NFL Predictions Week 4: Arian Foster and 5 Fantasy Plays Sure to Backfire

Week 4 of the 2011 NFL season is about to get underway, and fantasy football owners across the land that spent their first-round pick on Houston Texans running back Arian Foster are hopeful that pick will finally begin to pay dividends, as Foster is expected to suit up and start against the Pittsburgh Steelers this afternoon. However, there's ample cause for concern that Foster, as well as the other players on this list, are fantasy plays that could leave their owners mumbling at the TV by the time all is said and done today.

Arian Foster—RB, Houston Texans: Yes, it will be good to see the NFL's leading rusher from 2010 back on the field today, but regardless of Texans head coach Gary Kubiak's assertion that Foster will receive a full workload there's no guarantee that will actually happen, and even if it does the sledding isn't going to be easy against the stout defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Frank Gore—RB, San Francisco 49ers: There are any number of conflicting reports about whether Gore will start against the Philadelphia Eagles or whether running back Kendall Hunter will get the nod. Even if Gore does play, his touches are apt to be limited. While the Eagles have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running running backs this season, Gore should be left on the bench if you have a viable alternative.

Dez Bryant—WR, Dallas Cowboys: Bryant will reportedly be able to play when the Cowboys host the Detroit Lions today. His thigh injury, however, clearly hampered the second year pro last Monday night against the Washington Redskins. Furthermore, the Lions haven't been overly kind to opposing wideouts, allowing the sixth fewest fantasy points to the position.

Reggie Bush—RB, Miami Dolphins: Bush will receive a bigger workload today for the Dolphins with rookie running back Daniel Thomas sidelined with a hamstring injury, but fantasy owners looking for a big payday will likely be disappointed. The San Diego Chargers have allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs so far this year.

Fred Davis—TE, Washington Redskins: Davis has gotten off to a hot start this season, but with tight end Chris Cooley now apparently fully healthy and a matchup on tap against a St. Louis Rams team that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the league to this point, it could be a slow day at the office for Davis.