Editor's note: When the Patriots-Chiefs Week 4 game will be played is in question after Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. Dave Richard broke down the potential Fantasy fallout. and Heath Cummings updated his Week 4 QB Preview to reflect the new, but as of right now we're expecting it to be played Monday at 7:05 p.m.
It's Week 4, so hopefully you're starting to see what your Fantasy team is all about after the first three games of the season. You're starting to know who you can trust as starters and who to avoid. And hopefully you're not sticking with someone just because you drafted them in a certain round.
There are always players we feel tied to because of draft capital. This year, guys like Joe Mixon, D.J. Moore, T.Y. Hilton and A.J. Green fall into that category, among others. You feel like you have to start them, even if you have better options on the bench. Why? Play the best players to get you the most points.
Now, I'm still hopeful for all four of those guys, especially Mixon, Moore and Green this week. Mixon faces the Jaguars, and he should have the chance for a good game, especially since he's getting at least 19 total touches each week. But I'm not starting him ahead of James Robinson, Darrell Henderson or even Mike Davis in PPR. Those guys are better right now and have good matchups of their own.
Moore is top 10 in targets among wide receivers, so hopefully a big game is coming. I don't fear the matchup against the Cardinals for him, but I'd rather play Julian Edelman, Will Fuller and DeVante Parker, who have been more productive and also have favorable opponents.
Green, like Mixon, also should go off against the Jaguars. And like Moore, Green is also top 10 in targets among wide receivers. But I have more faith in Tyler Boyd than Green right now since Boyd has shown a solid rapport with Joe Burrow. If you have to decide between the two then Boyd should be in your starting lineup ahead of Green.
As for Hilton, I would sit him this week, as you'll read below. He can still have big games down the road, and hopefully his targets increase as the Colts get in more competitive games. But I don't trust him this week against the Bears, who have yet to allow a touchdown to a wide receiver. He's only worth starting in three receiver leagues, but there could be better options for your Fantasy roster.
Every situation is different for every Fantasy manager, but when you drafted a player shouldn't determine if you start them. Three games is a good sample size to know who is playing well and who isn't, and you should start the player who gives you the best option to win.
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em
Start of the Week
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It appears like Cam Akers (ribs) will be out again in Week 4 against the Giants after he didn't practice Wednesday, and coach Sean McVay said Akers is day-to-day. And even though Malcolm Brown did play in Week 3 at Buffalo despite having finger surgery, he was clearly behind Darrell Henderson in touches and production. The Rams backfield belongs to Henderson for now -- and hopefully all year.
Henderson has been awesome over the past two games with 32 carries for 195 yards and two touchdowns, as well as three catches for 46 yards on six targets against the Eagles and Bills. We were hoping one of the three Rams running backs would make a statement early in the season to establish themselves as the best Todd Gurley replacement, and Henderson appears to be that guy.
He should make another statement in Week 4 against the Giants, who have already allowed four running backs to either score or run for at least 100 yards in three games. I'm starting Henderson as a borderline No. 1 running back this week in all leagues, and I'm excited about his future.
Obviously, you should keep an eye on the Rams' practice reports to see if Akers is playing, but I'm not sure it matters. McVay should continue to lean on Henderson, and Fantasy managers should as well.
More Week 4 Fantasy prep: QB Preview | RB | WR | TE | Trade Values Chart | Titans-Steelers news
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
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No Davante Adams? No problem for Rodgers in Week 3 at the Saints. With Adams out with a hamstring injury, Rodgers went off at New Orleans for 283 passing yards and three touchdowns. Hopefully, Adams is back in Week 4 against the Falcons, but Rodgers should be fine even without his No. 1 receiver. Atlanta allows the most Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks — Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott and Nick Foles all had at least three total touchdowns — and Rodgers should stay hot in this game at home.
