Time for those London games. The first of three begins this weekend at Tottenham Stadium. From a fantasy perspective, there are varying opinions about these games. It tends to divide between those who are morning people and the rest who are not.
More than that, a common theme of fantasy decisions comes into play. If there are any game-time decisions looming for relevant players, you need to be up and alert to assess the situation. Even if a player travels to London, you cannot just assume he will play in the game. Morning people are fine about dealing with it...
This is much like the Thursday night situations, except with a shorter timescale to the main action on Sunday. It's always Monday night questionables which can force hard choices.
There is no best way to approach questionables playing on Monday night other than to keep an ear to the news over the weekend and have a player ready to start in the late window or the Sunday night game.
Every situation is different, so there is no rule of thumb. It is one of the frustrating impenetrables of fantasy football.
The 2022 Fantasy Football Week 4 Blurbview is next.
Updated: Oct2 12pm et
Trending: Christian McCaffrey GTD; Zay Jones OUT
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2022 Fantasy Football Week 4 Blurbview
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The Games this Week
A brief rundown of the games this weekend. Time to set those lineups and watch 'em play.
Early Sunday: Bills (2-1) at Ravens (2-1) +3.0 51.0
A win by either side grants a major tie-breaker for playoff positioning come December.
We have a matchup here of the two top quarterbacks in fantasy, and you could not ask for a better atmosphere than this for them to play against each other.
Both these teams felt the sting of defeat at the hands of the Dolphins, but the Ravens at least had an in-between win to help them forget about it. The Bills want their own rejuvenation and they want this game.
Who is Hot Right Now?
It's Lamar Jackson, obviously. He has two straight number one finishes and over 40 fantasy points in each. If you drafted Lamar in an early round, congrats. He probably won't get another 40 in this game, but you cannot bet against it.
Josh Allen, too, is rolling just fine himself. He has yet to finish outside the top-5 after the third week. He also has Stefon Diggs, which Lamar does not have.
Although Diggs finished a distant WR40 in Week 3, his fantasy production since the opening weekend puts him solidly among the best receivers in the game. He is a safer and more reliable choice right now than Ja'Maar Chase or Justin Jefferson.
However, Lamar Jackson has Mark Andrews and he, like Lamar, finished the last two weeks as the number one tight end in fantasy.
The Running Backs
The running backs on both teams serve more of an ancillary role than how most other teams utilize their backfields. This happens when you get mobile quarterbacks that do a large part of the rushing job. The function of the RBs will be to test the line early. McDermott and Harbaugh will be thinking about half-time adjustments from the opening play.
Everyone of fantasy relevance can start for you in this game. Perhaps a tepid start as these two potent offenses probe each other's weaknesses. The fireworks will happen. You can count on that.
Fun Fact: The Bills last victory at Baltimore was Week 8 in 1999. The Ravens have a current streak of five wins when the Bills visit.
Sleeper: Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Bills
Pick Poll: Bills 75%
Update: J.K. Dobbins A | Gabe Davis Qep | Dawson Knox Qep
Other Early Sunday Games in Brief...
Vikings (2-1) vs Saints (1-2) +2.5 43.5 (London 930am et)
Viewers will hear a very loud "God Save The King"—the current hit. The Saints came up flat against the very beatable Panthers last week, but Chris Olave won the day in fantasy. London games never seem to build into wild shootouts. So it's not the greatest venue for Justin Jefferson or Alvin Kamara to rebound from disappointing numbers. The teams last met on Week 16 of 2020, when they combined for 85 points.
Pick Poll: Vikings 84%
Update: Dalvin Cook A | Michael Thomas O | Jameis Winston O | Alvin Kamara O
Browns (2-1) at Falcons (1-2) +1.0 47.0
Drake London is already WR11 on the season compared to WR27 for Chris Olave. For the Browns, David Njoku jumped to the top of the waiver wire this week, Nick Chubb is a beast, and Donovan Peoples-Jones is a no-show until Deshaun Watson returns. Myles Garrett avoided disaster from a car crash this week; he still might play. Without Garrett and possibly Jadeveon Clowney too, the Falcons could be a handful at home.
Pick Poll: Browns 79%
Update: Cordarrelle Patterson A
Commanders (1-2) at Cowboys (2-1) -3.0 41.5
After two top-5 finishes to start the season, Carson Wentz crashed to QB30 last week, taking down your fantasy Commanders with him. We are really still a week away from the best sample size for the "fantasy points allowed" statistics. For what it is worth, this is another tough matchup for Wentz. Cooper Rush isn't harming anything so far. CeeDee Lamb had his first top-10 medal of 2022 in Week 3.
Pick Poll: Cowboys 85%
Update: Michael Gallup A | Dalton Schultz A
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Seahawks (1-2) at Lions (1-2) -4.0 48.0
Until last week, Geno Smith hadn't thrown a 300+ yard passing game since 2014 — the third of his career. Geno is getting time in the pocket—something Russell Wilson rarely had. A clean pocket makes a difference. Jared Goff is playing well himself. There are good targets to go around for the Lions, and Goff seems to have settled in with a better tempo this year. A loose matchup — you can start all the fantasy relevants.
