Week 4 Fantasy Update: Brady, Ryan, Fitzpatrick Among Top Performers, Sanchez, Cassel Struggling

Week 4 has been a slow fantasy week, but there’s still some excitement.

Phillip Rivers and Matt Ryan are doing well for their teams, and the Chargers are putting on a show in Kansas City. They have intercepted Matt Cassel three times, blocked an extra point and recovered two fumbles. So, they’ve already forced five turnovers at halftime.

Rivers is doing a nice job patrolling the offense, as he has thrown for 181 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Matt Ryan has done a better job with the Falcons, though. He has already thrown for three touchdowns and 215 yards for Atlanta, who is looking to continue their undefeated season. The Falcons lead the Panthers 24-21.

Roddy White leads all fantasy receivers in points, catching seven passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He has helped Ryan and the Falcons in their quest for a fourth win, while Cam Newton has helped the Panthers. He has 179 passing yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, as he is shredding a decent Falcons defense.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has 262 passing yards and three passing touchdowns for the Bills, who are tied with the Patriots. Buffalo, who is 2-1 this year, is well on their way to send New England to a 1-3 start. Fitzpatrick has done his part, despite throwing two interceptions. The Bills’ quarterback has been great this year, and he’s trying to continue his great play for a whole season.

Christian Ponder gobbled up the 49ers defense last week, but Mark Sanchez hasn’t done the same thing. He has thrown for just 89 yards and an interception, while another pick was dropped. He’s been bad, and his Jets trail 24-0 in the fourth quarter. Matt Cassel has been worse, though, throwing three interceptions for the Chiefs (although he now has a touchdown pass).

Running backs aren’t having a great week, although some have done well. Arian Foster has 72 rushing yards and a touchdown, Chris Johnson has compiled 86 rushing yards, and Adrian Peterson has 97 rushing yards. Wide receiver Percy Harvin only has 12 rushing yards, but he took a kick back 105 yards for a touchdown. Stevan Ridley has 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots, who are finally receiving some production from their ground game. Minnesota, who is tied for the lead in the NFC North, leads the Lions 20-6 in the third quarter.

Oh, and Brandon Bolden, who most people probably hadn’t heard of before today, has 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns for New England.

Scott Chandler has been great for the Bills, as he has caught four passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Donald Jones also has a receiving touchdown (and 90 receiving yards) for Buffalo. Wes Welker has broken a recent slump with seven catches for 104 yards, while Rob Gronkowski, who was questionable to play today, has 104 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Tom Brady has been exceptional, doing well for the thousands of fantasy owners who are depending on him. Brady has 290 passing yards, a rushing touchdown and two passing touchdowns, and he is trying to help the Patriots avoid a third straight loss. He has been much better than Fitzpatrick, which is a good sign for the Patriots.

Greg Zuerlein may be the leading fantasy performer today, though. He has made field goals from 48, 58, and 60 yards out, helping the Rams take a 16-10 lead over the Seahawks. The rookie kicker probably isn’t owned in a ton of fantasy leagues, but people will take notice of today’s performance and probably pick him up. If you’re in need of a good kicker, try to pick up Zuerlein in your league.

As for defenses, the 49ers and Chargers are dominating. San Francisco has held the Jets scoreless so far, forcing four turnovers along the way and returning one back for a touchdown. The Chargers have forced five turnovers, but they have also allowed 13 points.

Stay tuned for more fantasy updates.