Fantasy Football Week 4: Top 5 bye week fillers to consider
By Genna Preston
Heading into Week 4 Fantasy Football, here are the top bye week fillers to consider in order to keep your momentum going.
Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
As if the injury plague of Week 3 wasn’t bad enough for fantasy football, now we enter Week 4 with the dreaded bye weeks. Luckily, this week will ease us into byes, with only two teams not playing; Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
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If did your research during your fantasy football draft you paid close attention to bye weeks, and you should only need one maybe two Week 4 fillers. But, if you didn’t and you have Jordy Nelson, Carson Wentz and Jordan Matthews on one team, you’re going to want to pay extra close attention.
Rotating players on a weekly basis is an art. You need to consider their earlier fantasy football performances, weekly matchups, and injury status.
Putting the wrong player in your lineup is almost as harmful as not benching your bye week players. Don’t fall short this week, here’s a list of the top 5 bye week fillers for Week 4.
Next: 5. This quarterback could see a 300-yard game
5. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
Kirk Cousins is a quarterback who deserves a bit more credit than he’s given. Cousins is averaging about 20 fantasy football points per game so far this season.
Last week, he completed 21-of-35 passes for almost 300 yards. He had two touchdowns and an amazing comeback win over the New York Giants.
Although Cousins isn’t the ideal starting QB1 however, if you need a quarterback, this is the week to start him. His ownership is also about 75 percent which means, he may still be available to draft.
Cousins takes on the Cleveland Browns that just gave Ryan Tannehill 319 yards last week; Tannehill also brought home 25 fantasy football points. Cousins is an ideal Week 4 filler.
Next: 4. He averages more than five yards per carry
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) carries for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) defends in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
4. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Crowell has had a career high season so far; three straight games averaging five or more yards per carry. That’s music to any fantasy owner’s ears.
In Week 1 and 2, Crowell averaged 20 fantasy football points per game. Although he didn’t even earn double-digits this week against the Miami Dolphins, his Week 4 matchup against the Washington Redskins will be better.
The Redskins are 28th in the league against defending running backs. They have offered opponents 123 rushing yards per game this season.
Crowell is owned in about 85 percent of leagues and could be a great addition to your lineup this week. Look for him to score big in Week 4.
Next: 3. Either of these two will do
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) tackles during the first quarter in a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
3. Antonio Gates or Hunter Henry, TE, San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates sat out of his Week 3 game due to hamstring issues. His replacement, Hunter Henry, had his first NFL debut and could get another start in Week 4. Of course, this depends on Gates’ health.
Last week, Henry completed 5-of-5 passes for 76 yards. He earned almost 12 fantasy football points which is not bad at all for his first NFL game.
Regardless of which tight end starts, Gates or Henry, their Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints should offer good results.
The Saints rank 26th against the position and either tight end should bring home some valuable fantasy points. Gates or Henry are great Week 4 fillers.
Next: 2. You can actually use a Colt this week
Sep 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) gains yards against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Usually, I would suggest a filler for your Indianapolis Colts players. However, this week, Frank Gore is a great Week 4 fantasy football filler.
You can’t always trust Gore but, the Colts and Gore are coming from their best game so far this season. Gore had 21 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown last week.; he earned 15 fantasy points.
This week, the Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars rank 20th in rushing defense. The Jaguars offered Melvin Gordon over 30 fantasy points in Week 2.
This week’s matchup shouldn’t be a challenge. Gore has a perfect opportunity to score big. He should be considered RB2 in Week 4’s London outing.
Next: 1. Last week he earned over 40 fantasy points
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) attempts a pass in the game against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
1. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill had his best season game last week against the Cleveland Browns. Many analysts suggest he won’t repeat this performance, I disagree.
Tannehill is progressing every week. Week 1 was a bust, but he still brought in 18 points for fantasy football owners. Then, he earned almost 40 points against the New England Patriots.
Last week, Tannehill had three passing touchdowns earning over 40 fantasy points. This week, the Miami Dolphins take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
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The Bengals rank 31st in defending passing touchdowns; in the last three weeks they gave up nine passing touchdowns. There is no way Tannehill won’t be able to bring in at least 20 fantasy football points this week. In my opinion, that’s a great Week 4 quarterback filler option.