Flames/Lames: Donald Brown is about to rock Fantasytown

Brad and Andy return live this week to answer your questions and discuss their flames, lames and need to know names for Week 4. Submit your questions for Friday night's "Fantasy Freak Show" on The Score at freakshow670@yahoo.com.You can also dial the studio line starting around 8 PM PT/10 PM CT/11 PM ET at 312-644-6767 or text us at 67011. You can also follow the show, and the Noise, via Twitter.

Each week the Noise highlights eight somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined for flame madness or lame sadness. Being an accountability advocate, he will tally his hits and misses and post the results, whether genius or moronic, each week using the scoring system posted here.

More Noise: His Royal Lowness

FLAMES

David Garrard(notes), Jac, QB (Noise QB Rank: 10, Start: 10-teams plus)

Matchup: vs. Ten

Over the very young season, the Beer Truck has occasionally caused owners to experience bitter beer face. Ranked No. 19 among signal callers, he's averaged just 206 yards per contest and tossed a 2:1 TD:INT split. But coming off a fine performance at Houston (214 pyds, 29 rshyds, TD), he should be a trustworthy start in a bye-heavy week. Because Kyle Vanden Bosch(notes) and his trench cohorts haven't even allowed a porcupine to pierce the frontline, teams have picked on the Titans' shaky secondary. As a result, Tennessee has yielded 297 passing yards per game and seven vertical strikes equal to the second-most fantasy points surrendered. Throw in Jacksonville's defensive shortcomings, and Garrard should manufacture a smooth, not skunky, taste in Week 4.

Fearless Forecast: 20-33, 233 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 18 rushing yards, 20 fantasy points

Glen Coffee(notes), SF, RB (Noise RB Rank: 8, Start: All leagues)

Matchup: vs. StL

Against the repulsive Rams, the Juan Valdez of NFL rushers is destined to produce instant results for waiver-hawking owners. The Alabama Slamma', an intimidating man to tackle, runs with incredible, bone-crushing power, which he displayed routinely during the preseason (Highlights here). Injured incumbent Frank Gore(notes) possesses more explosiveness and versatility, but Coffee fits ideally into Jimmy Raye's pound-you-into-submission scheme. St. Louis has performed marginally against the run, surrendering 4.2 yards per carry, 143.7 total yards per game and three scores to backs this season. However, the Rams haven't faced an offensive line that matches San Fran's in size and skill. Mike Singletary and Raye will not stray away from the Niners' smash-mouth style. Though he had difficulty penetrating the Williams Wall in Minnesota last week, Coffee is bound to percolate with roughly 20-25 carries.

Fearless Forecast: 22 carries, 95 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 12 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 17 fantasy points

Donald Brown(notes), Ind, RB (Noise RB Rank: 18, Start: 10-teams and deeper)

Matchup: vs. Sea

Blessed with a placid demeanor and an exceptional all-around skill set, Brown is Indy's quiet assassin. Though still firmly entrenched in a near 50-50 timeshare with the not-yet-rotting-corpse Joseph Addai(notes), the former UConn standout has become Jim Caldwell's Mariano Rivera. Balanced, deceptively powerful tender-handed and quick through the hole, he's averaged an appreciable 70.3 total yards per game and 6.4 yards per touch. This week against susceptible Seattle, the youngster should be relied on as an RB2 in deeper formats. Gashed repeatedly by the run, the Hawks have conceded 5.6 yards per carry, 168.3 total yards per game and three TDs to rushers this season. Brown may post lackluster numbers early, but once Indianapolis builds an insurmountable lead he'll be employed to slam the door late. Keep in mind Seattle may again be without the services of defensive stalwarts Lofa Tatupu(notes) and Leroy Hill(notes).