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Burrow should be coming into Week 4 against the Jaguars with three games in a row with at least 20 Fantasy points, but he lost a touchdown — and a victory — in Week 1 against the Chargers when A.J. Green was called for offensive pass interference in the end zone on a touchdown catch. However, Burrow has consecutive games with at least 24 Fantasy points against Cleveland and Philadelphia the past two weeks, and he should have another strong showing this week. The Jaguars have struggled the past two games against opposing quarterbacks, with Ryan Tannehill and Ryan Fitzpatrick combining for seven total touchdowns, and Burrow has top-10 upside in Week 4.
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Goff has come alive as a quality Fantasy quarterback in the past two games against Philadelphia and Buffalo with 59 Fantasy points combined over that span. He has 588 passing yards, six total touchdowns and one interception, and he should continue to play well this week against the Giants. They just allowed Nick Mullens to pass for 343 yards and a touchdown in Week 3, and the Giants allowed five passing touchdowns in the first two weeks of the year against Ben Roethlisberger and Mitchell Trubisky. Safety Jabrill Peppers (ankle) could also be out, and the Rams offense should have their way with the Giants defense in Week 4 at home.
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I've been down on Watson for the past two weeks given his tough matchups against the Ravens and Steelers, but things are about to improve for him in a big way in Week 4. The Vikings have not played well defensively this year — Rodgers in Week 1 and Tannehill in Week 3 each had at least 321 passing yards against them — and Watson is due for a standout performance. The schedule was not kind to Houston to open the season (the Texans also played at Kansas City in Week 1), but Watson is about to start playing at a high level. If you can, prior to Sunday, buy low on Watson given his upside moving forward.
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Fitzpatrick was a potential Start of the Week candidate given his matchup with the Seahawks, and I'm hopeful he stays hot for three weeks in a row. He's scored 28 Fantasy points in consecutive weeks against Buffalo and Jacksonville, and this Seattle defense has been bad against opposing quarterbacks. Granted, the Seahawks have faced Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Prescott, but those guys have combined for 1,319 passing yards, eight total touchdowns and four interceptions. And now standout safety Jamal Adams (groin) could be out. Fitzpatrick has top-10 upside in Week 4.
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We're going through every matchup on the schedule for Week 4 on the Fantasy Football Today podcast. Subscribe at Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts:
Sleepers
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I'm expecting Minshew to rebound in Week 4 against the Bengals after a huge letdown game in Week 3 against Miami when he scored just nine Fantasy points. D.J. Chark (chest) looks like he will return, and Minshew scored at least 25 Fantasy points in the first two games of the year. Don't give up on him yet.
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Mayfield has attempted just 46 passes in his past two games, and he hasn't passed for more than 219 yards in a game this season. But he might have to throw more this week against the Cowboys if the Dallas offense shows up, and this is a secondary Mayfield can exploit. In their past two games, the Cowboys have allowed Ryan and Wilson to pass for 588 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
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Cousins found a second option in the passing game in Week 3 against the Titans with rookie Justin Jefferson's breakout performance. Now, if we can get Jefferson and Adam Thielen performing well in the same game then Cousins could have a big outing. I don't mind Cousins this week as a low-end starter since Minnesota could be chasing points, and Houston has allowed two quarterbacks to pass for multiple touchdowns in three games this year.
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Sit 'Em
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The Bills defense has struggled the past two weeks against Fitzpatrick and Goff, allowing 649 passing yards, five total touchdowns and one interception, so maybe Carr has the chance to be useful this week at home. So far, in his only game in Las Vegas, he went for 284 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Saints in Week 2. He also has yet to throw an interception this season. But he's without Bryan Edwards (ankle) and likely Henry Ruggs (hamstring) this week, and Buffalo is suffocating against tight ends, which is bad for Darren Waller. Carr is only an option in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues this week.
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Wentz has been a mess this season, and he needed overtime at home against the Bengals in Week 3 to get to 23 Fantasy points. He has two interceptions in each game, and Eagles coach Doug Pederson is fielding questions about benching Wentz three weeks into the year. His receiving corps is again beat up with DeSean Jackson (hamstring), Jalen Reagor (thumb) and Dallas Goedert (ankle) all hurt, although Alshon Jeffery (foot) could return this week. However, the Eagles offensive line is banged up, and I don't want to trust Wentz at San Francisco, even with the 49ers dealing with plenty of injuries on defense as well.
