Writer Robbie DiPaola analyzes studs, duds and surprises of fantasy football in week four of the NFL.
The theme of the 2015 NFL season unfortunately has been injuries to key players on playoff contending teams.
That theme continued into week four, as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was sidelined with a shoulder injury. That could impact fantasy owners, who are relying on Luck to carry their teams to a potential fantasy football championship in the coming weeks. Although Luck is expected back in week five, his injury could linger for a few weeks.
A few standout fantasy football players from week four were:
Quarterback Drew Brees – New Orleans: Brees sat out last week due to a shoulder injury, but gave it a go Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys. Brees completed 33 passes for 359 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. This superb performance by Brees was good for 22 fantasy points, which had to make his fantasy owners quite happy, since the veteran quarterback has been inconsistent the past two seasons.
Running back Devonta Freeman – Atlanta: Freeman once again put up stellar numbers in a 48-21 victory for the Falcons on Sunday against Houston. Freeman ran for 68 yards and scored three total touchdowns during the Atlanta rout. Whether Atlanta gets Tevin Coleman back in week five, it is a safe bet that Freeman will get the majority of the reps at the running back position.
Wide receiver Tavon Austin – St. Louis: Austin has had mixed results so far through the 2015 season, however, this past Sunday he arguably had his best performance as a professional, catching six passes for 96 yards and two touchdown receptions. The biggest question will be whether Austin can keep that production level up. His quarterback situation is a bit troubling, but a connection between Austin and quarterback Nick Foles could be developing.
Disappointing fantasy performances from week four were:
Quarterback Peyton Manning – Denver: Father time may be finally catching up to Manning, as he has had a dismal start to the 2015 season — even with the Broncos' undefeated record. Manning threw for just 213 passing yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions, which was good for just eight fantasy points in week four. Denver plays Oakland and Cleveland in the next two weeks, so those could be two games for the veteran QB to get back on the right track.
Running back Alfred Morris – Washington: The first string running back for the Redskins has struggled this year, and those struggles continued in week four against the Eagles. Although Washington ended up winning the game, Morris touched the ball 17 times and mustered just 65 yards and six fantasy points. Morris could be in for another long day in week five, as Washington will face an unbeaten Atlanta team with an improving defense.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh: Brown is tied in the league for receiving yards in 2015, but Brown struggled in week four without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the field. Brown only managed to put up four fantasy points as he caught just five passes for 42 yards in Pittsburgh’s 23-20 loss to Baltimore. Brown will not have many days like that, and regardless of who the Steelers’ quarterback is in future weeks, he will be the No. 1 option to throw to in Pittsburgh.
Here are a couple of under the radar players that still remain available in several leagues:
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Running back Ronnie Hillman – Denver: Hillman was thought to be the No. 2 back to C.J. Anderson in Denver this season. Yet, it looks like Hillman will now get the chance to be the feature back in Denver with Anderson underperforming so far through 2015. Hillman had a breakout game in week four as he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Starting Hillman could be a week-to-week decision, but if you need help at the running back position, Hillman is a solid option. He is only owned in 46.7 percent of leagues, but you will need to act quickly because Hillman could be a popular pickup this week in fantasy football.
Wide receiver Allen Hurns – Jacksonville: Hurns, who is owned in just 11.6 percent of leagues, has turned out two strong performances in a row for the Jaguars and seems to be the favorite target of Blake Bortles. Two weeks ago Hurns caught two passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, and then last Sunday, Hurns hauled in 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. With Jacksonville facing a 1-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in week five that has given up nearly 30 points a game, Hurns could have another great day on the gridiron.
Note: all point totals and percentages listed in this article are based off of the totals found on ESPN.
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