Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 4: Breaking Down Toughest Fantasy Lineup Decisions

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when making your Week 4 NFL fantasy lineup decisions. If you’re dead set on starting a player no matter what, you’ve probably already lost.

And depending on where your team sits right now, you can’t afford to keep making the same decisions week in and week out with the same results. What’s the definition of insanity, again?

Here I’ll break down a difficult decision at every position with some outlook on what to expect for each player and why I’d advise starting or sitting them this week. If you have any specific lineup questions, hit me in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to get them answered.

Quarterbacks

Start: Tony Romo (DAL at SD)

Tony Romo looks like he’s getting back on track, and he has a favorable matchup in Week 4. The San Diego Chargers have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through the first three weeks of action—an average of 28 points. Look for Romo to air it out against a team that is much better at stopping the run—giving up 93.3 yards per game on the ground and no touchdowns so far.

Sit: Eli Manning (NYG at KC)

With a league-leading eight interceptions and near-worst eight sacks, Eli Manning is in trouble as the New York Giants travel to Kansas City to take on a familiar opponent. Head coach Andy Reid is well-versed in Tom Coughlin’s game plan and will throw another wrench in the Giants’ hopes to turn around their 2013 season. The Chiefs lead the league with 15 sacks and have four interceptions.

Running Backs

Start: Bilal Powell (NYJ at TEN)

Unfortunately, Bilal Powell can’t face the Buffalo Bills every week. His Week 3 performance was a breakout showing with Chris Ivory sidelined with a hamstring injury, per Darryl Slater of The Star-Ledger. In order for the New York Jets to beat Tennessee, they’ll need Powell to follow up that big day with another impressive showing. The Titans rank in the middle of the league, allowing 14.3 fantasy points per game to running backs.

Sit: Knowshon Moreno (DEN vs. PHI)

Despite a big Week 2 showing, Knowshon Moreno is firmly entrenched in a triumvirate that is the Denver Broncos backfield. Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball have both stolen a large share of the carries. Also, considering Peyton Manning and Co. will be airing it out in the mile-high air of Sports Authority Field, you can do better by looking elsewhere this week.

Wide Receivers

Start: Pierre Garcon (WAS at OAK)

After a poor Week 1, it’s apparent Pierre Garcon is Robert Griffin III’s go-to guy. He’s received double-digit targets in each of the Washington Redskins’ first three games and has caught 23 of them for 280 yards and a score. This week, RGIII and Co. will look to finally get in the win column against an Oakland Raiders team that is giving up 26.3 points per game to opposing wide receivers. Start him.

Sit: Larry Fitzgerald (ARI at TB)

Larry Fitzgerald hasn’t produced anywhere near what many hoped after Carson Palmer was brought to Arizona during the offseason. Credit that to a nagging hamstring injury that has slowed the star receiver to this point. He’s expected to play after practicing all week, but squaring off against shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis doesn’t bode well for him even if at 100 percent. You can do better.

Tight Ends

Start: Marcedes Lewis (JAX vs. IND)

Tight end Marcedes Lewis will see the field for the first time in 2013, per Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. For an offense that has been absolutely dreadful, he presents a good option to help get things moving. Indianapolis is currently giving up around eight points to opposing tight ends. Given Blaine Gabbert’s familiarity with Lewis, chances are he finishes around that or higher this weekend.

Sit: Kyle Rudolph (MIN vs. PIT)

Backup Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel will start this week while Christian Ponder sits out with a rib injury, per team announcement:

Kyle Rudolph has already been struggling, but expect him to continue to be shut down against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has yet to allow a touchdown to opposing tight ends. Don’t trust him to break out of his slump this week with a backup quarterback throwing the football.