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Like Wentz, Jones has been a disappointment so far this season, although his struggles have come against tougher opponents. Jones has combined for 35 Fantasy points on the season against Pittsburgh, Chicago and San Francisco, and that includes a 21-point outing against the Steelers in Week 1. It didn't help losing Saquon Barkley (ACL) and Sterling Shepard (toe) along the way, and I can't trust Jones this week, even in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues. While the Rams were torched in Week 3 by Josh Allen, he's playing at an MVP-level. Jones isn't close to Allen right now, but hopefully things will improve for him later in the year. For now, keep him on your waiver wire in all formats.
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We'll see if Tyrod Taylor (chest) is back this week, which would make this posting irrelevant. But if Herbert does start for the Chargers then you should try to avoid him, even in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues. The Buccaneers allow the fourth-fewest Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks with only three touchdowns and four interceptions on the season, and this will be Herbert's first start on the road. He is averaging 19.5 Fantasy points in two games this year, but I expect him to be under 20 Fantasy points in this matchup against Tampa Bay.
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Bust Alert
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Brady is playing without Chris Godwin (hamstring) this week, and he wasn't good in one game without Godwin this year. In Week 2 against Carolina, Brady scored just 10 Fantasy points with 217 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He should do better than that against the Chargers, who won't have standout cornerback Chris Harris (foot), but I don't expect Brady to play as well as he did last week when he scored 29 Fantasy points. Consider Brady a low-end starting option at best in all leagues.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
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Robinson has been one of the best stories in 2020, and he continues to improve each week. He had a career-high six receptions for 83 yards in Week 3 against Miami, along with 11 carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns. And that was after he ran for 102 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in Week 2 at Tennessee. He should have another big game in Week 4 against the Bengals, who allow the fifth-most Fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.
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Davis held his own in starting for the injured Christian McCaffrey (ankle) in Week 3 at the Chargers with 13 carries for 46 yards, as well as eight catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He now has 16 catches for 119 yards on 17 targets in the past two games, and he should be starting in all PPR leagues. This week, Davis is facing a Cardinals defense that has already allowed two receiving touchdowns to running backs and three guys to score at least 12.0 PPR points this year.
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Even though it appears like Zack Moss (toe) is back this week for the Bills, I'm still starting Singletary in all leagues with confidence given the matchup with the Raiders. Moss should also have the chance to play well as a flex since the Raiders allow the most Fantasy points to opposing running backs. Now, part of that comes from facing Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara to open the season, but the Patriots also had two running backs (Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel) score at least 15.0 PPR points against Las Vegas last week. Singletary has yet to score a touchdown this season, but that could happen this week. And coming off a game with 121 total yards on 17 total touches — with Moss sidelined — will hopefully keep Singletary heavily involved in a good matchup. He's a quality No. 2 running back in all leagues.
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Minnesota's run defense has been bad this season, and Johnson should be able to have a strong game this week at home. Aaron Jones, Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry have all scored against the Vikings, with Taylor and Henry each rushing for 100 yards in the past two weeks. Johnson has struggled his past two games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh with a combined 24 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown, as well as four catches for 39 yards on seven targets. But most running backs would struggle against those defenses. Johnson should be thrilled with the easier matchup this week.
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If the Browns are chasing points this week on the road, we might see the best of Hunt, especially in the passing game. While he does have two receiving scores in the past two games against Cincinnati and Washington, he only has four catches for 33 yards on five targets over that span. However, in Week 1 at Baltimore, Hunt had four catches on six targets when the Browns were trailing. He will continue to work in tandem with Nick Chubb, which lowers the ceiling for Hunt in all leagues, but I expect his receiving stats to trend up this week at Dallas.
