Fantasy Football Mailbag Week 4: Marshawn Lynch, DeMarco Murray Advice

Week 4 of the NFL season is here, and with it comes more fantasy football questions.

Many fantasy players are on high alert because of the injury statuses of Marshawn Lynch and DeMarco Murray. Also, what do Rob Gronkowski owners do at tight end? We answered those questions and more in this week’s mailbag. Check it out below.

Facebook Questions

It’s tough to pick Cam Newton over Matt Ryan because of the injury situation in Carolina. The Panthers’ best receiver actually is tight end Greg Olsen with Kelvin Benjamin sidelined for the season. Newton has put up the numbers so far, but it’s a bit of a gamble with him.

Ryan, on the other hand, has Julio Jones, who arguably is the best wide receiver in the NFL. You could get a big game out of either quarterback, but Ryan is the safer play.

Lots of fantasy owners are asking this question right now. Marshawn Lynch reportedly is “50-50” for Seattle’s game against the Detroit Lions with a hamstring injury. Since the Seahawks are playing Monday, it’s a big risk to keep Lynch in your lineup.

If possible, pick up Fred Jackson or Thomas Rawls as a backup in case Lynch is a no-go at the last minute. You probably used your first-round pick on Lynch, so you probably don’t have a better option. As a result, you might need to take a chance and keep Lynch in your lineup.

False. The New York Giants ruled out Victor Cruz for this Sunday, so you don’t want him in your starting lineup.

As for DeMarco Murray, his situation is looking better. He was a full participant in the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice Thursday after sitting out in Week 3. Keep a close eye on his situation, but it looks like he might play.

That’s not the only issue with Murray, though. Even if he does play, he might not be the smartest choice at running back. The Eagles have been putrid at running the ball so far, and the Washington Redskins have the third-best running defense in the NFL. If you have another running back you are confident in, you should consider playing them.

If you don’t have a backup tight end by now, you need to pick one up — and fast. If Charles Clay is still available in your league, he would be a good pickup. Clay is emerging as one of Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s favorite targets and has scored a touchdown in each of the last two weeks.

Eric Ebron (Detroit Lions) and Gary Barnidge (Cleveland Browns) are two other players to look at if they are available in your league.

Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images