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The fantasy world gets a boost from the return of Le'Veon Bell.
The fantasy world gets a boost from the return of Le'Veon Bell.Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Fantasy Football Week 4: Matt Camp's Week 4 Big Board

Matt CampSep 28, 2016

After three weeks of the NFL season, the running back position in fantasy football has been hurt by numerous injuries, so it’s about time we get some good news. 

That comes in the form of Le’Veon Bell. 

With his three-game suspension completed, Bell makes his 2016 regular-season debut Sunday night in Pittsburgh against the Chiefs. He’ll come in with high expectations, especially after DeAngelo Williams was the No. 2 fantasy RB in PPR formats through the first three weeks. Barring an injury to Bell, Williams will be relegated to backup duty and won’t have much fantasy value. 

I’d expect to see some tinkering with lineups this week, as you now have three weeks of action to form opinions and adjust your personal depth charts. That could mean a significant move up for Melvin Gordon or Marvin Jones. It could also mean moving on from Jeremy Langford or Ryan Mathews.

This is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 4. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page. For those playing in non-PPR formats, you can find those rankings here.

Don’t forget, the Jaguars face the Colts in London on Sunday morning, so make sure you make decisions on players from those teams ahead of the regular afternoon action.

Top 100: Back on Track

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Cam Newton and the Panthers should right the ship against the Falcons.
Cam Newton and the Panthers should right the ship against the Falcons.

I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules. 

As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups: 

  • Carolina Panthers (at Atlanta Falcons)
  • San Diego Chargers (vs. New Orleans Saints)
  • Denver Broncos (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Baltimore Ravens (vs. Oakland Raiders) 

Week 4 PPR Top 100

1DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)vs. TENWR17+6
2David Johnson (ARI)vs. LARB14+2
3Antonio Brown (PIT)vs. KCWR21-2
4A.J. Green (CIN)vs. MIAWR32-2
5Mark Ingram (NO)at SDRB220+15
6Marvin Jones (DET)at CHIWR411+5
7Dez Bryant (DAL)at SFWR519+12
8Le'Veon Bell (PIT)vs. KCRB35-3
9Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)at ATL WR621+12
10DeMarco Murray (TEN)at HOU RB423+13
11Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)at MINWR78-3
12T.Y. Hilton (IND)at JAC WR815+3
13Melvin Gordon (SD)vs. NORB59-4
14Julio Jones (ATL)vs. CARWR93-11
15C.J. Anderson (DEN)at TBRB614-1
16Lamar Miller (HOU)vs. TENRB712-4
17Allen Robinson (JAC)vs. INDWR106-11
18Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)at SFRB810-8
19Jarvis Landry (MIA)at CIN WR1118-1
20Brandin Cooks (NO)at SDWR1213-7
21LeSean McCoy (BUF)at NERB929+8
22Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)vs. LAWR1317-5
23Mike Evans (TB)vs. DENWR1425+2
24Travis Benjamin (SD)vs. NOWR15240
25Alshon Jeffery (CHI)vs. DET WR1616-9
26Greg Olsen (CAR)at ATL TE128+2
27LeGarrette Blount (NE)vs. BUF RB1046+19
28Jeremy Hill (CIN)vs. MIARB1151+23
29Amari Cooper (OAK)at BAL WR1722-7
30Doug Baldwin (SEA)at NYJ WR1831+1
31Michael Crabtree (OAK)at BAL WR1941+10
32Stefon Diggs (MIN)vs. NYG WR20320
33DeSean Jackson (WAS)vs. CLE WR2138+5
34Jeremy Maclin (KC)at PITWR2230-4
35Demaryius Thomas (DEN)at TBWR2327-8
36Carlos Hyde (SF)vs. DALRB1237+1
37Matt Forte (NYJ)vs. SEARB1336-1
38Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)at TBWR2443+5
39Sterling Shepard (NYG)at MINWR2549+10
40Devante Parker (MIA)at CIN WR2659+19
41Todd Gurley (LA)at ARIRB1434-7
42Eric Decker (NYJ)vs. SEAWR2739-3
43Terrelle Pryor (CLE)at WASWR2848+5
44Christine Michael (SEA)at NYJ RB15440
45Jordan Howard (CHI)vs. DET RB1668+23
46Steve Smith (BAL)vs. OAKWR2974+28
47Brandon Marshall (NYJ)vs. SEAWR3053+6
48Devonta Freeman (ATL)vs. CARRB1750+2
49Julian Edelman (NE)vs. BUF WR3135-14
50Spencer Ware (KC)at PITRB1866+16
51Golden Tate (DET)at CHIWR3258+7
52Jordan Reed (WAS)vs. CLE TE226-26
53Charles Sims (TB)vs. DENRB1940-13
54Frank Gore (IND)at JAC RB20540
55Michael Thomas (NO)at SDWR3388+33
56Will Fuller (HOU)vs. TENWR3452-4
57Tyrell Williams (SD)vs. NOWR3547-10
58Jamison Crowder (WAS)vs. CLE WR3669+11
59Cole Beasley (DAL)at SFWR3778+19
60Latavius Murray (OAK)at BAL RB2157-3
61Matt Jones (WAS)vs. CLE RB2281+20
62Theo Riddick (DET)at CHIRB2333-29
63Tevin Coleman (ATL)vs. CARRB2464+1
64Isaiah Crowell (CLE)at WASRB2570+6
65Kyle Rudolph (MIN)vs. NYG TE372+7
66Rob Gronkowski (NE)vs. BUF TE445-21
67Jimmy Graham (SEA)at NYJ TE582+15
68Mike Wallace (BAL)vs. OAKWR3862-6
69Eric Ebron (DET)at CHITE660-9
70Coby Fleener (NO)at SDTE776+6
71Zach Miller (CHI)vs. DET TE895+24
72Travis Kelce (KC)at PITTE942-30
73Allen Hurns (JAC)vs. INDWR39730
74Giovani Bernard (CIN)vs. MIARB2665-9
75Tavon Austin (LA)at ARIWR4094+19
76Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)at ATL RB27100+24
77Dwayne Washington (DET)at CHIRB2889+12
78Julius Thomas (JAC)vs. INDTE1056-22
79Adam Humphries (TB)vs. DENWR41118+39
80Duke Johnson (CLE)at WASRB2977-3
81Kevin White (CHI)vs. DET WR4298+17
82Tajae Sharpe (TEN)at HOU WR4371-11
83Dennis Pitta (BAL)vs. OAKTE1161-22
84Robert Woods (BUF)at NEWR44135+51
85Delanie Walker (TEN)at HOU TE1275-10
86Jerick McKinnon (MIN)vs. NYG RB3063-23
87Justin Forsett (BAL)vs. OAKRB31101+14
88John Brown (ARI)vs. LAWR4584-4
89Michael Floyd (ARI)vs. LAWR4679-10
90Phillip Dorsett (IND)at JAC WR4767-23
91Anquan Boldin (DET)at CHIWR48106+15
92Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)vs. SEAWR4987-5
93Cameron Brate (TB)vs. DENTE13125+32
94Rishard Matthews (TEN)at HOU WR50136+42
95Terrance West (BAL)vs. OAKRB32115+20
96Orleans Darkwa (NYG)at MINRB33116+20
97Pierre Garcon (WAS)vs. CLE WR51114+17
98Kenny Stills (MIA)at CIN WR52112+14
99Chris Thompson (WAS)vs. CLE RB34103+4
100James White (NE)vs. BUF RB35105+5
      
