RADIO
Offensive lines across the NFL struggled to create a pocket or generate a push on the ground in Week 4. 14 different offensive lines had an average PFF grade under 61.0, including three teams (Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and the Los Angeles Rams) that failed to score a 51.0 grade.
Luckily, there weren’t as many significant injuries as last week. The Bears lost left guard Cody Whitehair to a knee injury that will cost him significant time, but other injuries (like Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata) don’t look to be as serious.
Check out this Week 5’s matchups to target and avoid in the trenches down below for more information to help you win your fantasy leagues.
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Champ of the Week
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons spent years drafting offensive linemen early in the NFL draft only to consistently see them underperform in game action. This year, it seems like the talent is coming together and is creating a formidable unit.
Atlanta’s offensive line took advantage of a Cleveland defensive line missing Jadaveon Clowney and Myles Garrett to earn a 23-20 victory in Week 4. While those are two big names missing from the pass rush, it is the exact kind of matchup the Falcons' line would have underwhelmed in seasons past.
Four of Atlanta’s offensive linemen finished with a PFF grade above 77.0 in Week 4, led by right guard Chris Lindstrom (97.1 grade) and right tackle Kaleb McGary (89.5). In total, Atlanta allowed just one sack, four hurries, and six pressures. Atlanta has just one game with an average offensive line grade below 67.0 this year (the Rams in Week 2).
Chump of the Week
Cincinnati Bengals
There were a few really bad offensive line performances in Week 4 (looking at you Colts and Rams), but the Bengals graded out as the worst offensive line of them all despite a convincing win over the Dolphins.
All five of Cincinnati’s starting offensive linemen finished with a run-blocking grade below 50.0, according to PFF. Only Jonah Williams (70.8) finished with a pass-blocking grade above 56.0. In total, the Bengals allowed an inconsistent Dolphins defensive line to generate one sack, nine hurries, and 12 pressures in Week 4. Joe Mixon was once again held to under 3.0 yards per carry as well.
It’s always important to remember that it takes time for new offensive line units to gel, and that’s especially true for a Cincinnati team that has four new starters this season. The Bengals will hopefully figure it out in time, but for now, it is a mess up front in Cincinnati.
Matchups to Target
Cleveland Browns vs LA Chargers
The Falcons' offensive line already got props for their performance on Sunday, but the Browns were equally impressive. All five of Cleveland’s offensive linemen finished with an overall PFF grade and run blocking grade above 67.0. Cleveland allowed just one sack and six pressures against Atlanta’s athletic defensive line.
The Browns will be poised to have another big game on the ground against a Chargers defense that has been significantly weakened with the loss of Joey Bosa on the edge. Even more importantly, Cleveland should be able to ride Nick Chubb once again to control the game with ease.
Chubb has at least 110 rushing yards in three of four games this season. He’s also scored five touchdowns in the last three weeks. The Chargers are allowing the third-most rushing yards per game since Week 1. This is excellent news for Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Fire them up without reservation.
New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions
The Patriots' offensive line has gotten back on track this season despite the struggles of Isaiah Wynn at right tackle. New England was forced to start Brian Hoyer thanks to a Mac Jones ankle injury and then were forced to pivot to rookie Bailey Zappe after a concussion. New England was able to stay in the game thanks to a strong run game and their ability to establish a strong pocket to keep the rookie upright.
New England did allow four sacks against Green Bay, but some of that can be chalked up to different quarterbacks in the backfield and Isaiah Wynn’s struggles to block Rashaan Gary. New England is the only offensive line that is a combined top-six in PFF’s pass blocking, run blocking, and overall offensive grades.
Time will tell if Hoyer will be ready to go on Sunday, but whoever is behind center will be able to rely on the combined rushing attack of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield. The Lions feature the fifth-worst run defense and sixth-worst pass rush in the NFL, according to PFF.
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles' offensive line continues to maul opponents, and that was evident in a rain-soaked game against the Jaguars in Week 4. The weather forced the Eagles into a run-heavy game script for the first time this season and the team responded accordingly.
The Eagles lost Jordan Mailata early in the game and backup left tackle Jack Driscoll struggled. However, all three of the Eagles' interior offensive linemen finished with a run-blocking grade above 62. Their other four starting linemen had an overall PFF grade above 65. That allowed Miles Sanders to finish with 134 yards and the Eagles to rack up 210 total yards in the rushing attack.
The Eagles will have the full playbook at their disposal against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. That’s bad news for a Cardinals defense that PFF ranks bottom-three in pass rush and the bottom half of run defense. Fire up your Eagles again in fantasy without question.
Matchups to Avoid
New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins
Injuries have forced the Jets to completely rearrange their offensive line to start the season. They were able to get away with it against a Steelers defense that is missing T.J. Watt and navigated an Alex Highsmith injury in Week 4. Even with those limitations, the Jets still gave up 10 pressures on the day.
That’s not great considering the Dolphins are starting to find their footing on defense and generating more consistent pressure the past two weeks. In Week 3 against Buffalo and Week 4 against the Bengals, Miami’s defensive front has generated three sacks and 37 total pressures.
The Jets may be in this game thanks to the Tua Tagovailoa injury, but it is hard to trust their skill players (and Zach Wilson) with a makeshift offensive line against a defense generating consistent pressure.
Carolina Panthers vs San Francisco 49ers
Carolina’s offensive line has exceeded expectations this season, but they have a tall task facing them against arguably the best defense in the NFL to start the season.
The 49ers feature seven different defensive linemen and edge players with at least a 64.0 pass rushing grade, according to PFF. Three different linemen have at least 13 pressures, led by Nick Bosa’s 30. Nine different players on defense have a 68.0 or better run defense grade as well.
Carolina has been playing much better on the offensive line despite their inability to move the ball down the field. If you thought Baker Mayfield has looked rough in a clean pocket, expect Sunday to look like a whole new level of ineptitude.
Washington Commanders at Tennessee Titans
The Commanders' offensive line has been navigating injuries, which has led to a regression of the downfield passing game that made Carson Wentz fantasy viable throughout the first two weeks of the season. Unfortunately, they won’t get a week off against a strong Titans defensive line.
Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry have each generated 16 total pressures through the first four weeks of the season. Four different box players (Simmons, Autry, David Long, and Teair Tart) have pass rushing grades above 80.0, according to PFF.
Washington was forced to bench Trai Turner after his poor play against the Cowboys and will be without Wes Schweitzer at center. That’s problematic against one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the NFL.
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