The fantasy football season got back to somewhat normal in Week 4. Thanks to strong performances from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and running back Jamaal Charles we’re finally seeing high draft picks starting to put points on the board.
Unfortunately, there are still players who are supposed to be putting up points, but are struggling to do so. These players constantly pose a difficult decision in terms of whether it’s time to sell them or buy them.
Today, like every Wednesday of this young season so far, we’ll break down the players who struggled last week and let you know what their stock is as we head into Week 5.
SELL
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
It’s crazy how one week can change things, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Cousins. An absolutely putrid performance against the New York Giants brought Cousins back to earth rather quickly.
His negative 6.4 grade was easily the worst quarterback grade of the week. Cousins’ four interceptions certainly didn’t help his status, but it was the way in which those interceptions happened that makes Cousins a risky quarterback from here on out. Too often Cousins looked lost and his throws were nowhere near his receivers.
Cousins was a champ in Week 3 and a chump in Week 4. Unfortunately, his performance was so bad last week that it’s hard to see him getting back on the positive side of things.
Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers
If Lacy was going to turn it around, it should have been against the Chicago Bears. However, he simply couldn’t do it.
Lacy has somehow gotten worse in each of the last three weeks. Despite having his most yards on the year (48), he still managed his worst rushing grade of the season. His 3.1 yards-per-carry average is about as pedestrian as it can get.
With the passing game in Green Bay finally gaining speed, it’s hard to see them reverting back to the ground game anytime soon. Get rid of Lacy while you can.
Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Few tight ends were expected to make as huge of a leap as Ertz. And after recording 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, things were looking good for Ertz.
However, the last two weeks have just been flat out bad for Ertz. He’s only seen nine targets and recorded six receptions for 57 yards. His touchdown in Week 1 was the only touchdown he’s had this entire season.
Simply put, Ertz just isn’t living up to his high expectations from before the season started. With the whole offense in Philadelphia struggling, it’s hard to see Ertz ever reaching those expectations in 2014.
BUY
Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills
It’s nearly impossible to trust a rookie wide receiver. For some reason, the transition from college to the NFL seems most difficult for these players.
However, Watkins has proven that he can put up major points in fantasy football. It was just two weeks ago that he was putting up over 100 yards with a touchdown. Then last week happened and Watkins was held to only four catches for 30 yards.
The good news is that Watkins will be having a new quarterback come next week. While Kyle Orton is no Peyton Manning, he is a solid veteran who understands the ball needs to get into the playmakers hands.
Look for Watkins to bounce back in Week 5 with a strong performance against the Detroit Lions.
Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
I know, another rookie makes the list of players to buy, but Bortles looks like the real deal for Jacksonville after his first career start. Sure, his day was overshadowed by Teddy Bridgewater, but Bortles is the better buy this week in fantasy football.
While Bortles may not have an elite weapon like Cordarrelle Patterson, his trio of receives in Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee is very talented. He also has an experienced running back to fall back on in Toby Gerhart.
Furthermore, the Jaguars defense has been horrid this year, so Bortles will be forced to throw and play quite a bit of catching up this year. Bridgewater may be the talk right now for rookie quarterbacks, but look for that to change quickly with Bortles overtaking him.
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