Fearless Forecast: 13 carries, 74 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 21 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15 fantasy points

Rashard Mendenhall(notes), Pit, RB (Noise RB Rank: 24, Start: 12-teams and deeper)

Matchup: vs. SD

Our obsession for Rush-ard, though significantly milder when compared to the PT Bruiser, is well-documented. Still the former Illinois standout has produced blandly on the field in his early career. Scrawling repeatedly "I will never put forth a half-assed effort again" on the chalkboard in detention last week, Mendenhall is motivated to prove his mettle. With Willie Parker(notes), who missed practice Wednesday, in considerable "pain" due to a plaguing turf toe injury, the restricted rusher may be elevated from doghouse to penthouse if the incumbent is a late scratch. Though Mewelde Moore(notes) would also see a sharp increase in playing time, the second-year back's plowing interior style is a better fit given the matchup. Sans Jamaal Williams, the Chargers are very pliable inside. On the season, they've allowed 4.6 yards per carry, 187.7 total yards per game and four scores to RBs equal to the third-most fantasy points yielded. If Parker is unavailable or severely limited, Mendenhall is a risky pick who could turn an excellent profit. However, Pittsburgh's suspect offensive line must perform at least respectably.

Fearless Forecast (minus Parker): 15 carries, 64 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13 fantasy points

Kevin Walter(notes), Hou, WR (Noise Rank: 13, Start: All leagues)

Matchup: vs. Oak

In Medieval times, garlic cloves, pockets full of posies and bizarre bird-inspired costumes were thought to ward off the Black Death. Different from the past, targeting Walter is Houston's remedy of choice. With premiere cover corner Nnamdi Asomugha(notes) blanketing Andre Johnson(notes), the Texans' crafty No. 2 will have a chance at redemption after he nullified a game-tying touchdown due to a pass interference call. Though his infraction was costly in real football, virtual gamers relished - in his Battle Red/Swedish Fish duds no-less - his 7-catch, 96-yard, 1-TD return to the starting lineup. No. 2 targets have performed 73.8 percent below the league average against the Raiders according to Football Outsiders, but this week will be an exception.

Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 73 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13 fantasy points

Johnny Knox(notes), Chi, WR (Noise Rank: 21, Start: All WR3 leagues)

Matchup: vs. Det

Everyone's favorite fantasy "Jackass" hasn't taken emasculating pool-ball shots to the groin to gain attention - the numbers have done the talking. One of the surprise sensations of the early season, Knox has performed at a top-20 level averaging 5.3 targets and 53 yards per game with two total touchdowns. The rookie from tiny Abilene Christian, whose been unfazed by the spotlight of Chicago, has exhibited marked poise, open-field elusiveness and, most noticeably, speed. Raw entering the season, Knox has garnered praise from Lovie Smith for his route-running and steady production. Matched against an improving, but still very vulnerable Detroit defense, he's must start material. The Lions have surrendered two 100-yard wideouts and five scores to WRs equal to the fourth-most fantasy points allowed. Jay Cutler(notes) will continue to spread-the-wealth, but due to the user-friendly matchup, the youngster is destined to notch his third-straight profitable effort.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 83 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14 fantasy points

Chansi Stuckey(notes), NYJ, WR (Noise Rank: 22, Start: All WR3 leagues)

Matchup: at NO

This past offseason, Stuckey worked diligently with former Atlanta standout Terrance Mathis on several technical pass catching elements in an attempt to diversify his usefulness. In spurts, the hard work has paid off. Interchanging between the slot and flanker positions, New York's No. 2 has performed admirably, catching 10 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. Because Stuckey has attracted 45.5 percent of his team's targets inside the 20, the second-highest mark in the league, his chances of splashing pay-dirt are enhanced, especially this week. The Jets defense has played at an incredibly high level, but it will be extremely difficult for them to shackle New Orleans' high-octane offense at home. In what could become a shootout, the Dirty One (Mark Sanchez(notes)) may be forced to turn to the air to keep pace, increasing Stuckey's chances of a marquee afternoon. Expect a similar tally as Week 1.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 56 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 11 fantasy points

Vernon Davis(notes), SF, TE (Noise Rank: 6, Start: All leagues)

Matchup: vs. StL

With Michael Crabtree(notes) burning stacks of Benjamins to keep warm, Davis, who's finally matured mentally, is blossoming with additional targets in Jimmy Raye's conservative system. Coming off his greatest fantasy performance as a pro (7 rec, 96 yds, 2 TDs at Min), the click-clacking tight end should again post elite position numbers. The Rams, who inadequately contained John Carlson(notes) and Chris Cooley(notes) earlier this season, have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this year. Davis, never short on confidence, claims he's "just scratching the surface right now." Based on Shaun Hill's(notes) comfort level with him and his cerebral advancements, this might be the year the former first rounder finally lives up to the hype. Hey, the Noise tried to tell you.

Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 82 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14 fantasy points

LAMES

Brett Favre(notes), Min, QB (Noise Rank: 19, Bench: 8-16 team leagues)

Matchup: vs. GB

Subjected to the incessant hype machine's constant No. 4 coverage, owners, fed up with the inescapable coverage, will likely sledgehammer their plasma screens come MNF. Though Favre has shined under the primetime lights numerous times in the past and is motivated to drive the dagger deeper into the backs of Green Bay management, he isn't someone to trust, even in a heavy bye week. The Packers have already picked off opposing signal callers seven times this season and tallied 23 passes defended, tops in the NFL. They've also limited quarterbacks to just 216.3 yards per game. Due to his accuracy concerns and Green Bay's recent difficulties containing Adrian Peterson, it will be a hand-off fest for Favre. If he turns to the air, don't be surprised if Charles Woodson(notes) and company pick him off multiple times. Ignore the temptation. A second consecutive 300-yard game is a long-shot.

Fearless Forecast: 21-35, 217 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 12 fantasy points

Clinton Portis(notes), Was, RB (Noise Rank: 24, Bench: 14-teams plus)

Matchup: vs. TB

The Drag Queen of Mean hasn't flipped his wig yet over Washington's plodding offense. In fact, he confidently boasted this week "it's only a matter of time before I have a 200-yard, 150-yard or 2-3 touchdown game." Obviously suffering from a severe case of dementia, Portis hasn't grasped what the rest of the football world has: the Redskins are a sordid mess. Although the Bucs have surrendered 5.1 yards per carry, 177.7 total yards per game and two scores to plowshares, the ‘Skins' O-line has performed disastrously. Few sizable holes have been opened. Portis has averaged just 3.9 yards per carry and 69.3 total yards per game. And that includes a detestable effort against the Lions (12-42, 1-6, 0 tds). Until the ‘Skins distance themselves from mediocrity, the outspoken rusher will continue to be a fantasy failure.

Fearless Forecast: 18 carries, 71 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 8 fantasy points

Ray Rice(notes), Bal, RB (Noise Rank: 22, Bench: No Bench)

Matchup: at NE

The Long Gain Rice, an innocent victim of continuous Willis McGahee(notes) goal-line poaches, finally punctured the end zone last week in Cleveland. Currently the 18th-best rusher in fantasy averaging a terrific 5.1 yard per carry and 93.7 total yards per game, Andy Behrens' ultimate mantasy may post nightmarish totals at Foxboro. The Pats have conceded just 3.9 yards per carry, 127.5 total yards per game and two scores to rushers this season. If Vincent Wilfork, who is nursing a sprained left ankle, is unavailable, Rice's chances of further damaging the Noise's already tarnished reputation will increase. The Ravens offensive line has played spectacularly thus far, but Beelzechick, who is determined to draw up a gameplan to limit placing his defenders to make "one-on-one open-space tackles," shouldn't be underestimated. McGahee is a safe play, but Rice, who has to reach the bleachers to maximize his fantasy potential in non-PPR formats, is unquestionably riskier in shallow formats.

