The NFP All-First Quarter Team

The conclusion of Week 4 means that we have essentially reached the quarter mark of the 2008 season.  After four weeks of action, here are my “Fantasy First Quarter” awards.  As always, I want to know what you think about my selections, and if you see it differently.

NFP ALL FIRST QUARTER TEAM

Quarterback

Jay Cutler    Denver Broncos:  This was a tough decision with the performances of Philip Rivers and Drew Brees, but Cutler is sitting 3-1 and is the highest scoring fantasy quarterback after four weeks.  His stat line at the quarter mark (1,274 yards, 9 TDs, 4 INTs, 98.5 rating) has fantasy owners drooling over the fact that they were able to draft him in the middle rounds.  Cutler and WR Brandon Marshall form the most dynamic QB/WR tandem in the league.  Denver’s inability to slow down opposing offenses means that Cutler will continue to throw the ball all over the field for the rest of the year.

Running Backs

Michael Turner    Atlanta Falcons:  The Burner earns a spot on the All First Quarter Team because of his two nasty performances against Detroit and Kansas City, which has elevated him to the coveted spot as the top fantasy running back after four games.  In addition, I wanted to show him some love here because I don’t think his production is going to stay at its current level, meaning the next time these awards are handed out, he won’t be mentioned.  Turner was shut down against Carolina and Tampa Bay, and has several more quality defenses left on the schedule.  While the future may look a little cloudy, the 422 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns certainly looked impressive in the opening four weeks. 

Frank Gore    San Francisco 49ers:  Has there ever been a guy who has done so much, and had so little said about it?  Gore is quietly racking up a monster season (369 yards rushing, 4.9 YPC, 3 TDs, 15 receptions, 156 yards) while names like Barber and Peterson grab all of the headlines.  Either way, the new Mike Martz system seems to be working quite well for Gore owners, who currently possess the #2 ranked fantasy RB.  San Francisco knows that in order to win, Gore needs to be fed a steady diet of touches, on the ground and through the air.  At 2-2, the 49ers are going to try their hardest to make a run in the wide open NFC West, which is good news because that means more Gore. 

Wide Receivers

Anquan Boldin    Arizona Cardinals:  It isn’t tough to tell that Boldin is playing for a new contract, is it?  This was a tough call on draft day, not because of his talent, but because nobody was sure how Boldin’s public dispute with the Cardinals front office was going to play out, which in turn, dropped his draft value.  Boldin is currently the top scoring fantasy wide out, with 27 catches for 366 yards and 5 scores.  Head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s decision to start Kurt Warner at QB has made all the difference in the desert for Boldin and Fitzgerald.  The only concern right now is his status after that ferocious hit he took yesterday against the Jets.  We will keep you posted, and we wish him the best with a speedy recovery.

Brandon Marshall    Denver Broncos:  This guy is an absolute animal.  31 catches for 398 yards and 3 touchdowns…in 3 GAMES!  Marshall is currently averaging 10 grabs for 132 yards and 1 TD every time he steps onto the field.  Quarterback Jay Cutler’s emergence as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks has risen Marshall’s game to a new level.  The only thing that has slowed him down so far this year is a suspension, which held him out of the Broncos Week 1 win at Oakland.  This appears to be everyone’s clear cut choice for fantasy receiver of the year, and he came at a great value.  Since the Broncos are incapable of keeping their opponents out of the end zone expect to see a healthy dose of Marshall for the rest of the season. 

Tight End

Jason Witten    Dallas Cowboys:  We had him ranked #1 in our fantasy draft guide and after four weeks, he is #1 in points.  Witten has once again proven to be a steady, consistent piece of a well-oiled fantasy machine.  Through four weeks he’s caught 27 passes for 363 yards and 1 TD.  Expect the scores to increase as the season plays itself out and opposing defenses shift more of their attention to Owens, Crayton and Austin. 

Defense/ST

Tennessee Titans:  When you talk about value, no better fantasy pick comes to mind than the Tennessee defense.  Written off by most publications (Michael Lombardi LOVES these guys) the Titans have absolutely shut down their opposition in 2008, allowing only 48 points and 1,054 yards of total offense.  Tennessee has picked off 8 passes, recovered 4 fumbles, scored 2 touchdowns, and racked up 15 sacks.  They love to run the football, thereby controlling the clock and keeping their defense rested and ready to dominate.  As long as they stay healthy, expect this unit to be a top 3 defense by the end of the season.

Kicker

Matt Prater    Denver Broncos:  9 field goals including 3 from 50+ and 14 extra points have Prater at the top of the heap.  That’s all I have to say.  We don’t play fantasy football because we care about kickers. 

 

TOP SLEEPER

Chris Johnson    RB    Tennessee Titans:  We certainly can’t call him a sleeper, but for everyone out there who hasn’t been reading the National Football Post, NOW YOU KNOW!  Johnson has been nothing short of spectacular in his first four NFL games.  The rookie speedster from East Carolina has rushed for 337 yards (7^th in NFL), averages 5.0 YPC (6^th in NFL for 50+ carries), has scored 3 total touchdowns and has caught 10 passes for 65 yards ALL WHILE SPLITTING THE WORK LOAD WITH LENDALE WHITE!  Imagine what this kid could do if he was an every down back?  Scary.

BIGGEST BUST

Braylon Edwards    WR    Cleveland Browns:  Yes, he scored a TD yesterday, which raised his total for the season.  He now has 1.  In four games, Edwards has caught only 11 passes for 95 total yards.  This is a major disappointment for a top 20 draft pick.  Cleveland didn’t exactly torch the Bengals secondary yesterday, so there doesn’t seem to be a silver lining in this fairy tale.