Every week can feel like a “must-win” in fantasy football, but no one ever wants to start 1-3 or, gasp, 0-4. If you’re in that position, you need to pull out all the stops to secure a victory, and that starts with making the right start ’em, sit ’em decisions. Sporting News NFL writer Vinnie Iyer is here to help with Week 4 fantasy lineup advice on all the toughest calls, such as Tom Brady, Devin Singletary, Rashod Bateman, Pat Freiermuth, and many, many more.
On top of all the usage trends, performance evaluations, and matchup data that’s required for making smart lineup decisions, we also have to take into account injuries. Plenty of key players are shaping up to be “questionable” ahead of the weekend, including David Montgomery (ankle), Dalvin Cook (shoulder), Keenan Allen (hamstring), Chris Godwin (hamstring), Julio Jones (knee), Dalton Schultz (knee), Michael Thomas (toe), and plenty of others we probably don’t even know about yet.
Navigating through a wide array of potential starting options, here are our must-starts and start ’em sit ’em recommendations for Week 4. If you have a specific lineup questions, check out RotoBaller’s industry-leading “Who To Start?” tool below and compare up to four players across all positions.
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Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks
QB must-starts
- Josh Allen, Bills (at BAL)
- Lamar Jackson, Ravens (vs. BUF)
- Jalen Hurts, Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Joe Burrow, Bengals (vs. MIA)
- Justin Herbert, Chargers (at HOU)
- Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (at TB)
- Kyler Murray, Cardinals (at CAR)
Stronger starts
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (at CIN). Tagovailoa should play through his back injury, and he figures to be throwing often opposite Joe Burrow.
Kirk Cousins, Vikings (vs. NO in London). Cousins avoids another prime-time spot with a “morning” matchup, and the Saints’ pass defense has enough holes to exploit for him.
Russell Wilson, Broncos (at LV). “Let’s Ride” with “Let Russ Cook” given the Raiders’ pass defense isn’t good behind Maxx Crosby and now has key cornerback injuries.
Tom Brady, Buccaneers (vs. KC). Brady warmed up a little opposite Aaron Rodgers, and the volume and matchup will be better vs. Patrick Mahomes.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs. NE). Don’t expect him to go nuts with yardage, but 250 yards and two TDs is within reach in a potential Lambeau blowout.
Jared Goff, Lions (vs. SEA). The matchup is beautiful at home for more damage from all his weapons.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (at PHI). He is playing well in what looks like might be a big breakout season, and the volume will get it done opposite Jalen Hurts in a Doug Pederson revenge game.
DFS Targets
FanDuel cash game pick
Jared Goff, Lions ($7,600 vs. SEA). He can get the necessary return of around 20 points and will need to throw more given D’Andre Swift (shoulder) will be shelved.
DraftKings tournament pick
Cooper Rush, Cowboys ($5,300 vs. WAS). He’s bound to post his first multiple-TD game against a very weak pass defense, as Dallas should move the ball at will at home.
Streamer Special
Jacoby Brissett, Browns (at ATL). He’s feeling it in their offense playing off the run, and he can work the middle of the field for solid numbers in what will feel like a home road game in a dome.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker starts
Matthew Stafford, Rams (at SF). That TD-less effort vs. the Cardinals was hard to watch, and the 49ers won’t let up defensively.
Derek Carr, Raiders (vs. DEN). He’s playing poorly overall, and the Broncos’ pass rush won’t make things easier on him at home.
Carson Wentz, Commanders (at DAL). He could eke out enough points on the road in garbage time, but he’s also very volatile against the Cowboys’ defense.
Marcus Mariota, Falcons (vs. CLE). He’s exceeding expectations, but the ceiling is low and the floor isn’t reliable passing or running.
Jameis Winston, Saints (vs. MIN in London). He doesn’t look quite right in the downfield passing game.
Ryan Tannehill, Titans (at IND). He’s put up two nice games out of three, but both of them were in Nashville. The Colts defense will have more confidence at home.
