Game Previews: All Fantasy Relevant Players For Week 4

Eagles vs. Titans

Eagles

Just 3 days ago saw the return of Carson Wentz, as well as a shockingly close game between the Colts and Eagles. Seemingly out of the blue, rookie TE Dallas Goedert established himself as a solid option in the recovering Eagles offense while Wentz reminded everyone simultaneously that he had missed 9 months of football, but was still the same man. This week, the Eagles get a deceptively talented Titans defense and a notably injured offense as opponents. With the possible return of Alshon Jeffery, Jay Ajayi, AND Darren Sproles, as well as another week for Carson Wentz to get his groove back, what will the various Eagles studs fantasy outlooks be? Let’s find out…

The Wentz Wagon Picks up Steam

This week will most likely be a BIG step back into the spotlight for the league’s most talented redhead. Not only will the pious North Dakota product be facing a Titans team that will be missing their starting safety all season, the same team already allowed Deshaun Watson to throw for 310 yards and 2 TDs (as well as 1 INT), but he will be getting back his starting #1 WR, RB, and passing back. In addition, he’s already developed “decent” chemistry with rookie TE Dallas Goedert, allowing Doug Pederson to trot out his dual TE package with far more regularity. Look for Wentz to further refine his game as the multitude of offensive weapons the Eagles offense flaunts enter back into the fold.

Backs in the Saddle Again

All reports I’ve gathered point to Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles returning to the field this weekend from their respective back and hamstring injuries. This, of course, means Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood return to backup and reserve roles respectively while Josh Adams remains irrelevant. As for the three backs that will likely get significant reps on Sunday, they might be in for a fun one. The Titans boast the 7th worst rush defense by yards per attempt this season, and if the punishing Eagles defense can do the seemingly easy job of shutting down their opponents hobbled offense, then there should be plenty of carries to go around. Look for a high-end RB2 performance from Jay Ajayi, as well as solid flex contributions from Corey Clement and Darren Sproles.

Receiving a Big Boost

What of the Eagles pass catchers in this one? Well, it’s a bit of a toss-up yet again. The Titans boast the 8th least receiving yards allowed through the first three games of the season, but have simultaneously allowed the 7th most fantasy points to receivers. How is this? The Titans have been particularly susceptible to the big play. Seeing as the Eagles have yet to establish ANYONE in that role this season, it’ll be interesting to see where the Eagles production through the air comes from. My best guess has USC product Nelson Agholor and the returning Alshon Jeffery benefiting most from the suspect safety play of the Titans. One final note: the Titans rank 1st in fantasy points allowed to TE’s, albeit against three teams which scarcely utilize their TE’s, so keep that in mind when blindly hopping aboard the Dallas Goedert hype train.

How Bout That D Tho?

You’re starting the Birds defense regardless, but if you had some doubts following a seemingly mediocre showing against the Colts, here are some tidbits for you to consider: 1) The Eagles allowed a mere 16 points despite two turnovers by the offense within their own 30 yard line, and 2) The Titans will likely be without starting tackle Jack Conklin, and will be without, or with an injured version of Marcus Mariota on Sunday.

Predictions!

The Titans D has been deceptively tough through three games this season, however they have yet to play an offense on par with that of the Eagles. Look for a big play or two mixed in with efficient play from Wentz and the pass catchers, while the Birds on the ground keep the game well out of reach for the Titans. Jeffery should see significant snaps, but not his usual workload or target share.

Carson Wentz: 27/36, 330 yards, 3 TD

Zach Ertz: 6 rec, 60 yards, 1 TD

Dallas Goedert: 2 rec, 21 yards

Alshon Jeffery: 4 rec, 45 yards

Nelson Agholor: 6 rec, 105 yards, 1 TD

Jordan Matthews: 2 rec, 23 yards

Jay Ajayi: 14 carries, 68 yards, 1 rush TD, 2 rec, 15 yards

Corey Clement: 8 carries, 50 yards, 4 rec, 50 yards, 1 rec TD

Wendell Smallwood: 6 carries, 35 yards

Defense: 3 sacks, 7 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT

FINAL: Eagles win 31-13

-Alex Silverman

Titans

Who’s starting at QB, and does it matter?

Marcus Mariota will probably be back behind center in week 4, but this doesn’t make him a viable fantasy option. Corey Davis is at best flex-able at wide receiver, but Rishard Matthews wants out of town due to not being used. Taywan Taylor has looked good, but I really don’t trust the volume here…especially against a good Philadelphia defense that is allowing less than 20 points per game. I would bench the entire passing game if possible until there is a better matchup, and more proof that the offense works behind Mariota.

How are we feeling about the running backs?

No running back has hit 40 yards yet against the Eagles. That’s a bad sign for both Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. Lewis will have his usual passing game upside, so I can defend starting him this week if you need to. However, I would bench Henry in all formats considering he has yet to hit 60 yards in a game. I’m skeptical of his value this year, and I would probably move on if anyone in your league is interested.

Is the defense good enough to stop the Eagles?

The Titans defense is giving up less than 17 points per game this year while the Eagles offense puts up less than 20 points per week. This is exactly the kind of matchup we should be looking for. It seems like Carson Wentz is still getting back into prime shape, Alshon Jeffery probably won’t play, and Jay Ajayi is still banged up from his injury. I am fine with starting the Titans against a less-than-healthy Eagles team this week, and they appear to be a good unit in most matchups.

-Matt Cava