Sports

/

ArcaMax

Fantasy football Week 4: Start, sit and sleepers

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

Here’s a look back at Week 3’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 3 RECAP

Bills 31, Dolphins 21: Miami’s offense is more dangerous when it has a thunder-back to balance out De’Von Achane’s lightning. Ollie Gordon finished with 38 yards on nine carries and a touchdown at Buffalo in a game that was much closer than most of us expected it to be. Gordon should have goal-line equity going forward, and RB2/flex upside if anything happens to Achane.

Browns 13, Packers 10: Harold Fannin Jr. is the overall TE13 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) through three weeks. His target share dipped the last two games, but there’s a lot of volume in this pass game most weeks, and Kevin Stefanski continues to design plays for the talented rookie. Also, Cleveland could end up trading David Njoku, who becomes a free agent after this season.

Colts 41, Titans 20: Jonathan Taylor finished with 102 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Taylor’s 46-yard TD run in the third quarter was his ninth rushing TD of 45-plus yards in his career. That ties him with Derrick Henry and Chris Johnson for the most by any player in NFL history prior to their 27th birthday.

Vikings 48, Bengals 10: Carson Wentz didn’t run much — only four yards on two carries — but he was a solid streaming option as Week 3’s overall QB13, completing 70% of his passes for 173 yards and two TDs in a blowout of Cincinnati. Wentz is the first quarterback to start for six different teams in a six-year span since 1950.

Steelers 21, Patriots 14: Hunter Henry is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE3 in PPR) on the strength of his eight receptions (11 targets), 90 yards and two TDs against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Henry is Drake Maye’s most reliable target.

Eagles 33, Rams 26: After combining for only six receptions on nine targets for 35 yards in Philadelphia’s first two games, A.J. Brown finally looked like himself with six receptions on 10 targets for 109 yards and a TD in a come-from-behind win against L.A.

Buccaneers 29, Jets 27: New York’s running back rotation was similar to the first two weeks, but all three backs were a little closer together than in the first two games. According to Pro Football Focus, Breece Hall played between 55-65% of the Jets’ offensive snaps, Braelon Allen was the backup on early downs, and Isaiah Davis was the primary third-down back. Allen averaged 5.0 yards per carry compared to Hall’s 2.3, which likely contributed to Hall playing a little less while Allen played a little more than usual.

Commanders 41, Raiders 24: I understand taking a flier on Tre Tucker after his monster effort at Washington (eight receptions for 145 yards and three TDs), but the Vegas pass game will continue to go through Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers most weeks. And if I’m taking a flier on anyone, I’m doing it with Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Panthers 30, Falcons 0: Michael Penix Jr. has struggled mightily since beginning the season with an impressive outing against the Bucs, completing 64.3% of his passes for 298 yards and a TD, while running for 21 yards and another TD. In the last two games combined, Penix is completing only 54.4% of his passes for 307 yards and two interceptions.

Jaguars 17, Texans 10: In Jacksonville’s first game after trading Tank Bigsby to the Eagles, Bhayshul Tuten had 74 total yards on 10 touches and a TD against the Bengals. Tuten scored again on Sunday against Houston. There’s flex upside even if Travis Etienne continues to play well. At worst, he’s the RB2 behind Etienne, which is a fantasy-relevant role in Liam Coen’s offense. Remember Bucky Irving and Rachaad White last season?

Chargers 23, Broncos 20: After being a healthy scratch the first two weeks, talented rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II finally saw some action with Will Dissly sidelined due to a knee injury. Gadsden finished with five receptions for 46 yards on seven targets despite only playing 25.6% of the Bolts’ offensive snaps. This is worth monitoring, considering Justin Herbert’s tight end in Greg Roman’s offense could end up being very valuable in fantasy.

Seahawks 44, Saints 13: Tory Horton has exactly 32 yards and a TD reception in two straight games. The fifth-round pick also returned a punt 95 yards for a score in the blowout of New Orleans on Sunday. Horton will have flex appeal in deeper leagues with byes beginning soon, and WR3/flex upside if he usurps Cooper Kupp in the pass game hierarchy.

Bears 31, Cowboys 14: Caleb Williams became the fourth QB to produce at least 275 passing yards and four TD passes in three quarters against Dallas since 1991. The other three: Drew Brees (2006), Donovan McNabb (2004) and Randall Cunningham (1998).

49ers 16, Cardinals 15: With James Conner done for the season after suffering a gruesome injury on Sunday, Trey Benson has weekly RB1 upside going forward. Benson, the 66th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was my No. 3 running back in the class. In 84 career carries, he’s averaging five yards, including 6.0 yards per carry this season. I imagine Emari Demercado will still have a role, but Benson out-touched Demercado 13-2 at San Francisco.

Chiefs 22, Giants 9: I told you we were still probably one more bad Russell Wilson performance from ushering in the Jaxson Dart Era in New York.

Lions 38, Ravens 30: Derrick Henry has fumbled in every game so far, including losing the ball in the fourth quarter in both of Baltimore’s losses this season. Henry had only lost two rushing fumbles in the fourth quarter or overtime in his previous nine seasons.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 4:

SEATTLE AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Trey McBride (ARI).

