Fantasy Football Week 4 Lineup Advice - Start/Sit

As we gear up for week four, this is where the season begins to bear fruit and teams start to define themselves of who they are. Some very interesting matchups are on the docket and it may be wise to take more risks this week to secure those victories. Follow us and we’ll get you those wins and keep things moving in the right direction.

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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP

Quarterbacks:

Philip Rivers (LAC)

Clearly this matchup has glorious appeal for most if not all Los Angeles Chargers to find ways to score many points. The only aspect of this contest that is tripping us up at the moment is the long travel for the Chargers. This may inhibit their performance early, but shouldn’t be enough for them not to put on a show. If Rivers doesn’t have over 300-yards and multiple touchdowns, we will be literally shocked. 

Jared Goff (LAR)

At this point, we have great concern for the Rams offense and Jared Goff getting back to levels of high-octane achievements, but will bet on the fact that this week should be much better. Facing off against the Buccaneers at home with a defense that has played extremely well, we should witness the Rams have a lot of opportunity. We are getting close to not support Goff as a pure elite fantasy quarterback, he better back us up here.  

Running Backs:

Chris Carson (SEA)

Once again, the Seahawks Chris Carson will sit on our start list simply because this matchup is phenomenal. Facing the Cardinals defense that can’t seem to get out of their own way at the moment, Carson and the Hawks have a great shot at running all over this club with distinction. Carson however is dealing with a great level of ball control issues and could again find himself on the bench if it’s not cleaned up. Either way, we still like the potential this week.  

Austin Ekeler (LAC)

While we had a great affinity for the Chargers backup Justin Jackson having the better day from the backfield, news that he wont play in this match leaves Austin Ekeler as a no brainer start. The Chargers will want to end this contest early and will use the run game to close it all out. Ekeler should scamper to 100+ yards and at least one endzone trip this week.

Marlon Mack (IND)

While Marlon Mack continues to produce at very sound levels, this week has a glorious chance of Mack being the best running back in all of fantasy. The matchup on paper is one thing, but the potential for the Colts to be without their star receiver TY Hilton due to injury is real. A run heavy approach should be the game plan which will provide better looks for the Colts pass attack. Nevertheless, Mack will feast all day on the Raiders spotty defense.

Wide Receivers:

Brandin Cooks (LAR)

Making comments last week on the podcast, the Rams Brandin Cooks just seems to make plays happen and quietly turns out 15+ fantasy point contests. The same should be seen once again this week as the Rams host the Bucs in what should be a full-blown aerial attack. The Rams need to get back to basics in what made them successful in the past, and we for one feel it could happen this week. Cooks is a fringe WR-2 most weeks, but we could see a coming out party of sorts. Really like the prospects of him finding the endzone at least once. 

Macole Hardman (KC)

It’s coming to the point that we could encourage starting any Chiefs offensive player and be comfortable with the outcome. However, Andy Reid still loves to stretch the field a number of times each week and the speed will come from Hardman. Hardman is built exactly like Tyreek Hill and will again have a sound role in this week’s matchup. Even though Hardman may only get the four targets a game, he will turn one into a touchdown verse this Lions secondary. 

Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ)

Old man Fitzgerald continues to defy the odds and put up numbers consistently. Seeing this club take an enormous sidestep in the second half of last week’s showing, retooling will be on the agenda and Fitzgerald will be a big part of that. Clearly target share isn’t an issue, but the progression of Kyler Murray will be. Having to air it out more often last week playing from behind, we should see more run plays assist the pass leaving Fitz a potential big money player.    

Tight-Ends:

Darren Waller (OAK)

In our eyes, Tyrell Williams has again proven that he can’t fit the bill when it comes to being the team’s number one receiving threat, but with those negatives comes a massive positive for Darren Waller. Coming off a 14 target, 13 catch performance last week, expect much of the same as the Colts struggle immensely covering the tight end position. The Raiders will try and establish the run, and the main benefactor in the pass game will be Waller. He is a beast and will continue to feast. 

