2012 Fantasy Football, Week 4 Waiver Wire: Christian Ponder Emerging In Minnesota
Christian Ponder (QB | Minnesota Vikings | 14 percent owned in Y!) The Vikings’ second-year play caller is developing into a fine young player, whose fake output has improved each week this season. Although Ponder has tossed just four touchdown passess through three weeks (zero interceptions) he sports a 70.1 completion percentage — which is good enough for second best in the NFL behind just Matt Ryan.
No, he hasn’t faced a defense ranked in the top 12 against the pass, but he doesn’t in the next three weeks either. In fact, he gets Detroit in week 4 who is 20th against the pass, then Tennessee and Washington the following two weeks who are 30th and 32nd against the pass respectively. His current rate of efficiency parlayed with a supporting cast on the rise (Peterson, Harvin, Rudolph), and the return of Jerome Simpson, makes for an interesting waiver wire add for those in deeper leagues and in need of some bye week help.
Jacquizz Rodgers (RB | Atlanta Falcons | 47 percent owned in Y!) Quizz saw an increase in workload during week three’s matchup against the Chargers — ten carries for 32 yards and five receptions for an additional 35 yards and a score. And the speedster could be for a similar amount of touches in week four against the Panthers, who are 27th in the NFL against the run. Rodgers is a better addition for those in PPR leagues going forward, especially if you’re a Michael Turner owner, but he could turn into a pleasant flex option for those in standard leagues as well.
Andrew Hawkins (WR | Cincinnati Bengals | 28 percent owned in Y!) Competing with A.J. Green for Andy Dalton’s attention may give nightmares to those considering Hawkins. But, calm your nerves a moment and notice that Hawkins has reeled in 12-of-16 tossed his way for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, the Bengals face the Jaguars, Dolphins and Browns in the next three weeks who are 21st, 27th and 29th against the pass respectively.
Jerome Simpson (WR | Minnesota Vikings | 12 percent owned Y!) Simpson sat out the first three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but could be ready for action in week four if he gets back to game speed. In twenty-eleven, Simpson snagged fifty passes for 700+ yards and hit paydirt four times. Other than that, see Christian Ponder’s notes above.
Jacoby Jones (WR | Baltimore Ravens | five percent owned in Y!) The former Texan hasn’t been on the field for as many snaps, nor has he seen as many looks as fellow Raven receivers Torrey Smith or Anquan Boldin, but Jacoby Jones sure has made the best of the ten looks Joe Flacco has given him. Jones reeled in seven of those ten targets for 153 yards and a score, racking up an impressive 21.9 yards per reception. Jones is an excellent hail mary for fantasy owners currently seeking bench depth, but don’t be surprised if he finds a way into your lineup soon.
Arizona (D/ST | 48 percent owned Y!) The Cardinals have surrendered zero rushing touchdowns and just two passing touchdowns to opposing offenses through three weeks. They’ve forced two interceptions and four fumbles leading to one defensive score and are second to only the Bears in sacks with 12.0. Arizona looks to continue their tough defense against Miami, St. Louis and Buffalo in the next three weeks.
Atlanta (D/ST | 31 percent owned in Y!) The Falcons have just seven sacks, but they’ve picked off opposing team’s passers seven times and have four fumble recoveries. Atlanta’s next three opponents are just 3-6.
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