It is officially week 4 of the 2024 NFL season! 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).
This week’s Thursday Night Football game is a divisional matchup between the 1-2 Dallas Cowboys and the 1-2 New York Giants. Giants will be the home team in a game with the over/under set at 45.5 and the Cowboys favored by 6. Both of these teams 1 victory came against the Cleveland Browns. Both teams have a 3-point loss and both teams have a 20+ point loss. Most would assume the Cowboys roll to an easy victory, which might be the case, but Malik Nabers will want to have a say in that. The rookie phenom is 2nd in the NFL with 23 receptions, ranks 5th in the NFL with 271 receiving yards, and is tied for most receiving TDs in the NFL with 3. Last year the Cowboys scored 89 points in their 2 matchups with the Giants and allowed just 17 points. My prediction for this game is a 26-20 victory for the Cowboys. Hoping for big games from CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers in what could be a WR rivalry for years to come.
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 – Malik Nabers – All aboard the Malik Nabers hype train. The rookie out of LSU has accounted for 3 of the giants 6 total TDs this season and 3 out the 4 receiving TDs. The Cowboys seem to be susceptible to the big play, and Malik Nabers is the definition of a big play. If Daniel Jones can get the ball out to him, he should be able to do the rest. This will also be Maliks first primetime game under the lights so I think he’ll want to make it memorable.
Sit – Ezekiel Elliot – Zeke is quickly moving in the wrong direction for fantasy owners. His rushing attempts and rushing yards have decreased each week and only has a reception or 2 per game with minimal yardage. His week 1 TD seems a fluke at this point. Rico Dowdle has already become RB1 on the depth chart and has gotten more involved both rushing and receiving. I don’t see Elliot getting much work here unless the Cowboys go up big early.
Last night we saw the Cowboys move onto 2-2 after escaping the Giants with a 20-15 win. CeeDee does what he always does in prime time and that is score a TD. He finished with 98 receiving yards. On the Giants side of the ball it was the Nabers and Robinson show. It was encouraging to see Daniel Jones throw for 281 yards knowing he has thrown for more than 250 yards just once since the start of the 2023 season. Nabers was ruled OUT in the 4th quarter with a concussion, but he already has told his fans he is going to be okay. Nabers had 115 receiving yards prior to his injury. Wan’Dale Robinson continues to surprise now having been targeted 8+ times in 3 of 4 games this season. Cowboys take on the streaking Steelers next Sunday night while the Giants take on the streaking Seahawks next.
Some of the games I am looking forward to most in week 4 include the Buccaneers/Eagles, Vikings/Packers, Bills/Ravens, and Lions/Seahawks. Can the Eagles win again without possibly their best 2 WRs? Will Aaron Jones go nuclear on his former team? Will Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson get the last laugh this week? And can the Seahawks stay undefeated against a good Lions team? Let’s gooooo!
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Dallas Goedert – Dallas is coming off a career high game where he exploded for 10 receptions and 170 receiving yards. AJ Brown has been injured and DeVonta Smith got injured last game, leaving Dallas as the best pass catcher on the team. It is unclear if AJ and Smith are going to play or not, but if they do not, Dallas quickly should be a top tier TE choice this week. He is a reliable target all game long when Jalen Hurts is in trouble or needs that go to guy.
Saints @ Falcons
Start – Drake London – In a game that most will have eyes on Bijan Robinson and Alvin Kamara, London has a good chance to produce. Kirk Cousins has targeted London the most this season and we continue to see his targets and receiving yards rise each week. Since entering the NFL, Drake London has played the Saints 4 times. London has 70 or more receiving yards in 3 of those 4 games. He also has momentum after scoring in consecutive weeks.
Sit – Taysom Hill – There is always a chance that Hill misses another week after sustaining a chest injury in week 2, but even if he plays, he is a risky start. Tatum had 8 carries before his injury this season totaling 53 rushing yards and has caught both his targets for 2 receiving yards. I am staying away until we see more usage and results.
Rams @ Bears
Start – DJ Moore – Kyren Williams is my favorite start in this game, but DJ is a close 2nd. First let’s look at what WRs have done to the Rams in just 3 weeks. In order from week 1 on, the Rams allowed Jameson Williams 121 receiving yards and a TD, then Marvin Harrison Jr 130 receiving yards and 2 TDs, and finally they allowed Jauan Jennings 175 receiving yards and 3 TDs. DJ has been targeted the most on his team this season with at least 8 in all 3 starts. With that workload he is sure to have plenty of chances to go nuclear on the Rams like the others.
Sit – Demarcus Robinson – If you are not Kyren Williams, you should be benched. The Rams offense is a mess without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Robinson is just one of a handful of pass catchers to target and Robinson has gotten 8 targets in his last 2 games total and only converted that into 3 receptions. He has not scored this season (Kyren Williams has 4 TDs), and the Bears have allowed just 1 WR to surpass 50 yards receiving and that was Nico Collins. Stay safe and bench Robinson.
