The fantasy football week-four apocalypse is here, football fans. A bye week of epic proportions is occurring that involves the Broncos, Seahawks, Bengals, Browns, Rams and Cardinals.
A lot of key name players will be out this week, but many leagues have great waiver-wire players that can fill multiple positions. Quarterback will be the most heavily hit position as fantasy studs Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson and Andy Dalton will all be out.
Three quarterbacks who are available in free agency in over 50 percent of the leagues are EJ Manuel, Kirk Cousins and Geno Smith.
EJ Manuel may not be turning heads in NFL game situations, but he’s the definition of a fantasy average Joe, averaging 15 fantasy points a week is a dual threat for the Bills. He won’t turn over the ball much and cost your team points.
Kirk Cousins has been phenomenal in relief for Robert Griffin, throwing for five touchdowns in two weeks and putting up over 677 yards during that time.
The biggest flyer of the week in fantasy football and the NFL is Geno Smith. Smith has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this season, but his 44.92 total points in three weeks of play have made at least a decent option to fill in at QB. He is playing the Lions this week, and that could end badly as they only allowed seven points to Green Bay’s offense last week.
Running backs will also be hit hard as starters Marshawn Lynch, Terrance West and Montee Ball will be out. Two guys that are likely to make an impact this week are Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey and Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount.
Rainey has been relieving injured starter Doug Martin and has put together a solid three weeks with 299 total yards and a touchdown.
Blount is also an option, especially because of his red zone capabilities. Blount’s numbers have jumped from Week 2 to Week 3, and he has two touchdowns in just three games.
The final position everyone should be searching for is wide receiver. The productive receiving corps of the Broncos and Bengals could cause major problems.
Two names that have been available in most leagues are the Jaguars’ Allen Hurns and the Chargers’ Eddie Royal.
Hurns has three touchdowns this season and, with the QB change in Jacksonville to Blake Bortles, his numbers should increase.
Eddie Royal has had many great seasons for fantasy owners, but his drop-off over recent years has steered people away. Philip Rivers did throw him two touchdowns last week, though, and he has become more involved every week this season.
