WEEK 4 RECAP
Lions 34, Packers 20: David Montgomery had a massive return with 121 rushing yards and three touchdowns after missing one game. Montgomery is the overall RB7 in standard formats (RB10 in PPR) through four games (he’s only played three). Jahmyr Gibbs hasn’t been a slouch as the overall RB32 in standard (RB26 in PPR). I roster them both in a few leagues and have started both multiple times already.
Jaguars 23, Falcons 7: If you’re trying to figure out when to utilize Christian Kirk, check whether the opposing defense plays a lot of man coverage. Jacksonville has faced two teams who rank in the bottom five in man coverage rate and Kirk saw a 9.4 and 15 percent target share in those games. The Jags have faced two teams that rank in the top five in man coverage rate, including Atlanta, and he received target shares of 34.1 and 40 percent.
Bills 48, Dolphins 20: De’Von Achane played more snaps (39 to 28), ran more routes (28 to 16) and had more carries (eight to seven) than Raheem Mostert against Buffalo. They both received four targets. Achane has 304 rushing yards on 26 carries — 11.7(!) yards per carry — and four rushing TDs in the last two games. He’s also contributed seven receptions for 49 yards and two TD receptions. Mostert is having a great season so far, but he’s 31 and has an extensive injury history.
Broncos 31, Bears 28: Javonte Williams suffered a hip injury early in the second quarter against Chicago and didn’t play another down the rest of the way. Williams isn’t expected to miss much time, but Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State, took over as the early-down back in Williams’ absence (not Samaje Perine) and was impressive — 104 total yards in 10 touches and a receiving touchdown.
Ravens 28, Browns 3: Mark Andrews has eight career games with two touchdowns, and three of those have come against Cleveland.
Titans 27, Bengals 3: Joe Burrow is currently the overall QB31 in fantasy through four games. Burrow has scored double-digit fantasy points only once this season. Let that wash over you.
Rams 29, Colts 23 (OT): Rookie receiver Puka Nacua has an NFL-best 39 receptions (52 targets) for 501 yards and a TD (the game-winning score in overtime against Indy). Cooper Kupp returned to practice this week. Now would be the time to auction off Nacua if you roster both. I don’t have a problem with keeping both either. Just saying.
Buccaneers 26, Saints 9: Chris Olave had caught at least three es for at least 40 yards in each of his first 18 NFL games. Olave was held to one reception for four yards against Tampa Bay.
Eagles 34, Commanders 31 (OT): The terrible performance against the Bills looks like an outlier after Sam Howell’s impressive game against Philadelphia — 290 ing yards with 40 rushing yards and a TD. He’ll be a streaming option the next three games against the Bears, Falcons and Giants.
Vikings 21, Panthers 13: In his first game with Minnesota, Cam Akers looks like a handcuff who could vulture some TDs for Alexander Mattison. Akers played mostly in short yardage and goal-line situations, but didn’t play at all on ing downs, which is similar to how the Rams used him.
Texans 30, Steelers 6: C.J. Stroud is tied for third in attempts (151), tied for eighth in completions (94), fourth in ing yards (1,212) and has yet to throw an interception through four games.
Chargers 24, Raiders 17: Joshua Palmer led L.A. in targets (eight) and caught three es for a team-high 77 yards as Mike Williams’ primary replacement. Palmer should be rostered in north of 90 percent of leagues going forward — he was rostered in about half at the beginning of the week.
Cowboys 38, Patriots 3: Mac Jones was benched in favor of Bailey Zappe late against Dallas after Jones threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Jones finished as the QB2 in Week 1. The last three games, he’s finished as the QB23, QB22 and QB33.
49ers 35, Cardinals 16: Christian McCaffrey has played 18 games for San Francisco, including three in the playoffs last season. McCaffrey has produced 1,443 rushing yards on 279 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and 14 rushing TDs to go with 82 receptions (100 targets), 666 receiving yards and six TD receptions.
Chiefs 23, Jets 20: There are 73 players who have at least 14 receptions this season, and none play wide receiver for Kansas City.
Seahawks 24, Giants 3: I understand those who are concerned with Darren Waller’s start. Waller is the overall TE16 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR). If you drafted him, you were likely anticipating a top-3 option at the position, and the Giants’ offense has been a mess.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 5:
CHICAGO AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI).
