Week 4 Fantasy Football Projections: Frank Gore and 3 Stars to Keep on the Bench

We're getting to the point of the week where we're getting a better sense of whether or not banged up stars will play.

They have now had Wednesday and Thursday to practice. But if you have a banged up or ineffective star, now is the time to search your waiver wires for a replacement.

Frank Gore

Gore has not been off to a good start this year. Now, in addition to not performing at a high level, he's banged up.

As a matter of fact, Gore is so banged up that we don't even know if he'll play. If he does play, don't expect much in terms of fantasy production.

Thursday, September 29 at 2:10 p.m EDT

NFLfantasy reported on its Twitter page that nobody, including Gore, has any confidence that he will even be on the field against the Eagles.

Given that Hunter was actually effective against the Bengals, and Dixon has had moments in the NFL where he looked competent, the 49ers will not rush Gore back.

Although a win against the Eagles would go a long way in giving them a stranglehold on the NFC West, this is not a game that the 49ers need to win. They won't risk the long term health of their star RB.

Arian Foster

Given this tweet from the Houston Texans Twitter page, I can see how fantasy owners would be tempted to go with Foster.

Wednesday, September 28 at 2:25 p.m. EDT

Running back is not a deep position, and you will have a hard time finding one as good as Foster.

But remember that Ben Tate has been a good running back this year. He has rushed for 301 yards and one touchdown.

The Texans have other options on offense in Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. 

Foster will get back on track this year, but let him get through a full game before expecting anything from him on your fantasy team.

Chris Johnson

You have to think that Johnson will break out at some point. But he has 98 rushing yards in three games.

Worst of all, the Titans just don't seem to have a lot of confidence in Johnson.

Now, with Kenny Britt out, opposing defenses don't need to show the Titans' passing game much respect.

If Johnson couldn't do anything with Britt on the field, it's hard to see him doing anything without Britt.

Let Johnson show you that he can handle consistent carries before putting him in your fantasy lineup. Right now, he's a long way from this: