Fantasy Football Week 4: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em
Well…… that was unexpected.
Whatever came to your mind first after reading that, that’s what I’m talking about. 70-20 blowout. Arizona beat Dallas. Indianapolis is leading the AFC South. And we still have A LOT of football left.
Let’s graze through the newest list of injuries before we establish some viable replacements: Most notably was Chargers WR Mike Williams going down for the season after tearing his ACL, Derek Carr left early with a shoulder injury, and Jimmy Garappolo was evaluated for a concussion following the Raiders’ loss on SNF.
Only a few names this week, but still enough to throw a wrench or two in some fantasy managers’ plans. Fear not, however, for I am back again to dive into some favorable matchups in week 4.
Ian’s Record: 16-9
Start ‘em
Russell Wilson (QB, Broncos) @ Bears
Broncos fans, how we doin’?
After their historic loss to Miami last Sunday, it seems silly for me to recommend starting the Broncos’ QB this week. Well, if they were playing any other team I wouldn’t have listed Wilson here, but here we are.
With all the offseason excitement about Justin Fields and the Bears maybe turning a new leaf, these are not the stats you want to see. Facing this defense that’s currently giving up the eighth most fantasy points to QBs should give Russ the opportunity to put up solid numbers and grab Denver’s first win.
D’Andre Swift (RB, Eagles) vs. Commanders
The matchup isn’t totally in his favor, but Swift has been receiving way too much attention these past two weeks to leave him on your bench again (I am guilty of this).
Swift ran the ball 28 times in week 2 then 16 more times in week 3, granting him back-to-back 100 yard games for only the second time in his NFL career.
The Commanders have been a little stingy with RBs so far this season, but the Bucs are statistically more. He should have another productive week back at home.
Jakobi Meyers (WR, Raiders) @ Chargers
Despite being held aside for week 2 because of a concussion, Meyers has had a pleasant start to the season on a new contract behind Davante Adams. He was targeted 12 times last week, which is impressive considering Vegas’ somewhat crowded WR room.
Heading to L.A. this week, Meyers should see another week of healthy targets since the Chargers can’t seem to cover anyone right now. Pittsburgh kept him out of the endzone, but the Chargers won’t. Cha-ching.
George Kittle (TE, 49ers) vs. Cardinals
I think it’s safe to say that I, as well as half of America, fully swung and missed on my outlook of the Cowboys-Cardinals game last week.
Going up against arguably the most well-balanced team in football right now however, I think it’s also safe to say the Cinderella story surrounding Arizona’s win will not last two weeks.
Against a defense that already won’t be able to guard him, Kittle has massive upside for this game with Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, AND Brandon Aiyuk all nursing injuries.
Sit ‘em
C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans) vs. Steelers
Stroud, although has found the most success early on this season among all rookie QBs, does not have a favorable matchup this week.
While the Steelers have been pretty forgiving to WRs thus far, it doesn’t take away from the fact that T.J. Watt is already wreaking havoc on every QB he’s faced.
He and Pittsburgh’s pass rush will be giving Stroud trouble all afternoon behind that already banged up offensive line. Pass.
Breece Hall (RB, Jets) vs. Chiefs
It’s really devastating how much the narrative has changed in New York. As of most recently, the Jets’ defense is really upset with HC Robert Saleh for continuing with Zach Wilson as the starting QB.
For now, as unfortunate as it is, I would expect Hall to remain in this weird lull against a Chiefs defense who will get to him every time behind that abysmal offensive line.
Drake London (WR, Falcons) @ Jaguars
London had a stint in week 2 with a touchdown, but this week he’ll likely face Tyson Campbell in Jacksonville, which is not an easy matchup.
There’s a lot of names in there, but it’s a cool graphic and you’ll find him eventually.
Through three weeks, Campbell has only surrendered 12 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns. With how shaky London has been, don’t go chasing Tank Dell’s explosive performance against the Jags last week.
Hayden Hurst (TE, Panthers) vs. Vikings
This one might be a softball pick, but I know some of you in those deep 14-16 man leagues have him and see a slightly favorable matchup against the Vikings. Don’t be fooled.
On his way back from an ankle injury, it’s hard for me to see Bryce Young giving Hurst a considerable amount of targets after witnessing the Adam Thielen show in week 3.
It’s possible Hurst could get a cheap goal line touchdown, but that would be it. Pass.
