Bye Weeks: Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, Rams, Ravens & Redskins

Start 'Em

There is no RBBC in Arizona.

Beanie Wells @ Min
Wells was inactive in Week 3 due to a hamstring injury, upon his return last Sunday he produced single game career highs in rushing attempts (27), yards (138) and touchdowns (3) against the Giants. He is now averaging 107 rushing yards per game and an impressive 5.4 yards per carry with 5 TDs. The Vikings run defense has been tough, albeit untested. With QB Kevin Kolb still learning the intricacies of the Cardinal offense, Wells’ number should be called early and often in Minnesota; just confirm that Beanie emerges from practice this week unscathed.

Chris Johnson @ Pit
After compiling just 98 rushing yards during the first 3 games of 2011, Johnson managed 101 yards on 23 carries last week in Cleveland. The Titans running game looks to be headed in the right direction and this week will face the suddenly mediocre Steelers run defense. Pittsburgh leads the NFL in pass yards against (157.5) but has had issues containing the run (119.5 yards per game – ranks 22nd in NFL). Johnson has 38 TDs over his first three NFL seasons; he remains well overdue for his first score of 2011.

Stevan Ridley vs. NYJ
By no means is Ridley ready to take over as your RB2, but he makes for an intriguing flex option or bye week plug this week against a subpar Jets run defense. New York is similar to the Steelers – tough against the pass but vulnerable defending the run. Meanwhile Ridley’s snap totals have increased each week, and while there is no telling what Head Coach Bill Belichick will do with his RB committee, there is obvious upside here. We’re talking about the explosive Patriot offense, in which Ridley has had 18 carries for 148 yards - a ridiculous average of 8.2 yards per carry - which trails only Saints RB Darren Sproles (8.9) for players with 15 or more carries.

Darren Sproles @ Car
Sproles has been awesome for the Saints and should be a weekly starter in PPR leagues. He has 26 receptions (leads New Orleans) and a receiving TD, but he is not a one-trick pony. He is averaging 8.9 yards per carry with 1 rushing TD, 27.9 yards per kick return and he also has a punt return for a touchdown. He is worth consideration across the board this week in Carolina, who has allowed opponents an average of 5.2 yards per carry, the 4th worst number in the NFL.

Bench 'Em

LeGarrette Blount @ SF
Blount was predictably impressive on Monday night, carrying 25 times for 127 yards and one touchdown against the Colts. He has proved his fantasy worth despite losing potential goal line TDs to QB Josh Freeman and receptions to pass-catching RB Earnest Graham. We should probably lower expectations for him this week in San Francisco. The 49ers have one of the top run stopping defenses in the NFL; they rank 4th in rush yards allowed (296) and yards per game (74.0), 7th in average (3.5 yards per carry). They are the only NFL team who has not allowed a rushing touchdown in 2011.

Michael Turner vs. GB
Fantasy owners were undoubtedly satisfied with Turner’s two TDs last week in Seattle. While the output was appreciated, a closer look at the box score reveals that it took him 26 carries to get 70 yards, an ugly 2.7 yards per carry average, which looks worse considering he had a long run of 21 yards. Week 3 in Tampa he carried 11 times for 20 yards. That trend could continue this week against the Packers, who have been holding opposing RBs to an average of 71 yards per game. Owners without a clear-cut better option may have to roll with him. To his credit, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Turner has history on his side: his 2 game averages as a Falcon against the Packers (2008, 2010): 24.5 carries for 115.5 yards and 1 TD.

Shonn Greene @ NE
According to Head Coach Rex Ryan, “ground and pound is back,” but it’s easy to envision the Jets trailing in this week’s game – requiring more from the passing game - thereby limiting Greene’s ground work. Make no mistake, the Patriots are inadequate against the run; opposing RBs have averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored 4 TDs, but I still can’t see how that equates into a big game for Greene. Whatever the reasons, the Jets have gotten little production from their running game. Over his last 13 games (the equivalent of most fantasy regular seasons), Greene’s per game averages are ordinary at best: 12.7 carries, 46.2 yards and 0.15 TDs. Tough to trust him until he actually show’s something, regardless of matchup.

Wide Receivers