Week 4: Sleepers of the Week
If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider starting in their place. While these players may not be every week starters, they are good bets to perform well this week. Most of the players that will be listed are on fantasy rosters, but not normally starters.
QB Trent Edwards, OAK
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Trent Edwards and the Buffalo Bills travel to Miami to face the Dolphins in week four. Edwards is coming off a disappointing game against the New Orleans Saints in which he threw for 156 yards and one interception with no touchdowns. Edwards is not taking chances down the field to Terrell Owens or Lee Evans, and instead has been using mostly short passes to run the Bills' offense. The seemingly formidable receiving duo of Owens and Evans was held to four receptions for 31 yards against the Saints in week three. The Bills need to get their passing game going, and have the perfect opportunity to do it this week against the Dolphins' struggling secondary. The Dolphins have been playing well against the run so far this season, but have been unable to control opposing passing games. The Bills should come out throwing against a weak Miami secondary and fantasy owners can expect more than 200 passing yards and at least one touchdown from Edwards this week.
QB Mark Sanchez, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets travel to New Orleans to face the high flying Saints in week four. Sanchez has the Jets off to an impressive 3-0 start, and will look to continue his hot start in New Orleans this week. Sanchez was able to total 181 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans in week three, and has an easier match-up in week four. The Saints' offense is nearly unstoppable at home. This game has the potential to turn into a shoot-out, making Sanchez a good start on the road. The Jets will enter the game trying to run the ball effectively, but if they are unable to slow down the Saints' offense, the Jets will be forced to let Sanchez air the ball out to try to keep up. Fantasy owners can start Sanchez and expect at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown from the rookie quarterback.
RB Tashard Choice, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Tashard Choice and the Dallas Cowboys travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in week four. Choice is coming off an excellent game in which he rushed for 82 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown on the ground, while adding four receptions for 36 yards through the air. Choice has flourished in his first two regular season games (when he has gotten the chance to see the field), and this week should be another chance for Choice to play a major role for the Cowboys. Marion Barber missed the Cowboys' week three win over the Carolina Panthers, but should return in week four; Felix Jones started against the Panthers, but is unlikely to play in week four due to a knee injury sustained in week three. Tashard Choice owners should pay close attention to this situation during the week as Choice would be a top running back if Barber was to miss another game; Choice would still be a good flex option if Barber returns. Fantasy owners can use Choice in week four and expect 70 total yards and one touchdown from the young running back.
RB Glen Coffee, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Glen Coffee and the San Francisco 49ers return home to take on the St. Louis Rams in week four. Coffee should be immediately claimed if he is available in your league as it looks like he will get at least two starts with starting running back Frank Gore out with an injury. While Coffee was not overly impressive after taking over for Gore in week three against the Minnesota Vikings, he faces two much easier match-ups over the next two weeks against the Rams and Falcons. With bye weeks now upon us, Coffee is a guy who can serve as a starter should one of your regular starters have a bye over the next two weeks. The Rams have been unable to control opposing running backs all season and this week should be no different. Fantasy owners should pick up Glen Coffee, put him in their lineups and expect at least 75 total yards and one touchdown from the rookie running back.
RB Julius Jones, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Julius Jones and the Seattle Seahawks travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in week four. Jones is coming off an excellent game against the Bears in which he rushed for 98 yards and added another 38 yards receiving, including a touchdown reception. Just as encouraging as the big numbers was the fact that Jones received 19 carries while Edgerrin James received only four (and Justin Forsett just two). Julius Jones is being counted on as the Seahawks' main running back, and should receive a heavy dose of carries this week against the Colts. Seneca Wallace will likely be at quarterback again for the Seahawks, making the running game even more important in setting the tone against the Colts. The Colts have been vulnerable to the running game so far this season and could struggle to stop Jones this week. Julius Jones owners should expect at least 80 total yards and one touchdown from the Seahawks' running back in week four.
