Weekly Matchups: Strong Plays, Weak Plays Week 4

STRONG PLAYS

Jason Campbell vs. NE

Campbell is far from a fantasy stud, but the Patriots secondary has made everyone look great in 2011. The Patriots have allowed the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season and have yet to hold a single passer to less than 350 yards. Furthermore, the Patriots have allowed two touchdown throws in each of their first three games. While Campbell may not reach these numbers, he may be worth a look if your starter is a little banged up or has a tough matchup.

Frank Gore vs. PHI

Gore (ankle) was deemed "good to go" at press time by 49ers' coach Jim Harbaugh. Gore has yet to break 60 yards rushing this season; however he continues to get carries and should have his best week of the season in this matchup. The Eagles have allowed the most rushing yards to running backs this season while giving up three receiving touchdowns to the running back position. Look for Gore to get back in the good graces of his fantasy owners this week barring another set back with his ankle.

Rex Grossman vs. STL

While Grossman still can be a turnover machine, he has had a nice run for fantasy owners, throwing for at least 250 yards in each of his first three games. Grossman also has five touchdowns this season and has a matchup that should have fantasy owners seeing a lot of Good Rex. The Rams have surrendered the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season The Rams have given up seven touchdowns through the air against only one interception and are coming off a game in which they allowed nearly 400 yards to Joe Flacco. Look for Grossman to put up starter quality numbers in Week 4.

Greg Olsen vs. CHI

Olsen is coming off a seven-catch effort against Jacksonville and already has 20 targets in his first three games. Expect another strong performance as Olsen faces his old team in Chicago. The Bears have surrendered the third most points to the tight end position and have yet to allow less than 72 yards per game from the position. Expect Olsen to be targeted often and have a solid performance in Week 4.

Atlanta DEF vs. SEA

The Falcons don't inspire much confidence normally as they have allowed almost 26 points a game, but they are coming off a solid 16 points allowed against Tampa Bay. The Falcons should be able to have their best pass rushing output of the season while keeping the points allowed fairly low, as the Seahawks average just 10 points a game while allowing a league-high 14 sacks. Just as the Cardinals were a solid play last week vs. the Seahawks, the Falcons should be a nice one-week start for owners whose defenses are matched up against the NFL's elite offenses.

WEAK PLAYS

Joe Flacco vs. NYJ

Flacco was terrific last week, throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns after struggling mightily against the Titans in Week 2. Expect a struggling Flacco this week as the he faces off against the Jets in a big AFC game. The Jets has surrendered the fewest points to fantasy quarterbacks this season and surprisingly have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to running backs. Look for Flacco to struggle this week as the ground game gets a lot of work against a suspect run defense.

Shonn Greene vs. BAL

Greene continues to struggle in year three, failing to reach 60 yards in any of his three games. Expect Greene to extend his rushing slump a bit longer as he faces a powerful Ravens run defense. The Ravens have given up the fifth fewest fantasy points to running backs and have allowed just one rushing touchdown. Greene might eventually break out, but it is highly unlikely it will happen this week.

Daniel Thomas vs. SD

Thomas has clearly become the Dolphins' top option on the ground, gaining 202 yards in his first two NFL games. Thomas is a safe bet to get 20 carries a game most weeks and projects to be at least a flex-option in fantasy lineups. This week, however, Miami faces a Chargers run defense that has allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season and just one rushing touchdown. With the Dolphins' defensive struggles, don't be surprised if Miami has to throw the ball a lot, limiting Thomas' production.

Nate Washington vs. CLE

Washington has clearly moved to the top pass catching option in Tennessee with Kenny Britt's season-ending knee injury. Washington faces a tough test in his first week as the No. 1 receiver in Tennessee as he faces a Browns pass defense that has allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Furthermore, top wide receiver targets are averaging just four catches for 51 yards this season against the Browns. Look for Washington to struggle in his new role this week.

Fred Davis vs. STL

Davis had been a fantasy star at tight end in his first two weeks but was brought back to earth in Week 3 as he had just one catch while Chris Cooley caught four passes. Neither figure to have productive games this week against a Rams defense that has allowed just seven catches for 77 yards to tight ends this season. The Rams have disappointed in most defensive areas this season, so a lot of Redskins should be active in your lineup this week, but Davis is probably best suited for the bench.