The Fantasy Fallout Going Into Week 4 of the NFL Season

 

This season is quickly evolving, or devolving depending how you look at it, into a Trashman’s paradise as starter after starter succumbs to injury. We’re going to dumpster dive and whatever else we need to do to stay afloat though, right? Here’s the fallout going into Week 4…

 

Dolphins – 31 @ Jaguars – 13

 

• Josh Howard managed a goal line score, but Myles Gaskin is the only Dolphins RB worth owning in 12 team leagues and he’s still unowned in more than 50% of leagues. He had 27 touches on Thursday to just 3 for Howard and Matt Breida. 

 

• The Jaguars’ passing game was anemic without D.J. Chark around, with no receiver gaining more than 43 yards and no receiving TDs. Fortunately Chark is scheduled to return this week. Keenan Cole and Laviska Shenault are worth holding onto. 

 

• Chris Thompson has only 10 catches for 61 yards through 3 games. James Robinson even had more receptions than him in this one. Thompson can be dropped. 

 

Bengals – 23 @ Eagles – 23

 

• The Bengals went a different route in Week 3, targeting Tyler Boyd(13) and rookie Tee Higgins(9) over A.J. Green(6). Maybe it was a game specific move, but it could be just as likely that the team is looking to the future at the WR position. Boyd is probably owned in your league, but Higgins is available in almost 95% of leagues and scored twice on Sunday. Make sure you pick him up. 

 

• The Eagles managed to stay in this one, even with only one WR gaining over 19 yards, and that was Greg Ward(8 rec, 72 yards, 1 TD) – This was in part due to DeSean Jackson and Dallas Goedert going down to injuries. If neither of those guys goes this week and Alshon Jeffery doesn’t return, Ward makes for an intriguing flex consideration, even against the 49ers. 

 

• John Hightower was actually on the field most for the Eagles(50 snaps), so there’s a chance he develops some fantasy worth over the next couple of weeks. Just watch him for now. 

 

Raiders – 20 @ Patriots – 36

 

• The Patriots take away your best weapon and for the Raiders that was Darren Waller, leaving Hunter Renfrow(6 rec, 84 yards, 1 TD) to soak up targets(9) with Henry Ruggs sidelined. Renfrow might be worth a look in PPRs in  Week 4, as the Raiders face the red hot Bills and will need to throw the ball to stay in the game. 

 

• J.J. Taylor led the Pats in carries(11), Sony Michel led in rushing yards(117), but Rex Burkhead led in fantasy points, scoring 3 times on the day. With no WR having more than 3 catches or 34 yards on the day, the Pats looked like the 2019 Ravens, gaining most of their yards on the ground and through their RBs. I doubt this script sticks for Week 4, as the Pats play the Chiefs this week. Burkhead looks like the best bet for fantasy, if James White is still out mourning the loss of his father in a tragic car wreck last week. 

 

Washington – 20 @ Browns – 34

 

• Rookie WR Isaiah Wright was third in targets(7) behind Logan Thomas and Terry McLaurin on Sunday and played ahead of Steven Sims. This offense isn’t prolific enough to support Wright in fantasy though.

 

• Dontrelle Inman scored twice on Sunday, as the receiver opposite McLaurin in most two-wide sets. Inman has averaged 5 targets a game thus far, but they’ve been mostly low-yield targets until Sunday. He’s only an option in deep PPR formats.

 

• The Browns realize Baker Mayfield stinks, so it’s going to be Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt all day if the Browns have a close game or a lead, like Sunday. You’re going to be able to start both of them most weeks. I was right to undervalue Odell Beckham going into drafts, because Mayfield can’t support him in fantasy to a consistent degree. 

 

Texans – 21 @ Steelers – 28

 

• Well, at least Will Fuller showed up in the box score this week, so he’s healthy…ish. Only 54 yards, but he scored, and he has a wonderfully soft schedule for the next several games. Not a bad time to trade for him.

 

• Randall Cobb came alive with 4 catches for 95 yards and a TD against the Steelers. With 59 yards in the previous week, Cobb is actually not a terrible PPR flex in deeper formats. The schedule eases up for all Texan WRs now, so he may have some useful performances ahead.

 

• Diontae Johnson left the game with a possible concussion, to be replaced by James Washington, who ended up leading the team in targets(7). If Johnson isn’t available this week, Washington would be a high upside flex against the Titans this week. 

 

• Eric Ebron‘s targets have gone up every game thus far, with him ending up with 7 targets for 5 catches, 52 yards and a TD on Sunday. If Diontae Johnson misses this week, expect another solid outing from Ebron. 

 

Rams – 32 @ Bills – 35

 

• Malcolm Brown returned this week in a backup role to Darrell Henderson, who out touched him 21 to 7. Henderson looked spry and was a better fit in a high scoring game with the Bills. Brown should get more involved against the Giants this week, but Henderson is still the Rams RB to roll with.  

