TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 4 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Week 4 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another chaotic week for fantasy football managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em 

Jordan Love (GB) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 18.6: Two things can be true about Love. One, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Second, he had a forgettable Week 3 loss against the Browns. He has a much better matchup this week against the Cowboys, who allowed Caleb Williams to throw for four touchdowns and nearly clipped 300 passing yards. The Cowboys have given up the most FPTS (27.80), passing yards (900) and the second-most touchdowns to QBs this season. Every QB that has played for the Cowboys has scored at least 24 FPTS. Also with Love’s track record and the game being on Sunday night, he has played fantastic in his career on Sunday Night Football telecasts. 

Justin Fields (NYJ) @ Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 19.5: Fields, who missed Week 3 with a concussion, has a golden opportunity this week against an inferior Dolphins defense. The fly in the ointment is that Fields is still currently in concussion protocol. However, here is a caveat by Jets’ head coach Aaron Glenn. On Monday, Glenn said he wants to make sure Fields is clear until naming a starter for Sunday. If Fields suits up, he will take on a Miami defense that has allowed the second-most FPTS (26.27) and have given up the most rushing touchdowns by QBs. Similar to Dallas, every QB that has gone against the Dolphins so far has finished in the top five in FPTS that week. If things go smoothly, Fields is a must start.    

Caleb Williams (CHI) @ Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 19.6: If you started Williams in Week 3, you must have had a glorious day, as he finished with four touchdown passes and finished as QB1 for the first time in his career. Another positive stat that isn’t being mentioned often is that it was the first game in his career where he wasn’t sacked. It is uncertain if his success was due to head coach Ben Johnson or a lesser Cowboys defense. Either way, it creates momentum for another solid opportunity in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, who have averaged the tenth-most FPTS (18.28) and passing yards (736) to QBs. I hope this isn’t the one of the last times I say this with Williams, but ride the hot hand.   

Honorable Mentions: Bo Nix (DEN) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) vs. Washington Commanders; Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) vs. New York Jets; Justin Herbert (LAC) @ New York Giants; Geno Smith (LV) vs. Chicago Bears.

Sit ‘Em

Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 14.1: Week 3 was not the type of day I expected from Prescott. Given the matchup, I assumed he would have a type of outing similar to Williams, but when you lose your top receiver, CeeDee Lamb, things started to go off the rails. Moving to Week 4, he will go against the Packers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards and three passing touchdowns this season. Also, the Packers defense, who generate pressure and sacks at above-average rates, will be amped up more than they usually are for this matchup against Micah (or Michael, if you’re Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who for some reason says his name incorrectly at times) Parsons’ ex-team. Even with George Pickens, Prescott will struggle in this game. Find someone to start this week.   

Daniel Jones (IND) @ Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 17.6: I know, I know. Jones is having an unreal start to the 2025 season, which has put the Colts at a 3-0 record. I am not shorting him on that. The thing is, he is definitely going against his toughest foe yet in the Los Angeles Rams, who are tied for the most sacks in the league. I am also aware that Jones did light up a stingy Broncos defense, but I am not positive that he’ll do it again. The Rams have also allowed the tenth-fewest FPTS (15.85) to QBs and own the fifth-highest pressure rate. This is where Jones has to prove that things are different this time. 

Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 12.6: If you have watched his last two games, Rodgers is delivering the kind of performances many anticipated he would. He has looked like a shell of himself with some moments of glimmer from his former league MVP self. He has the lowest air yards-per-attempt (5.4), but has managed to throw for seven touchdowns, which is the third-most in the league. It is uncertain that he can keep up with the numbers, but since Week 1, he has finished with under 12 FPTS and has been intercepted three times. His name has brought no fantasy value since his four touchdown debut in the Black and Gold. And standing behind a shaky O-line, he will be seeing a lot of pressure this week in Ireland, when the Steelers take on the Vikings.  

Lowlights: Drake Maye (NE) vs. Carolina Panthers; Kyler Murray (ARI) vs. Seattle Seahawks; C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. Tennessee Titans; Carson Wentz (MIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em 

Omarion Hampton (LAC) @ New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 16.6: I didn’t think it would take until Week 3, but finishing with 24.9 FPTS, Hampton has finally had his coming out party. Regardless of Najee Harris’ injury, Hampton’s snap percentage has stayed above at least 62 percent. It's about to go even higher now with Harris missing the remainder of the season. He opens the door to another big fantasy outing against the Giants this week, who have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards and fourth-most FPTS to backs. Also with the G-men allowing an average of five yards per-touch, Hampton is a must start this week.    

J.K. Dobbins (DEN) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 16.1: With all the hype surrounding RJ Harvey during the offseason, most people considered Dobbins to be an afterthought in the Broncos offense. However, he has proved them wrong, standing as the No. 12 running back in fantasy and has finished with at least 14 FPTS in each of his first three games as a Bronco. He has rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 5.4 yards per-carry. He will be licking his chops this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed the second-most FPTS (30.07), sixth-most yards, third-most rushing touchdowns to RBs. Dobbins is a no-doubt start this week.    

Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 15.5: The No. 6 overall pick has not kicked off his rookie campaign the way he'd like. While finishing with 63 rushing yards in Week 3, which is a career high, Jeanty has not been able to exceed a higher number due to him getting caught at or behind the line of scrimmage 57 percent of his carries, according to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. There are two positives with Jeanty. One, he had his first two carries of 15 or more yards last week. Two, he goes against the Bears, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards (363) and sixth-most FPTS (25.87) to RBs this season. I wasn’t a big fan of Jeanty during the offseason, mainly because of where he was  being drafted in most leagues. However, I am certain that he will have his coming out party, just like Hampton, in Week 4.   

Honorable mentions: Nick Chubb (HOU) vs. Tennessee Titans; Breece Hall (NYJ) @ Miami Dolphins; Kenneth Walker III (SEA) @ Arizona Cardinals; Chuba Hubbard (CAR) @ New England Patriots.

Sit ‘Em 

Quinshon Judkins (CLE) @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 14.0: I get the hype around Judkins, who does like the better running back on the Browns. In Week 3, he led the backs by taking 55 percent of the snaps and scored the game tying touchdown during their win against the Packers. He ended with 95 total yards and scored 16.5 FPTS. However, I don't see him producing that same success this week against the Lions, who have allowed the ninth-lowest FPTS and the 11th-fewest yards to RBs through the first three weeks. I like Judkins and the uptick in volume he’s receiving, but I just don’t like the matchup this week. 

Cam Skattebo (NYG) vs. Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 14.1: I know, another rookie running back. It isn’t all surprising that so many of the new faces have been getting recognized recently, but it is also fair to say that they haven’t entirely solidified or proved anything yet. Besides Hampton, Skattebo had a better than expected performance in Week 3, finishing with 121 total yards and scoring the Giants only touchdown. The way he is playing is as advertised, forcing missed tackles, heavy workload and absolutely gritty. He is expected to be the lead back now with Tyrone Tracy dealing with a shoulder injury. I do think Week 4 will entail a different result against the Chargers, who have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards and fifth-lowest FPTS to running backs.  

David Montgomery (DET) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 12.3: Montgomery had an unreal Monday night against the Ravens, rushing for 151 yards on 12 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns. I just think the Browns are better at defending the run and will force trouble, allowing only one rushing touchdown and have given up the fewest rushing yards allowed (128). Don’t believe he won’t be limited? In the last two games against Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry, they allowed 53 rushing yards combined. Montgomery has also been getting fewer touches than Jahmyr Gibbs over the last two games. He could squeak in for a touchdown, but that is risky and considered optimistic. Avoid starting him if you can, unless you’re in a deeper league.     

Lowlights: Isiah Pacheco (KC) vs. Baltimore Ravens; Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) @ Atlanta Falcons; Jordan Mason (MIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Javonte Williams (DAL) vs. Green Bay Packers.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Rome Odunze (CHI) @ Las Vegas Raider; Proj. FPTS - 15.4: I called it last week that Odunze was a safe play, and now I believe he has reached must-start status regardless of opponent. He has taken the reins as the Bears No. 1 and as Williams’ go-to guy, leading the team in targets each of the first three games. He also leads the Bears in virtually every receiving category and is one of two NFL players (Chargers’ Keenan Allen being the second) with a receiving touchdown in each week of this season. Odunze is targeted often near the end zone and on deep shots. This week, he will square off against the Raiders secondary that has allowed the third-most FPTS and receiving yards to wide receivers this year. Again, Odunze should still be in your lineup this week.  

Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey (LAC) @ New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 13.6 (Allen), 13.9 (Johnston), 12.2 (McConkey): The first three weeks of the season have been a dopamine rush for the Chargers. In terms of fantasy, the Chargers have been able to distribute their passing attack through three players, who have shockingly averaged at least seven targets per game. Breaking them down individually, Johnston has become the team’s down the field, deep threat receiver. Allen is the smooth, get open route runner that has the most end zone targets with five. Allen has scored 17 FPTS in each game this season, while Johnston has averaged 18.6 FPTS per-game. McConkey’s fantasy value has taken a dip thus far, but is still expected to see bigger days with his talent being too hard to ignore. The group takes on the Giants, who have allowed the second-most receiving yards and second-most FPTS to receivers this season. All three wide-outs can and should be started this week.

Matthew Golden & Romeo Doubs (GB) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 10.8 (Golden), 10.5 (Doubs): Parallel to the Chargers, the Packers also have a talented wide receiver room. It may not be on the same level when comparing recent production, but on-tape, the talent is most definitely present. With Jayden Reed missing time, this opens the door for Doubs and Golden to have a big game in Week 4. Targets between the pair are almost similar but slightly favor Doubs (11-8). No matter, I am calling for either one, if not both, to score a touchdown this week. If they don’t find the end zone, they both will at least finish over their projection, taking on the worst secondary in the league that has averaged the most FPTS, receiving yards and tied for the most touchdowns to wide receivers this season.   

Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) @ New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 14.2: If I had to vote on who has been the best rookie receiver three games in, I would say McMillan. Last week, he did have a little setback against the Falcons, but their secondary is improved and underrated. McMillan has seen at least eight targets every game and has been Bryce Young’s favorite target in the offense. This week, he has a favorable matchup against the Patriots, who have allowed the seventh-most FPTS (38.43), eighth-most receiving yards (490) and tied for the second-most touchdowns (4) to wide receivers. Even if Christian Gonzalez plays in this game, he could be on a snap-count as he is dealing with a hamstring injury since training camp. Keep the rookie in. 

Honorable Mentions: George Pickens (DAL) vs. Green Bay Packers; Drake London (ATL) vs. Washington Commanders; Jameson Wlliams (DET) vs. Cleveland Browns; Emeka Egbuka (TB) vs. Philadelphia Eagles.

Sit ‘Em 

Travis Hunter (JAX) @ San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS - 8.9: I feel sorry for anyone that has drafted Hunter. He has the potential to be a superstar wide receiver, but it hasn’t translated to fantasy points so far. What’s also disappointing is that his numbers and offensive snaps have dropped every week. And his 35 or fewer receiving yards in each game has showcased why people shouldn’t have any confidence in him, yet. In Week 4, he draws a tough matchup against the Niners, who have allowed sixth-lowest FPTS and seventh-fewest yards to receivers. It also doesn’t help when Trevor Lawrence hasn’t played up to his expectations. Do not put Hunter on your lineup until we see a boost in usage. 

Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 11.3: My “bold” take of not starting Harrison in Week 2 isn’t looking too bad after all. He hasn’t hit his projection for the last consecutive weeks, and has combined for five catches for 71 yards during that time. What's even more troubling is that he is dropping wide open passes, and he hasn’t been on the same page with his QB, Kyler Murray, at all. Harrison now has to play on a short week against the Seahawks, who have allowed the second-fewest FPTS (21.20) and the fourth-fewest yards to receivers (296). Last season, Harrison was held under 50 yards in each game against the Seahawks. I implore you to not start Harrison this week and find other options. Hopefully you picked up Tre Tucker.   

DK Metcalf (PIT) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 12.3: Man, I really thought Metcalf would be a serious weapon for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense. Week 1 was solid for him, but the last two weeks have been questionable to say the least. He bailed himself out of two miserable performances with a touchdown in each game, but has recorded six catches for 52 yards combined with his targets decreasing. It’s hard to tell if it’s other teams focusing on him or if offensive coordinator Arthur Smith isn’t scheming up better plays to get him open. Regardless, he will be the center of attention in Week 4 against the Vikings, who have allowed the lowest FPTS (18.17) and the second-fewest yards (278) to wide receivers. Avoid Metcalf this week.  

Lowlights: Tee Higgins (CIN) @ Denver Broncos; Calvin Ridley (TEN) @ Houston Texans; Chris Olave (NO) @ Buffalo Bills; Zay Flowers (BAL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

T.J. Hockenson (MIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 10.1: Who would have thought Hockenson would have his best outing in Week 3, catching passes from Carson Wentz. He finished with five catches for 49 yards and scored his first touchdown. While I like to see those types of games with J.J. McCarthy under center, Wentz has shown that he targets tight ends more often than McCarthy. And with Wentz starting again in Week 4, Hockenson will have a great opportunity to expose the Steelers’ terrible defense against tight ends in Ireland. The Steelers, who have allowed the second-most FPTS and tied for the most touchdowns to tight ends, just were gashed by Patriots’ Hunter Henry for 90 yards and two scores. This week is the perfect time to start Hockenson in your lineup.  

Evan Engram (DEN) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 6.2: I’ll admit that I expected a big 2025 season from Engram. I thought with head coach Sean Payton wanting Engram to be his joker, we would have seen more from him, but injuries decided to sidetrack his campaign. It’s technically still early in the season, so it is possible for him to turn it around soon. Missing Week 3 with a back injury, if Engram can suit in Week 4, he is primed to have a big day against the Bengals, who have allowed the fourth-most FPTS to tight ends. Last week, the Bengals allowed Hockenson to get 49 yards and a touchdown in their blowout loss. So keep an eye on the Broncos’ injury report to see if Engram is deemed eligible to play.   

Hunter Henry (NE) vs. Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 11.2: In Week 3, Henry with eight catches on a team-high 11 targets, creating 90 yards and two touchdowns. His chemistry with Drake Maye has shown that he is Maye’s security blanket, and it’s been that way since last year in his rookie season. It’s fascinating to see Henry give us his range of FPTS, starting with 10.6, 1.9 and 29.0. In three weeks, he has given us his floor, his median and his ceiling, unbelievable. Henry should be considered as a good option this week against the Panthers, who have allowed the most yards to tight ends this season. 

Honorable mentions: Tyler Warren (IND) @ Los Angeles Rams; Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. Green Bay Packers; Tucker Kraft (GB) @ Dallas Cowboys.

Sit ‘Em

David Njoku, Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 9.3 (Njoku), 7.5 (Fannin): I hate having to put Njoku on my sits for this week. However, I don’t like his matchup against the Lions. Before you say it, I know the Lions just gave up 27.1 FPTS to Mark Andrews on Monday night. The thing is Andrews was and still has moments where he looks like the best tight end in the league. As much as I enjoy watching Njoku, he has never been on the same level as Andrews. Fannin Jr., by default, falls into this category as well. They both are shadowed by Detroit's impressive young linebackers and safeties. And before Andrews went off on them, the Lions were the best team at stopping tight ends in the league. I know the tight end market is slim, but if you can, find another option. 

