3 weeks have passed and it’s time for week 4. Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard).
Week 4 begins this evening with a NFC North battle between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. Both teams are going into it with 2-1 records. Statistically these teams seem very similar. Packers have scored 80 points this season while Detroit is right there with 72. Packers have given up 62 points while Detroit has given up 63. Green Bay is the home team so I’m hoping for some Lambeau leaps! Packers are coming off a 18-17 win over New Orleans after being down 17-0. The Lions enter after beating the Falcons by 2 TDs. The line is currently -1.5 in favor of Detroit with an over/under of 46. Detroit has taken the last 3 meetings between these teams, and they all were one possession games. My Prediction is a 27-23 win for Detroit. Give me all the TEs in this game. Luke Musgrave and Sam LaPorta could be the difference makers here and you’ll read more below.
I’m here every week during the fantasy football season with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team each week. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.
TNF START/SIT
Start – Sam LaPorta – Sam has seen his targets rise from 5 to 6 to 11 in his first 3 weeks of NFL football. Naturally we have seen his receiving yards increase too, from 39 to 63 to 84. He recorded his first TD of his career, and the chemistry is flowing between the Rookie and Jared Goff. Green Bay is middle of the pack against opposing TEs. On the other side, Luke Musgrave could be a difference maker for Love and the Packers. Both TEs I like this week in what is usually a close matchup.
Sit – AJ Dillon – I had high hopes for a great beginning to the season for AJ, but it has yet to come to fruition. Even with Aaron Jones not playing in week 2 or 3, Dillon couldn’t make much of the opportunity. He is averaging under 3 yards per carry this season and it sounds like Aaron Jones will play tonight so tread lightly AJ owners.
Last night we kicked off week 4 with a TNF showdown between the Lions and the Packers. The Lions came out firing leading the Packers 27-3 at the half. Packs gained a little momentum in the 2nd half but ultimately fell by a score of 34-20. David Montgomery scored not 1 not 2 but 3 rushing TDs. The Lions team ran for 211 rushing yards in total which is 1 yard more than they had throwing. Packers didn’t have an answer and came out too slow to keep up. Packers get to visit Vegas next week and the Lions take on the Panthers in Detroit. Next week’s TNF game is one between the winless Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders. I know I know, but we will get through it and get to better weekend games.
Some of the games I’m looking forward to watching this weekend include the Dolphins/Bills, the Ravens/Browns, and the Patriots/Cowboys. Dolphins put up 70 on Denver and Bills hole Washington to 3. Who will win this battle? A classic Browns/Ravens rivalry and Zeke returning to Dallas. Enjoy your weekend of football and good luck getting that fantasy W.
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Kenneth Walker III – Walker has 204 rushing yards on the young season on 47 carries giving him an average of ab0ut 4.5 YPC. The standout statistics are the TDs. Walker has now had back-to-back games with multiple rushing TDs and with the Giants coming up this Monday I don’t see why he can’t extend that streak. Giants as a whole have not come close to expectations and I don’t see that changing here defensively.
Commanders @ Eagles
Start – D’Andre Swift – Swift has been lightning in a bottle with the Eagles in weeks 2 and 3. In those 2 games he has a total of 42 carries for 305 rushing yards. That amounts to over 7 yards per carry and the Philly o-line is creating gaping holes to run through. Even with the presence of Kenneth Gainwell, Swift has been creating havoc for defenses. I’m going to continue to roll with D’Andre until there’s reason not to.
Sit – Brian Robinson – Robinson has had a solid start to the season rushing for 216 yards already with 3 combined TDs. The Cardinals and Dolphins were the first 2 opponents who have not had much of a rushing defense. Week 3 he put up 70 yards on the Bills which was solid except for the team scored 3 points. I expect the Eagles defensive line to pressure Sam Howell a lot and to shut down any run game they try to establish. No single player has surpassed 40 rushing yards against the Eagles this season and no one has a rushing TD.
Falcons @ Jaguars
Start – Evan Engram – Engram now has consecutive games with 8 targets and three games to start the season each with at least 5 receptions. His receptions and receiving yards have grown in every game this season and he gets a pretty good matchup this week in the Falcons. Atlanta has yet to shut down an opposing TE and this week they get Engram who is a WR basically at the TE position. I like Engram to find the end zone this week.
Sit – Drake London – Drake is inconsistent to say the least thus far this season. Week 1 and week 3 his combined stats were 2 receptions on 7 targets for 31 receiving yards. In week 2 he caught 6 of 8 targets for 67 receiving yards and a TD. Which London will we get this week against the Jags? I think its safe to sit London this week (while playing in London).
Dolphins @ Bills
Start – James Cook – Cook has been steady for the Bills with double digit carries each week and a total of 10 receptions. Cook has yet to find the end zone, but it is only a matter of time on this offense. Hopefully the Bills will feed him in effort to slow down the game a little after Miami exploded for 70 points last week. Just because headlines show Miami’s offense putting up big numbers on offense doesn’t mean they don’t give up big numbers on defense as well including a high YPC.