Evan Engram (NYG)

The New York Giants have life again with Daniel Jones behind center and a major boost is given to Evan Engram. Now without the services of their star Saquon Barkley, the Giants will have to lean on their rookie passer to produce offense. Engram looks to be back on track and should find room on this Skins defense which was dismantled by the Bears a week ago. Engram is a top target and should give his owners plenty to smile about.   

SIT - LEAVE THEM ON THE BENCH

   

Quarterbacks:

Josh Allen (BUF)

While we typically like to promote the Bills second year gun-slinger Josh Allen, we have to take pause and take a backseat to this week’s opponent. Facing off against the Patriots is no easy task and playing a defense that has been literally lights out will be that much tougher. New England has proven to lock down teams thus far and should again have the advantage on Sunday. Allen has still shown levels of poor judgement and we could see a pick-six go back to New England. Allen will have better days. 

Baker Mayfield (CLE)

The Cleveland Browns and this offense haven’t lived up to the hype given this offseason, and it doesn’t get any easier facing off verse the Baltimore Ravens. This defense has more than enough to force the issue on a weaker set of tackles the Browns employ, which will force Mayfield to again run for his life. Play calling has also been a concern which needs to be solved before we can sing the good graces again for Baker Mayfield. I’m keeping him on my bench this week and we recommend doing the same. 

Running Backs:

Sony Michel

At this point of the season it’s becoming very hard to trust the Patriots Sony Michel. Taking a backseat to Rex Burkhead of late and James White coming back from his absence to the birth of his child, Michel would need to prove he can produce to gain favor from Coach Belichick. Facing the Bills defense who is rather stout at defending the run, all signs point to another off showing from Michel. Stay away again this week. 

Kerryon Johnson (DET)

If you thought we were kidding when we said that the Lions Kerryon Johnson doesn’t belong in your lineup, think again. We have nothing positive to say about this running back and will once again preach the benching for the foreseeable future. A touchdown saved his day last week, but he won’t see that same fortune even verse a weaker Chiefs run defense. Patrick Mahomes should have a good level of points on the board leaving the Lions to play catch up and pass more frequently. Goal line touchdowns is the only thing saving Johnson again. 

Ronald Jones (TB)

Even as the Bucs Ronald Jones looked far better last week than any other time in his career, this week against the Rams and Aaron Donald will be a monumental ask. Tampa Bay will be forced to throw more often in this one in hopes to spread out the defense. With that said, Jones will attempt to find holes on a defensive line that is built like a brick wall. For our appetite, save Jones for better days. 

Wide Receivers:

TY Hilton (IND)

This wasn’t a surprise to us knowing that TY Hilton couldn’t finish last week’s first half to that hampered quad injury, and now the indication is that this will be a game time decision. The way we view this, even if Hilton manages to suit up for this contest, he’ll be used more as a decoy to help draw coverage from his side. We can envision the Colts resting Hilton this week as the Raiders don’t appear to be a giant threat. If he plays, we still would sit him this week.    

Jarvis Landry (CLE)

Much like our evaluation for Baker Mayfield, the same opinion is placed on Jarvis Landry entering week four. We still have a great belief that this offense will eventually work itself out of this funk, but facing the Ravens impressive defense is no small feat. If used property, Landry would lead the team in receptions being the safety blanket for Mayfield. Even with Odell Beckham Jr manning the other side of the field, Landry would be the safe choice for PPR points. Unfortunately, we have to place him on the bench and wait for brighter days.  

Stefon Diggs (MIN)

Has there been anything more disappointing then the Minnesota Vikings pass offense this season? Pulling down not only Kirk Cousins, Stefon Diggs has been the recipient of terrible production making him unreliable and virtually unplayable. Facing the Bears tough defense in Chicago is simply a recipe that we have no interest in tasting. Keep Diggs on the bench this week and hope offense happens to make next week an easier choice.

