Fantasy Football: Start 'Em & Sit 'Em - Week 4
Hey guys, ready to dominate your fantasy football league? Week 4 is here, and that means it's time to make those crucial start/sit decisions that can either win you the week or send you spiraling down the standings. Don't worry, I've got your back! Let's dive into some players you should consider starting and some you might want to keep on your bench this week.
Quarterbacks: Who to Start & Sit
Start 'Em: When looking at quarterbacks to start this week, target players with favorable matchups and high-scoring potential. This week, keep an eye on quarterbacks facing defenses that struggle against the pass or those who are involved in games with high projected point totals. Matchups matter, and some quarterbacks thrive against specific defensive schemes. In deeper leagues, consider streaming options who have a good chance to put up solid numbers. Consider these QBs:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): Okay, this one's almost too obvious, but you're starting Mahomes every week, right? His ability to make plays under pressure and his connection with his receivers make him a weekly must-start. The match ups don't matter here, Mahomes is almost always a QB1.
- Trevor Lawrence (JAX): Lawrence has a juicy matchup this week. The Jaguars' offense is starting to click, and Lawrence's dual-threat ability gives him a high floor and a high ceiling. He's becoming a reliable fantasy option.
- Kirk Cousins (MIN): Kirk Cousins is a great start this week, especially in formats that reward passing yardage. His connection with Justin Jefferson and the Vikings' pass-heavy approach make him a valuable asset.
Sit 'Em: On the other hand, avoid quarterbacks facing tough defenses or those in uncertain offensive situations. Injuries, poor weather conditions, and struggling offensive lines can all contribute to a quarterback's downfall in a given week. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your quarterback, so consider these QBs to sit this week:
- Russell Wilson (DEN): Despite the change in scenery, Wilson hasn't quite found his rhythm yet. The Broncos' offense is still a work in progress, and Wilson's fantasy production has been inconsistent. Until he shows more consistency, he's a risky start.
- Matt Ryan (IND): Ryan's struggled behind a shaky offensive line. The Colts' offense has sputtered, and Ryan's prone to turnovers. There are better options on the waiver wire.
- Justin Fields (CHI): Fields' development has been hampered by a struggling Bears' offense. His rushing ability gives him some value, but his passing numbers haven't been there. Sit him until the Bears show signs of improvement.
Running Backs: Who to Start & Sit
Start 'Em: For running backs, prioritize those with a clear role in their offense and favorable matchups. Volume is king at the running back position, so target players who are likely to receive a high number of carries and targets in the passing game. Consider these RBs: — Gaston County Inmates: Finding Mugshots & Records
- Bijan Robinson (ATL): He is a must start, Robinson has been a fantasy revelation, showcasing his talent as a runner and receiver. He is a true 3-down back.
- Tony Pollard (DAL): Pollard is the clear lead back in Dallas, and his explosiveness makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Expect a big week from Pollard.
- James Conner (ARI): Conner continues to be a workhorse in the Cardinals' offense. He gets a ton of volume, especially in the red zone. He is a reliable option, especially in standard leagues.
Sit 'Em: Conversely, avoid running backs in crowded backfields or those facing stout run defenses. Injuries and game script can also impact a running back's value, so monitor the news leading up to kickoff. These running backs are not the best option this week. Consider sitting:
- AJ Dillon (GB): Dillon has struggled to find consistency behind Aaron Jones. His limited role in the passing game caps his upside. Look for better options.
- Damien Harris (BUF): The Bills' backfield is a mess, and Harris hasn't been able to establish himself as the lead back. His lack of involvement in the passing game further hurts his value. He is too risky to start right now.
- Elijah Mitchell (SF): With Christian McCaffrey dominating touches in San Francisco, Mitchell's role is limited to being a handcuff. He needs an injury to McCaffrey to be fantasy-relevant.
Wide Receivers: Who to Start & Sit
Start 'Em: When evaluating wide receivers, look for those who are their team's primary target and have favorable matchups. Quarterback chemistry, target share, and the ability to make plays after the catch are all important factors to consider. Consider the following receivers:
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): Okay, another obvious one, but you're starting Jefferson every week. He's a target monster and one of the most talented receivers in the league.. He is one of the top WRs in the game.
- Chris Olave (NO): Olave has emerged as the Saints' top receiver. His route-running skills and ability to make contested catches make him a valuable fantasy asset. Start him with confidence.
- Courtland Sutton (DEN): Sutton has been Wilson's preferred target in Denver. His size and ability to win jump balls make him a red-zone threat. He is a solid WR2.
Sit 'Em: On the flip side, avoid wide receivers who are buried on the depth chart or those facing shutdown cornerbacks. Injuries, quarterback changes, and poor offensive schemes can all hinder a wide receiver's production. Consider sitting these receivers this week: — Brittany Mayou: A Belchertown Resident's Story
- Allen Lazard (GB): Lazard hasn't lived up to expectations as the Packers' WR1. His inconsistency and lack of explosiveness make him a risky start. Look elsewhere for production.
- Skyy Moore (KC): Despite the hype, Moore hasn't carved out a significant role in the Chiefs' offense. His limited snaps and targets make him a bench stash at best. He is too risky to start right now.
- Kadarius Toney (NYG): Toney's potential is undeniable, but he's struggled to stay healthy and productive. His inconsistent usage and injury history make him a sit for now. He has flashed the talent in the past, but there are better options to start in your lineup.
Tight Ends: Who to Start & Sit
Start 'Em: Tight end can be a tricky position to navigate, but prioritize those who are heavily involved in their team's passing game. Red-zone targets, favorable matchups, and a reliable quarterback are all key factors to consider. Consider the following TEs:
- Travis Kelce (KC): Like Mahomes and Jefferson, Kelce is an automatic start every week. He's the best tight end in the league and a cheat code for your fantasy team. Play him every week.
- Darren Waller (NYG): Waller has the potential to be a difference-maker at the tight end position. He is a big mismatch problem. He is always a threat to score.
- Evan Engram (JAX): Engram is an athletic tight end with a big catch radius. He is a reliable option in the passing game for Lawrence. He has established himself as a good receiving option and is worth starting this week.
Sit 'Em: Avoid tight ends who are part of a committee or those who are primarily blockers. Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play can also limit a tight end's value. Consider sitting these tight ends:
- Cole Kmet (CHI): Kmet hasn't been able to establish himself as a reliable target in the Bears' offense. His limited production makes him a risky start. It is best to keep him on the bench for now.
- Noah Fant (SEA): Fant is part of a crowded tight end room in Seattle. His inconsistent usage makes him hard to trust in your starting lineup. There are better options available this week.
- Irv Smith Jr. (CIN): Smith has struggled to stay healthy and productive throughout his career. His injury history and limited role in the Bengals' offense make him a sit. It is not worth the risk starting him this week.
Alright, fantasy managers, that's it for this week's start 'em and sit 'em advice. Good luck with your matchups, and remember to stay active on the waiver wire! Let's go get those W's! — Chumlee's Legal Issues: What Happened On Pawn Stars?