Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 4: Advice for Fringe Flex Fantasy Football Starters

Nothing can make or break your week like deciding what to do with your flex position. Generally, the players you have left on your roster to fill out such slots aren't exactly the most reliable, consistent options.

That can mean deciding on your flex for the week is as simple as picking out the best available matchup.

Here, we'll break down two players you should consider starting and two you should consider sitting.

Start 'Em: Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

This one is pretty simple, really: The Detroit Lions are allowing opposing running backs to tally 30.2 fantasy points per week, per NFL.com, the worst mark in the NFL. That has included six rushing touchdowns.

Penny hasn't exactly been the breakout candidate people were hoping for this season, but he's clearly the top option in Seattle's backfield, accumulating 32 carries after three weeks compared to 14 combined for Kenneth Walker III, Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas.

If ever there was a week for Penny to go off, it's this one.

Sit 'Em: Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs has yet to hit 75 rushing yards in a game, hasn't scored a touchdown this season and has been a sporadic option in the passing game (seven receptions for 59 yards this season).

And now he faces a Denver Broncos defense giving up just 12 fantasy points to opposing running backs per week, the third-best mark in the NFL?

No thank you. There are better options than Jacobs this week for your flex spot.

Start 'Em: Gabe Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

After a strong start in Week 1 (four receptions for 88 yards and a score), an ankle injury kept Gabe Davis out of Week 2 and his return in Week 3 was ho-hum (three catches for 37 yards).

But the Baltimore Ravens secondary could help get him back on track.

The Baltimore defense is giving up an NFL-worst 56 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers. For the season, they've allowed opposing wideouts to catch 56 passes for 842 yards and five scores.

Suffice to say, opposing quarterbacks and receivers have been feasting on the Ravens this season. There's no reason why Davis shouldn't follow suit, even with Stefon Diggs the top option for Josh Allen.

Sit 'Em: Allen Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Michael Owens/Getty Images

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Allen Robinson II #1 of the Los Angeles Rams takes a moment during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Los Angeles Rams won 20-12. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Allen Robinson is having a disappointing fantasy season with just seven catches for 88 yards and a score on 12 targets after three games. Not exactly inspiring stuff.

And the San Francisco 49ers have been fairly stingy against opposing wideouts, giving up just 29 receptions for 388 yards and two scores against all players they've faced at the position. That's totaled 26.6 fantasy points against opposing wideouts per week, the second-best mark in the NFL.

You know Cooper Kupp will get his, regardless of the matchup. Don't trust Robinson to offer a secondary option worth starting in fantasy.