 

• John Brown injured his calf in the 2nd half of the game and didn’t return. Rookie Gabriel Davis filled in for him and racked up 81 yards on 4 catches. I’ve touched on Davis before, and it looks like he could have a major role against the Raiders this week if Brown sits, as could Cole Beasley who led the Bills in receiving on Sunday(100 yards).

 

• I wouldn’t chase Tyler Krofts big 2 TD day, as he was playing in relief of a concussed Dawson Knox. 

 

Titans – 31 @ Vikings – 30

 

• Adam Humphries is averaging 7 targets over the first 3 games, but he doesn’t seem to do much with them, averaging 44 yards. He’s only worth considering in PPR formats, and his ceiling isn’t high there. 

 

• Kalif Raymond balled out for 118 yards on 3 receptions on Sunday, which is a career high for his 4 years in the league. He’s nothing more than a daily league tourney wildcard though, even with A.J. Brown out. 

 

• Saying rookie Justin Jefferson had a coming out party would be an understatement after his 7 reception, 175 yard, 1 TD day. No one else had more than 29 yards receiving, and Kirk Cousins only completed 16 passes on the day, so I’m worried the offense won’t be able to support 2 WRs right now, but it’s a performance worth rostering the young man for. 

 

Bears – 30 @ Falcons – 26

 

• Tarik Cohen may have torn his ACL on Sunday, ending his season. I hope it’s not the case, but it seems very much likely. It’s yet to be seen whether Ryan Nall or Cordarrelle Patterson steps into the passing back role, but I do think it’s going to boost Anthony Miller‘s targets, as will the next blurb…

 

• Nick Foles finally took his place as the rightful heir to the Bears’ QB throne from the depressing Mitch Trubisky, and it sparked the offense to a win. I’ve been waiting for this move, as it will hopefully jumpstart Anthony Miller’s season. Indy is probably the worst team to face this week as they’ve allowed the fewest yards in the league up to now, but Miller needs to be added to rosters where he’s been dropped. 

 

• Brian Hill had 10 touches to Todd Gurley‘s 15, and both players ended up with 80 yards and a TD on the day. With the Falcons going 0 and 3, it might not be a bad idea to get Hill more action, especially if Julio Jones can’t go this week. 

 

• Russell Gage went down to a concussion related injury on Sunday, leaving Olamide Zaccheaus to be the 2nd WR behind Calvin Ridley. If neither Jones nor Gage can go this week, Zaccheaus would be a worthwhile flex against Green Bay. He needs to be added to deep benches.

49ers – 36 @ Giants – 9 

 

• Jerrick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson had an almost even timeshare in the 49ers backfield on Sunday, with both getting enough action to be assets in fantasy. Wilson, who scored twice, is a top waiver add this week, as he’s available in over 75% of leagues.

 

• Rookie Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving(70 yards) adding 31 yards rushing and a score. Aiyuk will be worth flexing this week, even with Nick Mullens under center, if George Kittle sits. 

 

• The Giants offense is a mess without Saquon Barkley, and that was on blatant display on Sunday against the 49ers.Yes, the 49ers are good, but only 17 yards between 3 NFL backs and not one TD on the day? Pathetic. Devonta Freeman was just signed to the team a few days ago, so he’ll need to acclimate himself to the offense, but Dion Lewis and Wayne Gallman have no excuse. None of these guys are advised starts against the Rams this week.

 

• Darius Slayton and Golden Tate tied for the team lead in targets(7). Slayton is owned in most formats, but Tate is available in about 60% of leagues. With the way this team is playing, you can expect them to be in negative game scripts most weeks so Tate could become a valuable PPR asset. His ceiling is low, but his floor should stay serviceable. 

 

Jets – 7 @ Colts – 36

 

• When are teams going to stop giving Adam Gase head coaching jobs? It’s obvious his thousand yard stare isn’t inspiring teams to succeed. Braxton Berrios(4 rec, 64 yards, 1 TD) was the only decent weapon the Jets wielded on Sunday, and he’s the only advised play against Denver on Thursday, if Jamison Crowder doesn’t return. 

 

• La’Mical Perine had 9 touches to Frank Gore‘s 16 on Sunday, and though he didn’t do much with them(23 yards), the Jets may be inclined to see what they have in the rookie moving forward as the team is going nowhere fast in its current direction. He’s worth a deep league stash.

 

• When your defense is scoring pick sixes at will, your offense doesn’t have to work that hard, as was the case for the Colts on Sunday. Jordan Wilkins had 10 touches to Jonathan Taylor‘s 14 and Nyheim Hines‘ 11, but this was mostly due to the significant lead the Colts were working with. 

 

• Rookie WR Michael Pittman left the game with an injured ankle in the 2nd half of Sunday’s game and didn’t return – Honestly, he didn’t need to. Should Pittman sit this week, Zach Pascal would be the second WR option behind T.Y. Hilton. He wouldn’t necessarily be the second receiving option though. That could be the next guy I’m going to mention…

 

• TE Mo Alie-Cox played ahead of Jack Doyle on Sunday and had his 2nd straight fantasy worthy week picking up 50 yards and a score. MAC needs to be added to benches and potentially played this week, especially if Pittman sits. 

