Week 4 fantasy preview
Six teams are bye this week — be prepared to get a good look a QB2s and RB4s.
SMART STARTS
– Jay Cutler, QB, Broncos. Denver’s red-hot offense will torch another opponent, even on the road. Expect 300 yards and 2-3 TDs from Cutler, who has emerged as a legitimate QB1.
– Reggie Bush, RB, Saints. He may not get the rushing yards other top fantasy running back amass, but Bush has re-emerged as New Orleans’ top offensive weapon. He’ll deliver another decent game against the 49ers.
– Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars. The Jacksonville running game started to click last week and will not disappoint against the Texans. He might not top 100 yards again, but he’ll get the ball near the goal line for one or maybe even two TDs.
DOZER DOOZIES
– Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Chicago will want to slow the game down against Philadelphia, resulting in plenty of carries for Forte, on track to be this year’s Marshawn Lynch (a rookie RB who has an impressive fantasy year but is overshadowed by a better rookie).
– Derek Anderson, RB, Browns: Anderson needs a breakout game if he wants to keep starting. He’ll get it against the Bengals; beyond that, I still think he’s going to end up as a fantasy bust.
– J.T. O’Sullivan, QB, 49ers. O’Sullivan has proved he’s no Alex Smith, and if the Niners get into a slugfest with the Saints, he could top 300 yards.
WE ARE CONCERNED
– Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: He’s a tough sit, but with all the chaos in St. Louis, don’t be surprised if Jackson has a rough week against the Bills.
– Thomas Jones, RB, Jets: Even if Brett Favre isn’t 100 percent, the Jets won’t be running the ball as much against the Cardinals.
– Matt Schaub, QB, Texans: Houston needs to find its offense quickly; unfortunately, it won’t be at Jacksonville. Unless the Texans fall behind big, I think they will rely on Steve Slaton and the running game more than Schaub and the pass.
