Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

WIDE RECEIVERS – START ‘EM

Nate Burleson (Seattle Seahawks) @ Indianapolis

Burleson has proven his worth through the first three weeks. Whether Hasselbeck or Wallace is leading this team, he should be their #1 option. Fellow WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been a severe disappointment (to fantasy owners), and it unfortunately looks like Burleson has taken over his spot. In 2004-05, Burleson posted 1006 yards and 9 TDs so it is obvious he has the capability of being a solid WR. Indy has been pretty solid against the pass this season (only allowed 1 pass TD), but if they get out to an early lead, expect the Seahawks to throw throughout the 2nd half…Which could lead to some gaudy totals for the aforementioned Burleson and Co.

Bernard Berrian (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Green Bay

You can expect Brett Favre to try and fight hard against his former Packers team. Since Berrian is one of your “hit-or-miss” receivers, this should be a week that he is able to flourish. Much like WR Santana Moss in week 3, we believe that Berrian could have a patented breakout game. It is obvious that Brett Favre still has the arm strength (after that 50 yard bullet to Greg Lewis in week 3), so perhaps they may open it up a little bit for him against Green Bay on Monday Night Football. Berrian should be able to post some solid numbers for you in this showdown of the NFC North.

Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills) @ Miami

Copy Berrian’s expectations and you have Lee Evans. A patented all-or-nothing receiver, his blazing speed to get past secondaries has been duly noted. Miami has given up 5 pass plays of 40+ yards (tied for worst in the NFL), and that is exactly where Evans shines. While QB Trent Edwards doesn’t have a huge arm, he still provides Lee Evans with enough value to make him a worthy fantasy contributor.  In fact, Evans could double his season total for yards and TDs in week 4 alone (88 and a TD)!

Devin Hester (Chicago Bears) vs. Detroit

What a perfect opponent to face for an offense that is slowly coming into its own. Hester has shown off his raw ability for finding the end zone in the first few weeks, and he should keep it rolling this week against the porous Lions defense. The Lions have allowed 279 yards and 3.3 TDs per game, so there is no reason to believe the Bears can’t “Cut” them up (Lame play on Cutler). Hester has big play ability and while he isn’t a polished receiver or route runner, his natural talents have and will continue to prevail.

TIGHT ENDS – START ‘EM

Greg Olsen (Chicago Bears) vs. Detroit

If one Bear is facing a great match-up, Olsen is undoubtedly another one. Surprisingly, the Lions defense has been pretty decent against the opposing tight ends, allowing only 70 yards and 2 TDs through 3 games. Greg Olsen is a talented player who is slowly building a rapport with QB Jay Cutler, and they should both do well in this match-up. Olsen should be looking at no worse than 40 yards and a TD, which should place him firmly in the top-10 for this weekend’s bouts.

KICKERS – START ‘EM

Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts) @ Seattle

Vinatieri was the best kicker in the league (at least from an NFL perspective) only a few years ago, but he has fallen off precipitously. Well he is apparently healthy and he plays for one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts. The Seahawks allowed 11 points to K Joe Nedney in week 2, and a 2 FG, 3 XP game would not be surprising from Vinatieri this weekend. If you’re looking for a bye-week replacement and Vinatieri is out there, start him with confidence.

DEFENSES – START ‘EM>

San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs. St. Louis

The 49ers have become one of the better defenses to start this season. Even though they are the middle of the pack in terms of yards allowed per game (13th overall with 320), they’ve been able to get to the QB with some consistency (6 sacks), and have forced 4 interceptions and 2 fumbles. The best part is, they get to play division-rival St. Louis. With a QB dilemma with Marc Bulger injured (perhaps sitting out), incumbent Kyle Boller may take the reigns. He doesn’t exactly have a bevy of options… RB Steven Jackson. Did we miss anyone? This could be a solid statistical show for the 49ers as they will probably try and pressure either QB to make poor decisions all game long.

Week 4 Rankings:  QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF  (click to read)

Week 4 Start & Sit: START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM  (click to read)

Week 4 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE  (click to read)

————————

Don’t forget to head over to our Fantasy Football Message Board and sign-up for a FREE FORUM account. By doing so you will be able to talk fantasy football all season long.