Eagles’ defense had in Week 1, the Redskins’ defense had 10 sacks in Week 2 and the in Week 3. The common denominator? Those teams played the Jacksonville Jaguars in their respective weeks. This week, the Jags head to San Diego to face the Chargers at home. Care to bet on how many points the Chargers’ defense will score? Before owners get too excited, they should note that Jacksonville has made the switch from Chad Henne to Blake Bortles at quarterback.
Matt Asiata, RB, Minnesota Vikings
While Minnesota’s offense has been less than spectacular , the combination of a good matchup against the Falcons and rookie Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback could lead to a productive day for Asiata. Bridgewater is able to make plays with his arms and legs, which may make running against Atlanta’s shoddy defense even easier for Asiata. Consider that despite the Falcons’ 56-14 drubbing of the Buccaneers last week, Bobby Rainey was still able to gain over 100 yards rushing and receiving. Expect the Vikings’ offense to be more proficient with Bridgewater under center.
Sit
Joique Bell, RB, Detroit Lions
Bell owners may need to start worrying as the second back in Detroit has put up mediocre numbers at best. Bell has 120 yards through three games with a single touchdown and a fumble lost. It figures to be tough sledding against a Jets’ defense that held Chicago’s Matt Forte to 33 yards rushing.
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Sit Cam Newton Sunday for a variety of reasons. For one, the Ravens have been tough against the pass. They are allowing yards but not scores. Also, Newton is functioning at less than 100 percent with broken ribs and an ankle injury. Between those two injuries, Newton has been limited as a runner and it puts a damper on his fantasy upside.
Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Owners who were high on Gerhart coming into the season need to officially hop off the bandwagon. The Chargers rank ninth in the league for rushing yards allowed. While Fred Jackson scored a bunch of points against San Diego last week, most of his production came through the air as he had 78 receiving yards and a reception for a touchdown. Gerhart has seen a few targets but not many. Also, Jacksonville has had to rely on the pass more because they’re often down by a large margin. A trend should continue this Sunday in San Diego.
Chris Johnson, RB, New York Jets
Why should owners sit CJ2K? Where to begin? He’s being outplayed by “backup” Chris Ivory. The Jets are up against a stingy run defense in the Lions who held Eddie Lacy to just 36 yards on 11 carries last week. Johnson has 123 yards rushing and no touchdowns through three games. His lone score of the season came on a pass in Week 1. Chris Johnson may be on the “sit” list for a while.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jackson has been a fantasy stud for years, but his numbers are dwindling with the Buccaneers’ offense in shambles. Through three games, Jackson has scored just once with 102 yards receiving. Hopefully with Mike Glennon will be able to rejuvenate Jackson’s 2014 season Sunday against the Steelers but don’t count on it.
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
With a dearth of bonafide fantasy stars at the tight end position due to injuries and byes, Kelce was . However, the Patriots’ defense hasn’t been kind to tight ends this year — granted that list includes Miami’s Charles Clay, Oakland’s Michael Rivera and Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph in an offense without Adrian Peterson. Kelce is likely a must start for many owners, but don’t drop him if he puts up a dud this week.
Hugh Johnson: 303-954-1037, hjohnson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/hughjohnsondp
