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Hey guys, we at gatorsfirst.com have been a little slower the early part of this week, mainly because a few of us have fought the flu or flu like symptoms in the last week. But I'm back and healthy, and ready to help you navigate week 4 of your fantasy season.
I’m going to try to stick to guys in BCS conferences, as your league more likely contains those conferences in some combination. I’m also going to try stay away from telling you it’s a good matchup to play guys against FCS teams. Use your own judgment for those plays, as some players will definitely put up stats, but will be subject to a 25% penalty. And sometimes the backups will get a lot of time.
Quarterbacks
The Sam Bradford injury means teams that didn’t draft a backup until late may need to be playing some spot starts. There are even a couple guys that aren’t owned in every league that you could pick up this week and keep around for the season, so I’ll highlight those guys. I’d also like, once again, to point out Ricky Dobbs as a good option, because he’s only owned in 9 percent of CBS leagues, and is playing the worst team in FBS.
Blaine Gabbert, Missouri (@Nevada) – He’s owned in just over half of CBS leagues, but has put up crazy numbers so far. Playing a WAC team (though it’s his first road game) shouldn’t stop that trend. If Nevada’s offense goes crazy, it just means more possessions for Mizzou.
Tony Pike, Cincinnati (@Fresno State) – Another road game against a WAC team. He’s owned in 58 percent of leagues, but if he’s available, he’s a good start. He’s good enough to keep on your roster for several weeks, depending on who your other options are.
Chris Todd, Auburn (Ball State) - I'm going to say this again, but here is the first time: the Gus Malzhan offense officially works in Auburn&. And it's Ball State. Just do it.
If you’re hardcore: Joe Cox, Georgia (Arizona State) – All that early season noise about benching him aside, he certainly put up some fantasy points on the road last week. A home game against a Pac 10 defense could mean he makes it two in a row.
Running backs
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee (Ohio) – Lane Kiffin’s fear of letting QB Crompton throw means he’ll get the carries. He’s looked good in two consecutive games. This opponent is much worse, though maybe he and his teammates face an emotional let down after last week’s rivalry game.
Onterrio McCalebb, Auburn (Ball State) – The Gus Malzhan offense officially works in Auburn. At least it will this weekend against an overmatched opponent. McCalebb is a great talent, and gets his points even though he’s the backup.
If you’re hardcore: Adam Robinson, Iowa (@Penn State) – All those reasons we liked Jewel Hampton preseason mean you should pay attention when Robinson has now been named the starter. The matchup isn’t great, but he’ll get his opportunity, and if he performs well, it could be closer game than you’d expect.
Wide Receivers
The big injury this week is Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. He’s done for the season, so you need to find a replacement, whether it’s playing a few fantastic matchups, or finding some guys that have emerged after these first few weeks. He was one of the elite fantasy options, preseason, so you may have drafted him pretty high. And in CBS leagues, you need 3 guys. So keep checking back here, I can help you fill out your lineup with quality options, no matter the size of your league.
Dan Buckner, Texas (UTEP) – His 17 receptions tie him for 13th in BCS leagues. Colt McCoy should have a great day, and someone other than Shipley will find the end zone.
Torrey Smith, Maryland (Rutgers) – I read on ESPN.com that Smith is the only player in FBS to have at least 225 all-purpose yards in all 3 games this season. It’s time to go get him, he’s probably available in your league.
Alex Washington, Vanderbilt (@Rice) – Rice has one of the worst pass defenses in football. And that was something I knew last year, way before Taylor Potts went for 7 TDs a few weeks ago. Look for the senior to find the end zone, as I’m not sure Rice has anything but a Welcome mat back there.
If you’re hardcore: Ali Villanueva, Army (@Iowa State) – A Big XII defense for a guy that was moved from OT to WR (remember, he’s 6’ 10”) specifically for the red zone?
Tight Ends
Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (Purdue) – Still seems like cheating, but with Floyd’s injury his value only rises, and he’s still owned in only 45 percent of leagues. With Gronkowski officially out for the season, he’s a guy that needs to be owned in many more leagues.
If you’re hardcore: Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern (Minnesota) – I’m not really a Big Ten expert, but CBS lets me play this running back at TE. He gets a good number of receptions, and in leagues with few options you need to avoid taking some other teams’ backup that could net you a zero.
Defense / Special Teams
Auburn (Ball State) – Ball State threw 4 picks a week ago. Auburn is undoubtedly a better team than Army. This is a very good play.
Nebraska (Lousiana-Lafayette) – I know, I know. A Big XII defense. But it is the Ragin’ Cajuns. And this is fantasy football, not real football. And you can dump them next week.
If you’re hardcore: Army (@Iowa State) – Army actually has gotten a fair number of turnovers and sacks, making it a serviceable fantasy defense. Iowa State is a terrible team. I’m actually making this play in a league with very few options.
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