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So last week my picks finished over .500 again. Julio Jones was obviously my biggest swing and miss. However, Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, and Tyrell Williams made me look smart.
Week 4 is one in which the battle of attrition is beginning to develop, as plenty of wide receivers and cornerbacks alike are playing through pain and some even injury.
Notable names include:
Michael Floyd, Dez Bryant, Mohamed Sanu Ronald Darby, Sammy Watkins, Dre Kirkpatrick, Joe Haden, Orlando Scandrick, Darius Butler, Marcus Peters, Tavon Austin, DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Xavien Howard, Willie Snead, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Eric Decker, Darrell Revis, Brandon Flowers, Jimmie Ward, Tajae Sharpe, Josh Doctson, DeSean Jackson, and Bashaud Breeland.
As always, below is a breakdown of each WR vs. CB matchup outside the hash marks for Week 4. Afterwards I will give you my Nostra-Dom-Us picks of the week. Enjoy…
| Off | Left WR | Def | Right CB | Analysis |
| ARI | Larry Fitzgerald | LA | Lamarcus Joyner | Despite the Cardinals offensive struggles last week, Fitzgerald still found a way to remain fantasy relevant with his seven catches for 60 yards. Until someone proves otherwise, he appears matchup proof considering the way he is utilized all over the formations. Expect double-digit targets headed his way once again in Week 4. |
| ATL | Julio Jones | CAR | Bene Benwikere | I have no explination for last week. There is never a time that Julio Jones – one of the game's premire receivers – should be held to just one catch. I can only surmise that the Falcons decided to attack the many weaknesses in the Saints defense, while attempting to control the time of possession and ultimately keep their explosive offense off the field. After running buck wild on the Saints last week, there wasn't much left for Jones eat. That likely is not the case this week because without him producing, the Falcons have no shot at beating the Panthers. |
| BAL | Steve Smith Sr. | OAK | Sean Smith | While he no longer is much of a threat to get over the top of a defense, each week the veteran's numbers have been improving. He may have peaked last Sunday when he received 11 targets and caught eight balls for 87 yards, however against a Raiders defense that has beaten up pretty badly so far this season, I wouldn't be surprised if Smith replicated his work from Week 3. As always with him, touchdowns will be tough to come by, but the targets should be there. |
| BUF | Sammy Watkins | NE | Logan Ryan | It was hard not to expect that Watkins would be injured at some point this season, but I just didn’t anticipate that it would be almost immedately out of the gates. He has yet to practice this week and his status for Sunday is looking bleaker by the day. Stay away from Sammy if you have the chance. |
| CAR | Kelvin Benjamin | ATL | Robert Alford | Benjamin really disappointed last week, however I expect him to bounce back in a big way on Sunday against an average Falcons secondary. |
| CHI | Alshon Jeffery | DET | Nevin Lawson | Lawson is no one to fear, however the question remains if the Bears have a quarterback that can get Jeffery the ball. He remains a must start based off of talent alone, but don't be surprised if he continues to struggle getting into the end zone until Jay Cutler is back to 100-percent. |
| CIN | A.J. Green | MIA | Xavien Howard | Against a great Denver, Green still managed to get the job done, so taking on a rookie corner and an average at best Miami defense, I expect the star wide receiver to produce at a high level. |
| CLE | Andrew Hawkins | WAS | Josh Norman | Norman finally gets himself a break here after taking on Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, and Odell Beckham in consecutive weeks. And while the first two were lucky enough to be able to move their star WR without Norman shaddowing him, Beckham got the full treatment this past week. Expect Norman to go back to locking up one third of the field, as the Browns don't have one specific weapon that should be feared. |
| DAL | Dez Bryant | SF | Jimmie Ward | Dez is dealing with a hairline fracture in his knee, and while many are reporting that this could end up keeping him out for nearly a month, the belief is that he is going to attempt to play through the injury. A risky decision no doubt, however if he is on the field on Sunday, he should still be able to beat his matchup in Jimmie Ward. Fantasy owners should fear the injury only and not the matchup. |
