Fantasy Football Trust or Bust: Week 4

Audio/Story posted September 25, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Matt Noah

Host Matt Noah, Zech Lambert, Ben Mooney and Andres Madden recap last week in the NFL and fantasy football, hoping to help advise your lineup for next Sunday:

This week in the NFL was significant thanks to many players having their fantasy coming out parties. Players like Mike Evans, Mark Ingram, and Russell Wilson all shined after average to lackluster performances in the first two weeks. It also featured some big names failing to help carry their fantasy teams to victory. Below is an evaluate of some of the best and worst performances of the week in fantasy football:

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Rostered in only 15 percent of ESPN leagues the rookie QB had quite the debut. After the Giants started the season 0-2, Coach Pat Shurmur made the switch to the Duke product. He led his team to a comeback win against the Buccaneers with a statline of 336 yards and accounting for 4 total touchdowns, two rushing and two passing. That added up to a total of 34 fantasy points only behind Russell Wilson who was the highest scoring quarterback for Week 3.

Next up is a Redskins defense that has allowed big games to both Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott, there is definitely potential for QB-1 play. However, even with star Saquon Barkley out 4-8 weeks, roster Jones and stream him with confidence.

Decision: TRUST

Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

The Bake Train has not left the station since last year and put up another disappointing performance in a close loss to the Rams. Mayfield threw for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He’s thrown for more picks than touchdowns this season. His season woes can be attributed to an atrocious offensive line and below average play calling from coach Freddie Kitchens. Despite a great cast of Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Nick Chubb. With Mayfield looking nervous in the pocket and constantly scrambling, his performance will continue to be subpar. Try to trade or drop him before his week four matchup against a stingy Ravens defense.

Decision: BUST

Running Backs

Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens

The highest scoring running back of week three scored 31.5 points in standard leagues. Ingram overshadowed his quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been amazing this season. Moving on from the Saints to the Ravens has been a great opportunity for the running back, who has been a true bellcow running back for this team, with a statline of 16 carries for 103 yards and the hat trick of 3 touchdowns. This was all despite losing most of the game. His hard nose style of running is great for fantasy and kept his team involved in the game.

Next week features a stout Browns defense but with Cleveland’s stagnant offense it can be expected for the Ravens to control the game. This means Ingram will be a workhorse and continue to get redzone looks.

Decision: TRUST

Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos

The Broncos running back showed out taking 21 carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Packer’s defense. Most people spent high on the second year running back who finally rewarded his owners. Stuck in a timeshare with fellow Broncos back Royce Freeman, it was clear in Sunday’s game who had the bulk of the carries. Head coach Vic Fangio said after the game that Green Bay essentially dared Denver to run the entire game. But with Lindsay's game Sunday, it would not be surprising to see next week’s opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, employ a different strategy. Either way Lindsay remains flex play but if people expect the same production as last weekend they will be disappointed. 

Decision: BUST

Wide Receivers

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans caught fire, reeling in eight catches for 190 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday's 32-31 loss to the Giants. Evans showed fantasy owners that his first two weeks were a fluke, as he had a monster half catching all three of his touchdown passes. Drafted as mostly a second to early third round pick, this is what the people expected from Evans. Hopefully he was in all lineups putting up 45 points in points per reception (PPR) leagues easily the most among receivers in week three.

With an inconsistent quarterback in Jameis Winston, some weeks will be better than others but if Evans continues to get this many targets he will be unstoppable. He will be on the road against the Rams next week in a game where they will be down and throwing the ball. Put him in your lineup and ride the hot streak.

Decision: TRUST

Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers

Adams continued his slow start to the season catching four balls for 56 total yards during Sunday's 27-16 win over Denver. With a new offensive scene the receiver has been all but effective up to this point in the season. His rapport with superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not been enough for Adams to have a breakout game, in parts to a slow start from Rodgers as well. Despite being drafted as the number one wide receiver in some leagues, he has not scored a touchdown and only topped 100 yards once. He finished with 9 PPR fantasy points and will have short rest playing against the Eagles on Thursday. Start to take concern to his performance but similar to Mike Evans a breakout performance could be coming soon. Keep him in your lineup and consider him as a buy low trade target.

Decision: TRUST
 

 

Matt Noah is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.