Week 4 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Advice for Unfavorable Fantasy Football Matchups

It's quickly becoming evident in 2025 that matchups will dictate how most fantasy stars perform. Injuries have left players like Joe Burrow, George Kittle and James Conner on the sideline while preventing stars like Ja'Marr Chase from being truly matchup-proof.

Unfortunately, managers won't have the opportunity to simply play the best matchups every single week. On occasion, they'll have to trust that a star can overcome an unfavorable situation.

Here, you'll find start/sit recommendations for some of the toughest matchups of Week 4. All picks are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

The Cleveland Browns pulled off the stunner of the season so far, mounting a comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.

While winning at home against Green Bay was impressive, the Browns face a tougher task this week. Cleveland will visit the surging Detroit Lions, who have been strong overall against fantasy running backs.

Detroit has surrendered the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs.

However, managers should feel confident starting running back Quinshon Judkins against Detroit. The rookie has quickly become the centerpiece of Cleveland's offense and a true high-volume back.

Judkins had one reception, 95 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against Green Bay. Volume should give him a similar stat line against the Lions.

Sit: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lived up to the preseason fantasy hype. He's been far more productive than most seventh-round running backs and has found the end zone in two of three weeks.

The problem is that, even after losing Austin Ekeler to a season-ending injury, the Commanders are still using a heavy backfield rotation.

In Week 3, Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the Commanders with 11 carries, while Jeremy McNichols chipped in four and wideout Deebo Samuel logged three. Coskey-Merritt had eight carries and one reception but only 31 scrimmage yards.

Since ripping off 82 yards in the season-opener, Crosey-Merritt has logged just 48 combined yards. He's becoming a touchdown-dependent, matchup-based play, which is fine in the right matchups.

This week, though, Croskey-Merritt is up against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has surrendered the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. Managers should look for other options.

Start: Deebo Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

While managers should look to replace Crosey-Merritt this week, they should feel good about leaving Samuel in their starting lineups. The Falcons have done well against opposing receivers—allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position—but Samuel's high-volume, dual-threat role should push him through an unfavorable matchup.

Samuel hasn't topped 50 scrimmage yards since Week 1, but he's logged 11 targets and nine receptions over the past two weeks. He should see an even bigger target share this week with Terry McLaurin ailing.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, McLaurin is unlikely to need surgery but is still seeking information on his quad injury.

Samuel should be a high-volume receiver with a high fantasy floor this week in Atlanta.

Sit: Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Chase may not be matchup-proof with Jake Browning in at quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, managers would be hard-pressed to bench him, given his upside.

The same cannot be said for teammate Tee Higgins.

While Higgins had a solid 56-yard, one-touchdown outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, he's been a dud in his other two outings this season—he had just one catch for 15 yards last week. With Burrow unavailable to jump-start his production, Higgins is, at best, a matchup-based play this year.

Unfortunately, this isn't a good week to bank on Higgins, as the Bengals will visit the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Assuming Chase draws Patrick Surtain II in coverage, Higgins may get some opportunities. However, Denver hasn't been friendly to opposing receivers overall, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the WR position.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.