Week 4 handed me my third straight loss in one of my fantasy leagues where I outscored all but 3 of the 11 other teams in my league which gives me the second highest point total in the league and only one win. Frustrated? Thats a massive understatement. But maybe you are like me, searching for the next best thing that will push your team to an actual win.

Looking ahead there are a few guys you need to keep your eyes on.

The first is Marshawn Lynch. He was finally traded to the Seattle Seahawks this week, a move that fantasy owners have been looking forward to for weeks. This trade should improve the fantasy value of everyone included, except for Seattle running back Juston Forsett. I expect Fred Jackson to reap most of the benefits now since he will be the main focus for the Bill’s run game until rookie C.J. Spiller proves himself.

Sure this move will give Spiller more opportunities but Jackson is still the guy you want (if you do for some reason want a player on the Bills). I actually think this improves Lynch’s value more than any. Head Coach Pete Carroll said they will look to use Marshawn right away and that he will have a big impact immediately. The timing of this trade was perfect as well since the Seahawks are on a bye this week. Lynch will have two full weeks to learn the offense. If Marshawn Lynch is available in your league go pick him up and hope for the best.

Players out with injuries put new ones in the game

Opportunity has knocked on Mike Bell’s door as well, with the injury to LeSean McCoy, and I think he is ready to answer the call. With McCoy out indefinitely because of a rib injury, Bell will get a larger work load, especially with Kevin Kolb as QB. Bell is a valuable pass catcher and if Kolb continues to check down to his running back like he did last week Mike Bell could be set up to have a fantasy impact.

Ryan Torrain of the Washington Redskins is yet another running back to keep an eye on. Torrain had 18 carries for 70 yards this Sunday along with a touchdown, and with Clinton Portis banged up his role should increase in the future. As a matter of fact, even with Portis healthy Torrain has looked like the better back so far and will continue to receive more chances to prove himself.

Hoping for the best in this week’s game

Match-ups to keep in mind this week are the Detroit Lions against the St. Louis Rams. Obviously you are starting Stephen Jackson and Calvin Johnson every week, but if your quarterback is on a bye, Sam Bradford should have another good fantasy game this Sunday. Also Shaun Hill has been looking great and should be started in any two quarterback leagues. Brandon Pettigrew, Jahvid Best, and Mark Clayton are all good starts this week. As you can tell I’m expecting and hoping this game will be a shoot out.