We’re entering our fourth week of tough battles. The Monday night game showcases the undefeated Vikings vs. the 2-1 Packers, another match on Sunday highlights the 3-0 Ravens and the 2-1 Patriots, and we could also see supposed Super Bowl contenders like Tennessee drop to 0-4. While the NFL has become increasingly more difficult to predict with the Denver Broncos 3-0 and the Cincinnati Bengals on the verge of being 3-1, thank God we have the fantasy realm to depend on.
Having trouble picking between Aaron Rodgers or Matt Schaub this week? How about Clinton Portis or Cedric Benson? Look no further. Instead of the usual Start/Sit piece, here’s a match-up between two guys, giving you some analysis and the heads-up on the best play in week four.
Aaron Rodgers VS. Matt Schaub
Rodgers is walking into Brett Favre territory, and no folks, he won’t be playing at Lambeau Field. Things have changed, and not necessarily for the better for Rodgers, as his offensive line is in shambles, and Green Bay is still having troubles running the ball.
Yes, Ryan Grant came one yard shy of 100 against the Rams last week, but it took him 26 attempts, and oh yeah, it was against the Rams. Add all that “success” up, along with the Packers sketchy line play, and the Packers offense is no guarantee to be rolling on all cylinders against a Vikings defense that has yet to give up over 90 yards or 250 yards passing to a running back or quarterback.
Oh, and the Packers haven’t been able to stop Cedric Benson or Steven Jackson (at all) the past two weeks. Think they’ll have better luck on the road against Adrian Peterson? Simply put: None of this adds up to a huge day for Rodgers.
Schaub, on the other hand, goes up against an Oakland pass defense that has allowed at least 240 yards passing in two of it’s last three games, while only allowing one passing touchdown per game.
The flip-side? They’re facing a Houston passing offense that is on a roll after being embarrassed by the New York Jets in week one. Matt Schaub has passed for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns in the past two games, and with a healthy Kevin Walter Houston has an offense completely ready to take Oakland by storm. An excellent passing offense with an improving rush offense going up against a pass defense bordering on elite: something has to break.
Verdict: In the match-up between Schaub and Rodgers, bank on the “breaking” sound being Rodgers’ legs or ribs, as Jared Allen and co. should add to the 12 sacks Green Bay’s line has already allowed through just three weeks.
Clinton Portis VS. Cedric Benson
Both players face awful defenses in week four, as both of their opponents are winless, and also have offenses that won’t be offering their defenses any help. Portis has ankle and other leg issues, along with a predictable offense, nervous coach, and an inconsistent quarterback.
Benson, on the other hand, is leading the way as a power back on an unlikely 2-1 Bengals team that very well could be 3-0, and he just got done putting the finishing touches on a solid outing against a good Pittsburgh defense (at least we thought so). Neither running back “should” have any issues against their week four opponent. But the question is, who makes the better play?
Portis has the better speed, and considering the Buccaneers are starting the fairly untested Josh Johnson, he will be helped out with decent field position (most likely). Benson will get to run the ball on a Cleveland defense that hasn’t stopped the run all season, while the Browns’ offense switches hands from one inept quarterback (Brady Quinn) to another (Derek Anderson).
The difference? Benson has actually topped 100 yards rushing in 2009, and owns a touchdown to his name.
Verdict: While we’d love to give you the same projections everyone gave Portis for his match-up against the Lions last week, we’re going to finally promote Benson to the level he deserves to be at: play him as an RB1, and let Portis prove his worth on your bench.
The Side-Swipe Coin Flip: Know Your Chiefs and Giants
Dwayne Bowe’s hamstring injury looks like it could linger into week four, making Mark Bradley a safe WR3 play, while also giving Bobby Wade some (very little) extra value. Bradley scored a touchdown last week off of four catches, so if Bowe is out again, he’s as good a fantasy bet as you’ll find for KC going against, you guessed it…
The New York Giants. Keep an eye on their receiver situation, as Hakeem Nicks was back in practice on Wednesday (limited), while their former starter Domenik Hixon was not.
Mario Manningham should still see plenty of action as the number two receiver for Eli Manning, and even if Hicks plays against the Chiefs (he really wants to), he shouldn’t steal enough time away from Manningham to downgrade him from a decent WR3 play. Keep plugging Steve Smith in as a WR2, as well. He’s worth it.
