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

Surprises have been a big part of the 2026 fantasy football season thus far, and that trend certainly continued in Week 3.

The week began with the Atlanta Falcons embarrassing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau in Michal Penix's 2026 debut. That game featured massive performances by Bijan Robinson and Drake London. The week ended with the Chicago Bears rolling the Philadelphia Eagles behind the guidance of third-string quarterback Case Keenum.

We're sure to see some unexpected performances in Week 4. While it's hard to predict a breakout performance like Keenum's (247 yards, 2 TDs), we can dive into the latest results, examine the upcoming matchups, and make a few start/sit recommendations.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to overcome their 0-3 start without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Head coach Todd Bowles announced after Sunday's loss that Mayfield will miss at least three weeks with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.

With Mayfield out, the Buccaneers will turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. In fantasy, that's likely to negatively impact pass-catchers like Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin. It could also hinder running back Bucky Irving, as opposing defenses are likely to force Daniels to beat them.

However, it's still worth trusting Irving in Week 3. He's been the clear lead back in Zac Robinson's offense, and Tampa is going to lean on him on both the running and passing games to support Daniels. He also has a favorable matchup against the visiting Packers this week.

Green Bay has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Robinson's big night last Thursday has a lot to do with that ranking, but Green Bay has been vulnerable up front all season.

Sit: Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Like the Buccaneers, the Los Angeles Chargers are still searching for their first win. They're also searching for some semblance of offensive cohesion under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. So far, the offense simply hasn't been very good.

The offense also hasn't featured a ton of Omarion Hampton in the passing game. He's only been targeted three times this season and has just two catches through three games. His lack of usage as a receiver limits his PPR floor significantly.

To come through in Week 4, Hampton may have to find the end zone, something he did in the first two weeks of the season. However, he was held to just 56 yards and no touchdowns last week and will face another stiff test on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season.

Start: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Scott Kinser

Tetairoa McMillan was the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the Carolina Panthers pass-catcher was off to another strong start in 2026. He tallied 10 catches for 176 yards in Carolina's first two games, but he was largely held in check by the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.

Though he was targeted five times, McMillan finished with just two catches for 17 yards. Cleveland used disguised coverages and a heavy focus on covering McMillan, and the Panthers struggled to adapt.

"That's something, as coaches, we got to look at and make sure we're putting him in better positions to be able to be effective for us," Panthers coach Dave Canales said, per Kassidy Hill of the team's official website.

Expect Carolina to adjust this week and for McMillan to have a bounce-back game against the visiting Detroit Lions. Detroit's defense has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Sit: Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears

AP PhotoDavid Banks

While Keenum kept the Bears' offense rolling on Monday night, he couldn't turn Rome Odunze into the breakout star Chicago keeps waiting for him to be. The 2024 first-round pick has been a fine complementary receiver in his two-plus seasons, but he hasn't been a very dependable fantasy option.

Many managers hoped this would change following the offseason departure of D.J. Moore. It still might, but we haven't seen Odunze become an offensive focal point yet. He had five catches for 105 yards through his first two games and finished Week 3 with three catches and 44 yards.

Until further notice, Odunze should be viewed as a low-end flex option who will likely need touchdowns to shine. It's impossible to trust him against the New York Jets in Week 4.

The Jets have surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.