Tight-Ends:

Jared Cook (NO)

When the Saints signed Jared Cook this offseason, the thought was more power to an already impressive offense. While we couldn’t have predicted the injury to Drew Brees, this offense is now tailored to help Teddy Bridgewater manage contests rather than throw all over the field. Cook may have his days from time-to-time, but right now with tight ends being hard enough to endorse, Cook shouldn’t be played against the Cowboys on Sunday Night.

POTENTIAL BIG DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD

Quarterbacks:

Kyle Allen (CAR)

I know that this could be something of an overreaction to last week’s drumming of the Arizona Cardinals, but the way in which Kyle Allen performed, you can’t overlook it. Allen wasn’t fazed with different looks from the defense showing arm talent and accuracy for the entire day. While travel could be an issue for Allen this week going to Houston, we like the potential and can easily see him hang with the Texans.  

Jacoby Brissett (IND)

Potentially without TY Hilton, some may question why we believe Jacoby Brissett should warrant a potential big day evaluation. While we believe Hilton won’t suit up and a more focused plan to run is on the docket, rookie Parris Campbell is set to explode in this contest making Brissett the orchestrator and potential big game player. We must temper the expectations, but this is completely justifiable and he could be a top earner when all is said and done.

Running Backs:

James White (NE)

With James White set to return to the field verse the Buffalo Bills, we are ecstatic with the possibilities of him leading this backfield in week four. Julian Edelman is slotted to play in this match at less than 100%, which leaves the door wide open for White to have a feature role in the pass game. With Sony Michel struggling, this has the making of White having a very big day.

Chris Thompson (WAS)

The Redskins Chris Thompson flew back on the radar this week after showing positive gains verse the Bears last week. While the Skins continue to struggle to run the ball, Thompson will be again utilized more in the pass game to help recreate a weak run attack. Recent news is suggesting that Terry McLaurin is dealing with a hamstring injury, leaving Thompson to be leaned upon to make plays. PPR points should be sound in this one against the Giants.

Lesean McCoy (KC)

As we said when Lesean McCoy was signed to the Chiefs before the season began, this backfield will belong to him and he proved it last week. Facing Detroit opens the door to yet another great performance as the Lions give up some of the most points to opposing runners. This should be a tune up contest for the Chiefs and all should find ways to eat. Another 20-point day is definitely on the menu here for Shady. 

Wide Receivers:

Kenny Golladay (DET)

Looking at the other side of the fence for this Lions verse Chiefs matchup, Kenny Golladay has a glorious opportunity to become a week four big money play simply because of garbage time points. The Lions should be down in the match for most of the day leaving Matthew Stafford throwing the ball over 30 times. The possibility for Golladay to find the endzone is very real and we love the prospects. One thing to keep an eye on here, quarterback Matthew Stafford has been seen on the injury report, and if he misses this contest, forget this evaluation and bench Golladay. Stafford must play to make this a good day. 

Parris Campbell (IND)

Littered through this week’s start list, the abundance of Colt players ready to take flight is very real. Though one player who we absolutely love, Parris Campbell might get his shot to prove what he is to the NFL. Having great speed and solid strength, he has been underutilized thus far. However, with TY Hilton looking on the wrong end of playing this week, Campbell will take over the role as the primary and should hopefully produce like we know he can. Heavy risk is here, but the reward could be massive. 

Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)

The Denver Broncos haven’t looked anything like an impressive club to start the season, and Emmanuel Sanders took one on the chin last week disappointing his owners in the process. Typically, when any player of his caliber has a rough go the week prior, a heavy rebound is seen and should be felt from Sanders this week. Facing the Jaguars is no easy task, but the Broncos season is on the line and should see better play overall. Another high-risk, high-reward play rests here.

Tight-Ends:

Austin Hooper (ATL)

Admittedly, we have never been huge supporters of the Falcons Austin Hooper, but have turned a corner with how he has been used so far this season. Atlanta does have a great commitment to the pass under offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, leading to sound output from Hooper. Playing the Titans this week will provide challenges to the receivers, Hooper should find room and the endzone once again.