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros
ECR - Expert Consensus Rankings

Quarterbacks: Up the Stream

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Eli Manning faces a tough Vikings defense this week, so you might look elsewhere for a QB.
Eli Manning faces a tough Vikings defense this week, so you might look elsewhere for a QB.

Better than Usual 

Philip Rivers, SD (vs. NO)

Despite a favorable matchup against the Colts last week, Rivers had his struggles and fell short of high expectations, going 26-of-39 for 330 yards without a TD. The Chargers have already had plenty of bad luck when it comes to major injuries, and that continued when TE Antonio Gates was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Luckily, rookie TE Hunter Henry stepped up with five receptions on five targets for 76 yards. 

Rivers should do better this week at home with a poor Saints defense on the schedule. New Orleans has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to QBs by giving up 927 yards and three touchdowns in their first three games. The Chargers may be down, but they aren’t out just yet. This game has the potential for lots of fantasy production. 

Week 4 Projection: 300 passing yards, 2-3 touchdowns, 1 interception

Kirk Cousins, WAS (vs. CLE)

Despite flashy numbers, Cousins wasn’t playing great football over the first two weeks heading into a tough road matchup with an improved Giants defense in Week 3. He bounced back in a big way to throw for 296 yards and a pair of long touchdowns to WRs DeSean Jackson (44 yards) and Jamison Crowder (55 yards). On the season, Cousins has completed nearly 64 percent of his attempts for 989 yards.

The Redskins stay home this weekend to take on the reeling Browns. For the first time this season, the Browns will start the same QB, rookie Cody Kessler, in consecutive games. Their defense has struggled against QBs, giving up 899 yards and seven touchdowns, which makes them a bottom-12 unit against fantasy QBs. Anything less than a top-10 performance from Cousins would be a disappointment. 

Week 4 Projection: 300 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Concerns 

Eli Manning, NYG (at MIN)

The Giants struggled to find a rhythm on offense in last week’s loss to the Redskins. While Manning completed almost 66 percent of his attempts for 350 yards, he managed to throw just one touchdown to two interceptions and was sacked twice. 

Facing the Redskins will seem like a J.V. defense compared to this week’s game against the Vikings. Head coach Mike Zimmer may have the best defense in the league. They’ve allowed just 749 yards and three touchdowns to five interceptions in games against Marcus Mariota, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. Considering who they’ve faced already, they should be ready for Manning, but will he be ready for them?

Week 4 Projection: 255-265 passing yards, 1-2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. CAR)

From a fantasy perspective, Ryan is off to one of his best starts ever, and the Falcons are 2-1 following a convincing victory over the Saints in New Orleans on Monday Night Football. Ryan threw for just 240 yards but had a pair of scores. He has 970 yards, seven TDs and just one interception to open the season, but he has been fortunate enough to face the Buccaneers, Raiders and Saints.

