With some classic matchups (and some lobsided ones) on deck for Week 4, there are a lot of great options lined up in fantasy football. Sometimes, too many options can make it even more difficult. After many great performances from superstars in Week 3, how do some of the middle tier players line up for this week? Here are some of our players we believe will boom or bust for Week 4.
Brandon’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
James Robinson – Every fantasy owner finally felt relief after last week’s breakout game from Robinson. After an incredible fantasy campaign in 2020, the former undrafted running back had only averaged 11 touches through the first two weeks under new head coach Urban Meyer. Against Arizona, Robinson reached his approximate 2020 average of 21 touches and came out with 19.4 standard fantasy points (25.4 in PPR). With the early interception struggles of rookie QB Trevor Lawrence, there is a good chance Robinson will continue to get more carries and check-downs to keep their superstar hopeful quarterback confident. With the Bengals giving up the fourth most receiving yards to RB’s this season, look for Robinson to potentially score big through the air in hopes for Jacksonville’s first win.
Logan Thomas – Losing Ryan Fitzpatrick certainly seemed to be a blow to Washington’s offense; however, backup Taylor Heinicke has seemed formidable when it comes to distributing the football. No matter who is under center, the seven-year veteran Thomas has become a focal point in Washington’s offense. Over his last 19 games, Thomas has had at least four catches or forty yards receiving 13 times. With Heinicke having good chemistry with his tight end from last season, Thomas brings a level of consistency that keeps him in fantasy starting conversations regardless of the opponent. With a trip to Atlanta coming in Week 4, Thomas has an extra boost considering the Falcons have given up the 6th most fantasy points to tight ends so far this season.
Two players you should sit this week:
JuJu Smith-Schuster – Let’s be frank: the Steelers offense hasn’t looked great over the past three weeks. The immobility of Ben Roethlisberger plus what many would consider a fragile offensive line gives little upside for Pittsburgh’s receiving core. With Diontae Johnson possibly returning to action after his week two injury, Smith-Schuster’s target share has a chance to dip. Considering that JuJu is also banged up with bruised ribs, there is also concern for his play to be more defensive than normal. With all these in mind, it doesn’t help the Steelers will be making the trip to Lambeau Field on Sunday. Potential matchups versus All-Pro Jaire Alexander or rookie standout Eric Stokes add more reasons why Smith-Schuster could struggle in Week 4.
Baker Mayfield – Cleveland’s offense has been on a roll the season, scoring at least 26 points in all three games this season. So why does the former Heisman trophy winner land on the sit list? Historical trends. During Mayfield’s first three years of his career, he has averaged 14.93 fantasy points in Week 4 games. Crazy as it seems, all three games had something in common: they were all road games. A trip to Minnesota brings potential for a downgrade in volume. This is not due to a strong Vikings secondary, but more a depleted Vikings front that has given up 253 yards rushing this season to running backs Joe Mixon, Chase Edmunds, and Chris Carson. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt coming off a huge week against the Bears, the odds are Kevin Stefanski will let the duo “run wild” and give Mayfield less opportunity to “let it fly” in Week 4.
One player you could stream this week:
Chuba Hubbard – With Christian McCaffrey joining Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs, and Darrell Henderson on the RB injury report for Week 4, many fantasy owners are likely searching for a fill-in moving forward. With many options to choose from, look no further than the former Oklahoma State standout currently available in over 80% of ESPN leagues. There is a reason Hubbard led college football in 2019 in rushing yards and touchdowns: his speed and instincts. After seeing him step in for McCaffrey in the game against Houston, the immediate volume and lack of depth behind him brings no question the rookie is ready for potential bell-cow numbers in Week 4.
Austin’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
Jamaal Williams – Now you might think I am crazy to start a running back who isn’t even the team’s lead back but let’s not take away from Williams strong start to fantasy. Williams is the 11th best back in fantasy right now as he is the third option on the team for a depleted Lions team. Williams continues to thrive and keep the run game alive when Swift needs a break and with a healthy good offensive line Williams will continue to stay near the top of the fantasy backs all year. For the Bears their defense is on the field way to much which results in tiredness and allows teams to push them around, look for Detroit to get their first win of the season with Swift and Williams running wild against Chicago.
Tyler Higbee – Matthew Stafford was the missing piece to this talented Rams offense and has made ever player around him better including Higbee at most. Stafford enjoys throwing to Cooper Kupp but still finds Higbee for big plays and touchdowns. With such a fast paced offense and scoring with ease allows for Higbee to be played as a TE1 in all formats with a upgraded quarterback and defenses attempting to cover all the talent on the offensive side of the Rams.
One player you should sit this week:
Deandre Hopkins – The cardinals played all around terrible against Jacksonville and that really hurts them heading into a big week four matchup against the Rams who are rolling high. Hopkins failed to get anything going as he caught six passes but was held in check and collected 5.1 fantasy points in PPR leagues. Now he faces Jalen Ramsey and the rest of the Rams defense and it will only speak trouble for them. Ramsey will most likely shadow Hopkins all game and with Aaron Donald, Kenny Young, and Leonard Floyd going after Kyler Murray, this Cardinals unit will be forced to play clean football. Look for Hopkins to be kept on your bench and the Rams to go 4-0.
One player you could stream this week:
Zach Moss – Missing week one was tough but now that Moss is back he has been a fantasy stud. In his first two games Moss collected 15.4 points and then 18.1 against two tough rushing defenses and has proven he can be a viable option in fantasy. What makes him a stream option though is because Buffalo passes the ball heavily and with the amount of playmakers they have it can be tough to tell who explodes, but one thing is true Josh Allen likes the check down when other options are not there. Moss plays a weak Houston team and will look to continue his stream of booms against the Texans as Buffalo will get on track before a showdown with the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.