We found some big names to target and fade last week. The results were mixed. However, more injuries mounted, so there are major question marks in Week 4. Our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 4 explores those players and others that should be avoided in the fourth week.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Justin Fields (vs. Denver)
Fields has stunk so far, posting an average of just 14.6 fantasy points per game. However, he was drafted as a top-six fantasy quarterback. And this week’s matchup offers a prime opportunity for him to revitalize his season.
The Bears are presented with the sixth-most favorable matchup for quarterbacks this week. They are facing off against the Denver Broncos, who have surrendered the second-highest number of fantasy points to the position in 2023.
Denver has employed man defense at the fifth-highest rate this season. Fields boasts a 7.1% big-time throw rate against man coverage and a 3.1% rate against zone coverage over the last two seasons. Moreover, he exhibits a greater tendency to scramble against man defenses compared to zone defenses, which should boost his fantasy output.
Brock Purdy (vs. Arizona)
In last week’s victory over the Giants on Thursday Night Football, Purdy threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns. This performance marked his seventh outing with multiple passing touchdowns. Also, Purdy is connected to a top-tier set of offensive weapons and operates within one of the league’s most prolific offensive systems.
Although the Cardinals have been more competitive than anticipated, they still rank in the bottom 12 in terms of passing yards allowed. If you’re in need of a streaming option this week, Purdy certainly fits the bill.
Sit ‘Em
Deshaun Watson (vs. Baltimore)
Watson has had a decent start to the season, finishing as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in two of his first three games. However, his performance has not yet reached the level he displayed in 2020.
Watson is currently averaging 6.7 yards per attempt, an improvement from last season. However, it’s far from the 8.9 yards per attempt he achieved in 2020. This week, he faces the formidable Baltimore Ravens’ defense, which boasts an impressive team coverage grade of 85.9, ranking third in the league.
Expect a close, low-scoring game. Cleveland will emphasize the running game. That makes Watson’s efficiency as a passer vital.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
D’Andre Swift (vs. Washington)
Swift has proven to be a valuable addition to the Eagles’ offensive arsenal over the past two weeks. He has carried the ball 44 times for 305 yards and one touchdown. Philadelphia has already started to limit his carries, with Kenneth Gainwell taking the majority of snaps in the second and fourth quarters of Week 3.
Nonetheless, Swift is expected to receive a consistent volume of touches to remain a fantasy starter. The Eagles’ offensive line enjoys a substantial advantage over the Washington Commanders’ defensive line. Washington has allowed opposing rushers to gain 4.8 yards per attempt this season. Swift should maintain his efficiency.
Additionally, the Eagles are favored by over a touchdown, suggesting they will continue to run the ball throughout the game. Hopefully Swift can score from a distance. Because inside the 3-yard line belongs to Jalen Hurts
Alvin Kamara (vs. Tampa Bay)
Kamara is back in action after serving a three-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. His 2023 debut presents a challenging matchup against the Bucs. However, Tampa Bay recently allowed 130 rushing yards to D’Andre Swift. The Eagles racked up over 200 rushing yards against this defense.
Also, Given the volume available in New Orleans with Jamaal Williams on injured reserve, Kamara is poised to become the centerpiece of the rushing attack. Furthermore, Kamara’s involvement in the passing game is a given. Subsequently, many fantasy managers will welcome Kamara back into their starting lineup.
Sit ‘Em
Brian Robinson (at Philadelphia)
Robinson showcased his rushing prowess in Week 3, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per carry. However, he was limited to just 10 carries as the Commanders fell behind early in the game against Buffalo.
This week, Robinson faces a tough challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have been staunch against the run. Philly has allowed only 121 total rushing yards to running backs through three weeks. That’s the second-lowest in the NFL. The Eagles surrender a mere 2.8 yards per carry and have yet to concede a rushing touchdown.
Given the potential for this game to get out of hand, it’s advisable to explore alternative options. Also, Robinson won’t do much as a receiver. His opportunities could be limited in Week 4.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Adam Thielen (vs. Minnesota)
Much to my delight, Thielen has emerged as a key component of the Panthers’ offensive scheme over the past two weeks. Thielen has amassed 18 receptions on 23 targets for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers have an advantageous matchup for wide receivers this week. Carolina will face the Minnesota Vikings, who have yielded the third-highest number of fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Also, Thielen will primarily line up against Josh Metellus in the slot. Metellus allowed 10 catches for 62 yards last week.
Finally, the Panthers are underdogs in this game. The target volume will be there in an exploitable matchup.
Tank Dell (vs. Pittsburgh)
Dell has emerged as the primary target for the Texans for two consecutive weeks. He received seven targets, securing five of them for 145 yards and a touchdown in their Week 3 upset win over the Jaguars. Also, Dell narrowly missed scoring a second touchdown.
With 17 targets over the last two weeks, Dell’s production demands a starting spot on your roster as a WR3 or flex.
Shockingly the Texans have gone pass-heavy, with over 120 passes thrown through three games. Additionally, the Steelers have conceded the fifth-most yards to receivers this season. Dell will continue to thrive in a positive game script.
Sit ‘Em
Zay Flowers (at Cleveland)
Flowers has maintained a snap share of over 75% in each of the first three weeks. However, his receiving yardage has declined. Baltimore squares off against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Also, Flowers has caught 17 of his 21 passes within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Baltimore’s veteran secondary isn’t prone to allowing big plays. That caps Flowers’s upside.
Given the unfavorable matchup, Flowers is better suited for a bench role this week.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Hunter Henry (at Dallas)
Henry has established himself as one of the Patriots’ top receiving options in 2023. Among nine players with at least 25 pass routes, Henry is the sole recipient of a PFF receiving grade exceeding 70.0. Also, Henry ranks within the top seven tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. Plus he is one of only five tight ends with multiple touchdowns this season.
Henry thrives on volume. He has run more than 100 pass routes this season. Considering the Patriots are underdogs against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, Henry is likely to be heavily involved again.
Sit ‘Em
Dallas Goedert (vs. Washington)
Goedert will face tough matchups in the upcoming weeks. That starts with a challenging game against the Washington Commanders in week 4. The Commanders have stifled tight ends, allowing a mere 3.8 fantasy points per game this season. That ranks fifth lowest in the NFL.
Subsequently, Washington has conceded only 58 receiving yards and zero touchdowns to tight ends. Since the appointment of Jack Del Rio as defensive coordinator in 2020, tight ends have averaged just seven fantasy points per game against the Commanders. Furthermore, Goedert recorded only six receptions for 49 receiving yards in two matchups against the Commanders last season.
Also, QB Jalen Hurts owns the goalline for the Eagles with the “Tush Push” and that is where most TEs score their touchdowns. Put Goedert on the bench for this one.
