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

Start 'Em

GB is a juicy matchup for Jones.

Julio Jones vs. GB
Over the past two weeks Jones has incredible averages of 8.5 receptions and 121 yards per game; he had 17 targets last week alone. He absolutely needs to be in lineups this week against the 31st ranked Packers pass defense in a game that should feature lots of action. Green Bay has given up 9 TDs through the air and 1,343 passing yards (335.8 yards per game); including 23 pass plays of 20 or more yards. I like the chances that Jones not only continues his hot streak, but also grabs his first career NFL touchdown.

Sidney Rice @ NYG
Until RB Marshawn Lynch proves me wrong, there aren’t any other start-worthy players on the Seahawks offense. Rice has made an immediate impact in Seattle, showing chemistry with QB Tarvaris Jackson and his playmaking ability after just two games. While Jackson’s numbers may not be pretty, Rice should still be effective against the Giants. He has 3 career TDs in four games against New York, who just allowed 8 catches and 102 yards to Larry Fitzgerald.

Jermaine Gresham @ Jax
Gresham has shown a presence in the Bengal pass attack with 50 or more yards in 3 of 4 games (had 3 such games in 2010) and 2 TDs this season. Owners in need of a bye week plug should not ignore his enticing matchup in Jacksonville. Over the last 3 weeks, TEs Dustin Keller (6 catches, 101 yards), Greg Olsen (7 catches, 57 yards) and Jimmy Graham (10 catches, 132 yards) each scored touchdowns against the Jaguars.

Brandon Pettigrew vs. Chi
Pettigrew managed just 5 catches for 64 yards during the first two weeks of the season, leaving fantasy owner wondering where he fit into the Lions offense. Two weeks – and 17 receptions – later, Pettigrew appears to be a nice option with upside this week. Through four games, Chicago has allowed starting TEs to amass 23 receptions for 286 yards and 4 TDs. QB Matt Stafford has thrown 11 TDs (8 to WR Calvin Johnson) and Pettigrew is due for his first trip to the endzone of the season.

Bench 'Em

Nate Washington @ Pit
Through four games, Washington’s 23 catches are just about halfway to his career-high of 47 (2009) and with Kenny Britt out for the season, he has assumed the WR1 role in Tennessee. Though he will be motivated against his former team, he faces a tough match up in Pittsburgh this week. The Steelers have allowed just 154 passing yards per game, which ranks first in the NFL. Although they have allowed 4 passing TDs, 3 of them came in Week 1 against the Ravens. I think CB Ike Taylor and the Pittsburgh secondary will find a way to keep Washington in check.

Robert Meachem @ Car
The WR situation in New Orleans is a frustrating one for fantasy owners, and the return to full health of Marcus Colston serves to cloud matters further. While Meachem’s big-play ability makes him hard to bench, the Saints receiving pecking order is taking shape with TE Jimmy Graham leading the way, then Colston figures in to the mix – and don’t forget RB Darren Sproles – which leaves three players, WRs Meachem, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson seemingly on the outside looking in. It’s like a grab bag; one of them is likely to be good each week as another is likely to disappoint. This makes all three risky ‘boom-or-bust’ plays going forward.

Johnny Knox @ Det
Though he averages 19.8 yards per catch, Knox’s 12 receptions are a let-down considering that he is supposed to be the top option in the receiving game. That distinction belongs to RB Matt Forte and despite showing toughness over the middle of the field, trusting Knox ultimately means trusting Jay Cutler – who had 9 completions last week. In three career games against the Lions, Knox averages 3.7 catches for 39 yards and has yet to score a touchdown against them.

Jacoby Jones vs. Oak
Jones will start in place of Andre Johnson in Oakland this week and makes for an intriguing waiver add, but expecting Andre Johnson-type numbers is asking too much of him. The Texans lead the NFL in rush attempts (137) and that number will grow this week as RB Arian Foster prepares to devour the Raiders feeble run defense. Jones has not only been inconsistent in his career; he has just 7 catches this season. It just doesn’t seem to be the right week to plug him in; factor in the prospect of Jones being covered by Raiders shut-down corner Stanford Routt all afternoon.

Good luck in Week 5!

Quarterbacks