Fantasy Football 2008: Week 4 Sleepers and Keepers Running Backs (RBs)

The first big bye week is rapidly approaching and you need to know who to start and who to sit. Last week I held up pretty well with my top ten picks at running back for week 3. I had 5 that were outstanding including the great calls on Julius Jones and Reggie Bush. I had three duds including Sammie Morris and Darren Sproles. Along with that was two so-so picks including Chris Johnson. All in all I liked my outcomes.

This week puts a few high picks on the bench including Joseph Addai. Well, stick with me and read my picks. Like them or not they have a great shot at good numbers this week. Keepers are defined as players who should be started but are not generally a first round pick (no Barbers or Gores) Sleepers are guys that are left on the waiver wire or sitting on someone's bench. Both are worth a look at when deciding who to start for your team.

1) Marshawn Lynch - Technically he's a top ten back now but he wasn't drafted like one. There is no RB who has a better matchup this week than Lynch. The miserable Rams are going to have their hands full containing him and a very consistent Trent Edwards. I would start heavy on the Bills this week including Robert Royal the TE. Barring any strange mishaps this should be a blowout and a possible 150 yard game for Lynch.

2) Chris Perry - This guy is getting all the touches in Cinncinatti. I hope I don't need to remind you of the blowup game last year with 11 touchdowns. Perry should do well against a soft run defense against Cleveland. He's still available in most leagues and should be an easy plug and chug for week 4.

3) Jamal Lewis - The other RB in the above mentioned game. The Browns are looking at every position to see where they can improve. Lewis had 13 touches last game and was visibly pissed. Odds are that Lewis will get the rock a lot more this game. Look for a return to form game for a RB that has been pushed to the bench in a lot of leagues. Dangle some trade bait to see if you can get him on the cheap and then laugh after this weekend.

4) Maurice Jones-Drew - News flash * the ankle is fine *. JD blew up this past weekend and reminded everyone why he's a top 20 back. This week's matchup couldn't be any sweeter (unless you're the Bills) as JD takes on Houston's laughable run defense. Look for big numbers and a large amount of carries this week.

5) Reggie Bush - After a great performance last week Bush takes on the 49ers team. Now I'm not sure the Saints will win but I am sure this game will be a shoot-out. Look for big numbers on both sides of the ball but look for outstanding numbers by Bush. Shockey is down and out which means Bush should get an incredible amount of looks AND touches.

6) Michael Turner - This is the game that should silence any critics of Turners. He had two great games against soft run defenses and a miserable game against a decent defense. Carolina doesn't boast the best run defense but then again it's not the worst. This should be a good test for Turner and I fully expect him to achieve 100+ yards and 2TDs.

7) Thomas Jones - This is a tricky call but I don't think the Jets will fall too far behind to negate the run game. I think the Jets will run the ball and control the game giving Arizona a run for there money. The run game mixed with a controlled Farve will bring a victory for the Jets fans.

8) Correll Buckhalter - Westbrook is hurt people, face the facts. Even if he does play he won't play without considerable help. That's where Buckhalter comes into play. He had a terrific game when Westbrook fell in the first quarter and there is no reason to expect any different even if Westbrook plays. It might even be fun to cuff block and have him sit on your bench while the guy who owns Westbrook fumes. Just saying.

9) Steve Slaton - This guy is legit and I tried to get him on waivers in about ten of my leagues. He's available and he will keep the starting job even if Green comes back. Plus what are they going to do through the ball. Things are looking grim in Houston for an air attack. Look for big numbers from Slaton.

10) LT - I have to put LT on here. I've seen some really dumb moves. I mean REALLY dumb moves. This is LT we are talking about and turf toe. Although a lingering problem it gets better every week. So for the love of the football gods stop trading him for RB2s and other ill-fated players. LT will have another 2TD performance on top of Phillip Rivers league leading more TD passes. Did I mention the Chargers are playing Oakland...

There you have it folks. Read 'em and weep. Thank me by reading my article for week 5 picks (aka subscribe to my associated content profile). Thank you!