1. Peyton Manning (IND) – Let’s see, he has yet to throw for under 300 yards in a game so far this season and he has 6 TD passes in his last 2 games. Yep, we are sure of it. You are going to want to have Manning in your week 4 fantasy line up against an overrated and beat up Seattle pass defense. In true Peyton Manning fashion, he should continue to perform at an unmatched level of consistency.2. Jay Cutler (CHI) – If you are still concerned with regard to Cutler’s poor week 1 fantasy performance, fear not, the worst appears to be behind him. In fact, Cutler has fared very well over the last two weeks and a week 4 match up against Detroit is extremely favorable. The Lions have allowed no less than 2 passing TD’s in each of there first 3 games while giving up an average of 279 passing yards per game. Look for Cutler to go to the air early and often, especially if Matt Forte continues to struggle with the ground game. He is a great starting option for fantasy rosters in week 4.
3. Drew Brees (NO) – Following a lackluster week 3 fantasy performance against the Bills, the thought of Brees facing a Jets defense that has already shut down the likes of Tom Brady and Matt Schaub doesn’t exactly breed the utmost confidence for week 4. That said, you should probably consider week 3 as more of the exception than the rule and Brees rarely falters at home or in consecutive weeks. Sure, there are much better match ups out there for lesser signal callers in week 4, but it is difficult to justify sitting Brees against anyone, a scary Jets defense included.
4. Tom Brady (NE) – In spite of what looks to be a tough and hard fought week 4 match up against the Ravens, Brady remains a must start fantasy option. The Baltimore pass defense is certainly formidable, but they have also shown signs of vulnerability. Especially in week 2 when they gave up 436 passing yards and 2 TD’s to San Diego QB Phillip Rivers. Hopefully, Wes Welker will be able to return this week which would be a huge boost in the short passing game against the blitz happy Ravens. The match up isn’t ideal, but you can not underestimate Brady at home. Besides, you would have to be insane and off your meds to bench Brady so long as he is healthy.
5. Matt Schaub (HOU) – He was far from golden against the Raiders in 2008 throwing for 255 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception, but the same could be said about Schaub’s shaky track record against the Titans coming into 2009 and he ripped them to shreds in week 2. This is a new year and a rejuvenated Matt Schaub. He has been arguably the best fantasy signal caller in the NFL over the last 2 weeks throwing for 657 yards and 7 TD’s and the return of a healthy Kevin Walter only boosts his chances for success. The Raiders do have shut down CB Nnamdi Asomugha to deal with Andre Johnson, but all in all, the Oakland pass defense is mediocre at best and Schaub has plenty of capable weapons to choose from.
6. Phillip Rivers (SD) – While Rivers suffered his most disappointing fantasy effort of 2008 against Pittsburgh, throwing for just 164 yards, 0 TD’s and 2 interceptions, it is fairly safe to say that the circumstances are different this time around. For starters, the Steelers pass defense is looking shaky in comparison to last season, especially with star safety Troy Polamalu out of the line up. On top of that, RB LaDainian Tomlinson is still on the mend and Darren Sproles has struggled in the running game in his stead. In our opinion, the Chargers will have little choice but to turn to Rivers and a pass heavy approach in this match up. This isn’t necessarily a failsafe recipe for success playing on the road in Pittsburgh, but Rivers is throwing the ball well and we like his chances under the circumstances.
7. Eli Manning (NYG) – The odds are certainly in Manning’s favor to continue his run of success in a promising week 4 match up against Kansas City’s 20th ranked pass defense. That said, Manning’s fantasy potential may be limited to some degree if the Giants jump out to a sizeable lead and quickly turn to their potent running attack. At the very least, this match up is extremely safe and he should have a productive week 4.