Pick Poll: Lions 85%
Update: D'Andre Swift O | Amon-Ra St. Brown O | Josh Reynolds Qep | D.J. Chark O | T.J. Hockenson Q↑
Titans (1-2) at Colts (1-1-1) -3.5 43.0
Coaches have to concentrate on winning games, but when the combatants each have the rushing titleists of the past two seasons, somehow that has to work into the game plan. Though the defenses are expecting this, you can imagine them dreading it. The Colts look much less like a run-game team than the Titans do. Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry will feature, yes, but this game could get loose from their contributions.
Pick Poll: Colts 55%
Update: Kyle Philips Q | Austin Hooper Q
Bears (2-1) at Giants (2-1) -3.0 39.5
Can the Bears finally get their offense going? The running game has saved the Bears just enough to post a 2-1 record. You can say the same for the Giants. Saquon Barkley has done all the heavy lifting. It wasn't enough on Monday night to beat the Cowboys. These teams aren't built for big comebacks. With David Montgomery injured, this opportunity for Kahlil Herbert could change the Bears backfield. Sit the QBs and WRs.
Pick Poll: Giants 69%
Update: David Montgomery O | Kadarius Toney O | Wan'Dale Robinson O | Velus Jones A
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Jaguars (2-1) at Eagles (3-0) -6.5 45.5
The Jaguars continue their rise, and along with it, fantasy interest in their players grows. Their defense is allowing the fewest rushing yards of any team. They even kept Jonathan Taylor in check in Week 2—so they passed the test. We will see if it works on the #2 rushing QB in the league. However, Jalen Hurts is also QB3 in passing yards, so the Jags secondary will have plenty of downfield business coming their way.
Pick Poll: Eagles 88%
Update: Zay Jones O | Boston Scott O
Jets (1-2) at Steelers (1-2) -3.0 41.5
Zach Wilson makes his 2022 debut this Sunday. Expect a different style offensively after Joe Flacco did a beardless impression of Ryan Fitzpatrick to open the season. Fantasy minds will pay close attention to comparing Wilson's target favorites to Flacco's. For Mitch Trubisky, a third straight loss would put his starter status in real jeopardy even before the Steelers' Week 9 bye with the Bills, Bucs, Dolphins, and Eagles ahead.
Pick Poll: Steelers 83%
Chargers (1-2) at Texans (0-2-1) +5.0 45.0
We did see less of that usual crispness in Justin Herbert's passing last week. Herbert seemed fine overall, but was unable to keep up with the Jaguars in the 38-10 loss in Week 3. This is a good matchup for Austin Ekeler as Houston currently allows the most rushing yards in the league. On the other side, Dameon Pierce is picking up steam in fantasy after a slow start. This game has real breakout potential—especially in the second half.
Pick Poll: Chargers 93%
Update: Keenan Allen O
Late Sunday: Patriots (1-2) at Packers (2-1) -9.5 40.5
As if the receivers on the Patriots needed another excuse for a fantasy downgrade...
The Patriots will start Brian Hoyer, despite Belichick's profitless attempt to pass off Mac Jones as a sort of DNP on Wednesday. When you look at how things were going for the Pats to start the season, Hoyer could be an actual upgrade. We might see the rookie, Bailey Zappe, if the Packers put the game away quickly enough.
There is still a chance for Damien Harris and/or Rhamondre Stevenson to put in good fantasy numbers. The Patriots were always going to feature them whether Mac Jones played or not. Just the same, you still have to start them with subdued expectations in this game.
The Big Cheese
We are getting closer to knowing who Aaron Rodgers will favor in his receiving corps. It appears Romeo Doubs will have that distinction until we actually see more of Christian Watson on the field.
For now, it is Doubs—without question. Against the Buccaneers, he caught all of his eight targets from Rodgers. That ticks over half the boxes on the application. Doubs can run well after the catch too. If Doubs has another game like last week, it could seal the deal and Watson may have to settle for three-man sets while on the Green Bay Packers football team.
What About Game Tempo?
We could see the best action in the first half as the Packers build toward giving Aaron Rodgers half the day off with pay. It's not that hard to forecast a heap of garbage time if that occurs. The only thing left is for the defense to keep the Patriots in single digits.
The Patriots will try to slow the game down to prevent a quick blowout, but that is exactly the reason the Packers will try to speed it up with lightning strikes from Rodgers.
From just that, you can easily figure out who the starts and sits are in this game.
Fun Fact: The Patriots haven't played at Lambeau since Week 13 of 2014. The Packers have beaten the spread seven of their last eight games, including their last five, when favored by 8 points or more at Lambeau Field.
Sleeper:Â Robert Tonyan, TE, Packers
Pick Poll: Packers 96%
Update: Mac Jones O | Jakobi Meyers O | Christian Watson A
Other Late Games in Brief...
