Glen Coffee.

By ROB SHAW

sportsnet.ca

As we prepare for this weekend, my first line of advice is to load up on Coffee. That's right, just like the caffeine-rush you experience during the work week, I anticipate a big breakout performance from the Niners rookie running back. In addition, for a second straight week I'm buying into the Washington passing game. Here's a look at Shaw's Picks for Week 4 in the NFL.

RB

Glen Coffee, RB, 49ers

With Frank Gore sidelined with an ankle injury, the 49ers will start rookie Glen Coffee against the Rams this weekend. Coffee struggled against the Minnesota Vikings last week, accumulating just 54 yards on 25 carries. Regardless, he is a fine fantasy option this weekend against a porous defense that allows 148 rushing yards per game.

Leon Washington, RB, Jets

While the Jets have taken the NFL by storm with a perfect 3-0 start that includes wins against the Titans and Patriots, in fantasy circles, running back Leon Washington has been a disappointment. Washington's performance has actually declined each week from 84 total yards of offense in the season opener to just 52 total yards last week. In addition, Washington is still waiting on his first touchdown of the season. This weekend, the Jets visit the New Orleans Saints, which means that an up-tempo game with plenty of possessions should be played. Expect the Jets to find ways to get the ball into the hands of its best playmaker.

Matt Forte, RB, Bears

Second year star Matt Forte is currently enduring a sophomore slump. He is picking up a paltry 2.5 yards per carry and has yet to acquaint himself with the end zone after scoring on 12 occasions last season. Part of the struggle can be attributed to stout defenses on the Bears early schedule including the Packers and Steelers. There should be blue skies ahead with the Bears taking on the Lions this weekend. Though the Lions ended its historic losing streak, they are surrendering 4.5 yards per carry this season.

Must Bench:

Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs

There is no silver lining for the slumping Larry Johnson. In fact, fantasy managers should start preparing to pick up Jamaal Charles, should the Chiefs opt for a change in the backfield. Fresh off a 19-carry, 38-yard performance, Johnson is averaging a pitiful 2.5 yards per carry. Though the Giants have faced some struggles against the rush this season, it would be naïve to rely on Johnson this weekend.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills

After sitting out the first three games of the season due to a league-imposed suspension, Marshawn Lynch returns to a very different Bills backfield. His replacement Fred Jackson has flourished in the role, which will now result in a shared backfield for week four. Lynch will still likely get his 10-15 carries, but it will be difficult to translate the limited opportunity into much fantasy significance.

Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns

The only good news for Jamal Lewis' fantasy managers last weekend is that Jerome Harrison struggled as a replacement for the injured veteran. A stiff hamstring has kept Lewis out of practice all week and will likely keep him on the sidelines against the Bengals this weekend. Truth is, even if he was healthy, Lewis is a risky start these days. If Harrison or third-string running back James Davis light up the Bengals on Sunday, Lewis can very well lose his starting gig for the remainder of the season.

WR

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins

I hate to bet on blackjack twice, but once again Santana Moss and Jason Campbell have a favorable match-up this weekend. You may recall that Moss offered fantasy bliss last weekend with a league-high 10 grabs for 184 yards including a touchdown in a losing effort to the Lions. This weekend the 'Skins take on a weak Bucs defense, making one of the most inconsistent wide receivers a decent gamble this weekend.

Bryant Johnson, WR, Lions

A talented wide out plagued by inconsistency throughout his career, Bryant Johnson appears to have landed on his feet in Detroit. While Calvin Johnson will always be the focal point of the Lions offense with Kevin Smith in a supporting role, Bryant offers Matthew Stafford an additional target. Last weekend the duo connected on four occasions for 73 yards including a touchdown. In what may prove to be a shootout against the Bears, Johnson is a decent third wide receiver in fantasy leagues.