Zach Ertz (WAS) @ Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 9.2: This one also pains me to have on this list. I have been a fan of Ertz for a while. Nonetheless, he did have his worst fantasy game last week so far this season against the Raiders with Marcus Mariota starting instead of Jayden Daniels. He has another tough draw this week with the Falcons, who have allowed tight ends to just 48 yards and have kept the position off the scoresheet. If you are looking for an expectation for him, I would just hope he hits his floor. I know it's tough out there, but go find somebody else to start for you this week. 

Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 8.5: Goedert returned to the field in Week 3 and caught only one ball for a touchdown with 33 yards. His targets went down tremendously following his Week 1 game, in which he had seven compared to only two last week. I expect Goedert to still be a reliable option in the Eagles potent offense in most weeks, but I don’t think he has a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed six-lowest FPTS and seventh-fewest yards to tight ends. They are also one of nine teams (including the Eagles) to not allow a tight end to find the end zone.   

Lowlights: Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. Buffalo Bills; Colston Loveland (CHI) @ Las Vegas Raiders; Mark Andrews (BAL) @ Kansas City Chiefs.

Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em 

Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 7.9: Expectations for the Broncos’ defense were set so high. They have played fine so far but nothing that has swayed me to thinking that they’re the best. However, this week could be the week, at home against the Bengals. To paint the picture, the Vikings last week sacked Jake Browning four times and combined, Bengals QBs have been at the fifth highest rate in the league. As far as turnovers, Browning has thrown five interceptions in two games and they allowed two defensive touchdowns, which registered to 32 FPTS for the Vikings defense.

Buffalo Bills vs. New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 7.4: I told you anytime I see Spencer Rattler as the Saints starting QB, I will always make sure to have the opposing defense on the starting lists. Rattler and the Saints offense can’t put up any points and the Saints special teams has had troubles, allowing a punt-return touchdown last week to the Seahawks. Also the Bills are known for pushing around lesser teams. Start the Bills this week. 

Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 7.8: I put on my Week 4 waiver wire to pick up the Chargers defense this week and now they have made it on my starting list. Basically, I believe the Chargers will give rookie QB Jaxson Dart a hard day during his debut. I expect the pass rush to affect him, which will cause him to throw passes into areas that aren’t open. The Giants have weapons offensively, but I don’t see that being enough to work past the Chargers.  

Honorable mentions: Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys; Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans; Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns.

Sit ‘Em 

Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 3.4: The only thing going for the Browns is their defense. Their win against Green Bay showed that even with tough opponents, you can still start them. This week they have another tough task with the Lions. However, I think Jared Goff and the rest of the Lions will be too much for the Browns to stop. The Ravens couldn’t do it inside their house. Browns will enter a hostile environment, which has shown to be a weak spot for them. 

San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 5.5: Before the Nick Bosa injury, I would have flipped the Niners on my starting list, but now I see this game as a trap. The Jaguars, even though they struggled for the most part offensively, have not allowed very many sacks and haven’t allowed a defense to have more than five FPTS against them. Look elsewhere for defensive streams.   

Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 4.4: I really do believe the Colts defense is underrated. People talk about what Daniel Jones has done, but the Colts defense has a plus five turnover margin, four interceptions and only allowed 18.7 points-per-game. I just think the Rams have more weapons to zero in on compared to what they had to deal with through the first three games. For that reason, I would find another team to stream this week.     

Lowlights: Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Francisco 49ers; Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings; Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots; Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders

Kickers

Start ‘Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 7.9 

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 8.0 

Chase McLaughlin (TB) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 8.1

Spencer Shrader (IND) @ Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 8.0

Joey Slye (TEN) @ Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS - 7.1 

Sit ‘Em

Jason Myers (SEA) @ Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS - 7.8 

Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 7.9

Matt Gay (WAS) @ Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 7.8

Jake Elliott (PHI) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 8.3

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) @ New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 7.7