Week Four Fantasy Football Decision-Maker

(Can you count on Cedric Benson for the fourth week in a row?)

We're entering our fourth week of tough battles. There are two Monday night games involving three undefeated teams, another match on Sunday between the 3-0 Ravens and the 2-1 Patriots, and we could also see supposed Super Bowl contenders like Tennessee drop to 0-4.

While the NFL has become increasingly more difficult to predict, with the Denver Broncos 3-0 and the Cincinnati Bengals on the verge of being 3-1, thank God we have the fantasy realm to depend on.

Having trouble picking between Aaron Rodgers and Matt Schaub this week? How about Clinton Portis and Cedric Benson?

Look no further. Instead of the usual Start/Sit piece, here's a matchup between two guys, giving you some analysis and the heads-up on the best play in week four.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers VS. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans

Rodgers is walking into Brett Favre territory, and no folks, he won't be playing at Lambeau Field. Things have changed, and not necessarily for the better for Rodgers, as his offensive line is in shambles, and Green Bay is still having troubles running the ball.

Yes, Ryan Grant came one yard shy of 100 against the Rams last week, but it took him 26 attempts, and oh yeah, it was against the Rams.

Add all that "success" up, along with the Packers' sketchy line play, and the Packers' offense is no guarantee to be rolling on all cylinders against a Vikings defense that has yet to give up over 90 yards or 250 yards passing to a running back or quarterback.

Oh, and the Packers haven't been able to stop Cedric Benson or Steven Jackson (at all) the past two weeks. Think they'll have better luck on the road against Adrian Peterson?

Simply put: None of this adds up to a huge day for Rodgers.

Schaub, on the other hand, goes up against an Oakland pass defense that has allowed at least 240 yards passing in two of its last three games, while only allowing one passing touchdown per game.

The flip side? They're facing a Houston passing offense that is on a roll after being embarrassed by the New York Jets in week one. Matt Schaub has passed for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns in the past two games, and with a healthy Kevin Walter, he has an offense completely ready to take Oakland by storm.

An excellent passing offense with an improving rush offense going up against a pass defense bordering on elite: Something has to break.

Verdict: In the matchup between Schaub and Rodgers, bank on the "breaking" sound being Rodgers' legs or ribs, as Jared Allen and co. should add to the 12 sacks Green Bay's line has already allowed through just three weeks.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins VS. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Both players face awful defenses in week four, as both of their opponents are winless and also have offenses that won't be offering their defenses any help.

Portis has ankle and other leg issues, along with a predictable offense, nervous coach, and an inconsistent quarterback.

Benson, on the other hand, is leading the way as a power back on an unlikely 2-1 Bengals team that very well could be 3-0, and he just got done putting the finishing touches on a solid outing against a good Pittsburgh defense (at least we thought so).

Neither running back "should" have any issues against their week four opponent. But the question is, who makes the better play?

Portis has the better speed, and considering the Buccaneers are starting the fairly untested Josh Johnson, he will be helped out with decent field position (most likely).

Benson will get to run the ball on a Cleveland defense that hasn't stopped the run all season, while the Browns' offense switches hands from one inept quarterback (Brady Quinn) to another (Derek Anderson).

The difference?

Go to GridironExperts to find out, as well as for any other fantasy news and advice.