Ranking the Most Important Week 4 NFL Games for Fantasy

Week 3 of the NFL season for fantasy football owners was insane. What will Week 4 have in store?

Will we see more running backs making their first career starts that explode onto the scene? Will Chris Johnson finally break through like Jamaal Charles did last Sunday? Has anyone seen Jay Cutler or Tony Romo of late?

And which player will the replacement referees help this week, like they did for the lucky owners who rolled the dice on Golden Tate and were given a bonus touchdown for their boldness?

In the NFL, anything can happen. In fantasy football, the bizarre often does. Let's rank this week's most relevant games in the fantasy world and offer up a few lineup tips and thoughts along the way.

(Note: The Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts are on bye).

15. Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for Seahawks

Start the replacement referees. They're good for at least one touchdown.

In all seriousness, Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle defense are solid plays. Though he had one too many touchdowns awarded to him in Week 3, Golden Tate is a sleeper worth keeping an eye on.

Fantasy Impact for Rams

This really isn't a great matchup against a tough Seahawks defense, and the only players I would even consider are Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola. But they're hardly excellent options, so if you can go elsewhere, do it.

14. Miami Dolphins at Arizona Cardinals

When: Sunday, September 30 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Dolphins

If Reggie Bush plays this week, give him the start. I don't love Daniel Thomas, but he's the handcuff you want if Bush can't go. Other than that, you'd have more luck with Ray Finkle than the rest of this Dolphins team.

Fantasy Impact for Cardinals

It's all about Larry Fitzgerald—he's back, everyone!—and the Cardinals defense. Ryan Williams has yet to inspire much confidence, but he's a decent flex play if you're in a pinch. Kevin Kolb is a deep league consideration only, and even then a stretch.

13. San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for 49ers

Alex Smith's run of 17-point fantasy games came to an end at the unlikely hands of the Minnesota Vikings, so I think he can safely be returned to fantasy benches once more.

Vernon Davis and Frank Gore are must-starts each week. With no Darrelle Revis to worry about, Michael Crabtree becomes an intriguing flex.

Oh, and start the defense. 

Fantasy Impact for Jets

I truly don't like anyone on the Jets this week. If there was a player I would be likely to start, it would be Santonio Holmes as a flex in deeper leagues, but that's about it. 

The Jets defense is a possibility as well, though there are better options out there.

12. Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

When: Thursday, September 27 at 8:20 p.m. 

Watch: NFL Network

Fantasy Impact for Browns

While I think the Ravens' defense is pretty overrated at this point, Trent Richardson remains the only truly appealing option on this Browns team.

Fantasy Impact for Ravens

Overrated or not, you have to like the Ravens' defense to secure a fair amount of sacks and turnovers in this one, so start them with confidence.

Ray Rice and Dennis Pitta are starters, no questions asked. Joe Flacco is a pretty good start if you're playing matchups, and I would consider flexing Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin and Jacoby Jones as well.

11. Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for Vikings

Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin are every-week starters. Kyle Rudolph is a smart pickup and worth a spot start here and again in deeper leagues. There may be a time when I recommend you roll out Christian Ponder, but I'm not ready to do that just yet.

Fantasy Impact for Lions

If Matt Stafford plays and you don't have a better alternative, you have to start him.The same most certainly does not hold true for Shaun Hill.

Calvin Johnson and Mikel Leshoure are no-brainers (though Leshoure as an RB2 in deep leagues or flex everywhere else). Nate Burleson and Titus Young are only considerations in deeper leagues for owners in need of a fill-in flex. 

Brandon Pettigrew isn't a great option, but you know he's good for 5-10 points. The Lions' defense is an intriguing play as well.

10. San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Chargers

Ryan Mathews, Malcolm Floyd, Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers are all solid starts against a poor Chiefs' defense. Until Robert Meachem finishes with more than four points in standard-scoring leagues, he should remain on your bench.

Fantasy Impact for Chiefs

Welcome back to the land of fantasy football relevance, Jamaal Charles. We all missed you and your electrifying touchdown runs. I think it's safe to say he's once again a safe RB1 option.

Other than that, I like Dwayne Bowe on this Kansas City team. And Matt Cassel if the game is an absolute blowout and the Chiefs have to play catchup. While a distinct possibility, you still shouldn't start him unless you're stuck.

9. Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Titans

Chris Johnson is up to a whopping 45 rushing yards after three games. Until he can do that in one game—or, you know, actually score a touchdown—he's too risky to start. And you thought he was a bust last year...

I don't trust Jake Locker against the Texans' defense. Nate Washington is a nice flex option, and Kenny Britt is a sneaky play if you don't mind a high-risk, high-reward player with breakout potential.

Fantasy Impact for Texans

Obviously you are starting Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. Owen Daniels isn't a bad option. Matt Schaub is intriguing, unless you think the Texans will simply pound the rock all afternoon, in which case Ben Tate becomes tantalizing.

And of course, start the defense. And do a Dr. Evil laugh every time Chris Johnson rushes for 0.5 yards.

8. Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars

When: Sunday, September 30 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Bengals

A.J. Green is a clear starter at this point. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Andrew Hawkins—yes, Andrew Hawkins—are solid options as well. Against the Jaguars, I like Andy Dalton and Jermaine Gresham, namely in deeper leagues.

Fantasy Impact for Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew is the only name you need to bother yourselves with.

7. Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

When: Sunday, September 30 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Raiders

Start Darren McFadden. And honestly, take a look at Carson Palmer, who now has 17, 16 and 18 fantasy points (in standard-scoring leagues) over the first three weeks. If you are going to roll with a Raiders receiver, Denarius Moore is your guy.

Fantasy Impact for Broncos

Peyton Manning, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas should be started. The Raiders aren't very good against the run, so I'd flex Willis McGahee. I don't trust Jacob Tamme at this point, much like I don't trust the team's defense from a fantasy standpoint.

6. Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When: Sunday, September 30 at 4:25 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for Redskins

It's official—we're all down with RG3. Robert Griffin III is a bonafide fantasy stud at this point. Alfred Morris is a must-start each week as well. Fred Davis finally showed up in Week 3, but he's a risky play. If Pierre Garcon plays, make sure he's in your lineup.

Finally, Leonard Hankerson is my deep sleeper of the week.

Fantasy Impact for Bucs

Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson are weekly starters. I like Mike Williams as a nice flex play against a poor Redskins defense. If Josh Freeman were to have a big week for fantasy owners this would be it, but I can't recommend him in good faith.

5. New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Fantasy Impact for Patriots

Go ahead and start Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski. I'd probably flex Brandon Lloyd, but I do think a much-overdue touchdown will come his way in this game.

Stevan Ridley has seen his numbers steadily decrease, so of course he'll probably have a huge game as fantasy owners decide to bench him. Finally, Julian Edelman and Danny Woodhead shouldn't touch the ball as often as they did in Week 3, so I can't recommend starting either.

Fantasy Impact for Bills

I don't know if C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson or Tashard Choice will start this game for the Bills, but whomever it ends up being should be started. Steve Johnson remains a nice flex play. Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't a terrible option. I'd avoid the defense.

4. Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

When: Sunday, September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for Panthers

Is it time for fantasy owners to start worrying about Cam Newton? What's that? You've been worrying?

I see. Here's the thing—if you drafted him and don't have a superior alternative, you have to go with him. His upside remains that high. 

Steve Smith has been a steady if unspectacular producer this year and should be started. I still don't know what to tell you about the running backs. There are better options than Greg Olsen at tight end. If you start the Carolina defense, you should probably take up a different hobby.

Fantasy Impact for Falcons

Start Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez. What the heck, against this defense start Michael Turner too. And with 34 fantasy points on the young season, you pretty much have to roll with the Falcons defense as well. 

3. Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys

When: Monday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Fantasy Impact for Bears

Remember in Week 1, when Jay Cutler had a solid fantasy week for owners? Seems like a long time ago, right?

In other words, I wouldn't start Mr. Pouts. I would start Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush if Matt Forte isn't available, Forte if he is available and the Bears defense.

Fantasy Impact for Cowboys

Remember in Week 1, when Tony Romo had a solid fantasy week for owners? Seems like a long time ago, right?

Sigh. I would avoid Romo if possible as well. Miles Austin and DeMarco Murray are must-starts. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten need to show me something. I like the Cowboys defense.

2. New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

When: Sunday, September 30 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Fantasy Impact for Giants

I don't know if Ahmad Bradshaw will play on Sunday night or how many reps he will receive if he does, so it's hard to predict big things for Andre Brown at this point. Eli Manning is a decent QB1, namely in deeper leagues. Hakeem Nicks (if he plays), Victor Cruz and Martellus Bennett must be started.

Based on sacks and potential turnovers alone, the Giants' defense is probably a solid play.

Fantasy Impact for Eagles

It's possible Michael Vick could have a huge game against a mediocre Giants secondary. It's also possible the Giants' pass rush will sack him 15 times and cause eight turnovers, or something in that neighborhood.

Vick is a huge risk, huge reward play here. Start him at your own peril. 

I do like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin (who should play) and LeSean McCoy in this one. Brent Celek has been hard to project from week to week, so I'd probably avoid him.

1. New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

When: Sunday, September 30 at 4:25 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Fantasy Impact for Saints

Can you believe the Saints might be 0-4 after this game.

I would start Drew Brees, Marques Colston (I still believe!) and Jimmy Graham in this game. Darren Sproles and Lance Moore are excellent flex options. This one should be a shootout, so obviously avoid the Saints' defense.

Fantasy Impact for Packers

Can you believe the Packers might be 1-3 after this game? 

The replacement refs can. Anyway, start Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley and Cedric Benson. 

In a pinch?

Go ahead and flex James Jones. This one should be full of fireworks. I'd avoid the Green Bay defense, though they have been solid for fantasy owners this season.

Hit me up on Twitter—you've got fantasy questions, I've got opinions. And research. And, you know, sympathy when things go wrong.