He won’t have it so easy in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the visiting Panthers. In contests with Trevor Siemian, Blaine Gabbert and Sam Bradford, Carolina has limited those QBs to only 592 yards with four TDs and four interceptions. Ryan may be a step up in competition over those signal-callers, but he’s the one in for the biggest challenge. 

Week 4 Projection: 255-265 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Avoid

Jameis Winston, TB (vs. DEN)

After opening the season with a 281-yard, four-touchdown performance in Atlanta, we knew Winston had a rough slate of games to follow. Two weeks later, the results have been ugly. He has four TDs to five interceptions along with five sacks in the last two weeks. He threw for just 243 yards with one TD and four picks in Arizona during the Week 2 loss. Then, he needed 58 attempts to hit 405 yards with three TDs and an interception in a loss to the Rams last weekend.

Even though he and the Buccaneers get to come back home for Week 4, they do so against an excellent Broncos defense. Denver has faced Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton and allowed a combined 597 yards and two TDs with three interceptions. That’s not an easy stretch of QBs to open the season, and Denver was able to control them and win all three games. 

Winston’s up-and-down start to the year is likely heading for a down week, so stay away in this brutal matchup.

Week 4 Projection: 225 passing yards, 1-2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Sleepers 

Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. OAK)

The Ravens are undefeated even though their offense feels like a work in progress. Flacco managed just 214 yards with no scores and two interceptions in last week’s win in Jacksonville. He has just three TDs to four interceptions this season and 774 passing yards. 

This week, he should have a chance to get the Ravens to 4-0 and put up some strong fantasy numbers when he takes on the Raiders in Baltimore. Oakland’s defense was supposed to show some improvement this year, but instead it has allowed a league-high 1,033 passing yards and seven touchdowns, which puts them third in fantasy points given up to QBs.

Last week’s performance aside, Flacco usually takes advantage of beatable matchups and may need to throw it more if this turns into a shootout. He’s worth a look if you’re hunting for a Week 4 QB.

Week 4 Projection: 290-300 passing yards, 2-3 touchdowns, 1 interception

Trevor Siemian, DEN (at TB)

Siemian surprised everyone with a big-time performance in Cincinnati last week. A week after throwing for 266 yards with an interception and no TDs in a great matchup at home against the Colts, Siemian played much better in a tougher matchup on the road. He got the Bengals for 312 yards and four TDs, making him one of the best fantasy QBs of Week 3. 

Can he repeat that performance in Tampa Bay? The matchup does work in his favor. The Buccaneers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs thanks to 839 yards and seven TDs (with just one interception) over the first three games. Even though it’s only his fourth career start, there should be some faith in Siemian to be another top fantasy QB this week if he can build on what he did to the Bengals. 

Week 4 Projection: 260-270 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 15 rushing yards

Week 4 Quarterback Rankings

1Cam Newton (CAR)at ATL 10
2Drew Brees (NO)at SD3+1
3Matthew Stafford (DET)at CHI5+2
4Andrew Luck (IND)at JAC 40
5Philip Rivers (SD)vs. NO2-3
6Kirk Cousins (WAS)vs. CLE 8+2
7Andy Dalton (CIN)vs. MIA11+4
8Ryan Tannehill (MIA)at CIN 18+10
9Joe Flacco (BAL)vs. OAK12+3
10Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)vs. KC6-4
11Dak Prescott (DAL)at SF15+4
12Derek Carr (OAK)at BAL 10-2
13Matt Ryan (ATL)vs. CAR130
14Trevor Siemian (DEN)at TB17+3
15Carson Palmer (ARI)vs. LA7-8
16Blake Bortles (JAC)vs. IND9-7
17Brian Hoyer (CHI)vs. DET 26+9
18Alex Smith (KC)at PIT19+1
19Eli Manning (NYG)at MIN16-3
20Brock Osweiler (HOU)vs. TEN200
21Jimmy Garoppolo (NE)vs. BUF 22+1
22Tyrod Taylor (BUF)at NE24+2
23Sam Bradford (MIN)vs. NYG 25+2
24Russell Wilson (SEA)at NYJ 14-10
25Jameis Winston (TB)vs. DEN21-4
26Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)vs. SEA23-3
27Cody Kessler (CLE)at WAS31+4
28Marcus Mariota (TEN)at HOU 27-1
29Blaine Gabbert (SF)vs. DAL28-1
30Case Keenum (LA)at ARI32+2

Running Backs: Crank the Volume

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C.J. Anderson should see lots of touches against Tampa Bay.
C.J. Anderson should see lots of touches against Tampa Bay.

Better than Usual 

LeGarrette Blount, NE (vs. BUF)

The Patriots have leaned on Blount without Tom Brady in the lineup and had great results. He leads the league in rushing attempts (75) and rushing yards (298), and he's tied for most TDs (4). He’s coming off his second consecutive game with at least 100 yards and a touchdown after ripping the Texans up for 105 yards and two scores last week. 