| DEN | Demaryius Thomas | TB | Alterraun Verner | Demaryius has improved each week – well let me rephrase – Trevor Siemian has improved each week, subsequently increasing Thomas' numbers. Facing a defense that has given up at least 37 points in back-to-back games, I see no reason that Thomas' positive trend shouldn't continue. Start him with confidence this week. |
| DET | Golden Tate | CHI | Deiondre' Hall | After three weeks of action, it has become clear that Tate is no longer the Lions no. 1 receiver. That title now belongs to Marvin Jones, who is the only fantasy worthy Lions receiver at this point. Despite the favorable matchup against the Bears defense, Tate has done nothing to deserve the trust of fantasy owners in Week 4. |
| HOU | DeAndre Hopkins | TEN | Jason McCourty | Hopkins is always a must start and is always projected to post excellent numbers. His matchup against McCourty does nothing to change my mind here. |
| IND | Phillip Dorsett | JAX | Jalen Ramsey | Dorsett continues to sub in for the injured Donte Moncrief, which slots him in as the Colts no. 2 WR. He will remain second in targets and likely in production to T.Y. Hilton, however against an average at best Jags defense, that may still be good enough for fantasy relevancy. Consider him a deep league flex flyer option. |
| JAX | Allen Robinson | IND | Vontae Davis | Robinson finally got into the end zone last week (twice) and continues to see ample targets in that pass heavy Jaguars offense. Considering their matchup against a woeful Colts secondary, he should be considered a WR1 entering Week 4. |
| KC | Jeremy Maclin | PIT | Ross Cockrell | Maclin has been underwhelming so far this season, however this is a good matchup for him to get back on track. The Steelers secondary is nothing to write home about and he should see mostly 1v1's with Travis Kelce taking away plenty of safety attention away from him. |
| LA | Kenny Britt | ARI | Brandon Harris | Britt may be the Rams WR1, but he is just not fantasy relevant. Maybe if he can get into the end zone at some point, I will give him a second look, but the habitual disappointment – Britt – remains off of my radar going forward. |
| MIA | DeVante Parker | CIN | Adam Jones | Parker is currently listed as questionable for his Week 4 matchup with Cincy. Considering the Bengals stout defense and prolific secondary, Parker may be a guy who you want to skip – especially considering his injury status. |
| MIN | Stefon Diggs | NYG | Janoris Jenkins | Despite his low production last week, Diggs still received a high rating from PFF. The Giants secondary has been excellent so far this season, but as good as Diggs has been playing so far, I don't believe they can contain him. Expect Diggs to receive double-digit targets and earn his fantasy keep on Sunday against the Giants. |
| NE | Danny Amendola | BUF | Ronald Darby | Just one week removed from catching two touchdowns, Amendola once again faded into obscurity. There is rarely a rhyme or reason to the success or lack there of from Amendola other than the presence of Julian Edelman. When Edelman is available, I stay away from Amendola because his production is just too unpredictable. Edelman is available this week. |
| NO | Willie Snead | SD | Jason Verrett | Snead did not play in Week 3, however after participating in practice this week, he appears ready to go against the Chargers in Week 4. In his two games played this season, Snead has hauled in two touchdowns. Verrett is no easy draw, but if healthy, Snead should reach the end zone once again. |
| NYG | Odell Beckham | MIN | Xavier Rhodes | In his season debut, Rhodes did an excellent job on Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funches. In all he played 57 effective defensive snaps and appears to have put his injury completely behind him. ODB will be an even tougher draw for Rhodes, but with this rolling Minnesota defense behind him, the pressure is significantly less than it otherwise would be. I'm not saying that Beckham is by any means a bench candidate, however he will have to work for every catch this week. |
| NYJ | Brandon Marshall | SEA | Jeremy Lane | Right now, Marshall is seeing targets and appears to be relatively healthy to the point that he can play meaningful snaps. The ultimate problem with his production right now is that Ryan Fitzpatrick is struggling with his accuracy. I wouldn’t fade on Marshall just yet, but Fitz has a lot of work to do before Marshall can return to WR1 status like he way last season. |
