Here we are, week 4 of the NFL season and the start of the bye weeks. Many people are having trouble finding who to drop so they can get a bye week filler, while others are still holding on to guys that should be cut in favor of hot pick-ups like Glen Coffee. I'll give you a few hot waiver wire adds then head right into the start/sit predictions.
Rise and Fall of Value
##### Start Em'
Matt Schaub: Another start for Schaub with the Texans facing the Raiders. Even though Oakland ranks 14th in the NFL with 211 passing YPG, I am looking for Schaub and company to blow this one wide open early on.
Jay Cutler:Cutler hasn't been the hottest QB on the block so far, but the Bears face off against the Lions and that is an easy matchup for fantasy owners. I would have no problems putting Cutler in the top five for fantasy QBs this week.
Clinton Portis: The Redskins offense is terrible, but Portis should be able to run wild over a Buccaneers defense that allows 187.3 YPG on the ground. It is time for him to justify those RB1 draft rankings we saw.
Cedric Benson:To be honest, I have more faith in Benson to put up good numbers this weekend than I do Portis, but the numbers are in Portis' favor. Cleveland is allowing 184.3 YPG to runners and Benson has been reborn in Cincinnati.
Devin Hester:This is another one where the numbers suggest the ranking. Detroit gives up the 3rd-most passing yards per game at 278.7, so Hester should have plenty of chances to make something happen with his blinding speed. Hester isn't a true #1 WR, but he could have a huge day.
Mike Sims-Walker:I love the sleeper potential in this guy so much I am going to take him from the waiver wire and start him this week. The Titans give up over 274 YPG via the air and Sims-Walker has the eye of QB David Garrard. Not a homer pick, I truly believe in this one!
Antonio Gates: Now most weeks you would say I am just trying to pad my stats with correct picks. But, this week the Chargers face the Steelers and people are honestly thinking about sitting Gates down in favor of Vernon Davis. Don't do it; the Steelers can stop the run, but they give up 212.7 passing yards and Gates will see a lot of action.
Cincinnati Bengals defense:The Browns are just terrible. I don't even really need to explain this pick any further than to say they switched QBs and Derek Anderson came in and threw three INTs, and they could be using a new RB this weekend too. My lock of the week is right here.
Sit Em'
##### Question of the Week
Q:I am holding Beanie Wells and Mendenhall on my bench waiting for them to rise to the occasion. Am I crazy? What about Maclin? D.J. from Jacksonville
A:I have some faith in Mendenhall since Willie Parker looks like he is running with two flat tires this season. Last week he had 25 rushes for 93 yards is still just 3.7 YPC. Wells is still a rookie and has to learn the offense. Drafting and holding a rookie in fantasy leagues almost never works out. I would keep him as a handcuff to Hightower, but don't start either one until you have a legit reason to.
As for Jeremy Maclin, he isn't an option even if Kevin Curtis is out for a while. Don't waste the roster spot on him.