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Sleepers
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He's from Washington and grew up in a suburb of Seattle, so this game should be exciting for Gaskin, even though it's in Miami. He's been great through three games in PPR with 15 catches on 16 targets, and he's had at least 82 total yards in each of the past two weeks against Buffalo and Jacksonville. Seattle is also top 10 in most receptions allowed to running backs this year.
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Now that McKinnon is healthy you should be able to start him as a No. 2 running back in all leagues against the Eagles. He left Week 3 at the Giants with a rib injury, but he's been practicing in full and should lead the 49ers in touches. Jeff Wilson will also have a role and work in tandem with McKinnon with Raheem Mostert (knee) out, but McKinnon should have the most production. Against the Giants, McKinnon had 14 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 39 yards on four targets. Wilson, who had 12 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown, along with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, is worth using as a flex option.
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With the news that Leonard Fournette (ankle) is out, this should be a good week for Jones. Maybe even a great week. The duo of Jones and Fournette has combined for at least 24 total touches each game. Hopefully, all of that work goes to Jones, although LeSean McCoy could take on a bigger role. It's not an easy matchup against the Chargers, who have yet to allow a rushing touchdown or someone over 70 rushing yards. But Jones still qualifies as a low-end starter this week given his increased workload.
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Gore could be useful in Week 4 against Denver at home. The Broncos are traveling across the country on a short week, and they just lost defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (biceps). Gore is getting plenty of work since Le'Veon Bell (hamstring) went down with 36 carries in the past two games, but he only has 120 yards and no touchdowns to show for it, with just one catch for 5 yards. However, this could be a week he performs well if you need a flex option in deeper leagues.
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Sit 'Em
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Kelley was obviously a letdown in Week 3 as the Start of the Week. Instead of beating up on Carolina, he had eight carries for 43 yards and a fumble, as well as two catches for 9 yards on two targets. He should continue to play well in tandem with Austin Ekeler moving forward, but I don't like him this week at Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are tremendous against the run, and Kelley should struggle again. Ekeler, however, is worth trusting given his role in the passing game, so don't worry about starting him.
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We'll see if Freeman has a bigger role for the Giants this week after making his debut with the team in Week 3 against San Francisco. He only had five carries for 10 yards against the 49ers, and he can't be trusted yet by Fantasy managers heading into Week 4 at the Rams. Hopefully, the best is yet to come for Freeman, but I'm skeptical to trust him. Continue to stash him for now, but another bad game or two could send Freeman back to the waiver wire in most formats.
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Gibson continues to do a nice job for the Washington Football Team and Fantasy managers, and he's scored 12 PPR points in each of the past two games. He has two touchdowns over that span, and he had a new career high with three catches in Week 3 at Cleveland. But this week he should be kept on your bench in most formats with a matchup against the Ravens, especially since Baltimore was embarrassed on national TV by Kansas City last week. This could get ugly for the Washington Football Team, and Gibson should struggle in this matchup.
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Peterson is coming off a strong game in Week 3 at Arizona with 22 carries for 75 yards, as well as one catch for 10 yards. We'll see if he can handle another heavy workload against the Saints, but I'm skeptical. Peterson could be in trouble if the Lions are chasing points this week since that's when D'Andre Swift has a bigger role. And Peterson has yet to score a touchdown this year. The Saints have allowed two rushing touchdowns in the past two games against Jalen Richard and Aaron Jones, but I expect Peterson to struggle in this matchup, even in a revenge game.
