TDZ DangerWire(TM) Update - Week 4

There was a whole lot of fantasy commotion this week as replacement referees have taken over. When in doubt, always plug in your players who are on their home turf, like Justin Tucker, or Golden Tate.

What do you do if they're playing themselves?!

TDZ breaks down the chaos ahead of the Week 4 action.


Jamaal Charles - RB - Kansas City Chiefs
Charles erupted for 288 total yards and a TD, including 33 rushes for 233 yards.
Analysis
One of those rushes accounted for a 91-yard score, but even after subtracting that from his total, he still averaged a solid 4.4 yards per carry. Alas, misfortune was heaped upon those owners who dared bench this galloping legend. He's so fast, his name is a Doppler Effect - start him. Jam-aaaaaaal...

Torrey Smith - WR - Baltimore Ravens
Following the death of his brother earlier in the day, Smith led the Ravens receiving corps with 6 catches for 127 yards and 2 TDs.
Analysis
It was an inspiring performance for Smith as he led the Ravens to an emotional win over the Patriots. Fantasy owners were not sure earlier in the day whether they could start Smith in the night game, but those who did got elite results from the second year wideout. Look for him to build on last year's strong rookie campaign.

Ben Roethlisberger - QB - Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger led the NFL in passing for Week 3 with 384 yards and 4 TDs.
Analysis
The quattro and elite yardage total was great to see from Big Ben. But by "see" I simply mean seeing it in the box score. Actually watching him play and hold on to the ball too long is an exercise in cardiac arrest. Take the stats and appreciate him virtually.

Kevin Smith - RB - Detroit Lions
Mikel LeShoure has replaced Smith as the starting running back for the Lions as Smith had no touches against the Titans.
Analysis
Welp, it's that time of year again: kick Kevin Smith to the curb day. Most thought that he would at least split carries since he split first-team reps in practice, but nope, he's the Rodney Dangerfield of RBs. Drop him for now, then pick him up around Week 13 of next year when the team is forced to begrudgingly let him play for injured players again.

Golden Tate - WR - Seattle Seahawks
Tate finished his Monday night with 3 catches for 68 yards and 2 TDs, including a controversial reception at the end of regulation that gave Seattle the victory over Green Bay.
Analysis
Tate threw around his maple bar-fed girth on the final play of the game and "caught" the Hail Mary for his second "score" of the day. With the union of pro referees coming back to work this weekend, Tate is beyond marginal as a potential fantasy play now.

Chris Johnson - RB - Tennessee Titans
Johnson finished Week 3 with 29 total yards.
Analysis
Jake Locker has more rushing yards, and he's only run the ball 8 times compared to CJ0045's 33 rushes. At 1.4 yards per carry this year, it's impossible to trade him for anyone of comparable preseason value. Make like the Red Sox do with John Lackey and just (pretend to) grin and bear it.
Editors note: I just learned that Lackey's middle name is Derran. No wonder he's the opposite of awesome.