With Brady due back from suspension after this week, it could be the last time Blount heads into a game with the expectation to carry the offense. Meanwhile, the Bills will do their best to slow Blount down—so far, they’ve held RBs to about 3.5 yards per carry, but they've given up five TDs. That’s part of the reason they’re 10th in fantasy points allowed to RBs.

According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the Patriots hope to have Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett healthy enough to play, although no matter who starts, Blount should be busy. Enjoy Blount’s RB1 status for one more game.

Week 4 Projection: 25 carries, 90 rushing yards, 1-2 touchdowns

Concerns 

Christine Michael, SEA (at NYJ)

No one should shy away from playing Michael, but maybe expectations should be lowered just a little in this week’s matchup with the Jets. They’ll likely put up a tougher fight than the Rams did last weekend when Michael gashed them for 106 yards and a pair of TDs on 20 carries (5.3 yards per carry). 

The Jets defense saw way too much of the field last week thanks to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s six interceptions against the Chiefs, yet it managed to hold Spencer Ware to just 75 yards on 20 carries (3.8 YPC). On the season, they’ve given up just 193 rushing yards and a score on 52 attempts. 

With Thomas Rawls sidelined (fibula) for at least the next month and Russell Wilson (knee/ankle) playing at less than 100 percent, Michael is one of the focal points of the offense right now. He’ll need the volume to come through in this tough matchup. 

Week 4 Projection: 18 carries, 79 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 15 receiving yards, 60 percent chance of TD

Avoid 

Rashad Jennings, NYG (at MIN)

The Giants had to play without Jennings in Week 3 thanks to a thumb injury. In his absence, Shane Vereen and Orleans Darkwa handled the work in the Giants backfield with success, only for Vereen to suffer a triceps injury that will keep him out indefinitely.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there’s “optimism” that Jennings will return in Week 4. How extensive his role is might be the bigger question. Darkwa is capable of carrying the load, and the Giants have other options such as veteran Bobby Rainey and rookie Paul Perkins at their disposal. 

Jennings can’t afford a limited workload against a Vikings defense that’s given up just 172 yards and no TDs on 56 carries this season—against the Titans, Packers and Panthers, no less. Between his injury and matchup, don’t bother with Jennings this week. 

Week 4 Projection: 10 carries, 40 rushing yards, 1 reception, 7 receiving yards, 40 percent chance of TD

Sleepers 

Jordan Howard, CHI (vs. DET)

The Bears will turn to rookie Jordan Howard after losing Jeremy Langford to an ankle injury for at least a month. With Ka’Deem Carey (hamstring) also banged up, the Bears signed former rival Joique Bell to add some depth behind Howard against Bell’s old team, the Detroit Lions. 

When Langford went down last week, Howard stepped right in to rack up 45 yards on nine carries and four receptions for 47 yards on six targets. He’s a quicker back than Langford and already looks better as a receiver. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to worry about Bell stealing any short-yardage or goal-line work, at least not this week since Bell just joined the team. 

Even though the Lions haven’t given up a TD to a RB this season, they’ve had their issues stopping the run. In three games, opposing RBs have ripped them for 292 yards on 55 carries (5.3 YPC). Because Howard has already shown he can handle receiving duties, he should stay in the mix no matter what the score. That’s important, because the Bears defense is a mess and Detroit’s passing game is dangerous. 

Week 4 Projection: 15 carries, 70 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 32 receiving yards, 50 percent chance of TD

Dwayne Washington, DET (at CHI)

On the flip side of this Lions/Bears matchup is another rookie RB who has a chance to surprise. With Ameer Abdullah out indefinitely, Dwayne Washington was asked to play a bigger role last week against the Packers. His snaps jumped from 14 percent to 36 percent, and he carried 10 times for 38 yards. That was much better than Theo Riddick’s 10 carries for nine yards. 

According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Washington took on a larger role, starting this weekend against the Bears. It makes sense since Washington is a bigger back and better suited to run between the tackles than the smaller, satellite-type player in Riddick. 

Washington’s bigger workload comes at an opportune time with a matchup against the Bears looming in Chicago on Sunday. They’ve allowed 365 yards and four touchdowns to RBs on 92 attempts. Washington’s carries could rise even more if the Lions are playing with a lead in the fourth quarter and want him to run out the clock. 

