Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 4
By Donnie Druin
Start
Tevin Coleman vs. Cincinnati – If you ever find Tevin Coleman in the “start” section for these sorts of articles, that can only mean one thing: Devonta Freeman is hurt. This is indeed the case again, as Freeman continues to heal from a knee injury that will keep him out at least another week, yet no official word has been made on his availability this week. Should Coleman get the nod, he will receive another week’s worth of work as Atlanta’s clear No. 1 back.
Coleman will have the privilege of facing a Bengals defense that just allowed the Panthers to gain 230 yards on the ground. Coleman saw 15 attempts last week in what turned out to be a shootout with the Saints, and will look to find success on the ground this week in what is less likely to be a repeat of last week. Should the Falcons find their groove on the ground and hit the reset button against the Bengals, Coleman is in line to have himself a nice day at the office.
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Phillip Lindsay vs. Kansas City – Phillip Lindsay found himself jumping all over defenses before jumping on a pile of players that led to an early ejection for this season’s Cinderella story at running back. Lindsay will return to the field in Week 4 (and hopefully leaves his boxing gloves behind) against a Kansas City team that has allowed over 111 yards per game on the ground, while giving up three touchdowns so far.
Lindsay has emerged himself as the Broncos lead back, and another sufficient workload should follow against a Chiefs front that has been friendly to ball-carriers thus far in 2018. Lindsay has proven to be the best back moving forward for Denver, and with another high-scoring game on deck for this AFC West showdown, Lindsay should return to fantasy football prominence.
Sit
David Johnson vs. Seattle – This may be more surprising to write than the Tannehill start. David Johnson has proven to be one of the best backs in the league…does Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy know this? To say Johnson has been underwhelming in 2018 has been an understatement. DJ’s high in every category this year: 13 attempts, 48 rushing yards, five receptions, 30 yards, and two total touchdowns on the year.
The Cardinals will play host to a Seahawks defense that has yet to allow a runner in the end zone in 2018. Should Johnson have proven to be utilized properly by McCoy, this matchup could be inviting considering Seattle has given up the third most rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry. Yet DJ remains sidelined in terms of potential, and with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen getting the nod, absolutely nothing is solidified with this Cardinals offense.
Sony Michel vs. Miami – With news of Rex Burkhead hitting injured reserve, the backfield in New England just opened up for more opportunities for the Patriots first round pick. Many are high on Michel to have his break-out game this week against the Dolphins, but I’m hesitant to see if Bill Belichick will actually hand Michel the keys to the offensive backfield.
The Dolphins currently limit opposing teams to 89 yards per game on the ground, good for 3.3 yards per attempt against running backs such as Marshawn Lynch and Derrick Henry. With a Belichick-led team, two things are a guarantee: Backfield by committee, and lean on Tom Brady. James White should also see an uptake in snaps for New England, as it’s his role to lose moving forward. Michel has good potential as a fantasy back down the road, but perhaps his run doesn’t begin with Miami.