Cardinals (1-2) at Panthers (1-2) -1.5 43.5
The Cardinals continue with their heavy blitz game on defense, but have just two sacks to show for it over three games. Normally, this game would be the tonic for the fantasy-starved D. J. Moore. Unfortunately, it depends on Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is completing just 50% of his passes for an average of 180 yards per game. So it's reasonable to expect a sluggish game here with both offenses struggling at the moment.
Pick Poll: Cardinals 77%
Update: Christian McCaffrey Qgt | Laviska Shenault Qgt | Rondale Moore Qep | A.J. Green O | Marquise Brown Qep
Broncos (2-1) at Raiders (0-3) -2.5 45.5
The Broncos continue to find ways to win games and Raiders find ways to lose. The Raiders are the only winless team. It makes for a matchup that could get interesting. Davante Adams is letting out his frustrations with his team and his token touchdown every week. Denver fans aren't warming to Russell Wilson or their new coach despite a 2-1 start. I guess we should call this the "Grumpy Bowl."
Pick Poll: Raiders 60%
Update: Melvin Gordon A | Hunter Renfrow O
Feature Games
Sunday Night: Chiefs (2-1) at Buccaneers (2-1) 0.0 45.5
We remain patient for the Buccaneers to get some healthy players on the field. Tom Brady, for all his goatness, started last week's game where the best receiver to throw to was Breshad Perriman.
You just know it intuitively that Brady pushed for Cole Beasley as an addition to the active roster.
Mike Evans is back from suspension. Whenever Chris Godwin returns, he will provide the proper matching to help the Buccaneers. And Brady will get that tailwind the team needs.
Andy Reid Stashing the Rookies
After Travis Kelce, the next two men up are Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Juju Smith-Schuster. Right now, the stats of these two don't exactly leap off the page. Fantasy managers are desperately looking for a game where they can unstash Skyy Moore. You might have to wait a while.
Andy Reid doesn't like to give rookies the chance for RoY honors. We saw this with Kelce in his rookie season. Moore and Isiah Pacheco had 14 snaps combined last week in the loss to the Colts. The most action they saw was the mop-up time in Week 1.
Moore and Pacheco are being dropped everywhere in fantasy because they no longer appear to be the good stashes they were during fantasy drafts.
One injury can change everything. If you have patient shrewdness, then keep them stashed.
You Can Start Brady
There is a lot going on in Florida with the hurricane aftermath, but the show will go on. West Florida, where the Buccaneers play, was especially hit with reverse storm surge flooding. The game will have that unfortunate atmosphere attached to it.
Leonard Fournette should get plenty of work this week. Most teams want to keep Mr. Howitzer off the field as much as possible and not let things get frantically paced. Brady would have a difficult time keeping up with the current stock on the Bucs offense.
All the usual fantasy suspects can play for you in this game. Yes, you can stream Tom Brady too.
Fun Fact: These teams last met in Week 12 at Raymond James Stadium in 2020. Patrick Mahomes threw for 462 yards and three touchdowns. Tom Brady threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
Sleeper: Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs
Pick Poll: Chiefs 72%
Update: Julio Jones Qep | Chris Godwin Q↑ | Breshad Perriman D | Marquez Valdes-Scantling Q↑
Monday Night: Rams (2-1) at 49ers (1-2) -1.5 42.5
Things look relatively safe in the hands of Jimmy Garappolo to this point. The only possible downgrade to concern ourselves with is Brandon Aiyuk, but he's always the subject of fantasy fluctuation.
The 49ers rely on defense to shape their game plans. Nick Bosa and the crew know what's ahead. Lots of Cooper Kupp.
As we have seen, a strong defense can flatten the Rams' up-tempo style. The Cardinals lost to the Rams last week, but somehow they didn't allow the Rams to run away with it.
The Cam Akers Saga
We are still some way off from trusting Cam Akers. We can expect Darrell Henderson as "first on the field" at least until their Week 7 bye. Akers fumbled near the goal line last week, which would have put the game away without any doubt. Just when you think he's out of the doghouse...
I would not trust the 49ers' pass-catchers. I would even temper expectations for George Kittle. All the Rams can start. The only "dare" starts are Akers and Henderson. Expect Henderson to get first dibs on the goal line carries, should they occur.
Look for a tight contest here with good defense.
Fun Fact: The 49ers have won their last three at home versus the Rams.
Sleeper: Ben Skowronek, WR, Rams
Pick Poll: Rams 81%
In the Booth on Sunday
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Daryl Johnston
NFLN in London
Sunday 9:30 am et
Minnesota vs New Orleans: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
CBS Early
Bills at Ravens: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Jets at Steelers: Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta
Chargers at Texans: Andrew Catalon, James Lofton
Jaguars at Eagles: Spero Dedes, Jay Feely
Browns at Falcons: Beth Mowins, Tiki Barber
FOX Early
Commanders at Cowboys: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Bears at Giants: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Seahawks at Lions: Chris Myers, Robert Smith
Titans at Colts: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
CBS Late
Patriots at Packers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Broncos at Raiders: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
FOX Late
Cardinals at Panthers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Check out the rest of our 2022 Fantasy Football content from our great team of writers.