Who to start: The Seahawks D/ST are the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy, and haven’t allowed more than 17 points in a game this season. Kyler Murray (ARI) deserves streaming consideration at home despite the difficult matchup. With James Conner done for the season, Trey Benson (ARI) is an RB2/flex lock with RB1 upside until further notice. The Cardinals D/ST deserve streaming consideration as the eighth-highest scoring defense in fantasy.

Who to sit: Cooper Kupp (SEA) only has 11 receptions for 99 yards in his last three games at Arizona. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) is TD-dependent in his return from a foot injury. Sam Darnold (SEA) only has value in Superflex formats on the road against a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in three games. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly one reception in three straight games. Emari Demercado (ARI) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR formats.

Sleeper: Tory Horton (SEA) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) the last two weeks.

MINNESOTA VS. PITTSBURGH AT DUBLIN

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), Vikings D/ST, DK Metcalf (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Jordan Mason (MIN) was Week 3’s overall RB3 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) in his first game with Aaron Jones on the IR. Jordan Addison (MIN) has WR3/flex upside in his first game of the season after a three-game suspension. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB18 in standard formats (RB14 in PPR), and is averaging 18 touches per game.

Who to sit: Adam Thielen (MIN) had only two receptions in three games without Addison. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) is facing a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Calvin Austin III (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight receptions in three games. Kaleb Johnson (PIT) didn’t see the field against the Patriots last week. Jonnu Smith (PIT) has seen his targets diminish for three straight weeks. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) is TD-dependent with eight-or-fewer touches in two straight games. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only 10 targets in three games.

Sleeper: Carson Wentz (MIN) is facing a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

WASHINGTON AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (WAS), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Jayden Daniels (WAS) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Terry McLaurin (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (quadriceps) despite the difficult matchup. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) maintains flex appeal if he’s active (knee) as the overall RB26 in standard formats (RB32 in PPR) despite a difficult matchup. Kyle Pitts (ATL) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (toe) against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Darnell Mooney (ATL) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed four TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games. The Falcons D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home as the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy.

Who to sit: I’m fading Zach Ertz (WAS) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. If Daniels remains out, Marcus Mariota (WAS) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. If Croskey-Merritt is out, I’m fading Jeremy McNichols (WAS) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST should be fired up in Dan Quinn’s return to Atlanta and deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

NEW ORLEANS AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.

Who to start: Juwan Johnson (NO) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) and has at least eight targets in every game this season. Keon Coleman (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR). Dalton Kincaid (BUF) has at least four receptions or a TD in every game this season. Khalil Shakir (BUF) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed four TD receptions to wide receivers in three games.

Who to sit: Rashid Shaheed (NO) is on the fringe of flex appeal as the overall WR45 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR).

Sleeper: Ray Davis (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper standard formats against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs.

CLEVELAND AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).

Who to start: David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Quinshon Judkins (CLE) is the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) since Week 2 (his NFL debut). Cedric Tillman (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed four TD receptions to wide receivers in three games. Joe Flacco (CLE) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in every game this season. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration at home despite a difficult matchup. The Lions D/ST have produced 11 sacks the last two weeks, including sacking Lamar Jackson seven times on Monday night — Flacco is an actual statue compared to Jackson.

Who to sit: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 receptions in three games. Jerome Ford (CLE) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. Dylan Sampson (CLE) only has eight touches in two games since Judkins’ debut. I’m fading the Browns D/ST on the road against a red-hot offense. I’m fading David Montgomery (DET) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 targets in three games.

Sleeper: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to tight ends in three games.

CAROLINA AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Hunter Henry (NE).

Who to start: Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (calf) as the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR). Drake Maye (NE) is the overall QB6 through three weeks. TreVeyon Henderson (NE) has flex appeal with at least 11 touches in two of the three games this season. The Patriots D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against a young offense.

Who to sit: Xavier Legette (CAR) remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Bryce Young (CAR) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Rico Dowdle (CAR) remains TD-dependent with only 19 carries in three games. I have to imagine the fumble-itis will eventually cost Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) playing time. Stefon Diggs (NE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Kayshon Boutte (NE) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only four targets the last two weeks. DeMario Douglas (NE) is TD-dependent with only five receptions in three games.

Sleeper(s): Hunter Renfrow (CAR) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed four TD receptions to wide receivers in three games, especially with the Panthers dealing with so many injuries at the position. The Panthers D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

L.A. CHARGERS AT N.Y. GIANTS

 

Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC), Omarion Hampton (LAC), Chargers D/ST, Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Both Keenan Allen (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) maintain WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Cam Skattebo (NYG) is the overall RB7 since Week 2 with 180 total yards, eight receptions and two TDs.

Who to sit: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. This is a difficult matchup to trust Jaxson Dart (NYG) in his NFL debut.

Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (LAC) played in New York for three seasons with the Jets and deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed 20 receptions for 150 yards and a TD to tight ends in three games.