Daniel Jones, Giants vs. Justin Fields, Bears. These guys simply don’t have help and will disappoint as potential streamers in the same game involving tough defenses.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em: Running backs
RB must-starts
- Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. TEN)
- Nick Chubb, Browns (at ATL)
- Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. CHI)
- Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (vs. ARI)
- Derrick Henry, Titans (at IND)
- Jamaal Williams, Lions (vs. SEA)
- Joe Mixon, Bengals (if he plays, vs. MIA)
- Austin Ekeler, Chargers (at HOU)
- Najee Harris, Steelers (vs. NYJ)
- James Robinson, Jaguars (at PHI)
- Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers (vs. KC)
- Aaron Jones, Packers (vs. NE)
- AJ Dillon, Packers (vs. NE)
- Javonte Williams, Broncos (at LV)
- James Conner, Cardinals (at CAR)
- Dalvin Cook, Vikings (if he plays, vs. NO in London)
- Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. MIN in London)
- Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons (vs. CLE)
- Antonio Gibson, Commanders (at DAL)
- Khalil Herbert, Bears (at NYG)
Stronger starts
Dameon Pierce, Texans (vs. LAC). Don’t get paranoid about the game script and trust the talent. He’s the best thing working in Houston’s offense at home.
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, Cowboys (vs. WAS). They’re the 1-2 punch heartbeat of the Dak Prescott-less offense, and the Commanders won’t slow either down much.
Kareem Hunt, Browns (at ATL). He’ll get in on the fun during Nick Chubb’s homecoming.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (at GB). He’s starting to eat up the key touches, and he’s the only chance the Pats have on the road. Damien Harris is also a good, deeper flex play.
Breece Hall, Jets (at PIT). The Steelers remain shaky against the run, and Hall can be solid with decent touches. Deeper leaguers can flex Michael Carter, too.
Rashaad Penny, Seahawks (at DET). He’s holding off Kenneth Walker for now, and the matchup is as good as it gets to keep his team in the game for a while.
Melvin Gordon, Broncos (at LV). He’ll be involved per usual with Javonte Williams, and he’s always in play as a flex because of his TD potential.
DFS targets
FanDuel cash game picks
Jonathan Taylor, Colts ($8,700 vs. TEN). Taylor is overdue for a smash game, and he should get unleashed for some mashing of the Titans.
AJ Dillon, Packers ($6,500 vs. NE). The game script should call for plenty of him playing closer in the second half with at least one TD.
DraftKings tournament picks
James Conner, Cardinals ($6,300 at CAR). Arizona should go back to basics with run-heavy mode, and he can rip into the Panthers’ front seven.
Khaiil Herbert, Bears ($5,700 at NYG). He should see the big touches regardless of David Montgomery’s shaky status, and the Giants can get worn down vs. the run.
WEEK 4 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Em: Running backs
Weaker starts
Miles Sanders, Eagles (vs. JAX). The touches are starting to being split more, and he’s hurt by Hurts’ fine passing and red-zone running.
Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ers (at LAR). The Rams have been nasty against the run and are more vulnerable against the pass.
Josh Jacobs, Raiders (vs. DEN). The Broncos aren’t a dominant run defense, but the numbers say Jacobs won’t get the required targets or scoring opportunities.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs (at TB). The touches are now unreliable, and the matchup is brutal all-around.
Devin Singletary, Bills (at BAL). There is too much diversity now in the touches, and this is a pass-crazy game on both sides.
Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, Rams (at SF). The matchup isn’t great, and the usage has become unpredictable.
JK Dobbins, Ravens (at BUF). “JK All Day” isn’t the “all the way” back, and this is a tough spot in which to trust him.
Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds, Dolphins (at CIN). Your guess is as good as ours.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars (at PHI). James Robinson will be fine, but it’s hard to believe Etienne will get the necessary production in what’s a tricky spot.