Fearless Forecast: 12 carries, 50 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 23 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 7 fantasy points

Marshawn Lynch(notes), Buf, RB (Noise Rank: 28, Bench: 12-teams plus)

Matchup: at Mia

Lynch, who is reportedly still the "same ol' G" coming off a three-game suspension, is ready to strike fear into the hearts of scantily clad female beachgoers the winless Fins. Or is he? Due to Fred Jackson's(notes) stellar play in Beast Mode's absence, Dick Jauron plans to "evenly distribute" the workload between the tandem. Expected to be "weaned" in initially, Lynch is unreliable this week because of the uncertainties surrounding his touch total. Miami's superb run defense only complicates matters. The Dolphins have yielded a mere 3.2 yards per carry and 104 total yards per games to backs equal to the 10th-fewest fantasy points allowed. Though he still could post user-friendly totals as a flex option in PPR formats, Lynch shouldn't be inserted into starting lineups except in the deepest of leagues.

Fearless Forecast: 13 carries, 47 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 12 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 5 fantasy points

Marques Colston(notes), NO, WR (Noise Rank: 22, Bench: No Bench)

Matchup: vs. NYJ

Confining some of the game's most electric talent, including Andre Johnson and Randy Moss(notes), Darrelle Revis(notes) is quickly becoming the league's most daunting shutdown corner. Through three games, QBs have completed just 48 percent of their passes intended for targets blanketed by the suffocating defender. For the serial fantasy killer, Colston could become victim No. 4. Over the first three weeks, the Saints' top target has averaged seven targets, five receptions, 65 yards and totaled three touchdowns, the most among wideouts in the league. But with a plethora of reliable weapons at his disposal, Colston could be thrust into decoy duties to isolate Revis. It's extremely difficult to demote a top-10 commodity, but don't be surprised if the lengthy target suffers from a deadly case of Gang Green.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 32 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 3 fantasy points

Santonio Holmes(notes), Pit, WR (Noise Rank: 21, Bench: No Bench)

Matchup: vs. SD

Shutout last week against Cincinnati, Holmes is hoping for a major rebound in Week 4. However, the Chargers' dynamic defending duo, Quentin Jammer(notes) and Antonio Cromartie(notes), is one of the league's best. Per Football Outsiders, No. 1 wideouts have performed 39.1 percent below the league average against the tag-team. On the season, only one receiver has eclipsed the 60-yard mark against San Diego. Holmes reportedly was unimpressed with the Chargers secondary calling Jammer and Cromartie "normal corners." Facing Oakland and Miami definitely skews the numbers a bit, but the Bolt's secondary is stifling. Holmes should register at least a couple catches, but a vanilla effort could be on the horizon.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 52 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 5 fantasy points

Nate Burleson(notes), Sea, WR (Noise Rank: 35, Bench: 8-12 team WR2 leagues)

Matchup: at Ind

The apple of Seneca Wallace's(notes) eye a week ago, Burleson recorded his highest receptions total since November 14, 2004 (9). Expected to play second fiddle to TJ Houshmandzadeh(notes) entering '09, the veteran has become the center of attention vertically averaging 11 targets per game, which ranks third behind Randy Moss and Steve Smith (Car). Despite the Colts' interior deficiencies, they've defended the pass stiffly this season, limiting receivers to just one TD. They've also conceded only four 20-yard pass plays, the fewest in the league. With Wallace expected to be behind center gain Burleson will entice appreciable looks, but against Indy's swarming Cover 2, he will have little space to operate after the catch. PPR leaguers should still employ his services, but standard followers need to install a contingency plan.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 48 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 4 fantasy points

Kellen Winslow(notes), TB, TE (Noise Rank: 13, Bench: 8-12 team leagues)

Matchup: at Wash

Winslow, who will one day pitch "cat" products alongside Reggie Bush(notes), was called out by Bucs head coach Raheem Morris last week for failing to turn upfield on a critical third-and-5. Finishing with three catches for 14 yards, his owners, too, publicly lashed out against him. With unpolished quarterback Josh Johnson(notes) behind center, Winslow could again underwhelm. Though the green slinger could establish an instant rapport with his tight end, the matchup isn't conducive for favorable fantasy results. Monolithic targets have snagged just nine passes against the Redskins this season. Zach Miller (at Hou), Heath Miller(notes) (vs. SD) and Todd Heap(notes) (at NE) are wiser alternatives.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 36 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 3 fantasy points

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