PHILADELPHIA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Bucky Irving (TB), Baker Mayfield (TB).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games. Emeka Egbuka (TB) is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) through three weeks. With Mike Evans likely out multiple weeks, Chris Godwin (TB) could return to a healthy target share.

Who to sit: I’m fading Dallas Goedert (PHI) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m also fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Rachaad White (TB) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in two of three games. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Sterling Shepard (TB) will likely help fill Evans’ void and has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats.

TENNESSEE AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Tony Pollard (TEN), Nico Collins (HOU).

Who to start: Elic Ayomanor (TEN) has flex appeal as the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR) with exactly four receptions and a TD in two straight games. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 15 receptions to tight ends in the three games. Nick Chubb (HOU) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB28 in standard formats (RB29 in PPR). The Texans D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Calvin Ridley (TEN) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight receptions in three games. C.J. Stroud (HOU) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Jayden Higgins (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five targets in three games.

Sleeper(s): Christian Kirk (HOU) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Woody Marks (HOU) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs.

INDIANAPOLIS AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Puka Nacua (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Daniel Jones (IND) is the overall QB4 through three weeks. Matthew Stafford (LAR) deserves streaming consideration with a plethora of weapons at home.

Who to sit: Josh Downs (IND) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in three games. I’m fading the Colts D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only six targets in three games.

Sleeper: Blake Corum (LAR) has seen his touches increase each game, and he’s topped 44 rushing yards the last two weeks.

JACKSONVILLE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Christian McCaffrey (SF).

Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 16 touches in every game this season. Brenton Strange (JAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 13 receptions for 107 yards and two TDs to tight ends the last two weeks. Brock Purdy (SF) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (toe). Both Ricky Pearsall (SF) and Jauan Jennings (SF) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers — assuming Pearsall (knee) and Jennings (ankle/shoulder) are active.

Who to sit: Travis Hunter (JAC) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 receptions for 76 yards in three games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in three games. I’m fading the Jaguars D/ST traveling cross country against Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) remains TD-dependent with only 19 touches in three games.

Sleeper: Despite losing Nick Bosa for the season, the 49ers D/ST is still coordinated by Robert Saleh, still has Fred Warner in the middle of it, and features a lot of young talent on the defensive line and in the secondary.

BALTIMORE AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Xavier Worthy (KC).

Who to start: Isiah Pacheco (KC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Tyquan Thornton (KC) is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) the last two weeks with seven receptions for 130 yards and two TDs on 14 targets — I’d be even more bullish on Thornton if Worthy wasn’t returning.

Who to sit: I’m fading Mark Andrews (BAL) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Rashod Bateman (BAL) is TD-dependent with only nine receptions in three games. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) is TD-dependent with exactly two targets in every game this season. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is TD-dependent if he’s active (foot). Justice Hill (BAL) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. A struggling Ravens D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. It’s looking like the monster usage for Marquise Brown (KC) in Week 1 was an anomaly.

Sleeper: Kareem Hunt (KC) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in three games.

CHICAGO AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Rome Odunze (CHI), Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Jakobi Meyers (LV).

Who to start: D’Andre Swift (CHI) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (hip). D.J. Moore (CHI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Caleb Williams (CHI) is the overall QB3 through three weeks with six TD passes the last two weeks. Tre Tucker (LV) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers — Tucker has at least eight targets in two straight games.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Colston Loveland (CHI) and Cole Kmet (CHI) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Luther Burden III (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six targets in three games. Kyle Monangai (CHI) is TD-dependent with only 15 touches the last two weeks. Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly four targets in every game this season.

Sleeper: Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense that has allowed eight TD passes to quarterbacks in the three games.

GREEN BAY AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB), Packers D/ST, Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL).

Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD passes to quarterbacks the last two games. Romeo Doubs (GB), Matthew Golden (GB) and Dontayvion Wicks (GB) all have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. George Pickens (DAL) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) with exactly five receptions (nine targets) for 68 yards and a TD in two straight games.

Who to sit: CeeDee Lamb (DAL) is doubtful with an ankle injury. I’m fading Dak Prescott (DAL) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. KaVontae Turpin (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 13 touches in three games.

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert (DAL) played close to 90% of the snaps after Lamb was sidelined and earned six targets last week against the Bears.

N.Y. JETS AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), De’Von Achane (MIA), Tyreek Hill (MIA).

Who to start: Justin Fields (NYJ) is a premium streaming option if he’s active (concussion). The Jets D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR).

Who to sit: Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 16 touches in three games. Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) would have value in Superflex formats if Fields doesn’t make it through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Ollie Gordon II (MIA) remains TD-dependent with only 14 touches in three games.

Sleeper: Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.

CINCINNATI AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense that has allowed six TD passes to quarterbacks in three games. Troy Franklin (DEN) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR32 in PPR). Evan Engram (DEN) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (back) against a defense that has allowed 19 receptions for 178 yards and two TDs to tight ends in three games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Tee Higgins (CIN) against a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jake Browning (CIN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 targets in three games.

Sleeper: R.J. Harvey (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs.


©2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus