Fantasy Football Week Four: Start ’em, Sit ’em

After three straight weeks of crazy games, only two undefeated teams remain: the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles.

After shocking the Bills at Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins have a shorter break as week four kicks off in Cincinnati where Joe Burrow and the Bengals look to pick up some steam after achieving their first win against the Jets and Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins look to remain undefeated.

Aside from that thriller of a game, let’s look at some of the other matchups and who should be in your starting lineup for week four.

Ian’s Record: 14-7

Start ’em

Jamaal Williams (RB, Lions) vs. Seahawks

Through three weeks, Jamaal Williams has four rushing touchdowns after carrying the ball 20 times last week and punching in twice. Undoubtedly the Lions’ goal line back, Williams has been dominating touches inside the 10 yard line.

What’s more, Swift was already not at 100% going into week three with an ankle injury. Now that he’s out at least a couple weeks with a shoulder injury, Williams is set to become Detroit’s featured back while already having had a significant share in overall touches.

Seattle’s run defense has allowed the second most rushing yards through week three, so I’d imagine Williams will have another 20-carry game (he’s only owned in 44.3% of fantasy leagues, so you might want to go get him).

Tony Pollard (RB, Cowboys) vs. Commanders

It may be time for Ezekiel Elliot to hand the reins off to Tony Pollard.

While Zeke still remains in command of carries, he has yet to surpass 75 total yards in a game. His pass-catching production has been abysmal, as he’s tallied a whopping -5 yards through the air thus far.

With fewer carries, Pollard has surpassed 75 total yards each of these last two weeks, notably after shining this past Monday night with 105 yards rushing on 13 attempts.

Pollard has a very favorable matchup on his hands as the Cowboys host the Commanders week four, a team that has allowed generous rushing and receiving production through three weeks. Zeke’s not out yet, but lean on Pollard to provide a forgiving flex performance.

Courtland Sutton (WR, Broncos) vs. Raiders

Courtland Sutton has seen at least seven targets in each of his first three games with Russell Wilson throwing the ball, with 11 in week 2 and 10 this past Sunday night in Denver’s win over the 49ers.

While he hasn’t found the end zone yet, his production thus far has him overdue for a trip.

Heading to Las Vegas this week has Sutton primed for production worthy of WR2/flex status as the Raiders have been borderline despicable on defense following big signings this offseason. They currently rank 24th in scoring defense and 26th in passing yards allowed. Sutton will have a touchdown this week.

Cordarelle Patterson (RB, Falcons) vs. Browns

Cordarelle Patterson has to be one of the most fascinating players in the league.

From when he was drafted by the Vikings in 2013, Patterson has been a wide receiver, a return specialist, even a safety at one point, and is now the Falcons featured running back.

With the exception of the Rams week two, Patterson has had his plate stocked full in Atlanta. In the two weeks he’s recorded a touchdown, Patterson is averaging just under 20 carries and just over 130 rushing yards (6.5 yards per carry, approximately).

The Browns so far have allowed a touchdown to each running back they’ve faced, so coming off a very productive showing against Seattle, I’m expecting Patterson to be a reliable RB2 this week.

Sit ’em

Allen Robinson II (WR, Rams) vs. 49ers

A-Rob owners need a hug (that’s me. I’m an A-Rob owner).

Cooper Kupp, like last year, is dominating targets from Stafford so far. Through three weeks he has 35, no other receiver on the team has more than 15.

The Rams brought in Robinson on a 3-year deal worth $46.5 million after Robert Woods went down with an injury and Odell Beckham Jr. tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. With his lack of production so far, it may be safe to say that was a mistake.

Look to hang up Robinson and every other Rams WR not named Cooper Kupp soon, as they’re all quickly turning into touchdown-or-bust players.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jaguars) vs. Eagles

James Robinson has been the clear RB1 in Jacksonville thus far, nearly doubling Etienne’s carries. Robinson has also scored in every game this season, while Etienne has yet to find the end zone.

What was a promising first round pick in the 2021 NFL draft has not been able to find the production he needs to become a true fantasy starter.

The Eagles have allowed a good amount of passes to running backs so far, but with Robinson taking significantly more snaps I see him putting up the RB1 numbers and Etienne as a borderline flex option at best.

Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots) vs. Packers

Henry has simply been out-produced by fellow TE Jonnu Smith so far this season. It’s tough to see after he brought in nine touchdowns last season, but his role in this Patriots offense hasn’t been the same.

Through three weeks Henry has only seen three receptions, none of which came week 2 against the Steelers. Pair that with Mac Jones going down with a high ankle sprain, and any chance of Henry breaking out will be hinged with building a rapport with Brian Hoyer.

The Packers so far have been stout against tight ends, only allowing 11 receptions and 101 yards through three weeks. If you haven’t dropped him already, Henry should be on your bench.

J.K. Dobbins (RB, Ravens) vs. Bills

In his long-awaited season debut against the Patriots, J.K. Dobbins recorded seven rushing attempts for 23 yards. Justice Hill had six for 60.

The disappointment from the Ravens’ running back room may not entirely be their fault. Lamar Jackson has led the team in rushing attempts each of the last two weeks as he continues to persuade the Ravens to pay him. The line has to be drawn somewhere though, as aside from Hill the rest of the Ravens’ running backs are averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry.

The narrative is highly unlikely to change for Dobbins in week four, as they travel to Buffalo to face the Bills who are likely frustrated and looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in Miami. Look for Jackson to do most of the rushing for a third week in a row.