 

Panthers – 21 @ Chargers – 16

 

• Mike Davis is no CMC, but he did lead the Panthers in targets(8) and touches(21) for 91 yards and a score. Even if he only puts up 2/3 of the fantasy output CMC did, he’s well worth the investment. He’s still unowned in 20% of leagues.

 

• Is Robby Anderson the No.1 WR in Carolina? I think he might be. He and D.J. Moore are 1 target apart after 3 games, and Anderson has outgained him in yardage and scoring. Anderson is still unowned in 20% of leagues. 

 

• Curtis Samuel had 8 touches on the day, including 4 rushes. It’s quite possible that he ekes out enough action to be useful in deep PPR formats while CMC is out. 

 

• Joshua Kelley suffered from a negative game script on Sunday, getting out touched by Austin Ekeler 23 to 10. With a rookie QB under center, the Chargers could be playing catch-up more often than not. Hopefully Tyrod Taylor can return to game form sooner than later. 

 

• Mike Williams left the game with a hamstring injury, but he wasn’t being targeted by Justin Herbert anyway. Herbert focused almost exclusively on Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry and Austin Ekeler in the passing game. Even if Williams can play this week, he’s nothing more than a 0 floor flex with Herbert under center. 

 

Cowboys – 31 @ Seahawks – 38

 

• Cedric Wilson came out of nowhere to put up a 107 yard, 2 TD game on Sunday, as the Cowboys 4th WR. I’d like to say he’s worth adding, but the Cowboys are unlikely to be in that kind of shootout again for some time with CLE, NYG, ARZ and WAS as their next 4 opponents. 

 

• Chris Carson owners can breathe a sigh of relief, as Carson seems to have avoided major injury after hurting his knee in Sunday’s game. There are no torn ligaments, and he may be available as early as this week. If he does sit, Carlos Hyde would serve as the two-down back, while Travis Homer would take over 3rd downs. Hyde is worth a speculative add in most formats, as this week’s matchup with Miami is a juicy one. 

 

Lions – 26 @ Cardinals – 23

 

• Adrian Peterson was the workhorse in this one with 22 carries to just 3 for the next closest guy, Kerryon Johnson. The Lions actually won, so maybe it’ll stick this time. AP is available in about half of leagues right now, so there’s a good chance you can scoop him up. Just don’t expect much out of him this week against the Saints. 

 

• Kenny Golladay returned to action and suffered no setbacks, so we can go back to sitting any Lions WR that isn’t him or Marvin Jones, and even Jones isn’t worth starting right now. 

 

• Andy Isabella scored twice on 4 targets on Sunday, with Christian Kirk sitting with a groin injury. It was KeeSean Johnson who was second on the team in targets(7) though.  The Cardinals look to be focusing on the future in the WR corps, so both players are worth speculative adds right now. They have a run of soft pass defenses for the next 4 weeks. 

 

Buccaneers – 28 @ Broncos – 10

 

• A week after taking a backseat to Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones was back in the driver’s seat for the Bucs in this one, logging 15 touches to Fournette’s 9. These two might be cancelling each other out on a weekly basis, as Fournette will be highly TD dependent and Jones won’t see many goal line touches. It’s a situation to avoid in fantasy right now. 

 

• Chris Godwin injured his hamstring on Sunday, bringing Scotty Miller back to fantasy relevance(3 rec, 83 yards). Miller is a solid PPR option this week against the Chargers if Godwin sits. 

 

• The Broncos look horrendous right now, and things could get much worse if they turn from Jeff Driskel, who was benched in the 4th quarter for Brett Rypien. Rypien, an UDFA from Boise State, has drawn comparisons to Andy Dalton but has little NFL experience. He had little more to show for his time in the game Sunday than 53 yards and an INT. O and 3, with what looks like a lost season ahead, I’m not currently starting any Broncos unless I have to. They do have the Jets up this week though, so Melvin Gordon, Noah Fant and Jerry Jeudy could be serviceable.

 

Packers – 37 @ Saints – 30

 

• Allen Lazard came up big for the Packers on Sunday night, gaining 146 yards and a TD on 6 catches. With TDs in 2 of 3 weeks so far and a matchup with the Falcons this week, Lazard is a high upside streaming option who is available in about half of leagues. 

 

• TE Robert Tonyan has started the past 2 weeks, and he’s scored in both of them. He’s a low floor streaming option against Atlanta this week. 

 

• Emmanuel Sanders was the leading Saints receiver this week(4 rec, 56 yards, 1 TD), but Tre’Quan Smith still received more targets(6). Michael Thomas has been eyeing a Week 4 return though, so this could all be for naught. Smith is worth holding onto to see if he stays involved when Thomas returns.