WEEK 4 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em: Wide receivers
WR must-starts
- Cooper Kupp, Rams (at SF)
- Stefon Diggs, Bills (at BAL)
- Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (vs. MIA)
- Justin Jefferson, Vikings (vs. NO in London)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. SEA)
- A.J. Brown, Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (at CIN)
- Deebo Samuel, 49ers (vs. LAR)
- CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (vs. WAS)
- Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (at CIN)
- Davante Adams, Raiders (vs. DEN)
- Courtland Sutton, Broncos (at LV)
- Christian Kirk, Jaguars (at PHI)
- Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (vs. TEN)
- Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. MIA)
- Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. KC)
- Mike Williams, Chargers (at HOU)
- Keenan Allen, Chargers (if he returns, at HOU)
- Gabe Davis, Bills (at BAL)
- Diontae Johnson, Steelers (vs. NYJ)
- Marquise Brown, Cardinals (at CAR)
- Terry McLaurin, Commanders (at WAS)
Stronger starts
Drake London, Falcons (vs. CLE). London will keep producing against a Browns’ secondary that is underachieving in cornerback coverage.
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (at DET). Geno Smith should be throwing often, and the Lions’ secondary is very giving.
Rashod Bateman, Ravens (vs. BUF). The Bills’ secondary is an injury-riddled mess, and Bateman should get better volume on way to a strong all-around day.
DeVonta Smith, Eagles (vs. JAX). He’s feeling it opposite A.J. Brown, and Jalen Hurts is rekindling the ‘Bama love downfield with the Heisman winner.
Michael Thomas, Saints (vs. MIN in London). He should rebound with a good shot at a score should he play through his toe injury. Chris Olave is also a fine WR3 play with Jarvis Landry (foot) hurting and fading.
Curtis Samuel, Commanders (at DAL). The matchup is particularly good for him against Dallas’ zone defense, and he’s getting the big targets.
D.J. Moore, Panthers (vs. ARI). It’s been bad with Baker, but this is a great opportunity to rebound against a secondary that’s overrated in one-on-one coverage.
Garrett Wilson, Jets (at PIT). Don’t be discouraged about the return of Zach Wilson (knee). The same-last-name chemistry will be seen from the rookie, too.
Jerry Jeudy, Broncos (at LV). The Raiders might be without Nate Hobbs (concussion) in the slot, and that would open things up greatly for Jeudy away from Courtland Sutton.
Allen Lazard and Romeo Doubs, Packers (vs. NE). They are the clear Aaron Rodgers’ targets of choice, and there’s nothing scary about the Patriots’ secondary anymore.
Russell Gage, Buccaneers (vs. KC). He’s earned more key volume from the GOAT away from Mike Evans given Tampa’s other receiving issues.
DFS targets
FanDuel cash game picks
A.J. Brown, Eagles ($8,300 vs. JAC). He’ll get loose for a Week 1-like game against the Jaguars, and he has always has a high floor with Hurts balling.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos ($6,800 at LV). He’s locked in with Russell Wilson, and the Raiders don’t have anyone to contain him outside.
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys ($6,800 vs. WAS). He became a lion in the second half vs. the Giants, and he will crush the Commanders’ secondary back at home.
DraftKings tournament picks
Mike Williams, Chargers ($7,000 at HOU). Don’t be surprised if he scores on multiple big plays downfield from Herbert.
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys ($6,700 vs. WAS). Pop in the CeeDee here, too, and watch the returns come in for cash or tournaments.
Robbie Anderson, Panthers ($4,700, vs. ARI). He’s a big-play-dependent dude, and Mayfield could hit him for some Week.1-like results against their corners away from D.J. Moore.
Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Em: Wide receivers
Weaker starts
Brandin Cooks, Texans (vs. LAC). It’s been underwhelming so far, and the Chargers’ secondary won’t help him get on track inside or out.
Amari Cooper, Browns (at ATL). He might see a shadow situation against A.J. Terrell, forcing Jacoby Brissett to go elsewhere often.
Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (at LAR). They will contain him for big plays outside with Jalen Ramsey.
Elijah Moore, Jets (vs. PIT). Zach Wilson’s return might change things, but he hasn’t commanded the ball as expected.
Adam Thielen, Vikings (at NO in London). He goes back to cooling off for Kirk Cousins.