| OAK | Michael Crabtree | BAL | Jimmy Smith | The Ravens secondary isn't fearsome and the Raiders love to throw. Crabtree should get his on Sunday and serve as a WR2 for Week 4. |
| PIT | Antonio Brown | KC | Steven Nelson | Despite the slaughter that the Steelers took at the hands of the Eagles last week, Brown still scorched Philly's defense. He is matchup proof and will always be the most targeted receiver in the league. Continue to start him each week without thinking twice. |
| SD | Travis Benjamin | NO | Sterling Moore | Benjamin continues to be the most targeted receiver in the Chargers offense and now taking on the Saints paltry defense, his production should only go up. I love him this week. |
| SF | Torrey Smith | DAL | Morris Claiborne | Claiborne has been the Cowboys best defensive back this season and should easily handle the less than mediocre Torrey Smith here. |
| SEA | Doug Baldwin | NYJ | Buster Skrine | The Jets secondary has not been impressive this season and Doug Baldwin has looked good in two out of his three games in 2016. If completely healthy, Baldwin should win this matchup, and that is with whomever is throwing him the ball on Sunday (Russell Wilson or Trevone Boykin). |
| TB | Vincent Jackson | DEN | Chris Harris | V-Jax has done nothing so far this season to earn the trust of fantasy owners. Add into the mix that he is taking on the game's best defense and arguably the game's best corner, and you have a must bench candidate for Week 4. |
| TEN | Rishard Matthews | HOU | Johnathan Joseph | Matthews may have led the team in targets last week, but nothing much was produced out of them. He is just not a fantasy worthy talent and the Titans passing game isn't one that can elevate him to that level. Stay away from him going forward. |
| WAS | Pierre Garcon | CLE | Jamar Taylor | Garçon's targets have been there but his production. He is just no longer a fantasy worthy reciever at this point in his career, and for the most part, owners know that. Expect low ownership out of him in Week 4 and beyond. |
| Off | Right WR | Def | Left CB | Analysis |
| ARI | Michael Floyd | LA | Trumaine Johnson | Floyd is currently in the concussion protocol, but all indications are that he is passing the tests well. With him expected to play on Sunday, there is no reason not to start Floyd, regardless of Carson Palmer's recent struggles. Floyd remains a flex option in most formats. |
| ATL | Mohamed Sanu | CAR | James Bradberry | Sanu had to exit Monday's game early due to a shoulder injury and he hasn’t participated much in practice this week. I am worried that he may not play on Sunday, and even if he does, that he will not be very productive. |
| BAL | Mike Wallace | OAK | David Amerson | Wallace has been second on the team in targets for the msot part this season, however his big play ability has led to him having three touchdowns in as many weeks. Now that defenses aren't allowing him the big play over the top anymore, it is likely that his production will dip dramatically. His matchup isn't exactly fearsome this week in the Raiders secondary, however there are other receivers that I like better on the Ravens this week. |
| BUF | Robert Woods | NE | Malcolm Butler | Robert Woods is a fantasy zero. Taking on the Patriots and their stout defense shouldn't help his case. Avoid Woods this week and beyond. |
| CAR | Ted Ginn Jr. | ATL | Desmond Trufant | Since the return of Kelvin Benjamin, Ginn has lost all fantasy relevancy. Taking on Desmond Trufant doesn't help his cause whatsoever. |
| CHI | Kevin White | DET | Darius Slay | Little by little, Kevin White is beginning to heat up. Slay may be one of the best man corners in the league, but if they use White out of the slot at all or motion him like they did against Dallas last week, he may be able to produce at an adequate fantasy level. I still wouldn't trust him with a flex start, however his progress is something to follow going forward. |
| CIN | Brandon LaFell | MIA | Byron Maxwell | I don't trust LaFell – never have, never will. He couldn't find success with Tom Brady, so he deserves no trust from any fantasy owner. Avoid him in all weeks going forward. |
| CLE | Terrelle Pryor | WAS | Bashaud Breeland | Pryor is just about all the Browns have left on offense, and judging by his usage rate last week, he is someone to own and start in all formats going forward. |
