Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

With the bye weeks now upon us, we are left with fewer options to choose from for our weekly line-ups. This makes sitting a player an even more difficult decision than before; however, remember that leaving a guy in your line-up that puts up a stinker is the worst way to lose your fantasy match-up. As such, the Bruno Boys bring to you our Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Ems.

QUARTERBACKS – SIT ‘EM

Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) @ Denver

Romo’s inconsistencies can be extremely frustrating to fantasy owners. Even though he shows legitimate flashes of brilliance, he can also struggle miserably in other starts. Before the season began, most would have argued that this was a great match-up versus a weak opponent, but Mike Nolan’s Broncos defense has flourished. The Broncos have allowed an astonishing 5.3 points a game along with just 136.3 passing yards per game and ZERO TDs through the air. Yes, they have been that good. However, they haven’t exactly faced the best QB competition in Carson Palmer, Brady Quinn, and JaMarcus Russell. Tony Romo will do better than all of them and record the first TD against the Broncos, but don’t expect lofty numbers against Champ Bailey and the rest of the Broncos’ secondary.

Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) @ New Orleans

Mark Sanchez has been as impressive as any rookie QB in NFL history. Yes, it’s actually true; he’s the only QB in NFL history to win his first three games. However, the Jets and Sanchez face their toughest match-up in week 4 against the high-powered New Orleans Saints. While everyone knows about the Saints’ offensive power, their defense has been instrumental in frustrating QBs to the tune of 7 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries. Expect the Jets to try and control the clock by running the football and playing solid defense throughout this match-up. Sanchez will probably play decently, but his fantasy stats could suffer on Sunday.

Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. New York Giants

The Giants have been the best team in the NFL defending the pass allowing only 124 yards per contest and 2 TDs on the year, while recording 5 INT. It is unsure what WR Dwayne Bowe’s health status is currently, and without him, Matt Cassel will struggle mightily as he did in week 3 against the Eagles when he had just 90 passing yards. The Chiefs offense has been horrendous (except when Brodie Croyle was under center) and it doesn’t seem like this match-up will make it any easier on them. Scour the waiver wire for ANY other options instead of trying to use Cassel this weekend.

RUNNING BACKS – SIT ‘EM

Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ New England

While the RBBC in Baltimore has been better than good to fantasy owners thus far, this could be the week where it sputters. While Ray Rice is the starter in Baltimore, he probably will not be finding too much open room to run on the New England defense. Most people believe the Pats’ defense hasn’t been very Patriot-esque, but they have only allowed 88.3 rush yards per game and 1 rushing TD through 3 weeks. Considering that RB Willis McGahee will probably be stealing those goal-line carries, Ray Rice makes for a Sit ‘Em in week 4.

Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) @ Minnesota

With the bye weeks upon us, many fantasy owners may be struggling to find running backs to plug into their lineup. If that is the case, this is probably not a player you will be able to bench unless you have some solid options waiting in the wings. Grant faces a tough opponent in the Minnesota Vikings, while he has only been average against some great opponents through week 3. Through 3 games, Grant has averaged 18.7 carries a game for just 69 yards rushing (per contest) and 2 TDs. The Vikes pose more of a threat than any of the Grant’s previous opponents considering they have allowed zero TDs through week 3. Grant may see some decent carry totals, but don’t expect him to find the end zone in this match-up.

Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) @ Pittsburgh

He just hasn’t looked like the same player that was able to tear up teams when he was splitting time with LaDainian Tomlinson. Being the “only” RB on this team, his real value is in PPR leagues where he is still very talented as a receiver. The Steelers allow 76.7 rushing yards per game and have only given up 1 TD. If the Chargers do get into goal-line sets, RB Michael Bennett would probably be seeing those carries if LT is out. This is a tough match-up for a RB who has not exactly shined in his 2 starts (2.4 ypc in weeks 2 & 3).

WIDE RECEIVERS – SIT ‘EM

Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns) vs. Cincinnati

His 16 TD season is a distant memory in the eyes of fantasy owners everywhere. Honestly, those that have him on our roster would be happy if he could just score once every 4 weeks…which would mean this is the week he’s score. Realistically, though, that probably won’t be happening…Even though he definitely has a better relationship with QB Derek Anderson than with Brady Quinn, the Cincinnati defense will probably be shutting down the Browns’ passing game. The Bengals have given up 240 passing yards and a TD per game through 3 weeks (which isn’t phenomenal), but they have only allowed 45 yards and 0 TDs to opposing team’s top WR (B. Marshall- 27, G. Jennings- 0, S. Holmes- 18). Braylon could definitely be shut down in this match-up.