■ 01 October 2008 | 1:17 AM
What with Jets QB Brett Favre throwing for 6 TDs - three to Laveranues Coles - and the Chiefs whipping the Broncos while the Redskins upset the Cowboys in Dallas, Week 4 didn't go exactly as expected. But here are a few things to take from the games:
- Even with their overtime win over Baltimore, the Steelers are hurting on offense, literally and figuratively. RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) is done for the season and RB Willie Parker (knee) is out for Sunday's game at Jacksonville. QB Ben Roethlisberger, battling an ailing shoulder, is averaging 1 TD pass and 119.5 passing yards per game. Hines Ward is the top receiver, and he is averaging 4.3 catches and 56.5 ypg. Stick with Ward and Santonio Holmes, but don't start RB Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh's last healthy running back.
- All healthy Saints WRs and QB Drew Brees are good options, no matter what. Even without injured TE Jeremy Shockey and WRs Marques Colston and WR David Patten limited, Brees threw 35 times, completing 23 for 363 yards. Lance Moore is a good option, at least until Colston returns. So is Robert Meachem, who has 185 receiving yards the past two games.
- Bengals RB Cedric Benson, signed Tuesday, isn't worth picking up. QB Carson Palmer should return this week, but Cincinnati's offense is still a mess. The Bengals won't throw Benson right into the mix, and they don't gain enough yards to have fantasy use for a part-timer.
- Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter is a decent, but not great, fill-in if Brian Westbrook doesn't play Sunday against Washington. Buckhalter gained 66 yards and 1 TD against a Chicago run defense which is much better than the Redskins'. But he couldn't score late from the 1-yard line. Don't expect terrific fantasy numbers.
- Browns QB Brady Quinn's time is coming soon. Derek Anderson got the win against Cincinnati, but threw for only 138 yards and 1 TD with 1 INT. Another outing like that in a loss and Quinn will take over. I'd trade Anderson if you can.
- No matter who the QB is, St. Louis' offense is a mess. Marc Bulger will start for the rest of the season, but don't expect great fantasy value from Torry Holt. Trade him if you can. Also, TE Randy McMichael is out at least eight weeks and possibly for the season with a broken tibia.
- Le'Ron McClain is Baltimore's most valuable running back. With Willis McGahee battling injury, rushed for 63 yards and 1 TD against stingy Pittsburgh. He is taking the Ravens' goal-line carries, and might be available as a free agent.
- Saints RB Deuce McAllister is worth picking up. He rushed 20 times for 73 yards and 1 TD against San Francisco and says he feels fine. With so many other players hobbled, McAllister should be a part of the offense.
Thursday I'll start previewing Week 5, and add in any injury news.
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