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Bust Alert
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Gurley did a nice job in Week 3 against Chicago with 14 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown, as well as one catch for 2 yards, but I'm still concerned about calling him a must-start Fantasy option. He only has three catches for 3 yards on the season on seven targets, and he's starting to lose work to Brian Hill, who played 34 percent of the snaps against the Bears compared to 51 percent for Gurley. The Packers were crushed by Alvin Kamara in Week 3 in the passing game, but no running back has gained 60 rushing yards against Green Bay this year, including Dalvin Cook in Week 1. If Gurley doesn't score, his Fantasy production could be minimal, and he's a flex option at best this week.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receiver
Start 'Em
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I'm excited for Parker and Preston Williams this week, and Williams should be considered a sleeper in all leagues. The Seahawks defense has been abysmal against opposing receivers all season, and the Dolphins duo should have the chance for a big game. Seattle has allowed the most receptions (76) and yards (1,136) and is tied for second in most touchdowns (five) to opposing receivers. By comparison, the next closest team in receptions allowed is Denver with 49 and Atlanta in yards with 736. And the Seahawks are down Jamal Adams (groin). Parker is due for a big game, and it should happen this week. The same goes for Williams, and I would start both (Parker obviously ahead of Williams) in Week 4 given the matchup.
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Fuller has delivered in two of three games this year, scoring 19 15 PPR points against the Chiefs in Week 1 and 15 PPR points against the Steelers in Week 2. He had no targets in Week 2 against Baltimore while dealing with an apparent hamstring injury, but he's on track for a breakout campaign this season if he can stay healthy. This week, Fuller should have another solid outing against the Vikings, who have allowed a receiver to score or gain at least 100 receiving yards in every game this year. Fuller has top-15 upside in Week 4.
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Keep an eye on Beckham's health since he's dealing with a back injury, but I'm expecting him to play against the Cowboys. And I'm expecting him to have his best game of the season. So far, Beckham has one game with double digits in PPR points this year in three outings, but I'm hopeful we get his second game with double digits in targets. The first time that happened was Week 1 at Baltimore when the Browns were chasing points, but Beckham struggled in a tough matchup against the Ravens and finished with three catches for 22 yards on 10 targets. Give him at least eight targets against the Cowboys, and he could go off. So far this year, five receivers have already had at least eight targets against Dallas -- Robert Woods, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf -- and those guys averaged 26.0 PPR points per game against this defense. It's been tough to trust Beckham this year, but he has top-15 upside this week.
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I hope this is the game where A.J. Green breaks out, but you have to buy into Boyd as the best Fantasy receiver for the Bengals now -- if you haven't done so already. He's been awesome the past two games with 17 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets, and he's scored 42 PPR points over that span against Cleveland and Philadelphia. Green is due for a breakout game, but Joe Burrow is leaning on Boyd now. And the Jaguars have given up more production to No. 2 receivers (Parris Campbell, Adam Humphries and Preston Williams) than No. 1 options in three games this year.
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Sleepers
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Lamb should still be considered a high-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week even though he was outplayed in Week 3 at Seattle by Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson, as well as Amari Cooper. In Lamb's lone home game in Week 2 against Atlanta he had six catches for 106 yards on nine targets, and maybe this week he'll catch his first NFL touchdown against the Browns.
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The Raiders receiving corps is a mess right now with Henry Ruggs (hamstring) and Bryan Edwards (ankle) banged up, and Renfrow could emerge as a prime target for Derek Carr. In Week 3 at New England, Renfrow had six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Going back to last year, Renfrow has six games with at least six targets, and he's scored at least 17 PPR points in four of them.
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Beasley has been underrated this season based on his production so far. He has 20 targets through three games with 15 catches for 228 yards, and he's scored at least 12 PPR points in each of his past two games. And with John Brown (calf) now hurt, Josh Allen should continue to lean on Beasley, who should be considered a quality No. 3 Fantasy receiver in PPR.
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Valdes-Scantling could be the No. 1 receiver for the Packers this week against the Falcons with Davante Adams (hamstring) and Allen Lazard (core) hurt. But even if he's not No. 1 on the depth chart you can still take a flier on Valdes-Scantling this week given the matchup with the Falcons. Atlanta has been miserable against opposing receivers this year with six guys scoring at least 12 PPR points in three games, including a pair of receivers in each outing hitting that mark against Seattle, Dallas and Chicago.
