Whether you're a fantasy beginner or don't have as much time to devote to your fantasy team during the week, I'm here for you with the newest edition of Fantasy 101 - all your fantasy needs in 15 minutes or less. Because that's how long you'll need to digest this column and make your appropriate moves. The good news is this week, injuries seemed to tend on the mild side, so that's good.
But don't forget, bye weeks begin this week. The Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers don't play in Week 4, so that means most importantly, Andrew Luck, Donald Brown, Reggie Wayne, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller need to be put on your bench.
Injuries to watch:
C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills - His shoulder injury will likely keep him out for at least Sunday, but head coach Chan Gailey said he expected to have Spiller back shortly after. Fred Jackson appears to be returning to health sooner rather than later, so if he's somehow available in your league, go snatch him up. But for next week, Tashard Choice will probably start and see the majority of the carries against the Patriots, so he's worth a short-term waiver wire pickup.
Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins - It doesn't look like he's going to be out a long time. There's no structural damage in his knee, but his playing status for Sunday is up in the air. If Daniel Thomas is available in your league you have to go pick him up just in case.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions - His status for Week 4 is up in the air, so have your backup QB ready to go. Or, if you're less than thrilled with him, pick up Shaun Hill. We know the Lions are still going to throw the football and they have a great home matchup against the Vikings on Sunday.
Free agents to pick up:
Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings - Ponder put up some monster numbers against a great 49ers defense. If you have a weak No. 2 QB, Ponder is worth a pickup with bye weeks coming. Same can be said for Andy Dalton.
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions - He's the new Lions No. 1 RB and needs to be your first waiver-wire selection of the week. They drafted him to be their star and he had a heckuva 2012 debut in Week 3.
Martellus Bennett, TE, New York Giants - Even if you're in a league that doesn't mandate that you start a TE, go get Bennett. Three weeks of TDs is enough for me to know how big a part of the Giants offense he is.
Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina Panthers - Don't forget about him. He had 98 yards receiving against the Giants last Thursday, and may be a big part of the Panthers offense going forward. Unless you have an elite TE, he can start for you.
Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - Two long TDs in two straight weeks, to go along with eight catches Week 1 against Baltimore means you can't argue with his production.
Other notes of note:
1) Play as many of your players against the New Orleans Saints or Washington Redskins as you can. Their defenses are awful.
2) Watch out if you own Michael Vick. Andy Reid isn't happy with his performance. Something to keep an eye on.
3) Shonn Greene looks like he's headed to a time-share with Bilal Powell, which means his fantasy value is decreasing.
4) The Browns aren't pleased with Greg Little so far. He's in head coach Pat Shurmur's doghouse right now.
5) If Chris Johnson runs for just 26 yards when his team scores 44 points, he's not worth starting anymore.
Jason Smith hosts NFL Fantasy Live on the NFL Network and writes fantasy and other pith for NFL.com. Talk to him on Twitter @howaboutafresca, and listen to his Fantasy Podcast with Michael Fabiano and Elliot Harrison every week on nfl.com. He only asks you never bring up when the Jets play poorly.
