NFL Player News

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson failed to throw a touchdown pass Week 4 for just the third time in 22 career starts (including playoffs). Wilson will look to avoid making it four times in 23 starts when the Seahawks travel to Indianapolis Week 5.

The bad news for Wilson is that quarterbacks haven't had great success against Indianapolis, averaging 10 Fantasy points per week, which is the lowest average in the league. In fact, quarterbacks have totaled two passing touchdowns to six interceptions against the Colts, and the last two quarterbacks -- Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert -- to face Indianapolis haven't thrown a touchdown.

Wilson hasn't been a very good Fantasy option this season. He's thrown for more than one touchdown just once in four games. It's a real shame too since he had a strong finish to the 2012 regular season, throwing for multiple touchdowns six times in the last nine games. 

Week 5 doesn't present a favorable matchup, so if you can lean on another quarterback, then consider keeping Wilson on your bench. Alternative options include Brian Hoyer, Jay Cutler, Sam Bradford, Andy Dalton and Alex Smith.

Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith heads to Atlanta trying to keep his job. He's committed 11 turnovers in four games, and if he's as careless as he was against Tennessee he could soon find himself watching Matt Simms play.

Smith won't have Santonio Holmes (hamstring) to throw to, and Stephen Hill is dealing with a concussion. The offensive line is in flux, with rookie Brian Winters reportedly replacing Vladimir Ducasse at left guard. The odds are stacked against Smith playing well in the Georgia Dome.

The Falcons have been generous to opposing quarterbacks, ranking 26th in pass defense. But this is a desperate Atlanta team that will enjoy facing Smith after seeing Tom Brady and Drew Brees in the first four weeks. Even in two-quarterback leagues, Smith is not a Fantasy option.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was no match for Drew Brees on Monday night. While Brees was nearly perfect, Tannehill threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the blowout loss.

It wasn't all Tannehill's fault, as he was under a lot of pressure. He took four sacks and has been sacked an NFL-high 18 times this season. Tannehill's arm was hit on his final interception.

Tannehill's night began going south in the second quarter, when he was stripped by linebacker Curtis Lofton on a scramble. It was Tannehill's league-high sixth fumble, and third he's lost. Tannehill fumbled nine times last year as a rookie.

Tannehill was later picked off by corner Jabari Greer, who anticipated receiver Brian Hartline's route. Tannehill finished 22 of 35 for 249 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown to tight end Charles Clay. His passer rating was 57.9.

Tannehill will try to bounce back Week 5 against the Ravens.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday he's not ready to bench rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who was responsible for four turnovers Sunday against the Titans.

"It’s not a thought at this point right now," Ryan said. "Not a thought."

Ryan added he would like to see Smith take the sack than rather turn the ball over. Smith has 11 turnovers through four games, which is tied for Giants quarterback Eli Manning for the league lead.

"You can’t buy experience," Ryan said. "With that being said, we still have to do a much better job with Geno in particular [thinking], ‘I have to protect the football at all costs.’ You can’t be nonchalant about it. You have to protect the ball. You can talk about it until you’re blue in the face. But when it happens, now you see it over and over. That’s the way we can improve."

Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert had an awful return to the lineup Sunday against the Colts after missing two games with a hand injury. Gabbert completed 17 of 32 passes for 179 yards and three interceptions.

Gabbert has no touchdowns and five interceptions through two games. Yet, he continues to have the backing of his head coach. Gus Bradley said Monday his confidence is "stronger" in Gabbert after watching tape of Sunday's loss vs. Indianapolis.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said Monday quarterback Brian Hoyer will start Thursday vs. Buffalo, even with quarterback Brandon Weeden (thumb) cleared to play. Hoyer has led Cleveland to two straight wins in Weeden's absence.

Although, Chudzinski left the door open for Weeden to reclaim the starting job by saying the quarterback situation will remain a week-to-week decision instead of naming Hoyer the starter the rest of the season.

After leading the Browns to two straight wins, quarterback Brian Hoyer will start again Thursday vs. Buffalo, a source told ESPN. Browns coach Rob Chudzinski told reporters following Sunday's win against the Bengals he wanted to evaluate game film before deciding on if Hoyer will continue to replace Brandon Weeden, who has missed the last two games with a thumb injury, as the starting quarterback.

For the second week in a row, Browns starter Brian Hoyer led Cleveland to a win. For the second week in a row, Hoyer has looked like a quality Fantasy quarterback.

Is it time to consider him a starter?

Hoyer was 25 of 38 passing for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Bengals. He now has at least 22 Fantasy points in two starts.

Here's what you have to like about Hoyer: he plays in a pass-happy system, the Browns can't run the ball and he has two elite talents in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. And he has a favorable matchup in Week 5 against Buffalo.

You have to worry about the Thursday night jinx, but Hoyer is on fire coming into the game with the Bills. If you need a bye-week replacement -- assuming the Browns don't give Brandon Weeden (thumb) his job back (why would they?) -- then consider Hoyer in Week 5 against Buffalo.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith endured another rough performance as he turned the ball over four times Sunday at Tennessee in Week 4.

Smith was picked off on his first pass attempt of the game and then again in the second quarter. He also lost two fumbles, including one in the end zone for a Tennessee touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Titans scored on all four of Smith’s turnovers.

Smith also found Jeff Cumberland for a 34-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for his fourth touchdown of the season. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 289 yards while throwing one touchdown and two interceptions in a 38-13 defeat. He rushed for seven yards on three carries, was sacked five times and finished with a 79.2 passer rating.

Smith has eight  interceptions and three fumbles lost through his first four games. He will look to bounce back on Monday night against the Falcons in Week 5.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton continues to struggle this season, and he had another bad game in Week 4 at Cleveland.

Dalton was 23 of 42 passing for 206 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He also lost a fumble.

Dalton has yet to top 19 Fantasy points in a game this season. He is not taking advante of his weapons, and he's gotten off to a bad start this year.

The Bengals play New England in Week 5, and Dalton should not be considered a starting Fantasy option. Until he proves himself, he should only be used in deeper leagues as a No. 2 Fantasy passer.