Here are five key storylines regarding NFL offensive lines, and how they impact fantasy football this week:
Will the K.C. line continue to bolster L.J.'s value?
Kansas City's offensive line busted open running lanes against the Broncos in Week 4, as the Chiefs ran for 213 yards on 33 carries (6.5 yards per carry), led by running back Larry Johnson's 198 yards and two touchdowns. The unit also performed well in pass protection, allowing just one sack in 29 pass attempts. While this was a great performance for the young line, it remains to be seen if this is a sign of things to come, or if they caught lighting in a bottle for one week. Rookie right tackle Branden Albert was lost to a hyperextended elbow, and his status for Week 5 is uncertain.
Up Next: at Carolina. The Carolina defense can be run on, allowing 114.3 yards per game on the ground, and has an average pass rush (nine sacks on the season). This will be one of the more intriguing battles in Week 5. Johnson owners are now desperately hoping their horse is back, however, it is more likely that the line will continue be what it is -- one of the worst lines in the NFL.
Carolina loses starting offensive tackles to injuries
In the Panthers' Week 4 victory over the Falcons, left tackle Jordan Gross suffered a concussion and rookie right tackle Jeff Otah suffered an ankle injury, although X-rays were negative. Just as the line was getting healthy with the return of right guard Keydrick Vincent, the Panthers lost two more linemen, although, it is not known for how long. The backups played well against the Falcons, as the unit did not allow a sack in 29 pass attempts, albeit against an average pass rush. Run blocking was less impressive, as the offense ran for 107 yards on 33 carries (3.2 YPC).
Up Next: vs. Kansas City. The Chiefs' defense gives up 176.5 YPG on the ground, so look for the Carolina offensive line to have much more success in run blocking in Week 5. We'll know more about the status of Gross and Otah later in the week, but keep in mind that the backups on the Panthers' offensive line have played well.
Can the 49ers protection the QB?
San Francisco's pass protection was awful once again last week, and the offensive line is now on pace to surrender 76 sacks this season. The 49ers allowed six sacks in 36 pass attempts, and lead the NFL with 19 sacks allowed. The line is not entirely at fault for the inflated sack numbers, but does deserve the majority of the blame. The run blocking was solid, however, as the 49ers ran for 91 yards on just 19 carries (4.8 YPC). With no end to the struggles in sight, QB J.T. O'Sullivan is a weekly injury risk.
Up Next: vs. New England. New England gives up a ton of yardage on the ground (140.7 YPG) and has just six sacks this season. Pressure will be on the 49ers' offensive line to establish the running game in a potentially low-scoring game, as the Patriots have struggled to score points since the loss of quarterback Tom Brady in Week 1.
Improving Rams still lose
There are plenty of negative issues the Rams are currently dealing with. However, the performance of the offensive line in Week 4, against a solid Bills defense, provided a glimmer of hope. The Rams had success running the ball, gaining 167 yards on 29 carries (5.8 YPC), led by Steven Jackson's first 100-yard game of the season. Pass protection was solid as well, as the line allowed just two sacks in 33 pass attempts.
Up Next: Bye. The Rams have a much needed week off, and will come back in Week 6 with Jim Haslett as their interim coach following the dismissal of Scott Linehan on Monday.
Dallas flawless in pass protection
Despite losing at home to the Redskins in Week 4, the Cowboys did not allow a sack in 47 pass attempts. The Cowboys abandoned the running game, rushing the ball just 11 times for 44 yards (4.0 YPC). The game was close throughout, so it remains a mystery as to why the Cowboys had only 11 rushing attempts. The Cowboys' offensive line has allowed just four sacks, and is on pace to allow just 16 (one per week) this season. As a result, the already-potent passing attack can be even more successful.
Up Next: vs. Cincinnati. The Bengals are ranked near the bottom of the NFL with 164.3 YPG allowed on the ground, and enter Week 5 with just two sacks on the season. On paper, this is a major mismatch that favors the Dallas offensive line, so look for the Cowboys to take out their frustrations from last week's home loss on the Bengals in Week 5.
Corey Bertram is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com
