Broncos Report: Is it time to sit CJ Anderson on your Fantasy bench?
C.J. Anderson – I know he was one of your top draft picks, but it’s time to stash Anderson on your bench this week. Hopefully, he will get rolling when the schedule gets easier against the Raiders and Browns (Weeks 5 & 6).
Ronnie Hillman – He isn’t going to provide the solution for Anderson’s troubles. The holes simply aren’t there. The Broncos seem to want Hillman to stay in the complimentary back role, evidenced by Juwan Thompson’s carries when Anderson went down.
Peyton Manning – Give credit to coach Kubiak for reversing course and letting Manning take snaps in the “pistol” and “shotgun” formations. The result: 324 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT. In post-game interviews Manning downplayed the importance of the change, but don’t expect to see him under center anytime soon. It looks like he’s won this round, and the Broncos are better for it.
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 27: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos scores a 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 27, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Demaryius Thomas – As predicted, Thomas was the recipient of the Broncos’ attempt to stretch the field, resulting in a 45 yard TD catch at the end of the first half. He also led the team with nine catches and 13 targets. Peyton trusts his hands (and size) and his fantasy upside is enormous.
Emmanuel Sanders – He caught six balls for 87 yards. Sanders had another big catch called back on a challenge. Like Thomas, he’s a big target and a must start even though he did not score a touchdown this week.
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 27: Owen Daniels #81 of the Denver Broncos catches a fourth quarter touchdown while being defended by Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 27, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Owen Daniels – Virgil Green is not getting much playing time, and he’s getting even fewer targets, leaving Kubiak’s buddy as the lone big-man on the inside of many pass patterns. Plus, he’s now doing the game day forecast on CBS4 and all of a sudden saw 9 targets and a TD. Coincidence?
Broncos Defense – If you own the Broncos Defense plug them in and play them until the Week 7 bye week.
Who are hot pickups for Week 4?
Andy Dalton (QB-CIN) – With all the QB’s going down , Dalton is a hot pick up. Tthe Bengals are clicking on all cylinders and not just relying on the run. This week Dalton threw for 383 yards and 3 TDs, and also ran for a TD, leading Cincy to a 3-0 record and a home game in Week 4 against KC.
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals spikes the ball after scoring against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Tyrod Taylor (QB-BUF) – A second option, Taylor’s 277 yards & 3 TD’s. Taylor destroyed the Dolphins and has a favorable matchup against the Giants coming up.
Devonta Freeman (RB-ATL) – 193 total yards, 3 touchdowns and will be starting at least until Tevin Coleman returns from broken ribs. Likely longer if he repeats his massive fantasy point total from Sunday. (Note from Brett … I probably should’ve started him.)
Joseph Randle (RB-DAL) – Not to be outdone, Randle scored 3 TDs of his own. Randle is the clear lead back and will see tons of work with Romo and Dez Bryant injured.
FANDUEL WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Who To Play, Pass On For NFL Week 4
Karlos Williams (RB-BUF) – Williams could be a short-term investment while Shady McCoy’s hamstring heals. This week he went for 110 yards on 12 carries in relief.
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Derek Carr (QB-OAK) – I get it. He’s a Raider, and Raiders don’t put up fantasy points. Except when they do. He’s only owned in 66 percent of Yahoo leagues, but 5 touchdowns to only 1 pick is a pretty solid start to the season. I can’t believe I just typed that about a Raiders quarterback.
Is it time to pull the plug on under-performing players?
Marshawn Lynch (RB-SEA) – He’s banged up, he’s not getting as many touches as he has in recent years, and he’s performing well below the expectations that had him a popular number one overall pick. He just doesn’t look like Beast-Mode. Cut your losses and let him go while he still has some decent trade potential.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 14: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome on September 14, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Roddy White (WR-ATL) – Julio Jones is playing like a man amongst boys, and any quarterback worth his salt would make Jones his first, second, and third option on any pass play. Chuck it up and let Julio get it. It’s worked all season. This means Roddy White (a No. 1 receiver on most NFL rosters) has become a total non-factor in the offense.
Jason Whitten (TE-DAL) – Under-performing to start the season, banged up, and now no Romo. Run from hard-hittin’ Jason Whitten. He’s not going to turn it around any time soon, and there are plenty of TDs out there who will put up the same points but with a much bigger upside.
Will the first Bye Week present pick up opportunities?
New England – Of course you will keep Brady, Gronk and Edelman through the bye week. But can you hold onto Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount, Stephen Gostkowski or the Patriots Defense? Look out for waiver wire action.
Tennessee – Pretty inconsequential from a fantasy perspective.
– One more note … I usually argue for dropping receivers when a team’s starting QB gets hurt, as I would very much recommend for the Saints receivers, and the Cowboys. BUT…do yourself a favor. Keep Antonio Bryant. Michael Vick will look his way. A lot.
Mark Ackerman’s credentials: CBS4 Producer. AFC North Expert. Childhood ruined by Drive & Fumble. Drafted Adrian Peterson and still won it all last year.
Brett Heinzerling’s credentials: CBS4 Producer. Bronco fan since birth. 7 years as a sports producer. Won the regular season twice, never won the big one. Call me Peyton. (I know, he won it all once, just humor me)