Week 4 - MOTW

It's finally here!

Your long awaited first MOTW of the season. We'll keep a format similar to last year where I call out studs, duds, and X-factors instead of going through every single position.

We'll start off with 2 teams that are crushing it in the scoring category. And while both teams have done well up to this point, I foresee a blowout loss for one of these teams.

(Also, special shoutout to Eric. Although I usually hate when people keep changing their team name, I'm okay with his consistent format of creating a name that is the opposite of his opponents. I'm looking forward to some of his future matchups; what's the opposite of Fe-Brees, The Glory Hogans, and BOBODDY?)

MOTW
1. BOBODDY vs. 4. David Y Team
Dan's team has been rampaging through the season. His strategy of nabbing a top tier QB and TE paid off as his RBs and WRs have been able to outperform their ADPs. David Y took a big risk with Zeke but it's paid off with no missed games. His decision to draft Dak and Cooper as well have also been paying massive dividends as the Cowboys offense is on fire right now and get to play against some of the weakest defenses in the league in their division.

Studs: Golladay vs. Lockett
Golladay has been all over the place this season but expect big things against a weak Kansas secondary in a game the Lions will be throwing a ton to stay in. While Marvin Jones seems to have the most pivotal plays, Golladay is still the best WR on this team and expect Stafford to look for the big target often. Lockett should have a field day against an Arizona secondary that allowed 4 TDs to Kyle Allen and the Panthers last week. While they are generally weaker against TEs, WRs still feast as long as Patrick Peterson is lurking in the backfield. The only thing limiting Lockett would be if they get out to too big of a lead.

Duds: Ertz vs. Zeke
While it seems like Ertz is due for a huge game this week after being mostly bottled up in the first 3, he'll have to wait for at least one more week. The Packers defense has been relentless in getting after the QB and they've been shutting down every TE they've faced thus far. Now, granted, none of the TEs so far have been on Ertz's level (Shaheen, Rudolph, and Fant aren't exactly fantasy stars), but the linebackers and safeties seem capable of limiting damaging throws to the big men over the middle of the field. Zeke will never be completely shut down but the matchup against the Saints doesn't bode well for him. The Saints have shut down 2 great running backs the last 2 weeks in Gurley and Carson and they are easier to pass on than run on. If Zeke does perform, it'll be due to his ability to catch balls out of the backfield.

X-Factors: Ross vs. MVS
John Ross has cooled off faster than any other player in the NFL over the past 3 weeks. He looked primed to be a star after week 1 (AJ who?) and then cratered last week with an awful performance, including multiple drops. If he can't perform against a banged up Steelers secondary that has given up at least 1 TD to WRs every week, he may disappear once AJ comes back. MVS should have a great week against a Philly defense who can't use the injury excuse anymore. Last year, their entire starting secondary was injured, but this year, even when healthy, only Malcolm Jenkins has looked competent. With much attention being placed on Davante, MVS should burn them for long gains. Philly likes to blitz often so he'll see a ton of single coverage and Rodgers is one of the best against blitzes.

Winner: Dan
I think the Cowboys may struggle more than they have in the last 3 weeks when they played 3 of the worst teams in the NFL (Giants, Redskins, Dolphins). Any regression to the mean for the Cowboys means a tough week for David. Additionally, having all the key skill players on a team can be great when they're a historically great offense, but in games where points are harder to come by, you limit the total potential for your team.

Good luck to all!

Simon Kim