Here is our Week 4 edition of Line-Up Locks. Here's a
quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):
QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Donovan McNabb @ Chi.
My take: The Bears are 28th in the league vs. the pass and Brian Westbrook is probably not going to play. What do you think the Eagles are going to do? That's right, pass the ball all day. Expect a huge day from McNabb this week.
--J.T. O' Sullivan @ NO
My take: The 49ers offense is looking like a juggernaut. Who would've thought. And going against one of the poorest defenses in a potential shootout spells a fantastic day for O' Sullivan.
--Jake Delhomme vs. ATL
My take: Delhomme disappointed a little bit last week, yes, and you might have him as your #2 QB, but I expect Delhomme to throw for a couple of TDs against a Falcons team that I'm just not sold on being very good.
Lock Out:
--
--Derek Anderson @ Cin
My take: I think Anderson is going to feel the pressure of
Brady Quinn waiting in the wings and make some mistakes, even though
he's playing a team he's exploited big time and who essentially helped
pad his Pro-Bowl stats last year.
--Kyle Orton vs. Phi.
My take: Don't be fooled by the Bears new-found passing game. They are still a running team with rookie Matt Forte. And the Eagles defense is very, very good.
--Ben Roethlisberger vs. Bal.
My take: He's hurt and going against a rejuvenated Ravens defense AND he has a rookie RB behind him this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Chris Perry vs. Cle
My take: He scored his second TD of the year last week against a much better defense than he'll face this week.
--Steve Slaton @ Jax
My take: He racked up over 100 yards last week against a good Titans defense. This week should be no different for this breakout rookie.
--Darren McFadden vs. SD
My take: His turf toe is a concern, but he's practiced fully and seems to be over it and has a very favorable matchup and still no Justin Fargas to steal carries from him. Expect a big day from McFadden.
Lock Out:
--Matt Forte vs. Phi
My take: Forte is young and exciting and has produced thus far, but the Eagles have yet to allow anyone to run for much, so I doubt this rookie can break that trend.
--Chris Johnson vs. Min
My take: Minnesota's run defense is still stout AND Lendale White is there to steal TDs. This is not a good week to put Johnson in your lineup.
--Rashard Mendenahll vs. Bal
My take: His first start and significant playing time comes against a revitalized defense with a banged up QB handing off to him.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Steve Smith vs. Atl
My take: This is the week Smith breaks out. His 60 yards last week was a tease.
--Lavernaues Coles vs. Ariz
My take: Brett Favre seems to have established a connection with Coles.
--Dwayne Bowe vs. Den
My take: It's sad when Damon Huard makes you a better player, but that's the case here. Bowe is a safe bet for 60 yards and a TD.
Lock Out:
--Torry Holt vs. Buf
My take: The Rams offense is a mess. Nobody other than Stephen Jackson warrants a start at this point.
--Brandon Lloyd vs. PHI
My take: He had one really good game and now faces a nasty Eagles defense.
--Chad Johnson vs. Cle.
My take: Leah Bodden is gone, but Chad always seems to falter a little against the Browns. I still think his shoulder is keeping him from making some catches and TJ has passed him on the targeted passes.
TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Kellen Winslow @ Cin
My take: Tight ends always do well against the Bengals and Winslow seems like one of the few Browns still playing with passion.
--Tony Scheffler @ KC
My take: The Broncos offense is impressive and the Chiefs defense is atrocious.
--Owen Daniels @ Jac
My take: This is the week for Daniels to step it up.
Lock Out:
--Vernon Davis @ NO
My take: He has been non-existant in this offense. Despite a good matchup until he proves he's in the gameplan, he should be on your bench.
--Todd Heap @ Pit
My take: I just don't see a lot of points being scored by the Ravens offense.
--Heath Miller vs. Bal.
My take: What few passing TDs that the Steelers have will go Santonio Holmes, probably, not Miller.
TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Eagles @ Chi.
--Bills @SL
--Carolina vs. Atl.
Lock Out:
--Cleveland @Cin
--Cin vs. Cle.
--Washington @ Dal