Robert Griffin III: What Fantasy Owners Should Expect from Redskins QB in Week 4

If there were ever a time and place for Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to produce the best game of his rookie season, it would be Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Griffin is a no-brainer in Week 4. Start him, folks. 

Not only has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner looked like a seasoned veteran under center through the first three weeks of the season, but he's putting up awesome fantasy numbers as well. Griffin has thrown for more than 200 yards, rushed for more than 40 yards and scored at least two touchdowns in each of his first three NFL starts in 2012.

Still not impressed? Well, it will get even better on Sunday afternoon in Tampa.

Why?

Because Griffin and the 'Skins are taking on the worst pass defense in the NFL in the Buccaneers. Greg Schiano's club has been horrendous defending the skies this season, surrendering 1,060 yards in three games, roughly 353 yards per week. 

Griffin is averaging 249 passing yards per week coming in. If we meet in the middle of those two marks then the dynamic rookie looks set for his second career 300-plus yard passing game this weekend. Griffin's passing attempts have also increased steadily every week since the season opener in New Orleans. He attempted 26 vs. the Saints, 29 vs. the Rams and finally 34 vs. the Bengals.

Though some of that is a result of the Redskins being behind in their last two games, his high number of pass attempts Sunday in Tampa will be by design, I assure you. Tampa ranks first in the NFL defending the run this season, which forces teams to move the ball and string together big plays through the air. 

That said, don't be surprised if Griffin drops back 40-plus times on Sunday in order to exploit the Bucs' greatest weakness: their secondary. 

Tampa is allowing just 2.3 yards per rush attempt this season compared to a whopping 8.9 yards per pass attempt. Washington head coach Mike Shanahan is well aware of where his team's strengths lay offensively in this matchup.

The answer: on the arm and legs of Robert Griffin III.

All indications point to Griffin exploding for a huge day in Week 4. He's yet to face a pass defense this poor and surely won't see one as dreadful for the rest of the season. 

Offensively, Griffin's only concern on Sunday will be avoiding the infamous Bucs' bum rush at the end of the game. 

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