Who to start: Jahan Dotson (WAS) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in four games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) deserves flex consideration in deeper leagues with at least 52 total yards in three of four games this season. Logan Thomas (WAS) is eighth in fantasy points per game in standard formats and 10th in PPR — Thomas has missed a game and a half due to a concussion, but has received elite usage when he’s on the field. The Commanders D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season. Khalil Herbert (CHI) is the overall RB21 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) through four games. The terrible Bears D/ST deserves streaming consideration if you’re in a pinch against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: The matchup is great, but the usage isn’t for Antonio Gibson (WAS) — Gibson is averaging slightly above five touches per game. I’m fading Cole Kmet (CHI) against a defense that has only allowed 13 receptions for 83 yards and zero TDs to tight ends in four games. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 targets in four games. Roschon Johnson (CHI) is TD-dependent with exactly six touches in two of the last three games.
Sleeper: Sam Howell (WAS) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
JACKSONVILLE VS. BUFFALO AT LONDON
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR).
Who to sit: I’m fading Trevor Lawrence (JAC) outside of superflex formats against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m also fading Christian Kirk (JAC) against a defense that doesn’t utilize a lot of man coverage. I’m considering Zay Jones (JAC) a boom-or-bust candidate if he returns after missing two games with a knee injury. I’m fading the Jaguars D/ST — currently tied for eighth in fantasy scoring — against the high-powered Bills offense. Tank Bigsby (JAC) remains TD-dependent with only 12 carries an no receptions through four games. Damien Harris (BUF) remains a TD-dependent option with only 19 carries in four games. Latavius Murray (BUF) remain TD-dependent with no more than eight touches in a game this season. Dawson Knox (BUF) has been limited in practice with a quad injury.
Sleeper: Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
HOUSTON AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Bijan Robinson (ATL).
Who to start: Tank Dell (HOU) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR). CJ Stroud (HOU) is the overall QB9 in fantasy since Week 2. The Texans D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has been sacked 11 times and committed four turnovers the last two games. Drake London (ATL) deserves flex consideration with a TD in two of the last three games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Dameon Pierce (HOU) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Devin Singletary (HOU) only deserves flex consideration in the deepest PPR formats. I’m fading Robert Woods (HOU) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Kyle Pitts (ATL) is nothing more than a TD-dependent option until further notice.
Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
CAROLINA AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Miles Sanders (CAR), David Montgomery (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (CAR) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR). Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) is an obvious starter if he’s active (abdomen injury). Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. The Lions D/ST is a strong streaming option at home against a rookie QB. Both
Who to sit: DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in three games. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) only deserves flex consideration in the deepest PPR formats. Bryce Young (CAR) is currently only viable in deeper superflex formats. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper(s): Hayden Hurst (CAR) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends. Both Jameson Williams (DET) and Josh Reynolds (DET) have WR3/flex upside if St. Brown is out (both are boom-or-bust candidates if he’s active).
TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Anthony Richardson (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in four games. I’m starting Jonathan Taylor (IND) if he’s active (unless we receive information he’ll be limited in some way). The Colts D/ST are a sneaky streaming option against an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) missed last week with a knee injury and hadn’t practiced as of Wednesday. Chigoziem Okowkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with only 13 targets in four games. Tyjae Spears (TEN) only has flex value in deeper PPR formats. Zack Moss (IND) loses the majority of his value if Taylor is active (I’m fading Moss against a stout Titans run defense regardless).
Sleeper: Josh Downs (IND) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
N.Y. GIANTS AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Darren Waller (NYG), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA), De’Von Achance (MIA).
Who to start: I expect Daniel Jones (NYG) to bounce back with a fantasy-worthy performance against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to quarterbacks in four games. Matt Breida (NYG) deserves flex consideration in PPR formats with eight receptions the last two games. The Dolphins D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: My gut tells me Saquon Barkley (NYG) misses at least one more game with a high-ankle sprain. Parris Campbell (NYG) is the overall WR82 in PPR formats. Jalin Hyatt (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five targets in four games.
Sleeper: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed 466 yards and five TDs to wide receivers in the last two games.
NEW ORLEANS AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Alvin Kamara (NO), Saints D/ST, Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) has at least four receptions and 50 yards in every game this season. The Patriots D/ST is a sneaky streaming option at home against a banged-up QB.
Who to sit: Rashid Shaheed (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 13 targets in the last three games. Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) has two receptions (eight targets) for 19 yards the last two games.