Week 4 Projection: 14 carries, 60 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 60 percent chance of TD

Week 4 PPR Running Back Rankings

1David Johnson (ARI)vs. LA10
2Mark Ingram (NO)at SD7+5
3Le'Veon Bell (PIT)vs. KC2-1
4DeMarco Murray (TEN)at HOU 8+4
5Melvin Gordon (SD)vs. NO3-2
6C.J. Anderson (DEN)at TB60
7Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)at SF4-3
8Lamar Miller (HOU)vs. TEN5-3
9LeSean McCoy (BUF)at NE90
10LeGarrette Blount (NE)vs. BUF 16+6
11Jeremy Hill (CIN)vs. MIA18+7
12Carlos Hyde (SF)vs. DAL13+1
13Matt Forte (NYJ)vs. SEA12-1
14Todd Gurley (LA)at ARI11-3
15Christine Michael (SEA)at NYJ 150
16Jordan Howard (CHI)vs. DET 25+9
17Devonta Freeman (ATL)vs. CAR170
18Spencer Ware (KC)at PIT21+3
19Charles Sims (TB)vs. DEN14-5
20Frank Gore (IND)at JAC 19-1
21Latavius Murray (OAK)at BAL 20-1
22Matt Jones (WAS)vs. CLE 28+6
23Theo Riddick (DET)at CHI10-13
24Tevin Coleman (ATL)vs. CAR23-1
25Isaiah Crowell (CLE)at WAS26+1
26Giovani Bernard (CIN)vs. MIA24-2
27Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)at ATL 34+7
28Dwayne Washington (DET)at CHI31+3
29Duke Johnson (CLE)at WAS27-2
30Jerick McKinnon (MIN)vs. NYG 22-8
31Justin Forsett (BAL)vs. OAK35+4
32Terrance West (BAL)vs. OAK41+9
33Orleans Darkwa (NYG)at MIN39+6
34Chris Thompson (WAS)vs. CLE 37+3
35James White (NE)vs. BUF 38+3
36T.J. Yeldon (JAC)vs. IND33-3
37DeAndre Washington (OAK)at BAL 44+7
38Kenyan Drake (MIA)at CIN 30-8
39Bilal Powell (NYJ)vs. SEA46+7
40Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR)at ATL 29-11
41Chris Ivory (JAC)vs. IND36-5
42Derrick Henry (TEN)at HOU 40-2
43Matt Asiata (MIN)vs. NYG 32-11
44Rashad Jennings (NYG)at MIN45+1
45Travaris Cadet (NO)at SD56+11
46DeAngelo Williams (PIT)vs. KC42-4
47Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)vs. DEN60+13
48Josh Ferguson (IND)at JAC 58+10
49Dexter McCluster (SD)vs. NO490
50Shaun Draughn (SF)vs. DAL500
51Jay Ajayi (MIA)at CIN 43-8
52Jamaal Charles (KC)at PIT47-5
53Jalen Richard (OAK)at BAL 69+16
54Damien Williams (MIA)at CIN 73+19
55Alfred Morris (DAL)at SF51-4
56Bobby Rainey (NYG)at MIN55-1
57Tim Hightower (NO)at SD72+15
58Benny Cunningham (LA)at ARI62+4
59Alex Collins (SEA)at NYJ 70+11
60Lance Dunbar (DAL)at SF57-3
61Mike Gillislee (BUF)at NE63+2
62Charcandrick West (KC)at PIT48-14
63Chris Johnson (ARI)vs. LA68+5
64Devontae Booker (DEN)at TB59-5
65Isaiah Pead (MIA)at CIN 78+13
66Robert Turbin (IND)at JAC 660
67Joique Bell (CHI)vs. DET 81+14
68Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)vs. DET 65-3

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Wide Receivers: Match Em Up

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The Dolphins will have their hands full with A.J. Green.
The Dolphins will have their hands full with A.J. Green.

Better than Usual

Travis Benjamin, SD (vs. NO)

Since losing Keenan Allen in Week 1, Benjamin has been very active with 17 receptions for 229 yards and two scores on 21 targets. While he was projected for a consistent role with Allen, that’s obviously become much larger as the team’s top WR. Last week’s game against the Colts should have been better for Benjamin and the Chargers, but they got off to a slow start and couldn’t come all the way back. 

Benjamin’s big-play ability has been on display on multiple occasions already, including a 45-yard TD in Week 2 and a 43-yard reception in Week 3. More big plays could be on the way when the Saints visit the Chargers on Sunday. 

The Saints have watched opposing WRs gash them for 647 yards and two touchdowns on 44 receptions (14.7 yards per catch). Neither the Chargers nor Saints can really rely on their defense, so this game could be high scoring. That should translate to a busy and productive game for Benjamin. 

Week 4 Projection: 6 receptions, 77 yards, 40 percent chance of TD

DeSean Jackson, WAS (vs. CLE)

Jackson has always been a boom-or-bust player, so even though he’s a risk, catching him in the right matchup can pay off in a big way. That was the case last week when he caught five of his eight targets for 96 yards, including a 44-yard TD. On the season, Jackson has 14 receptions on 24 targets for 238 yards and a touchdown, which puts him at 17 yards per catch.

You’ll want to fire up Jackson on Sunday against the Browns. They’ve given up the second-most fantasy points to WRs through three games thanks to 38 receptions for 578 yards (15.2 YPC) and six TDs. Cleveland doesn’t have much talent on defense, and top cornerback Joe Haden had to sit out last week with a groin injury. You’ll want Jackson out there regardless of Haden’s status, but another week on the sidelines for Haden would certainly help Jackson’s boom potential. 

Week 4 Projection: 5 receptions, 75 yards, 60 percent chance of TD

Concerns 

Mike Evans, TB (vs. DEN)

The concern about Evans’ fantasy value for Week 4 has little to do with Evans. It has everything to do with his matchup against the Broncos and the roller-coaster performance of QB Jameis Winston. 

