Week 4: Start 'Em
Week 4 brings with it the first of the byes and 6 teams will be taking the week off (Patriots, Giants, Lions, Dolphins, Seahawks, and Colts). Add that to the injuries to Westbrook, Shockey, Willie Parker and others and there is a good chance you will have a void to fill in your lineup. Take a look below and if you need the help, give one of these guys a chance.
QB Trent Edwards, OAK
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So far so good with Trent Edwards in 2008. He has led the Bills to last minute victories 2 weeks in a row, getting the Bills to a 3-0 start. He has passed for at least 200 yards and 1 touchdown in every game. The running of Marshawn Lynch has helped open up the passing game and Edwards has been using all of his weapons to help the Bills win games. This week Buffalo faces what might be the worst team in the NFL, the St. Louis Rams (who are giving up an average of 38.7 points per game). If you have a QB on bye or injured, Edwards is more then capable of putting up points against good teams; facing the Rams makes him a great start.
RB Chris Perry, ---
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Healthy and with Rudi Johnson being cut, Chris Perry finally has his chance to show the reason why the Bengals drafted him back in 2004. Even though the Bengals' offense has gotten off to a slow start, Perry has run hard and has gotten into the end zone the past 2 weeks. He has rushed the ball at least 19 times in each of his first 3 games this season and so far it looks as though the Bengals' coaching staff will stick with him. Cincinnati faced 3 undefeated teams the first 3 weeks who all have very tough defenses: the Ravens, the Titans and this past week the Giants. This week he faces the Browns, giving up 145 yards per game on the ground, so getting Perry active wouldn't be such a bad idea. Give him a try and watch him come up with a big one.
RB Jonathan Stewart, ---
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While splitting carries over the first 3 weeks, rookie Jonathan Stewart has been able to rack up 145 yards rushing to go along with 3 touchdowns. While Carolina isn't ready to hand over the reigns to Stewart just yet, it seems that as each week goes by he becomes more and more involved in the offense. Even last week when he faced one of the best run defenses in the league (the Minnesota Vikings) and was held to only 15 yards, he was still able to get into the end zone. This week he faces the Atlanta Falcons who gave up over 100 yards and a touchdown to LJ last week and should be primed to give up another big running day. Stewart has scored 3 touchdowns over the past 2 weeks; this week he should be able to add another. Watch for Carolina to get out early against the Falcons and allow Stewart to run all day.
RB Fred Taylor, ---
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It might haven taken 3 weeks, but the Jaguars' running game finally came to play. Taylor rushed the ball 26 times for his first 100 yard game (121) of the season. When things are going well in Jacksonville, that usually means that the 2 headed monster of Taylor and MJD are running well and helping the Jags control the game. As long as MJD is healthy, Taylor will continue to split carries, thus limiting his possible output. Now with 6 teams on a bye and other players out due to injury, giving Taylor the start as a RB2 or a flex isn't a bad idea. Houston has given up an average of 168.5 yards on the ground, and this week will be no different. Taylor all the way.
RB Selvin Young, ---
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The Broncos' offense has been amazing this year, averaging 432 total yards and 38 points per game. The difference this year is that Denver is relying much more on the passing game than the running game. Selvin Young is the starter and has put up nice averages, but has only 1 TD, barely any catches and is only averaging 60 yards per game on the ground; those are not the numbers of a starting fantasy RB. This week will be different; he faces the lowly Chiefs - who have been giving up 204 yards per game on the ground. The Broncos should get out to an early lead and leave Young with plenty of opportunities to run all over Kansas City. Give Young the start this week.