Sit – Tua Tagovailoa – Don’t get me wrong he is a great QB and has been slinging it all season. He helped put up 70 on the Broncos with 4 TD passes but this week he takes on Buffalo and that’s a different story. Tua has only played the Patriots thus far for decent pass defenses and they held him to 250 passing yards and 1 passing TD. I think Buffalo will give Tua a hard time and try their best to bottle up Tyreek Hill if that is possible. I have Tua in my top 10 this week but not by much. Proceed with caution, and hope for a high scoring affair.
Broncos @ Bears
Start – Russell Wilson – Feels weird writing about Russ in a positive way since he left Seattle. But he has 2 consecutive 300 passing yard games and has a 3:1 TD/INT ratio thus far. I say let him cook in Chicago. In the Bears 3 games this season they have allowed 7 passing TDs and not a single INT. Also, worth noting that Chicago has had a lot of trouble taking down the QB. Wilson just has to play well and the rest should sort itself out.
Sit – Samaje Perine – Perine has done very little to keep fantasy managers from dropping him even this early in the season. Perine started off the year decently combining for 78 total yards. In week 2 and week 3 he had a combination of 24 total yards in each game. The volume has not gotten better but then again, it’s hard to get any when your defense gives up 70 points. Start Javonte Williams and sit Perine until further notice.
Ravens @ Browns
Start – Amari Cooper – I never thought I would say this, but Amari has been consistent to start the season for the Browns. Well as consistent at Cooper gets. 3 receptions for 37 yards isn’t the greatest week 1 performance but the 7 targets was a decent start. In weeks 2 and 3 combined he caught 14 of 18 targets for 206 yards and a TD. Elijah Moore is also getting a lot of attention from Watson but it appearing the yardage is more favorable for Cooper and for fantasy managers.
Sit – David Njoku – The matchup is a dud for Njoku playing the Ravens this week. Baltimore has shut down opposing TEs 3 games in a row and looking for another. David has yet to eclipse 4 targets or receptions in any game this season and the chemistry between Deshaun Watson and his top 2 pass catchers Elijah Moore and Amari Cooper is becoming more and more evident.
Bengals @ Titans
Start – Tee Higgins – This could be a great game for Higgins. Like you will read below I believe Mixon will have trouble running on the Titans but throwing and receiving is a whole different ball game. Higgins went off in week 2 catching 8 of his 12 targets for 89 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Other than that, he just has basically a ton of targets, 8+ every game in fact. Titans will try to control Ja’Marr Chase (key word try) leaving Mixon bottled up and Chase being covered tightly. Sounds like a recipe for a big game by Joe Burrow and Higgins.
Sit – Joe Mixon – Mixon will have the tough task of facing the Titans rush defense this week. Tennessee gave up 45 rushing yards to Jamaal Williams in week 1, 39 rushing yards to Joshua Kelly in week 2, and in week 3 no Brown hit 30 rushing yards. Not to mention no RBs have a rushing TD on them this season. Mixon will have an uphill battle to produce for your fantasy team this week.
Rams @ Colts
Start – Anthony Richardson – Richardson is expected to play this week for the Colts after not playing last week. In the 2 starts he made this season he had 3 rushing TDs total. Richardson is very Jalen Hurts like when it comes to the red zone and that’s money for your fantasy team if you are stuck having to or wanting to start the rookie at QB.
Sit – Tyler Higbee – Higbee is coming off his best game of the season in week 3 where he caught all 5 of his targets for 71 receiving yards. Tyler is 3rd in receiving yards on the team even without Cooper Kupp playing. Higbee is a good TE but in fantasy they are a lot more valuable in the end zone. No TDs thus far and Matt Stafford has only thrown 2 all year compared to Kyren Williams who has 3 rushing TDs to himself. One of the two receiving TDs this season went to Kyren as well.
Buccaneers @ Saints
Start – Chris Olave – Olave picking up right where he left off as a rookie. Double digit targets in all 3 games this season and 302 receiving yards. Michael Thomas is a good WR to have with Olave so he can separate and get Olave more openings. Olave should be able to continue his trend of targets and yards this weekend at home against the Bucs.
Sit – Rachaad White – White wasn’t able to get anything going against the Eagles in week 3 rushing for 38 yards on 14 carries. He is good for a few receptions as well. Saints rushing defense is one of the best in the NFL. I would avoid Tampa Bay rushing this week.
Vikings @ Panthers
Start – Adam Thielen – Thielen is going up against his long-time team the Minnesota Vikings. It will be tough for him, but he is playing in Carolina and the Vikings have yet to shut down opposing team’s offenses. They are 0-3 and are giving up 25 points per game. Thielen will have to be involved regardless of who is under center. Let’s get Adam in the end zone this week.
Sit – Cam Akers – Well this is just a gut call putting Akers in the sit spot just until we see what Minnesota has in store for his usage. Will he replace Mattison, will he compliment Mattison, or will he back up Mattison? All are different but lead to playing time nonetheless. Would be nice to see some red zone usage or double digit carries to give me some hope and reassurance that he is worth rostering and starting.
