Overacheivers vs. Underacheivers: Week 4

September 26, 2007

So, last week I nailed some big time predictions, namely Steve Smith (16 total yards), Ronnie Brown (112 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 99 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 2-pt Conversion), and Frank Gore (51 total yards). But, while I nailed some big ones I lost some other ones and my total percentage fell to 56% on the season. Here’s where I reenact Week 2 when I got 10 of 12 correct.

Better Than Usual: QBs

Jon Kitna – DET vs. CHI – Yeah, I know, they are technically the Bears, but damn near every important cog in their defense is banged up or out. This weekend we will watch the LIONS defeat the NFC champs. Won’t THAT be something, Bears fans?

Alex Smith – SF vs. SEA – The former sleeper pick, and current dirty secret of fantasy prognosticators everywhere, actually looked decent in a hammering from Pittsburgh last week. With the 3rd worst pass defense in town and cry baby Vernon Davis sitting, Alex might have some people saying, “See, I told you so!” this Sunday.

Worse Than Usual: QBs

Carson Palmer – CIN vs. NE – I was right about Palmer last week, and I’m right about him again this week. He looked sluggish and bad last week, and New England’s defense won’t remedy that. If nothing else Chad Johnson will have another week to figure out his next ridiculous act of attention whoredom.

Peyton Manning – IND vs. DEN – Peyton must be tired from his 700,000 different commercials, because he’s playing like he could use a nap. No, he’s not down to Eli level, but he’s sure not the Peyton people were drafting. Against the Bronco’s defense expect to be underwhelmed again.

Better Than Usual: RBs

Willis McGahee – BAL @ CLE – Man, it’s slim pickin’s in the RB pool this week with so many not playing due to injury or bye weeks. But, McGahee has looked good this season and Cleveland couldn’t stop a dead rat from rolling uphill with the 2nd worst rush defense in the league.

Thomas Jones – NYJ @ BUF – He looked really good for the first time this season last week. Not Ronnie Brown good, but good nonetheless. This week the questionable Jets o-line faces the worst rush defense in the league. So, in a league where at least 5 big name RBs went down with injuries last week and with bye weeks starting this week, Thomas Jones should fill a hole nicely.

Worse Than Usual: RBs

Brian Leonard – STL @ DAL – A lot of people are very high on Brian Leonard. I’m one of them. But, this is not the week to expect huge numbers. Dallas is #8 against the rush, St. Louis has a shoddy defense. Dallas is the #1 points scorer in the league, St. Louis has a shoddy defense. It’s gonna be pass, pass, pass the whole game for the Rams.

Adrian Peterson – MIN vs. GB – The early pick for Rookie Of The Year will be facing the first real NFL defense he’s seen in his career (they’ve faced Atlanta, Detroit, and Kansas City). Green Bay is #10 against the run and should put up a good fight against Minnesota’s monster o-line.

Better Than Usual: WRs

Santonio Holmes – PIT @ ARI – Hines Ward is doubtful for Week 4 and Heath Miller is their only other legitimate passing threat. Arizona’s not the worst passing defense, but when you’re the only legitimate threat for yardage, expect a solid day of grabbing balls. What?

Lee Evans – BUF vs. NYJ – Dammit, I’m sticking with Lee Evans until I’m right. I’m heavily invested in Lee Evans stock right now, and while it hasn’t sunk me yet I don’t get warm fuzzies from starting Nate Burleson over my 4th round draft pick. If he doesn’t produce this week, I’m cutting anchor.

Worse Than Usual: WRs

Terrell Ownes – DAL vs. STL – Did I say St. Louis has a shoddy defense? Well, it’s true. But, I may have forgotten to mention that while they suck at most all aspects of defense, they are #3 in the league against the pass. They actually allow 6 less yards passing (146.0) than they do rushing (152.3) per game. Kind of a strange dynamic.

Chad Johnson – CIN vs. NE – You what my favorite games to watch are? When shortly after half time they flash a graphic across the screen that says something like Chad Johnson or Terrell Owens, 0 receptions today. I love that. Ocho Stinko will be targeted as the Bengals scramble for points, but having Asante Samuel up your ass all day won’t be pleasant and Houshmandzadeh gets all the touchdowns anyways.

Related posts:

1. Overacheivers vs. Underacheivers: Week 2
2. Overacheivers vs. Underacheivers: Week 5
3. Overacheivers vs. Underacheivers: Week 3
4. Overacheivers vs. Underacheivers: Week 7
5. Overachievers vs. Underachievers: Week 9