Vikings @ Packers
Start – Jayden Reed – As long as Reed is healthy and Jordan Love is healthy, I like their combo this week. Jayden Reed exploded week 1 when they played together. In his last 2 games without Love, Reed has gotten 2 carries in each game and turned those into 56 rushing yards. So, he can be influential as a WR but still can be a rushing threat. The Vikings have allowed 5 pass catchers over 60 yards receiving through 3 weeks as well.
Sit – Josh Jacobs – Jacobs isn’t a bad play this week against the Vikings, but it could be a challenge for him. Jordan Mason rushed for 100 yards against the Vikings but other than that no one has eclipsed 37 rushing yards this season. Jacobs exploded for 151 rushing yards in week 2 but has not scored a TD this season yet. I have about 20 RBs I would start before Jacobs this week.
Steelers @ Colts
Start – Justin Fields – Do not look now but Fields has the Steelers at 3-0 and Fields is holding his own. We know Justin Fields is a major scrambling threat and that is understandable on the Steelers with not a high amount of pass catching threats other than George Pickens. The Colt’s defense has not been special so Fields should have the opportunity to put up fantasy points.
Sit – Anthony Richardson – I had super high hopes for Richardson after week 1 when he had 3 total TDs, but he has been subpar since. He is leading the NFL in INTs with 6 which equates to an average of 2 per game. This could and most likely will be another game for Richardson to throw a pick. The Steelers defense looks top tier and hasn’t allowed any QB to rush for more than 25 yards. In fact, the 3 QBs they have faced have a combined 4 INTs. Richardson needs to get out of this funk that makes him seem like a rookie although he kind of is after last season’s injury.
Broncos @ Jets
Start – Jets D/ST – It was hard finding a start spot for this game that was not named Breece Hall, but I went with the Jets defense. They have allowed just 20 points in their last 2 games and have a combined 11 sacks in those 2 games. I am expecting a low scoring slow burn of a game that should benefit the Jets against the rookie Bo Nix.
Sit – Garrett Wilson – Wilson is extremely talented but his matchup this week is not a good one. I still believe he is a top 25 WR this week, but with Pat Surtain draped all over him I do not like his chances. Surtain has shut down WRs each start this season, and Wilson already is not producing at the rate most would assume and want. If you have better options I would sit Wilson this week.
Eagles @ Buccaneers
Start – Dallas Goedert – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOWARD TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Rachaad White – As I have said in previous articles, Whites RB1 responsibilities are quickly fading with the presence of rookie RB Bucky Irving. Bucky is currently questionable but seems as if he is going to play. Irving’s outplaying White through 3 games and that trend is looking like it is going to continue.
Bengals @ Panthers
Start – Diontae Johnson – Diontae showed up week 3 in a big way. After 2 weeks of 5 combined receptions, Bryce Young got the boot and Andy Dalton unleashed DJs potential. Dalton targeted DJ 14 times and he caught 8 of those for 122 receiving yards and a receiving TD. The QB change is a game changer for DJ owners and with Adam Thielen landing on the IR, DJ should be in line for another solid week with Dalton behind center.
Sit – Miles Sanders – Miles had a decent week 3 but Chuba Hubbard stole the show. Hubbard has gotten more snaps and has gotten more carries. Having Andy Dalton definitely helps Sander’s stock but not enough to start him in fantasy.
Jaguars @ Texans
Start – Nico Collins – All Nico does is produce. The stud WR has 28 targets in 3 weeks with 338 receiving yards which currently leads the entire NFL. If CJ Stroud can even remotely resemble Josh Allen from week 3 then CJ and Nico should have a field day this week. Jags are going to try to avoid an 0-4 start but that will be exceedingly difficult when they have to deal with this Texans offense that has so many weapons.
Sit – Trevor Lawrence – Trevor has not been consistent at all in his first 3 games unless consistently disappointing counts. Houston is probably his best matchup this season thus far, but it is hard to have faith in a QB that has 2 passing TDs through 3 games and is averaging under 14 points per game as a team. I’ll pass on Trevor this week.
Commanders @ Cardinals
Start – Kyler Murray & Jayden Daniels – Both Kyler and Jayden are top 5 QBs for me this week. They both have a good arm, and their scrambling makes all the difference. Jayden is ranked 2nd in fantasy QB points thus far and Kyler is sitting in 6th. Both offenses have some weapons to work with and they both use them wisely. The over/under total is 50.5 so we are expecting both QBs to put up some good numbers.
Sit – BOTH D/ST – Who would you bench in this game? The offenses are poised to put up points and the QBs are ready to ball out. Too scary to start either defense this week but if I had to pick one to play it would be Arizona.
