Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 4
The grind doesn't stop, guys. Congrats if you're sitting pretty at 3-0 or 2-1. It likely wasn't easy, as we've all had to navigate some treacherous fantasy waters. Several highly drafted players aren't living up to their ADP and that can impact your fantasy lineups. Even some later-round players aren't putting out fantasy points to help managers out (I'm looking at you, Trevor Lawrence and Mark Andrews). But if you're staring down the barrel of a 0-3 or 1-2 start, it's not over. Focus in on some of the matchups this week and make adjustments to your lineups. It might be time to make a trade or two to give you an edge.
Here's to another week in the fantasy grind so here are some Week 4 Starts and Sits that have caught my eye for Week 4.
Starts
Quarterback
Andy Dalton vs. CIN
The Red-Hot, Red Rifle is back now starting with the Carolina Panthers. And he did not disappoint. Dalton came right in and cooked the Las Vegas Raiders defense for 319 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 70% of his passes! Dalton finished as the QB8 and now gets a Cincinnati Bengals defense that just got abused by the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football (yes, that's not a typo). The Bengals are allowing 17 FPPG but gave up nearly 24 fantasy points to Jayden Daniels. Dalton might be one of the safer plays in Week 4.
Sam Darnold vs. GB
I hate to admit it but Sam Darnold is looking the part so far this season. Darnold is averaging 19.3 fantasy points per game heading into Week 4 and is also averaging 8.4 yards per attempt passing. Darnold heads into Week 4 looking to square up against NFC North division rival Green Bay Packers, allowing 222 yards per game through the air. Darnold seems to be consistent enough to trust so if you have him, plug him in.
Running Back
Tony Pollard vs. MIA
Pollard had a setback against the Packers and the Titans offense as a whole was all over the place. After averaging 16.5 carries over the first two games, Pollard saw just six carries against the Packers' defense. I wouldn't panic just yet as the Titans take on a wounded Miami defense that's allowing nearly 29 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and 4.7 y/a. Pollard could be set for a nice bounce-back game as he continues to lead the Titans backfield in touches.
Cam Akers vs. JAX
Joe Mixon is still dealing with an ankle injury that could force him to mix another week of football. Until Mixon returns, Akers will be the likely candidate to lead the Texans backfield. Akers didn't have the greatest of games as the Minnesota Vikings laid the smacks to the Texans' offense in their meeting. Akers managed to score a receiving touchdown and if the Texans offense doesn't get shut down early, he should continue to see more work. The Jags defense is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs and got cooked by James Cook for 18.7 and an RB11 finish.
Wide Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr vs. WAS
The connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr continues to grow. MHJ has seen 22 targets over his last three games and has seen an increase from eight to 11 over the last two weeks. This bodes well for his continued usage in the Cardinals offense. With the targets beginning to flow, getting a matchup against a very vulnerable Commanders' defense that's allowing the third-most yards to receivers and a whopping 54 FPPG, MHJ should have another good game for fantasy managers.
Amari Cooper vs. LVR
Yeah, I think he's back. After a lackluster two weeks, Cooper stepped up against the Giants catching two touchdowns against the New York Giants. Cooper dropped 27.6 fantasy points and seems to have re-focused himself after his uncharacteristically slow start. Cooper gets a Raiders defense that got obliterated by Andy Dalton and Diontae Johnson, who dropped 122 yards and a touchdown (26.2 fp) on 14 targets. I'm locking in Amari Cooper in my lineups wherever I have him.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson vs. NYG
Ferg is the word. After missing the Saints/Cowboys game, Jake Ferguson returned and had himself a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Ferguson saw 11 targets (six for 95 yards) on the day as a reliable option for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. The Giants are allowing just 46 yards per game to opposing tight ends but if we're being honest, they haven't played against a TE with the calibur of Ferguson. And with the tight end position in shambles right now, Ferg may be the best play in Week 4.
Sits
Trevor Lawrence vs. HOU
The hype of Trevor Lawrence may be starting to fade. Lawrence and the Jags offense has not looked great to start the season. Lawrence currently sits as the QB26 in fantasy and is averaging just 11.3 Fantasy points per game. On top of that, Lawerence is averaging just 186 passing yards per game. Now he's getting a pissed-off Houston Texans defense that was embarrassed by Sam Darnold and the Vikings. Lawrence shouldn't be anywhere near a lineup right now until the offense turns it around.
Rachaad White vs. PHI
White has been okay so far, but it looks like Bucky Irving could be making a push for more work, as the rookie has been very efficient with his snaps. White is averaging just 2.1 y/a heading into Week 4, while Irving is getting close to eight yards per carry. With Irving vying for more work and White's underwhelming fantasy performance, it may not be safe to play him this week against a surging Eagles defense that managed to slow down Alvin Kamara for just 87 yards on 26 carries (3.3 y/a).
Garrett Wilson vs. DEN
I just had this conversation on TikTok live about starting wide receivers against Patrick Surtain, and it's not been pretty. D.K. Metcalf, George Pickens, and Mike Evans all got put in "Pat's Place" as each receiver saw just 29 yards in their games. Matter of fact, Evans saw just 17 yards when facing off against Surtain. Garrett Wilson could be in for a long day should Surtain be asked to lock on to Wilson. This may be the matchup to avoid this week.
Colby Parkinson vs. CHI
The Rams' offense is all over the place without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out there. Both receivers may not return until after the Week 6 bye and that's on the hopeful side. Colby Parkinson was expected to see an increased role with the extra targets available but he saw five targets for just 21 yards. The Rams aren't tossing the ball around like before so Parkinson's upside is too hindered to be reliable. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of tight ends performing well right now. Hit the wire and try to find something better if you can.
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