Sleeper: Kendrick Bourne (NE) faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
BALTIMORE AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Double-digit carries make Gus Edwards (BAL) a solid flex option against a defense that has allowed at least 110 rushing yards in three of four games this season. Najee Harris (PIT) remains a flex option with upside while he’s averaging double-digit touches. George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR). The Steelers D/ST is the fifth-best scoring defense in fantasy through four games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB39 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR).
Who to sit: Justice Hill (BAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate while he’s dealing with a foot and hamstring injury. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is “very doubtful” to play with a hamstring injury. Kenny Pickett (PIT) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: If Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) returns, he’ll face a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games.
PHILADELPHIA AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR).
Who to start: Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense that just allowed six receptions, 107 yards and two TDs to Colts’ tight ends. Cooper Kupp is an obvious starter if he’s active. Matthew Stafford (LAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed 79-or-fewer rushing yards in three of four games. Van Jefferson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only four receptions in the last three games.
Sleeper: Tutu Atwell (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games.
CINCINNATI AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), James Conner (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: Joe Burrow (CIN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in a must-win situation. Tyler Boyd (CIN) has WR3/flex upside with Tee Higgins out or potentially limited with a rib injury. Joshua Dobbs (ARI) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB6 since Week 2 and his last two games were against the Cowboys and 49ers.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tee Higgins (CIN) if he plays with a broken rib. I’m fading the Bengals D/ST on the road against an offense that has only allowed six sacks this season and hasn’t committed a turnover in three games. Irv Smith Jr. (CIN) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions for 27 yards in two games. Rondale Moore (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight receptions in four games.
Sleeper: Michael Wilson (ARI) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 2.
N.Y. JETS AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ).
Who to start: Breece Hall (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. It’s not the best matchup, but Russell Wilson (DEN) is the overall QB9 in fantasy and has played well this season. Javonte Williams (DEN) deserves flex consideration if he’s active with a quad injury.
Who to sit: Dalvin Cook (NYJ) remains TD-dependent despite the matchup. I’m fading the Jets D/ST on the road against an improving offense. Allen Lazard (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in four games. I’m not ready to advocate for Zach Wilson (NYJ) despite the great matchup and him looking solid against the Chiefs on Monday night. I’m fading Jerry Jeudy (DEN) and Courtland Sutton (DEN) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’d likely roll the dice with Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) over Samaje Perine (DEN) as a flex option if Williams is out. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last three games.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is the overall TE13 in PPR formats since Week 2 against a defense that has allowed three TDs to tight ends in the last three games.
KANSAS CITY AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Isiah Pacheco (KC) is the overall RB11 in standard formats (RB12 in PPR) since Week 2. Kirk Cousins (MIN) is the overall QB7 in fantasy through four games.
Who to sit: Despite a matchup against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers, I can’t recommend Skyy Moore (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC), Rashee Rice (KC) or Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) because there’s no rhyme or reason for how the Chiefs utilize their receivers. I’m fading both the Chiefs D/ST and Vikings D/ST in this potential offensive bonanza. I’m fading Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Cam Akers (MIN) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Both Jordan Addison (MIN) and CJ Osborn (MIN) are TD-dependent options against a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: Jerick McKinnon (KC) deserves flex consideration against the team that drafted him.
DALLAS AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Gallup (DAL) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 3. Brandon Aiyuk (SF) is the overall WR10 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) despite being sidelined Week 3.
Who to sit: I’m fading Dak Prescott (DAL) against a defense that has only allowed four TDs to quarterbacks in four games. Brandin Cooks (DAL) remains TD-dependent with only eight receptions (15 targets) for 66 yards in three games. I’m also fading Brock Purdy (SF) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Jake Ferguson (DAL) deserves streaming consideration with at least seven targets in three of four games despite the difficult matchup.
GREEN BAY AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Christian Watson (GB), Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) is the overall QB3 in fantasy through four games. Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games. Luke Musgrave (GB) is a high-upside streaming option against a weak defense if he escapes NFL concussion protocol. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has double-digit targets in every game he’s played with Jimmy Garoppolo at QB.
Who to sit: AJ Dillon (GB) only deserves flex consideration if Jones is inactive. Jayden Reed (GB) only has flex value in deeper PPR formats with Watson active. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) faces a defense that has allowed only four TDs to quarterbacks in four games.
Sleeper: The Packers D/ST faces an offense that has allowed 11 sacks and committed six turnovers the last two games.
