World-Herald fantasy football writer Cameron Carlow and staff writer Jake Anderson provide insight following Week 4′s NFL action.
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Until further notice
Andrew Hawkins, WR, Bengals: After scoring touchdowns in back-to-back weeks, Hawkins had only three catches for 39 yards against Tampa Bay and seems to be hit or miss. Start Hawkins if you’re feeling lucky, otherwise he is a fill-in.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Johnson’s 141 rushing yards were over triple his season total — and that was against the mighty Texans. Minnesota hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, so unless you’re desperate, I’d chalk last week up to a bit of luck and sit him against the Vikings.
Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: Despite a lackluster Week 3, Ridley ran for 106 yards and two TDs against the Bills. Patriot running backs can see carries diminish quickly, but Ridley is worth playing from here on out.
Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: Mathews’ costly fumble in Week 3 likely factored into Jackie Battle getting the Week 4 start. But Mathews’ 4.4 yards per carry last week looked quite good compared to Battle’s 2.6. He’s a low No. 2, high No. 3 fantasy back for sure.
Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: It’s time to give up. A third straight week with less than 50 rushing yards and no touchdowns means a bench spot for Greene.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: Bowe has scored a touchdown in three straight weeks and appears to be healthy after a groin injury in practice last week. Expect continued success.
James Jones, WR, Packers: Jones has been the main beneficiary of WR Greg Jennings’ groin injury, collecting twelve receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns in three weeks. With Jennings back, his production could take a hit.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons: Thirteen carries for 103 yards? Impressive to say the least. Add in a 60-yard screen for a touchdown and Turner is looking like the real deal after a slow start. Turner will continue to benefit from Atlanta’s pass-heavy offense as long as Matt Ryan has the option of slinging it to Roddy White and Julio Jones.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens: Boldin had his best game of the season, nine receptions for 131 yards, against the Browns — ranked 28th in pass defense. His lack of consistency makes him a low-end No. 2 receiver, though.
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: Newton bounced back after a rough outing against the Giants, passing for 215 yards and two touchdowns while tacking on 86 rushing yards and another score. He’s a must-start, but keep your expectations tempered with a tough Seahawks defense on deck.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills: After Sunday’s outing where he threw for four touchdowns and four interceptions, Fitzpatrick leads the league in touchdown passes with 12 and interceptions with seven. With RBs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller healthy, and WR Stevie Johnson and TE Scott Chandler to throw to, you should be able to trust Fitzpatrick as a bye week fill in as long as he avoids turning the ball over.
Owen Daniels, TE, Texans: With QB Matt Schaub having a healthy and productive season, Daniels is thriving. He leads Houston in targets and has scored touchdowns in back-to-back games.
Key injuries
Jake Locker, QB, Titans: Locker is doubtful for Week 5 with a separated left shoulder, and it sounds like he could be out longer. Locker owners may want to handcuff him with backup Matt Hasselbeck.
>> Also: Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets; Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens; Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots; Peyton Hillis, RB, Chiefs.
Waiver wire
Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins: Hartline’s 12 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown will make him the top waiver grab this week. But the best part about Hartline — he’s shown success before. His 111 yards in Week 2 give him the edge over the one-week wonders on the wire.
>> Also: Andre Roberts, WR, Cardinals; Greg Zuerlein, PK, Rams; Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers; Scott Chandler, TE, Bills; Kendall Wright, WR, Titans.