Torry Holt, WR, Jaguars

While he may never recapture his top billing as a star wide out in the NFL, Torry Holt has performed decently for the Jaguars this season. The 33-year old veteran is on pace to crack 900 receiving yards as the lead target for David Garrard. In what is historically a tough match-up for the Jaguars against the vaunted Titans defense, you can rely on the St. Louis import to come up big. The Titans secondary has been vulnerable this season. Holt should follow a long line of talented receivers who have enjoyed big performances against the Titans.

Must Bench:

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams

Remember when Donnie Avery was a star on the rise? It wasn't that long ago, in fact, this is just Avery's second season in the NFL. Yet, the young wide out's fantasy value has evaporated quicker than the summer dew. Why you ask? Could it be the departure of Torry Holt, putting more defensive attention on Avery? Perhaps the further demise of quarterback Marc Bulger? Whatever the reason may be, with 10 grabs and just 62 yards on the season, Avery is not relevant in fantasy circles and should be avoided until he proves otherwise.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs

As if the training camp controversy wasn't enough to get fantasy managers riled up, Dwayne Bowe is now a weekly mainstay on the injury report. After missing last week's contest against the Eagles, Bowe is currently listed as questionable on the injury report because of a sore hamstring. Even if he does play, Bowe's value is very limited considering he has to contend with the Giants stellar defense. Bowe is best off on your bench this weekend.

Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos

The forgotten man in Denver is none other than second year wide out Eddie Royal. His struggles are particularly disappointing considering fantasy managers had high hopes that Royal would lead the receiving corps when Brandon Marshall created drama during training camp. As it turns out, the loss of Jay Cutler has been devastating for the Broncos passing game. Through three games Royal has hauled in just six receptions for 42 yards.

QB

Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins

Washington Redskins fans can continue to scorn this pick, but the fact remains that in the right match-up Jason Campbell is fantasy gold. That was certainly the case last weekend when the former Auburn Tigers standout tossed for 340 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Lions. This weekend, Campbell takes on an equally brutal Buccaneers defense. Expect the Redskins to air the ball out, particularly with running back Clinton Portis listed as questionable this weekend.

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens

The Ravens second year quarterback is playing at a very high level, and a showdown against the Patriots seems to make for a fine litmus test. Expect Joe Flacco to ace this exam. The Patriots are a team that is more respected for its past than for its current level of play. In fact, the Pats are still awaiting its first interception of the season. This weekend's contest has the making of a shootout with both Flacco and Tom Brady ranked within the top seven for passing yards in the NFL.

David Garrard, QB, Jaguars

Jacksonville fans are running short of patience with David Garrard since the quarterback's level of play has declined a great deal after his breakout rookie campaign. Though he has just two passing touchdowns this season, Garrard is a hot pick for this weekend's contest against the Titans. After all, the Titans have the fourth worst passing defense, allowing 275 passing yards per game. With Garrard forming a rapport with wide outs Torry Holt and Mike Sims-Walker, expect close to 300 yards of passing this weekend.

Must Bench:

Trent Edwards, QB, Bills

The Terrell Owens project is not working out very well for the Buffalo Bills. In particular, the blame may fall on quarterback Trent Edwards who ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards. The news gets worse for his fantasy managers as Marshawn Lynch returns to the Bills this weekend. Expect the Bills to evolve as a rush-dominated offense.

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs

Perhaps Matt Cassel is best served as Tom Brady's backup. The Chiefs first-year quarterback went from targeting Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Benjamin Watson to Bobby Wade, Mark Bradley, and Sean Ryan. The quarterback who threw 400 yards in back-to-back games last season tossed an abysmal 90 yards last weekend. Don't expect better this weekend as Cassel faces the pressure of the New York Giants pass rush.

Kerry Collins, QB, Titans

After a fine start to the season, some fantasy managers actually considered Kerry Collins a viable fantasy option. Collins' stinker against the Jets last weekend is a closer approximation of his value. Remember, the Titans are a rush-dominated offense. While Collins can be used as a surprise on occasion, recall that last year in a fine season for the Titans, Collins connected for just 12 touchdowns.