| DAL | Terrance Williams | SF | Tramaine Brock | Williams may see an uptick in targets with the apparent injury to Dez Bryant. For this week, he is still not to be trusted, but if he proves to be a reasonable option with a lower workload for Dez, then you may proceed with Williams in your lineups. |
| DEN | Emmanuel Sanders | TB | Brent Grimes | After stumbling in the first two weeks, Sanders went off last week against the Bengals with nine catches, 117 yards, and two touchdowns. I attribute his success to the development of quarterback Trevor Siemian. I said last week that I didn’t trust Siemian but after his performance, I am beginning to warm up to his game. I still don't love the quarterback, but this Denver WR corps is too talented not to succeed. Sanders should do fine against Grimes provided Siemian doesn't plummett back to earth. |
| DET | Marvin Jones | CHI | Tracy Porter | Jones has arguably been the best wide receiver in football this season. Just last week he went for over 200 yards receiving and his first two touchdowns of the season. I see no reason that his production should fall, especially when considering he will be facing an injury ravished Bears defense in Week 4. I love him here. |
| HOU | Will Fuller | TEN | Perrish Cox | Leave it to the Patriots to ruin all the fun. Fuller was coming in hot off of back-to-back 100-plus yard performances to kick off his NFL career. Then the Pats shut him down for a mere 31 yards on three catches. I like his matchup much better here this week, however keep in mind that this Titans secondary held the Raiders free wheeling aerial attack to just 17 points in Week 3. |
| IND | T.Y. Hilton | JAX | Davon House | Hilton has been targeted at least 11 times in each of the Colts three games this season, and while he didn’t practice on Wednesday, he is expected to be a full go for Sunday. Considering his consistently heavy dose of targets and great production in Week 3, I would say that Hilton should be a top play in Week 4 against the Jaguars. Remember he's an early start in London on Sunday (9:30 AM est) |
| JAX | Allen Hurns | IND | Patrick Robinson | Hurns remains a heavily targeted receiver and has caught at least four balls in each of his first three games this season. I believe in this Jags aerial attack and it is only a matter of time before he gets into the end zone. Against Indy this week is a great place for him to start. |
| KC | Albert Wilson | PIT | William Gay | Wilson has five catches for 12 yards on the season. Stay far away from him in any matchup this season. |
| LA | Tavon Austin | ARI | Patrick Peterson | This is a no brainer. Austin has little chance against the all-pro. |
| MIA | Kenny Stills | CIN | Dre Kirkpatrick | Stills isn't awful but he just isn't consistent enough with his production to be trusted in a fantasy lineup. |
| MIN | Charles Johnson | NYG | Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | Johnson is hardly targeted, and DRC has been great this season. Johnson is likely shutout this week. |
| NE | Julian Edelman | BUF | Stefon Gillmore | Edelman is typically matchup proof because of his movement throughout the Patriots formations. He will get his numbers on Sunday for sure. |
| NO | Brandin Cooks | SD | Brandon Flowers | There is no cornerback who can handle Cooks' speed 1v1 deep, however that does not mean that he will go off in each matchup. I like his chances on Sunday against the Chargers on the road, however his mere two catches for 13 yards in Week 3 was a reality check for the ultra-talented 23-year old. His production likely hinges on the attention that the Chargers safeties give him over the top. |
| NYG | Sterling Shepard | MIN | Terence Newman | Shepard has been every bit as good as advertised so far in his rookie season. Newman is not a corner that should lock him up for four quarters, but if Eli Manning doesn't have time to throw, then Shepard may not be as safe of a play that he has been all season long. He has certainly emerged as the second best playmaker in this offense, so take that as a translation for "flex Shepard this week." |
| NYJ | Eric Decker | SEA | Richard Sherman | This is an awful matchup for Decker, as Sherman is every bit as big and physical as him and is far more talented. After being held to just one catch last week I expect more of the same for Decker in Week 4 against the Seahawks. |