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Ward could be the best Eagles wide receiver in Week 4 at San Francisco if DeSean Jackson (hamstring) is out and Alshon Jeffery (foot) isn't ready to play, as well as Dallas Goedert (ankle) being hurt. Ward stepped up in Week 3 against the Bengals with eight catches for 72 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets, and he could emerge as a key weapon for Carson Wentz behind Zack Ertz and Miles Sanders. It's a tough matchup against the 49ers on the road in Week 4, but Ward could be a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues given his expected target share.
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Sit 'Em
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At some point, Hilton is going to have a big game. And it could happen this week against the Bears, although Chicago is the lone team not to allow a touchdown to a wide receiver. But through three outings we've been extremely disappointed with Hilton, who has combined for 22 PPR points and has yet to top 53 receiving yards in a game with no touchdowns. He's still worth starting in three-receiver leagues, and maybe the injuries to Parris Campbell (knee) and Michael Pittman (calf) give Hilton a few more targets. But I need to see it first, and I'm frustrated with Hilton's lack of production so far this year.
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Slayton was great in Week 1 against the Steelers with six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets, which was good for 28 PPR points. In two games since then against Chicago and San Francisco, Slayton has combined for 12 PPR points on six catches, 86 yards and 13 targets. It will be hard to trust him in a likely matchup with Jalen Ramsey for the Rams, and Slayton has little upside in all formats. Of the Giants receivers, I would consider Golden Tate as a low-end starting option in PPR.
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I'm excited about Jefferson after his breakout game in Week 3 against the Titans when he had seven catches for 175 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, and I want to roster him in all leagues. But I don't want to start him in Week 4 against the Texans if he's not needed. Let's see if Jefferson continues to get a third of Kirk Cousins' pass attempts like he did against Tennessee, while Adam Thielen only had five. And the Texans have been great against opposing receivers so far. While Houston has allowed three touchdowns to Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill and JuJu Smith-Schuster, only Watkins has more than 50 receiving yards, including a matchup with Marquise Brown as well. At best, consider Jefferson a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues this week. You should have him on your Fantasy team where available, and hopefully he continues to produce at a high level moving forward.
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Watkins doesn't have the best history against the Patriots, and I would only consider him a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week. He's faced them seven times in his career, including the playoffs, and he has one touchdown and one game with more than 60 receiving yards in those matchups. Three of those games have come with the Chiefs over the past two seasons, and he's combined for 10 catches, 182 yards and no touchdowns on 20 targets. Watkins has been good so far this season with at least 13 PPR points in the two games he's been able to finish (he suffered a concussion in Week 2 at the Chargers), but I'm skeptical to start him in most leagues given the matchup.
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Aiyuk should be added in all leagues, and he has the chance to be a good playmaker for the 49ers, especially with Deebo Samuel (foot) still hurt. In Week 3 against the Giants, Aiyuk had five catches for 70 yards on eight targets, along with three carries for 31 yards and a touchdown. But don't play him this week against the Eagles given how Philadelphia has done against opposing No. 1 receivers. Terry McLaurin, Robert Woods and A.J. Green combined for 12 catches for 101 yards and no touchdowns on 18 targets against the Eagles, with Darius Slay having a big hand in making that happen. Aiyuk isn't the same type of No. 1 receiver like those guys, but he is the top guy for the 49ers until Samuel is back. For now, just stash him on your bench in most leagues.
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Bust Alert
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McLaurin has been solid so far this year with at least 11 PPR points in all three games, and he's averaging 16.0 PPR points for the season. He's also seen 25 targets on the year. But I'm expecting him to struggle against the Ravens, and he should be considered a low-end starting option at best in all leagues. While Baltimore was beat up by the Chiefs in Week 3 on Monday night (Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman and Watkins all scored at least 13 PPR points), the Ravens didn't allow a receiver to score a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season, including matchups with Odell Beckham and Fuller. I expect to see an angry Baltimore defense this week and a rough outing for the entire Washington offense.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
Start 'Em
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This is a good week to go all in on the Dolphins receivers given the matchup against the Seahawks, especially with Jamal Adams (groin) likely out. While Seattle's defense has been good against tight ends so far -- Hayden Hurst and Dalton Schultz combined for 14 PPR points -- Gesicki should thrive if he lines up in the slot. And not having Adams there will help as well. Gesicki has scored in each of his past two games, and he has top-five upside this week.
