Week 4: Box Score Bandit
Wide receivers continue to dominate fantasy scoreboards, led by what has quickly
become the league's most explosive QB-WR connection in Tom Brady-to-Randy Moss.
And while the Patriots have turned into a fantasy dream, the Rams' once potent
"greatest show on turf" has turned into a train-wreck.
Another storyline to Week 3 was injuries. Names like Brian Westbrook, Steve
Smith, Hines Ward, Jake Delhomme, and Ahman Green all got banged up and left
games. Major injuries to any of these players will surely affect fantasy teams
and could create an active trading environment as owners try to plug holes in
their absence.
Don't have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit
is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style.
Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries
from the week that was.
50-Yard Line Entertainment...
Giants Stuff Redskins to Save their Season, 24-17
Fantasy Stud: WR-Plaxico Burress (NYG) is on a tear. The veteran
wideout grabbed 5 balls for 86 yards, and rambled for the game-winning TD.
Bench Play: QB-Jason Campbell (WAS) is not much of a fantasy
option because of his lack of TD production. Despite a great match-up, he was
only able to throw for 190 yards and 1 TD.
Sleeper: RB-Reuben Droughns (NYG) showed why he is worth stashing
on benches. He vultured 2 TDs and may get more chances to produce more at some
point.
Seahawks Bounce Bengals, 24-21
Fantasy Stud: WR-TJ Hoz (CIN) was all over the field making
catches. Owners have quickly found out that he's a true #1 fantasy WR as he
snagged 12 balls for 141 yards with 1 TD.
Bench Play: RB-Rudi Johnson (CIN) has yet to score a rushing
TD this season and owners should be very concerned after watching him run for
9 yards on 17 carries this week.
Sleeper: WR-Nate Burleson (SEA) deserves a look from owners.
Could he finally be for real? His 6 receptions, 76 yards, and 1 TD certainly
say so.
Baltimore Holds off Arizona's Late Flurry, 26-23
Fantasy Stud: WR-Anquan Boldin (ARI) continues to show that
he's a terrific #1 fantasy WR and a better option over teammate Larry Fitzgerald.
The "Q" finished with 14 receptions, 181 yards, and 2 TDs.
Bench Play: QB-Steve McNair (BAL) played injured and didn't
finish the game. He did throw for 198 yards with 1 TD, but is far from being
a legit fantasy option.
Sleeper: QB-Kurt Warner (ARI) replaced the struggling Matt
Leinart to lead the Cards to a 4th quarter comeback as he tossed 2 TDs and 253
yards. He's a potential pickup for owners hurting at QB.
Raiders Deny Browns, 26-24
Fantasy Stud: RB-LaMont Jordan (OAK) took advantage of this
favorable match-up, totaling 153 yards and scoring 1 TD. His fast start to the
season has helped owners, but whether he can keep it up is up for debate.
Bench Play: WR-Joe Jurevicius (CLE) is a crap shoot for fantasy
purposes. All he could muster this week was 3 catches for 33 yards.
Sleeper: WR-Ronald Curry (OAK) was able to keep up his solid
production. He finished with 3 receptions, 62 yards, and 1 TD.
...Shocking End Zone Celebrations…
Green Bay Surprises Struggling San Diego, 31-24
Fantasy Stud: QB-Brett Favre (GB) is enjoying a resurgence
this season and owners that need a QB could trade for him. The vet threw for
369 yards and 3 TDs to lead the Pack to a surprise 3-0 start.
Bench Play: RB-DeShaun Wynn (GB) followed up last week's success
with a dud. The rookie ran for just 9 yards on 2 carries in what has become
a very weak RBBC.
Sleeper: WR-Vincent Jackson (SD) finally showed signs of being
the sleeper many pegged him to be. He hauled in 6 passes for 98 yards with 1
TD.
Buccaneers Defend Home Turf Again, Beat Rams, 24-3
Fantasy Stud: RB-Steven Jackson (STL) didn't find the end zone
but was able to rack up yards this week, totaling 133 yards with 4 receptions.
Bench Play: QB-Marc Bulger (STL) is killing owners and has
become one of this season's biggest busts. The once fantasy stud had a miserable
day with 116 yards, 0 TDs, and 3 INTs.
Sleeper: RB-Earnest Graham (TB) has always flown under the
radar, but he made his touches count this week, scoring 2 TDs and rushing for
75 yards on just 8 carries.
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