| OAK | Amari Cooper | BAL | Shareece Wright | Cooper remains heavily targeted and is producing at an adequate level. I have a feeling that this is the week that he finally gets into the end zone for 2016. Start him with confidence in Week 4 vs Baltimore. |
| PIT | Markus Wheaton | KC | Marcus Peters | Wheaton was awful in his season debut last week, and now going up against the best ball hawk in the game, I hate his fantasy outlook in Week 4. |
| SD | Dontrelle Inman | NO | De'Vante Harris | Inman is still the starting right WR for the Chargers, yet he continues to get outproduced by Tyrell Williams. Expect more of the same going forward. |
| SF | Aaron Burbridge | DAL | Brandon Carr | Carr has actually been pretty solid this season and Burbridge has not. This matchup appears to be a pretty straightforward analysis. |
| SEA | Jermaine Kearse | NYJ | Darrelle Revis | Kearse is far from the number one option in the Seahawks offense and Revis is not as washed up as everyone is saying. I would stay away from Kearse in Week 4. |
| TB | Mike Evans | DEN | Aqib Talib | Talib has been great this season, but Mike Evans poses a mismatch no matter whom he's going against. Until someone stops him, I'm taking Evans all day long. |
| TEN | Tajae Sharpe | HOU | Kareem Jackson | Sharpe is a PPR player and at this point nothing more. Jackson is a solid corner who should have his way with the rookie when matched up with him. |
| WAS | DeSean Jackson | CLE | Joe Haden | D-Jax is still a formidable deep threat who will be productive when given 1v1's. Good teams don't allow him to beat them deep, luckily though the Browns aren't a good team. Jackson is startable this week as a flex option. |
Nostra-Dom-Us Predicts:
This week, I have a few slot receivers in my plays of the week and while I couldn’t be too specific about their matchups, it is fair to assume that slot receivers often take on either nickel corners, rangy linebackers, or base set safeties.
ELITE PLAYS
A.J. Green ($8,500 on DraftKings) vs. Xavien Howard
At the elite price, I couldn’t find many matchups that I loved. Luckily I did come across Green’s and I see an opportunity for him to exploit. Set aside the fact that he’s an elite receiver and the Dolphins have no one on the roster that can match his talent, and consider the circumstances of this matchup. Green is coming off of a good game against a great defense with great corners. His counterpart this week is Xavien Howard – a rookie corner, who is banged up and is playing on short rest with this Thursday night kickoff. I love the veteran Green to show the rookie a few things in Week 4.
AFFORDABLE PLAYS
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Marvin Jones ($7,300 on DraftKings) vs. Tracy Porter
Jones has been the hottest receiver in football this season and he is still only priced at $7,300. Literally more than half of the Bears starting defense is injured and at risk of missing Sunday’s game. I love Jones to continue what he has been doing all season long and at an affordable DFS price he makes this decision that much easier.
Kelvin Benjamin ($7,100 on DraftKings) vs. Robert Alford
Benjamin was shutout last week and both Cam Newton and the Panthers offensive coordinator have publically vowed to never let that happen again. I expect them to seek out the 6-foot-5 target early and often, regardless if either Alford or Desmond Trufant is lined up across from him.
Mike Evans ($6,500 on DraftKings) vs. Aqib Talib.
I know that Evans and the Buccaneers are taking on the league’s toughest defense with the league’s best corners, but I believe that Evans at this point is matchup proof. Jameis Winston has proven that he doesn’t care about throwing interceptions and that he will target Evans even if he were covered by a black hole. At $6,500, there is no way that you can justify not starting one of the game’s elite receivers in Evans.
BARGAIN PLAYS
Jamison Crowder ($4,200 on DraftKings) vs. Browns Slot Coverage
Crowder is tied for the Redskins lead in targets and receptions, while he leads the team in touchdowns. At only $4,200, I can’t come up with a reason not to at least flex him in this favorable matchup against the lowly Browns.
Cole Beasley ($3,900 on DraftKings) vs. 49ers Slot Coverage
Beasley is the Cowboys leader in receptions, targets, and yards through three weeks and has scored at least 12.5 points in all three matchups (DraftKings). At only $3,900 on DraftKings, I seriously can’t find a more cost effective WR3/Flex option in any DFS format this week. He will save you tons of money so you can spend big in other areas of your lineup.