49ers' Patrick Willis glides into the end zone after a 23 yard interception return for a TD in Sunday's win vs. the Rams
49ers D/ST (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 43)
The 49ers defense/special teams absolutely dominated Kyle Boller and the Rams on Sunday. The defense scored twice in the game, including a 23 yard interception return by LB Patrick Willis for a TD in the 3rd quarter and a fumble recovery in the end zone by DL Ray McDonald in the 4th quarter. They also scored on special teams earlier in the game when the Rams botched a punt return, which the 49ers’ LB Scott McKillop fell on in the end zone for a TD. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Singeltary, the 49ers defense has vastly improved and is quickly becoming one of the better defenses in the NFL. If they’ve yet to be claimed in your fantasy league, I suggest you pick them up immediately, but be aware that the schedule begins to toughen with match ups vs. Atlanta, @ Houston and @ Indianapolis looming.
David Garrard- QB Jacksonville Jaguars (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 31)
With the way the Titans’ pass defense has played this season, I expected David Garrard to perform like a #1 QB option in week 4, but in no way did I expect him to have the type of production he had. Garrard threw for 323 yards and 3 TD’s, completing 27 or 37 passes attempted, in a crushing 37-17 defeat of the Titans. He added 38 yards on the ground as well and lost 1 fumble. Garrard has been somewhat inconsistent this year, but when the match up is right, it might be a good idea to get him in your lineup.
Rashard Mendenhall- RB Pittsburgh Steelers (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 30)
Just last week, Mendenhall was not only stuck behind Willie Parker on the Steelers’ RB depth chart, but also in head coach Mike Tomlin’s doghouse due to issues with his game preparation. Well that all changed on Sunday vs. the Chargers. With Parker out with an injury, Mendenhall got the start and did not disappoint. He rushed for 165 yards on 29 carries with 2 TD’s in a 38-28 win on Sunday night. Having lost much of his rookie season to injury in 2008, Mendenhall finally showed the Steelers what they hoped they were getting when they took him in the first round of last year’s draft.
Steve Smith- WR New York Giants (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 25)
Smith continued his brilliant sophomore season with a career high 11 receptions for 134 yards and 2 TD’s when the Giants visited the Chiefs on Sunday. Drafted by most in the latter rounds as a reserve WR, Smith has undoubtedly emerged as a clear must-start #1 WR option going forward. He now leads the entire NFL in receptions with 34 and receiving yards with 411. The only cloud hovering over an otherwise phenomenal start to his season is the status of Giants QB, Eli Manning, who left Sunday’s game with an injury to his right heel. As long as Eli is at QB, Smith will be a viable option for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Antonio Gates- TE San Diego Chargers (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 24)
After 3 relatively quiet weeks to open the season, Gates broke out in a big way in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. He recorded 9 catches for 124 yards, including two 4th quarter TD’s as the Chargers rallied back late in the game. Gates took advantage of the Steelers missing safety Troy Polamalu, as he was able to find plenty of space throughout Pittsburgh’s secondary. The Chargers have a bye in week 5, but will host the Denver Broncos and their top rated defense when they return to action in week 6.
Breakout Performance of the Week:
Matt Forte- RB Chicago Bears (Standard Fantasy Pts in Week 4: 19)
After 3 disappointing performances to open the season, Forte finally had the type of game fantasy owners envisioned when they drafted him with a top 5 pick. He was listed as questionable before the game with a knee injury, but was able to give it a go, rushing 12 times for 121 yards and a TD in a 48-24 blowout of the Detroit Lions. Forte had a long run of 61 yards and scored his touchdown from 37 yards out. It remains to be seen if Forte can keep up this pace and post numbers like he did in his rookie season, but this is definitely the start of good things to come for the sophomore RB out of Tulane.
VN:F [1.8.5_1061]
Rating: 10.0/10 (3 votes cast)
VN:F [1.8.5_1061]
Rating: +2 (from 2 votes)
