The Cowboys defense gives up on average 11 points more without Sean Lee playing MLB.
Sean Lee’s importance to the Dallas defense has been well documented. With him in the lineup, they can be a very stout unit especially with an improved secondary this year. However, we saw what happens when he is off the field. They gave up 24 points to a Seahawks offense that has struggled mightily so far this year. Last year opposing offenses averaged 4.88 yards-per-carry compared to 3.52 and 8.11 yards per pass attempt compared to 6.23 with Lee on the field. If Lee misses significant time, opposing offenses will be able to put up points on this defense. The Lions get their shot in Week 4 after an impressive performance against the New England Patriots in Week 3.
The Falcons have given up the second most yards through the air to running backs.
The Falcons defense has struggled early this year to stop pass-catching backs. They have already lost linebacker Deon Jones and safety Keanu Neal and this week they lost their other safety, Ricardo Lewis. They have averaged 85 yards and 13 receptions a game to running backs and now face Giovani Bernard. Last week Bernard had five receptions for 65 yards without Joe Mixon playing. Mixon is likely out again this week giving Bernard a dream matchup for his pass-catching skills.
The Colts have been a top 10 defense vs. QBs and a top 3 defense vs. WRs
Last year the Colts were one of those matchups that you looked forward to your fantasy players playing. Well it is about time we throw that thought process out in 2018. While the Colts are still very bad against running backs and tight ends, they are proving difficult against QBs and WRs. They have only given up three passing touchdowns on the year and only one in the past two games. They are also yet to give up a 300-yard passing game. In Week 4 a struggling DeShaun Watson goes up against the Colts. I don’t love his matchup this week, but you have to play DeAndre Hopkins and probably Will Fuller as well even if their ceiling may not be as high as last year in these matchups.
Two new rookie quarterbacks are going to make their first NFL starts in Week 4
Baker Mayfield came in for an injured Tyrod Taylor last week and led the Browns to their first win in two years. Mayfield was announced the starter this week and gets an Oakland defense that has struggled. Mayfield already showed he can move the offense better than Taylor. Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, and David Njoku all get fantasy bumps with Mayfield playing. Josh Rosen also game in for an injured starter this week. While he couldn’t lead the Cardinals to a win, he should improve the offense. He is the last hope for Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson owners.
The Dolphins WRs are in a full-blown committee.
No Dolphins WR ran more than 29 routes last week with DeVante Parker returning. Kenny Stills ran the most with 29 routes followed by Danny Amendola and Parker with 24 each. Albert Wilson ran only nine but gets carries as well. On a team that already doesn’t pass much or super efficiency, this is bad for fantasy. In normal-sized leagues, Stills is the only one worth owning with his big-play ability, but the rest probably should only be rostered in deeper leagues.
Aaron Jones had more carries than Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery in his return from suspension.
The Packers were playing from behind this week after the Redskins got out to an early lead. Montgomery led the running backs in targets as expected playing catchup. However, the Packers likely won’t be trailing often with Aaron Rodgers playing. Williams played 30 snaps to Jones’s 17 and still had one less carry. If the trend continues Jones could quickly take over the backfield. Jones was the better runner last year and looked like he was again upon his return.
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Xavien Howard is a shutdown corner for the Dolphins and we need to take notice in fantasy
Howard covered Amari Cooper on most of his routes this past week and held him to one catch on three targets for three yards. We have seen Robby Anderson and Corey Davis also struggle against Howard in the previous week. While that is the best group of WRs it certainly is something to take note of. This week Howard will likely cover Chris Hogan or possibly Josh Gordon if he is ready to play for the Patriots. With the struggles we have already seen from Hogan he is likely a sit this week.
C.J. Beathard averaged the highest target share to running backs in his five starts last year.
With Jimmy Garappolo done for the season, Beathard is the likely fill-in QB for the 49ers. Last year Beathard loved to throw to his running backs. The Niners will still use a committee at the position, but this benefits Matt Breida and Kyle Juszczyk more than Alfred Morris. Breida will likely be the best fantasy asset for the whole team with Beathard coming in. Morris could end up being a drop after this week if his usage decreases. The WRs all take a hit without Garappolo on the field.
The Rams have been the best defense against fantasy QBs, but just lost their two starting corners
Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib both went down with injuries this week forcing the Rams to come up with a new plan at cornerback. The Rams have only given up two passing touchdowns this year and both were by Philip Rivers this past week. Opposing teams will pass a lot on the Rams because the Rams offense will put up points. This week Kirk Cousins gets his shot on Thursday night after coming off a bad loss to the Bills. Both Stefon Diggs and Adam Theilen should be set up for good fantasy production in a high scoring game.
Bye weeks start this week so remember to check your lineups!
This week the Panthers and Redskins are on bye so you will need replacements for Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey, Adrian Peterson, and Jordan Reed. Hopefully, you have accumulated some depth by now because bye weeks are from now until Week 13 which is very close to the fantasy playoffs.
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