Among WRs, Evans ranks fourth in receptions (21), fifth in yards (301), second in targets (38) and is tied for second with three TDs. Last week, he destroyed the Rams with 10 receptions for 132 yards and a TD on 13 targets. 

Denver has been great against WRs, limiting them to 30 receptions for 342 yards and one touchdown in games against the Panthers, Colts and Bengals, which shows just how impressive it has been against top talent. The team has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to WRs.

While Evans’ targets have been high, the concern would be Winston forcing him the ball and Denver sniffing that out. The Broncos provide a tough matchup for Evans, but he gives them something to worry about, too. 

Week 4 Projection: 6 receptions, 72 yards, 40 percent chance of TD

Avoid 

Tajae Sharpe, TEN (vs. HOU)

Sharpe’s strong preseason looked like it carried over into the regular season when he posted seven receptions for 76 yards on 11 targets in the opener against the Vikings. Unfortunately, he’s been unable to follow that up with fantasy production over his last two games in great matchups with the Lions and Raiders. He had just seven receptions for 81 yards on 14 targets in those games. 

Head coach Mike Mularkey called Sharpe “inconsistent” and said the rookie took a “step back” in the Week 3 loss to the Raiders, according to Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com. Sharpe was pushed into a big role out of the gate and is clearly going through some struggles, which is understandable.

It’ll be tough for him to snap out of it against the Texans in Week 4. WRs have just 31 catches for 389 yards and one touchdown against Houston this season. Tennessee’s offense seems to be all about RB DeMarco Murray both in fantasy and reality, so steer clear of Sharpe until further notice.

Week 4 Projection: 4 receptions, 55 yards, 30 percent chance of TD

Sleepers 

Terrelle Pryor, CLE (at WAS)

With the Browns running low on talent following the loss of rookie WR Corey Coleman to a broken hand and staring down the reality of their third starting QB in as many games, they decided to get creative with the versatile Pryor and it worked. 

Even though the Browns went on to lose to the Dolphins in overtime, Pryor stood out as a star. He snatched eight of 14 targets for 144 yards, rushed for 21 yards and a TD and completed three of his five passing attempts for 35 yards. He may not be used that extensively every week, but the team knows he can handle anything.

The focus for this game should be on Pryor as a wide receiver. He already looks the part and the Browns keep feeding him, as he’s racked up 14 receptions for 244 yards on 31 targets this season. The Browns should give him plenty of looks Sunday with the Redskins going without safety DeAngelo Hall (torn ACL) and cornerback Bashaud Breeland (ankle). They’ve allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs. 

Week 4 Projection: 5 receptions, 71 receiving yards, 3 carries, 24 rushing yards, 3 pass attempts, 28 passing yards, 50 percent chance of TD

Week 4 PPR Wide Receiver Rankings

1DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)vs. TEN4+3
2Antonio Brown (PIT)vs. KC1-1
3A.J. Green (CIN)vs. MIA2-1
4Marvin Jones (DET)at CHI7+3
5Dez Bryant (DAL)at SF13+8
6Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)at ATL 14+8
7Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)at MIN6-1
8T.Y. Hilton (IND)at JAC 9+1
9Julio Jones (ATL)vs. CAR3-6
10Allen Robinson (JAC)vs. IND5-5
11Jarvis Landry (MIA)at CIN 12+1
12Brandin Cooks (NO)at SD8-4
13Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)vs. LA11-2
14Mike Evans (TB)vs. DEN18+4
15Travis Benjamin (SD)vs. NO16+1
16Alshon Jeffery (CHI)vs. DET 10-6
17Amari Cooper (OAK)at BAL 15-2
18Doug Baldwin (SEA)at NYJ 21+3
19Michael Crabtree (OAK)at BAL 23+4
20Stefon Diggs (MIN)vs. NYG 200
21DeSean Jackson (WAS)vs. CLE 24+3
22Jeremy Maclin (KC)at PIT19-3
23Demaryius Thomas (DEN)at TB17-6
24Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)at TB26+2
25Sterling Shepard (NYG)at MIN29+4
26Devante Parker (MIA)at CIN 33+7
27Eric Decker (NYJ)vs. SEA25-2
28Terrelle Pryor (CLE)at WAS27-1
29Steve Smith (BAL)vs. OAK38+9
30Brandon Marshall (NYJ)vs. SEA300
31Julian Edelman (NE)vs. BUF 22-9
32Golden Tate (DET)at CHI35+3
33Michael Thomas (NO)at SD43+10
34Will Fuller (HOU)vs. TEN31-3
35Tyrell Williams (SD)vs. NO28-7
36Jamison Crowder (WAS)vs. CLE 37+1
37Cole Beasley (DAL)at SF41+4
38Mike Wallace (BAL)vs. OAK34-4
39Allen Hurns (JAC)vs. IND390
40Tavon Austin (LA)at ARI49+9
41Adam Humphries (TB)vs. DEN56+15
42Kevin White (CHI)vs. DET 51+9
43Tajae Sharpe (TEN)at HOU 40-3
44Robert Woods (BUF)at NE64+20
45John Brown (ARI)vs. LA44-1
46Michael Floyd (ARI)vs. LA42-4
47Phillip Dorsett (IND)at JAC 36-11
48Anquan Boldin (DET)at CHI52+4
49Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)vs. SEA46-3
50Rishard Matthews (TEN)at HOU 67+17
51Pierre Garcon (WAS)vs. CLE 59+8
52Kenny Stills (MIA)at CIN 60+8
53Marqise Lee (JAC)vs. IND74+21
54Sammy Watkins (BUF)at NE50-4
55Tyler Boyd (CIN)vs. MIA65+10
56Jeremy Kerley (SF)vs. DAL71+15
57Willie Snead (NO)at SD32-25
58Eddie Royal (CHI)vs. DET 68+10
59Mohamed Sanu (ATL)vs. CAR47-12
60Kenny Britt (LA)at ARI54-6
61Chris Hogan (NE)vs. BUF 53-8
62Brandon LaFell (CIN)vs. MIA63+1
63Vincent Jackson (TB)vs. DEN58-5
64Chris Conley (KC)at PIT77+13
65Markus Wheaton (PIT)vs. KC75+10
66Victor Cruz (NYG)at MIN48-18
67Ted Ginn (CAR)at ATL 66-1
68Dontrelle Inman (SD)vs. NO61-7
69Adam Thielen (MIN)vs. NYG 76+7
70Breshad Perriman (BAL)vs. OAK83+13
71Tyler Lockett (SEA)at NYJ 45-26
72Jermaine Kearse (SEA)at NYJ 81+9
73Torrey Smith (SF)vs. DAL55-18
74Seth Roberts (OAK)at BAL 84+10
75Danny Amendola (NE)vs. BUF 72-3
76Justin Hardy (ATL)vs. CAR91+15
77Sammie Coates (PIT)vs. KC62-15
78Devin Funchess (CAR)at ATL 780
79Josh Doctson (WAS)vs. CLE 73-6
80Brian Quick (LA)at ARI89+9