Patriots @ 49ers
Start – George Kittle – Kittle did not play last week but it is looking promising that he suits up for this Sunday. The TE says he is feeling fantastic and that feeling should rise even more knowing he has the Patriots up next. The Patriots just allowed TE Tyler Conklin to rack up 93 receiving yards and allowed 2 other pass catchers a receiving TD each. Week before that the Patriots allowed 2 Seattle pass catchers to pass the century mark in receiving yards. 49ers are in a good position, especially is Kittle plays.
Sit – Hunter Henry – Last time I put Henry in a sit spot he exploded for 109 receiving yards, so you have been warned. Week 3 was not kind to Henry who caught 2 of 3 targets for 9 yards. The 49ers defense has held every TE in check that they have faced. Colby Parkinson was held to 21 yards last week, Johnny Mundt only had 12 yards in week 2, and in week 1 Tyler Conklin had just 6 yards. Not a good trend for Henry this week.
Browns @ Raiders
Start – Jerome Ford – Jerome Ford has had an average season after 3 weeks. He scored in week 1 but has not since. This could be the last game before Nick Chubb returns so let us take advantage. The Raiders have been downright terrible defending opposing RBs after 3 weeks. Vegas allowed JK Dobbins 135 rushing yards and a TD, Derrick Henry 84 rushing yards and a TD, and Chuba Hubbard 134 rushing yards. If there was a time to pop off, this week would be that time for Ford.
Sit – Zamir White – White had a great matchup with Carolina last week, but he was only able to rush for 34 yards. White is averaging over 10 carries per game, yet he averages under 35 rushing yards per game and averages just over 3 yards per rush. The Browns have given up a TD to RBs in each game this year but have held them all to 65 or less rushing yards. White will need a TD to save his appeal.
Chiefs @ Chargers
Start – Travis Kelce – Very controversial pick here but it is Travis Kelce. Can you bench him? We will each week that is becoming a viable reality, but we must have hope! This is a great time to show why he should be started. The Chargers have allowed each TE1 they have faced to hit at least 30 receiving yards which is not a lot but isn’t terrible. The Chargers defense can be difficult to play against so it would probably be a good idea for Mahomes to get Kelce involved. Let us hope!
Sit – Gus Edwards – Gus had just 9 yards against the Steelers last game. He has been outproduced by JK Dobbins each week and Dobbins is the bigger threat in the pass game up to this point. The Chief’s defense has not allowed a RB to eclipse 50 rushing yards this season let alone a RB splitting time.
Bills @ Ravens
Start – Dalton Kincaid – Kincaid has seen his targets rise each week of the early season and has a good matchup this week with the Ravens. In what would appear to be a competitive game, Kincaid should be a focal point for Josh Allen after what the Ravens have allowed TEs to do thus far. They let Travis Kelce and Noah Gray combine for over 70 receiving yards, Brock Bowers almost hit 100 receiving yards coming up 2 yards short, and most recently the Ravens let Jake Ferguson to hit 95 receiving yards. If I am Kincaid, I’m calling for the ball.
Sit – Mark Andrews – This feels like the Travis Kelce situation a bit, but I am putting Andrews in the spot spot in this game. Andrews is alongside Isaiah Likely. Week 1 benefited Likely and week 2 benefited Andrews. Week 3 they combined for 1 reception. The Bills have kept opposing TEs tamed for the most part, and I have difficulty imagining which TE will have a better outing.
Titans @ Dolphins
Start – Tony Pollard – Pollard was held in check week 3 after a 94 total yard and TD performance in week 1 and a 102 total yard performance in week 2. Pollard gets the struggling Dolphins this week who gave up 3 TDs to James Cook in week 2 and allowed Zach Charbonnet 107 total yards and 2 TDs. Tennessee should be looking to get Pollard involved on the ground and through the air early and often.
Sit – Raheem Mostert – Mostert is still dealing with a chest injury so monitor his status before making any decisions. The Dolphins are without Tua at QB and that is making the Dolphins more of a one dimensional team. Titans can focus on the run game defensively even with Tyreek Hill and Waddle running around. I think the Dolphins continue to struggle offensively.
Seahawks @ Lions
Start – DK Metcalf – Metcalf is starting to heat up for the Seahawks. In back-to-back games DK has eclipsed 100 yards receiving and scored a receiving TD. The Lions have already allowed Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin over 110 yards each with a TD and most recently they allowed Marvin Harrison Jr hit 64 receiving yards and a TD. DK in prime time should be next up in that trend.
Sit – Noah Fant – Fant had his best week last game catching all 6 of his targets for 60 receiving yards. He had only 3 total receptions 25 receiving yards prior to week 3. Problem here is Detroit has held all opposing TEs to under 50 receiving yards and none have scored. Theres at least 15 other TEs I would start before having to or wanting to start Fant.