Steelers @ Texans
Start – Tank Dell – I think Dell likes playing in Houston and this game is in Houston. Tank is a rookie that’s been effective for the Texans this season. CJ Stroud has made a great rookie to rookie connection and its showing on the field. In weeks 2 and 3 combined Dell has caught 12 of his 17 targets for a nice 217 yards and 2 TDs. Texans shouldn’t be too worried about the Steelers defense although I would keep an eye on TJ Watt every single play. If Stroud gets time, I like Dells chances in fantasy again this week.
Sit – Dameon Pierce – So it has been pretty bad for the starting RB in Houston. He did score a rushing TD in week 3 but other than that he hasn’t done much carrying the ball for just 2.5 YPC. I think the defensive line of Pittsburgh should play well making it more difficult to run on them and forcing Stroud to throw it in order to win. Pierce is outside my top 25 RBs this week.
Raiders @ Chargers
Start – Justin Herbert – Ok Justin Herbert, we see you. Airing it out looking better and better each week. He threw for 229 yards in week one followed by 305 in week 2 and a whopping 405 this past weekend. Herbert has also thrown for 6 TDs this season (increasing each game thus far) with no INTs at all. I don’t believe he has turned the ball over at all. He has been feeding Keenan Allen nonstop and its working. Mike Williams is on IR giving more opportunity for Josh Palmer and rookie Quinten Johnston. I think Herbert will continue balling Sunday.
Sit – Josh Jacobs – Lets be real you’re most likely not going to sit Jacobs ever when healthy but he was the only player I’m hesitant with that is heavily owned for this game. Jacobs hasn’t scored this season, and he is averaging just 2.4 YPC. That is way too low for him and his history of effective rushing. Chargers are middle of the pack but not bad at defending RBs so Jacobs could continue his slow start here. He is just outside my top 10 RBs this week.
Patriots @ Cowboys
Start – Jake Ferguson – This is a Tony Pollard game for sure, but Ferguson has grown on me and is playing well at TE. 18 targets in 3 games and a TD. I can only assume Belichick will prepare for Pollard and Lamb the most leaving the short throws to Ferguson as a nice option in any situation.
Sit – Dak Prescott – Dak is back. At least the one who threw INTs last season like they were gifts. He threw his first of the season in an ugly upset against the Cardinals. Dak didn’t really have to do anything in week 1 against the Giants, then played well in week 2 throwing 2 TDs, followed by the Arizona game. Prescott and the Cowboys welcome the Patriots this weekend where I know Bill Belichick will have some sort of strategy to help his team stay in it. I could definitely see Dak throwing another INT here if it gets to his head.
Cardinals @ 49ers
Start – Brock Purdy – Purdy is in a great spot here playing Arizona in SF. Cardinals are coming off a huge win over Dallas in week 3 but I fear that will end here against the 49ers. They are talented at basically every position and Brock Purdy is the QB behind the offense. Whether it is Deebo, Aiyuk, or Kittle as pass catchers and then throw in Christian McCaffrey and it doesn’t seem fair. Purdy most likely won’t have to do too much in this game but it’s a nice spot to try and pad some stats.
Sit – James Connor – Connor is in a bad spot facing the 49ers this weekend who have been pretty stout against opposing RBs. In SFs first 3 games they have given up 17 yds and a TD to Matt Breida, 31 yards to Najee Harris, and 52 yards and a score for Kyren Williams. Connor has a chance for a TD here but that would require good blocking and staying somewhat competitive. Would be nice to see them shock the Cowboys and 49ers back-to-back but I do not foresee that. Connor and Marquise Brown are the only Cardinals I would consider playing let alone owning.
Chiefs @ Jets
Start – Isiah Pacheco – Pacheco is in this spot because putting Mahomes and Kelce here is just so obvious. Kelce should be able to go ham this week. Pacheco is in this spot because the Jets rush defense is average and if this gets out of hand, we might see a lot of handoffs late in the game. Watch out for McKinnon and CEH vulturing TDs.
Sit – Garrett Wilson – I hate putting such a talented young WR in my sit spot but that is how it is going to have to be this week against the Chiefs pass defense which has been top tier this season. This game is going to be a challenge and Wilson will be heavily needed if they want to put up points to stay competitive with Mahomes and company. Good news is that Wilson has a favorable matchup against Denver next weekend.
Seahawks @ Giants
Start – Kenneth Walker III – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOWARD TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Daniel Jones – Danny dimes is having a stressful start to the season. He is miraculously 1-2 and have Seattle visiting on MNF. Jones usually is rather bad in primetime games, and he doesn’t have Barkley there to help him (keep an eye on his status). Jones does have 104 rushing yards and a rushing TD this season but that was against the Cardinals where he also threw for 2 TDs. Those combined 3 TDs in week 2 are all Jones has to show for scoring this season scoring a combined 12 points in week 1 and 3. Sit Jones in primetime or hope he runs wild.