Tight Ends: Looking for Help

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The reliability of Greg Olsen goes a long way.
The reliability of Greg Olsen goes a long way.

Better than Usual

Zach Miller, CHI (vs. DET)

With Brian Hoyer playing in place of Jay Cutler (thumb), Miller has emerged as a reliable target for the veteran QB. Last week, Miller went off with eight receptions on nine targets for 78 yards and two trips to the end zone. 

This connection should continue with a prime matchup for TEs on the slate this week. The Lions have had no answers for Jack Doyle, Dwayne Allen, Delanie Walker or even Richard Rodgers, each finding the end zone against Detroit in the first three weeks. That’s an obvious boost for Miller with a great matchup on deck. 

Week 4 Projection: 5 receptions, 60 yards, 50 percent chance of TD

Concerns 

Delanie Walker, TEN (at HOU)

Walker was unable to play in Week 3 thanks to a hamstring issue stemming from Week 2. Walker went from sitting out practice last Wednesday to practicing last Thursday to sitting out Friday. According to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com, Walker is expected to return to practice no later than Thursday. 

Besides the injury concern, if Walker is able to play in Week 4, he has a brutal matchup with the Texans. In games against Zach Miller, Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski/Martellus Bennett, Houston held opposing TEs to 10 receptions for 58 yards on 17 targets and the fourth-fewest fantasy points in the first three weeks. Walker’s a risky option for Sunday. 

Week 4 Projection (if active): 4 receptions, 50 yards, 30 percent chance of TD

Avoid

Jesse James, PIT (vs. KC)

James looked ready to assume a regular role in the offense after posting five receptions for 31 yards on seven targets in the opener against the Redskins. Since then, he’s had just five catches for 39 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Other than that TD, he was a disappointment in a time when the Steelers were looking for another reliable option behind Antonio Brown.

With Le’Veon Bell returning from suspension this week, it adds another player to steal touches, specifically red-zone touches from James. Plus, James will have his hands full with a Chiefs defense that’s held TEs to eight receptions for 61 yards. Hopefully James can develop into a consistent threat for Ben Roethlisberger, but he’s not there yet. 

Week 4 Projection: 3 receptions, 32 yards, 30 percent chance of TD

Sleepers

None of note.