Allen Robinson, Rams (at SF). You can’t feel great going here knowing he and Matthew Stafford remain a little off.
Greg Dortch, Cardinals (at CAR). This secondary has been tough with Jaycee Horn and others.
Treylon Burks, Titans (at IND). The matchup is solid, but the usage is too shaky to trust.
Jahan Dotson, Commanders (at DAL). The Cowboys will make sure they contain him deep and in the red zone.
Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em: Tight ends
TE must-starts
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs (at TB)
- Mark Andrews, Ravens (vs. BUF)
- Darren Waller, Raiders (vs. DEN)
- Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. CLE)
- George Kittle, 49ers (at LAR)
- Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. JAX)
- T.J. Hockenson, Lions (vs. SEA)
- Zach Ertz, Cardinals (at CAR)
Stronger starts
Dalton Schultz, Cowboys (if he plays, vs. WAS). Should he go, he’s a good bet to find the end zone for Cooper Rush.
David Njoku, Browns (at ATL). He can smash this very favorable matchup to follow his breakout game vs. the Steelers.
Tyler Conklin, Jets (at PIT). He’s here to stay as another integral part of their passing game with the Wilsons.
Hayden Hurst, Bengals (vs. MIA). Here’s a good bet for a blitz-beating outing that gives him a good chance to score his first TD for Cincinnati.
Robert Tonyan, Packers (vs. NE). He’s overdue for a reunion TD with Aaron Rodgers, and it happens here like it did for Mark Andrews last week.
Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (vs. KC). Speaking of TD-dependent tight ends, he’ll score one for the GOAT in a great spot.
DFS targets
FanDuel cash game and DraftKings tournament pick
David Njoku, Browns ($5,700 and $3,700 at ATL). Travis Kelce isn’t in play on the main slate, and both Kyle Pitts and Mark Andrews have tough matchups. This is the sweet spot for Njoku to stay hot.
Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Em: Tight ends
Weaker starts
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. NYJ). His targets were bad in Week 3, and the Steelers seem to be pivoting more to the backs and wide receivers for a more dynamic offense.
Tyler Higbee, Rams (at SF). The 49ers have allowed the least fantasy points to the position after three weeks.
Gerald Everett, Chargers (at HOU). The Chargers will do plenty of damage with their wideouts and won’t need him much.
Dawson Knox, Bills (at BAL). They are involving too many other intermediate targets to trust him anymore.
Evan Engram, Jaguars (at PHI). They’ve been too efficient with their wide receivers, and his numbers aren’t adding up.
Irv Smith Jr., Vikings (at NO in London). It’s becoming too much of a committee for him to be trusted.
Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em: Defenses
Defense must-starts
- Packers (vs. NE)
- Cowboys (vs. WAS)
- 49ers (vs. LAR)
- Rams (at SF)
- Chargers (at HOU)
- Steelers (vs. NYJ)
- Giants (vs. CHI)
- Browns (at ATL)
Stronger starts
Broncos (at LV). They’ve been sturdy with the pass rush and can rack up points vs. Derek Carr.
Vikings (at NO in London). Where there’s a Winston, there’s a way to fantasy points.
Cardinals (at CAR). Baker Mayfield and the Panthers’ offense is ripe for the picking for Arizona’s playmakers.
Colts vs. Titans. The Matt Ryan/Ryan Tannehill setup gives these teams chances for big takeaways.
DFS targets
FanDuel cash game pick and DraftKings tournament pick
Broncos ($4,000 and $2,700 at LV). They are priced way down in relation to their early production and the matchup.
Fantasy Football Week 4 Sit ‘Em: Defenses
Weaker starts
Eagles (vs. JAX). It’s a trap against a red-hot offense.
Bills (at BAL). It’s another trap against a red-hot offense.
Saints (vs. MIN in London). The Vikings have too much firepower.
Buccaneers vs. Chiefs. Not in a game involving Patrick Mahomes and the GOAT.
Get more of Vinnie Iyer’s in-depth fantasy football advice for Week 4 by subscribing to the Locked On Fantasy Football podcast.
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