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New Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien should lean on Fant this week in a great matchup against the Jets, who have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in the past two games against Jordan Reed (two) and Mo Alie-Cox. Fant saw his touchdown streak end at two in Week 3 against Tampa Bay, but he did have 10 targets against the Buccaneers. If he gets that many targets against the Jets, he could have a monster game Thursday night.
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This could be a huge game for Schultz against the Browns, who have struggled to defend tight ends this year. In the first two games of the season against Baltimore and Cincinnati, Mark Andrews, C.J. Uzomah and Drew Sample combined for 16 catches, 145 yards and three touchdowns on 21 targets. Logan Thomas only had four catches for 31 yards against the Browns in Week 3, but he had seven targets. Schultz has 16 targets in two games as the replacement for Blake Jarwin (ACL), and he should be a star in Week 4 given the matchup.
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Sleepers
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Maybe Gronkowski isn't done after all? While he didn't have a dominant game in Week 3 at Denver, he was finally involved with seven targets for six catches and 48 yards. And that could continue for Gronkowski with the Buccaneers' receiving corps battered with injuries heading into Week 4 against the Chargers. We'll see how Gronkowski does if he gets another quality amount of targets, but he could be a low-end starting option in deeper leagues.
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The Saints have struggled with tight ends all season. It started with O.J. Howard in Week 1 (13 PPR points), Darren Waller in Week 2 (28 PPR points) and Robert Tonyan in Week 3 (16 PPR points). Hopefully, Hockenson follows suit this week, and he scored 16 PPR points in his last home game in Week 1 against Chicago.
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Tonyan just beat up the Saints with five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, and he's now scored in consecutive games. He's helping Aaron Rodgers with Davante Adams (hamstring) banged up, and the Falcons have allowed a tight end to score a touchdown each week this season (Greg Olsen in Week 1, Schultz in Week 2 and Jimmy Graham in Week 3).
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Sit 'Em
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It's nice to see Graham playing well this season, and he's scored a touchdown in Week 1 against the Lions and two against the Falcons in Week 3. In those two games, he's had at least seven targets, and he had six catches for 60 yards against Atlanta. He should see a healthy amount of targets this week against the Colts, but this is a tough matchup. Indianapolis is allowing the fewest Fantasy points against opposing tight ends this season with just six catches for 32 yards in three games against Jacksonville, Minnesota and the Jets. Now, the best tight end the Colts have faced so far is Chris Herndon, so take that into account. But Graham is not yet considered a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues, so don't risk playing him in a tough matchup.
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It was good that Hurst scored in Week 3 against Chicago, and he's now scored in back-to-back games heading into Week 4 against the Packers. But he only had three targets against the Bears, and his 1-yard touchdown with his only catch. Maybe he sees an uptick in targets and production if Julio Jones (hamstring) and Russell Gage (concussion) are out this week, but the Packers have yet to allow a tight end to score, including matchups with Hockenson and Jared Cook in the past two games. For the season, Green Bay has only allowed 11 catches for 139 yards to opposing tight ends on 12 targets. Hurst is a low-end starter at best in all leagues.
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The Dolphins haven't faced a lot of quality tight ends yet this season with matchups against New England, Buffalo and Jacksonville, but Miami has thus far allowed just eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets to the position. Olsen does have at least 11 PPR points in two of three games this season, but that's on nine catches for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets through three games. Russell Wilson is cooking right now, but Olsen is just at a light boil and shouldn't be considered a must-start option in all leagues.