Week 4 PPR Tight End Rankings

1Greg Olsen (CAR)at ATL 2+1
2Jordan Reed (WAS)vs. CLE 1-1
3Kyle Rudolph (MIN)vs. NYG 8+5
4Rob Gronkowski (NE)vs. BUF 40
5Jimmy Graham (SEA)at NYJ 12+7
6Eric Ebron (DET)at CHI7+1
7Coby Fleener (NO)at SD10+3
8Zach Miller (CHI)vs. DET 14+6
9Travis Kelce (KC)at PIT3-6
10Julius Thomas (JAC)vs. IND5-5
11Dennis Pitta (BAL)vs. OAK6-5
12Delanie Walker (TEN)at HOU 9-3
13Cameron Brate (TB)vs. DEN20+7
14Jack Doyle (IND)at JAC 18+4
15Gary Barnidge (CLE)at WAS13-2
16Jason Witten (DAL)at SF11-5
17Dwayne Allen (IND)at JAC 16-1
18Hunter Henry (SD)vs. NO17-1
19Clive Walford (OAK)at BAL 22+3
20Jacob Tamme (ATL)vs. CAR15-5
21Dion Sims (MIA)at CIN 29+8
22Charles Clay (BUF)at NE26+4
23Jesse James (PIT)vs. KC24+1
24Martellus Bennett (NE)vs. BUF 19-5
25Antonio Gates (SD)vs. NO21-4
26Larry Donnell (NYG)at MIN35+9
27Garrett Celek (SF)vs. DAL30+3
28Jace Amaro (TEN)at HOU 34+6
29Marcedes Lewis (JAC)vs. IND39+10
30C.J. Uzomah (CIN)vs. MIA38+8
31Will Tye (NYG)at MIN36+5

Defenses: Lined Up with the Best

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Von Miller and the Broncos defense will make life difficult for Jameis Winston.
Von Miller and the Broncos defense will make life difficult for Jameis Winston.

Best Options Based on Matchups 

Denver Broncos (at TB)

Even without DeMarcus Ware, the Broncos are one of the most dangerous defenses in the league. That spells trouble for Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers.

The Bucs have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses in the first three weeks. Winston has six interceptions and five sacks taken over that span. They’ve also given up a pair of TDs and lost two fumbles. 

Week 4 Projection: 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 17-20 points allowed

Seattle Seahawks (at NYJ)

Last week, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw six interceptions in an ugly loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets face another tough matchup when the Seahawks visit Sunday. Over the first three weeks, the Jets have given up seven interceptions, two sacks, three fumble recoveries and three touchdowns. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Week 4 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 15-18 points allowed

Houston Texans (vs. TEN)

Even with J.J. Watt out with a back injury, the Texans still have enough talent to take advantage of what’s been one of the better defensive matchups all year when they take on the Titans.

In three games, Marcus Mariota has taken six sacks and thrown four interceptions. The Titans have also lost three fumbles and allowed two touchdowns and a safety. They are second only to the Jets in fantasy points allowed to defenses.

Week 4 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 13-17 points allowed

Week 4 Defense Rankings

1Denver Broncos (DEN)at TB2+1
2Arizona Cardinals (ARI)vs. LA1-1
3Seattle Seahawks (SEA)at NYJ 30
4Minnesota Vikings (MIN)vs. NYG 5+1
5Houston Texans (HOU)vs. TEN4-1
6New England Patriots (NE)vs. BUF 60
7Carolina Panthers (CAR)at ATL 8+1
8Washington Redskins (WAS)vs. CLE 11+3
9Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)vs. MIA7-2
10New York Jets (NYJ)vs. SEA9-1
11New York Giants (NYG)at MIN15+4
12Kansas City Chiefs (KC)at PIT10-2
13Baltimore Ravens (BAL)vs. OAK130
14Los Angeles Rams (LA)at ARI12-2
15Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT)vs. KC14-1
16Dallas Cowboys (DAL)at SF20+4
17Detroit Lions (DET)at CHI16-1
18Miami Dolphins (MIA)at CIN 17-1
19Buffalo Bills (BUF)at NE18-1
20Indianapolis Colts (IND)at JAC 19-1

Kickers: Mr. Perfect

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Will Dustin Hopkins continue his perfect season this weekend?
Will Dustin Hopkins continue his perfect season this weekend?

Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire 

Dustin Hopkins, WAS (vs. CLE)

The Redskins have a good enough offense to give Hopkins plenty of chances. So far, he’s taken advantage of every opportunity.

Over the first three games, Hopkins made all five of his extra-point attempts and all 11 field-goal attempts, including three from 40-49 yards. The Redskins should control their matchup with the Browns, so look for another busy afternoon from the top kicker in fantasy football.

Week 4 Kicker Rankings

1Stephen Gostkowski (NE)vs. BUF 10
2Justin Tucker (BAL)vs. OAK20
3Dan Bailey (DAL)at SF30
4Adam Vinatieri (IND)at JAC 40
5Dustin Hopkins (WAS)vs. CLE 11+6
6Chandler Catanzaro (ARI)vs. LA5-1
7Steven Hauschka (SEA)at NYJ 6-1
8Graham Gano (CAR)at ATL 7-1
9Josh Lambo (SD)vs. NO8-1
10Brandon McManus (DEN)at TB9-1
11Blair Walsh (MIN)vs. NYG 10-1
12Matt Prater (DET)at CHI120
13Wil Lutz (NO)at SD16+3
14Chris Boswell (PIT)vs. KC13-1
15Cairo Santos (KC)at PIT14-1
16Josh Brown (NYG)at MIN15-1
17Nick Novak (HOU)vs. TEN18+1
18Mike Nugent (CIN)vs. MIA19+1
19Matt Bryant (ATL)vs. CAR17-2
20Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)at BAL 200

Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com. Snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus

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