The Boom or Bust play is one of the most talked about aspects of fantasy football each week. Boom or Bust players can be used in the deep lineup leagues, when it appears you are a heavy underdog in your head to head matchup or even in Guaranteed Prize Pool Tournaments in DFS.

In this article, I will cover five of my favorite boom or bust plays for the upcoming week.

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Quarterback

Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB @ NYJ

Russell Wilson was the QB4 in fantasy football in 2015. The first three weeks of the 2016 season have not been as fruitful. At QB26, Wilson will be looking to rebound, traveling cross country to face the Jets. Darrelle Revis is not the corner he once was, and neither is the Jets defense, allowing 23 or more points in each of their first three games. Wilson has been battling a knee injury early in the season, which makes him a possible bust this week, but I project the Seahawks offense to continue to get back on track after a 37 point performance, following only scoring only 15 points in the first two weeks.

Verdict: Boom

 

Running Back

Jordan Howard, Bears RB vs DET

Often times when a starting running back gets injured, the fantasy fooball industry goes chasing the backup on the waiver wire. This time, it is Jeremy Langford who will be missing time and rookie running back, Jordan Howard, out of Indiana, will be stepping into the RB1 role for the Chicago Bears. So, how will Howard fair with his newfound opportunity this week? The Bears will be missing Quarterback Jay Cutler as well, and I am not confident in Brian Hoyer’s ability to move the ball against the Detroit Lions defense.

Verdict: Bust

 

Wide Receiver

Sterling Shepard, Giants WR @ MIN

Sterling Shepard has been very consistent to start his NFL career, which is not usually the characteristic of a boom/bust play or a rookie, but with 13+ PPR points in each game and averaging 17.1 PPR points per game through three weeks, Shepard has certainly been impressive.  However, the reason for pause in Week 4 is the matchup against the Minnesota Vikings defense, which has been one of the most vaunted defenses so far this season, allowing 16 points or less in each of the first three games. Another detractor to Shepard’s fantasy value is the comeback and involvement of Victor Cruz. With Cruz and Shepard essentially being 2A and 2B in the offense, it caps both players weekly ceilings and creates an unattractive floor against tough matchups.

Verdict: Bust

 

Tight End

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots TE vs BUF

When fantasy drafters were selecting Rob Gronkowski in the top 10 of fantasy drafts in August, they weren’t expecting zero points through three weeks with only one game played. Last week, Gronkowski was a boom/bust play in his first week back from injury, and he was certainly a bust with 0 points on limited involvement against the Houston Texans. Gronkowski is now another week removed from the injury and he faces the Buffalo Bills who he have averaged 19.46 PPR points in nine career games against, compared to 16.06 PPR points against all other opponents. Not only does Gronkowski’s injury recovery make him a boom/bust play this week, the Patriots quarterback situation is extremely murky as well, but it does look like Jimmy Garoppolo may play. Garoppolo excelled in the first two games as starter, scoring 42 fantasy points in only six quarters. In his second week back from injury, I think Gronkowski will return to being the focal point of the New England Patriots offense and will have a big week against the Bills.

Verdict: Boom

 

Hail Mary of the Week

In the Hail Mary of the Week, I will choose a boom/bust candidate who is one the Waiver Wire in most fantasy football leagues and could have a big week.

Dexter McCluster, Chargers RB vs Saints

When Danny Woodhead went down with a season ending ACL injury, the San Diego Chargers knew they would have to fill the void of the pass catching back behind Melvin Gordon. Gordon has been more and more involved in the passing game in his sophomore season, but I do think McCluster will be involved this week against a New Orleans Saints team that hasn’t played much defense this season, allowing 96 points in three weeks, including 35+ points in two of the first three games. If you need a hail mary play at running back in seasonal leagues because of injuries and bye weeks, McCluster could be a really solid play in a game that projects to be a shootout with an over/under of 53.5.