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Bust Alert
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I said it in this spot last week with Tyler Higbee that the Bills defense is tough on opposing tight ends when healthy, and they got linebackers Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds back on the field after both were out in Week 2 at Miami. Higbee was held to two catches for 40 yards on two targets after scoring three touchdowns in Week 2 against the Eagles, and Waller could have another rough week. He was shut down in Week 3 at New England with two catches for 9 yards on four targets, and he should struggle again in this matchup. He's still a low-end starter in all leagues, but Buffalo's defense will likely try to eliminate him like the Patriots did.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
Start 'Em
Buccaneers (vs. LAC): Justin Herbert is likely making his first road start this week as long as Tyrod Taylor (chest) remains out, and that could be good news for the Buccaneers DST. In two games, Herbert has two interceptions, four sacks and one lost fumble. The Buccaneers have 11 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in their past two games against Carolina and Denver.
Sleepers
- Cardinals (at CAR): The Cardinals have 11 sacks through three games, and they should be able to pressure Teddy Bridgewater in this matchup. He's been sacked seven times in the past two games against Tampa Bay and the Chargers, and he should be under duress once again.
- Broncos (at NYJ): The Jets have scored 37 points on the season, allowed six sacks, four interceptions and two defensive scores. Even though the Broncos are banged up on defense, this DST is worth trusting Thursday night on the road.
- Jets (vs. DEN): The Broncos are on their third quarterback in as many games with Brett Rypien replacing Jeff Driskel, who replaced the injured Drew Lock (shoulder). Denver allowed 13 sacks in the past two games against the Steelers and Buccaneers, and even the Jets DST is worth trusting as a low-end starter this week.
Sit 'Em
Patriots (at KC): This is an easy week to avoid the Patriots DST at the Chiefs. While New England was great against Miami in Week 1 (three interceptions, one sack and 11 points allowed) and against Las Vegas in Week 3 (three fumbles, two sacks and a defensive score), it doesn't appear like anyone is slowing down Kansas City's offense after what the Chiefs did to the Ravens. You should hold onto the Patriots DST if possible with a matchup against Denver in Week 5, but this should be a rough game against the Chiefs on the road.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Start 'Em
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Crosby is off to a fantastic start this season with at least 10 Fantasy points in every game this year, including 15 points in Week 3 at New Orleans. He hasn't missed a field goal on seven tries, and he also is perfect on all 13 PATs. The Falcons have allowed just four field goals on five attempts this season against Jason Myers, Greg Zuerlien and Cairo Santos, but Atlanta has surrendered 12 PATs. Crosby should have the chance for another big game at home.
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Sleepers
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The Chargers are one of two teams along with the Vikings to allow at least 10 made field goals already through three games. Randy Bullock, Harrison Butker and Joey Slye have all made at least two field goals against the Chargers, and Succop just had his best game of the season in Week 3 at Denver with two field goals and two PATs.
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Let's go with the kicker against the Vikings given the stat above, and Minnesota has allowed Mason Crosby, Rodrigo Blankenship and Stephen Gostkowski to each make at least two field goals, with Gostkowski getting six of them in Week 3. Fairbairn has only three field goals in three games, but he should have a breakout performance this week at home.
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All three kickers against the Bears this season (Matt Prater, Graham Gano and Younghoe Koo) have made multiple field goals, and Blankenship should follow suit this week. He's made at least two field goals in every game, and he's scored at least 10 Fantasy points in each of the past two weeks against Minnesota and the Jets.
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Sit 'Em
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Elliott is coming off his best game of the season in Week 3 against the Bengals with three made field goals and two PATs, but I'm not starting him in Week 4 at the 49ers. Prior to Week 3, Elliott combined for 12 Fantasy points, and the Eagles offense should continue to struggle on the road. San Francisco also has allowed just six field goals and four PATs on the season.
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So who should you start and sit this week? And which surprising quarterback could lead you to victory? Visit SportsLine now to get Week 4 rankings for every position, plus see which QB is going to come out of nowhere to crack the top 10, all from the model that out-performed experts big-time last season.
