Fantasy Football Week 4: Everything You Need to Know for Sunday's Action

It's been three weeks. How are your fantasy football teams doing? Have you had some success playing daily fantasy sports?

Hopefully the advice in this column has helped you get off to a hot start, though admittedly we get things wrong often enough. Each week gives us more insight into what might happen in the future, though three weeks' worth of data is far better for projecting outcomes than peering into a crystal ball.

With all that in mind, let's look at the fantasy football landscape heading into the Week 4 Sunday slate.

Week 4 Rankings

Check out this week's rankings.

The Top 100

Rank	Player	Opponent
1	Matt Forte, RB, CHI	vs. Oak
2	Julio Jones, WR, ATL	vs. Hou
3	Jamaal Charles, RB, KC	at Cin
4	Eddie Lacy, RB, GB	at SF
5	Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN	at Den
6	Latavius Murray, RB, OAK	at Chi
7	Frank Gore, RB, IND	vs. Jac
8	Odell Beckham Jr., WR, NYG	at Buf
9	Randall Cobb, WR, GB	at SF
10	Mark Ingram, RB, NO	vs. Dal
11	A.J. Green, WR, CIN	vs. KC
12	Karlos Williams, RB, BUF	vs. NYG
13	Amari Cooper, WR, OAK	at Chi
14	Carlos Hyde, RB, SF	vs. GB
15	Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB	at SF
16	Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN	vs. Min
17	Melvin Gordon, RB, SD	vs. Cle
18	DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU	at Atl
19	Joseph Randle, RB, DAL	at NO
20	Emmanuel Sanders, WR, DEN	vs. Min
21	Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA	vs. Det
22	Arian Foster, RB, HOU	at Atl
23	T.J. Yeldon, RB, JAC	at Ind
24	Andrew Luck, QB, IND	vs. Jac
25	Russell Wilson, QB, SEA	vs. Det
26	Greg Olsen, TE, CAR	at TB
27	Devonta Freeman, RB, ATL	vs. Hou
28	Brandon Marshall, WR, NYJ	at Mia
29	Jordan Matthews, WR, PHI	at Was
30	T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND	vs. Jac
31	Jimmy Graham, TE, SEA	vs. Det
32	Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN	vs. KC
33	Keenan Allen, WR, SD	vs. Cle
34	DeMarco Murray, RB, PHI	at Was
35	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR	at TB
36	Chris Ivory, RB, NYJ	at Mia
37	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET	vs. Sea
38	C.J. Anderson, RB, DEN	at Min
39	Cam Newton, QB, CAR	vs. TB
40	Matt Jones, RB, WAS	at Phi
41	Isaiah Crowell, RB, CLE	vs. SD
42	Andre Ellington, RB, ARI	vs. StL
43	Alfred Morris, RB, WAS	at Phi
44	Derek Carr, QB, OAK	vs. Chi
45	Lamar Miller, RB, MIA	vs. NYJ
46	Donte Moncrief, WR, IND	vs. Jac
47	Torrey Smith, WR, SF	vs. GB
48	Martellus Bennett, TE, CHI	vs. Oak
49	Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI	vs. StL
50	Jeremy Hill, RB, CIN	vs. KC
51	Carson Palmer, QB, ARI	at StL
52	Jeremy Maclin, WR, KC	vs. Cin
53	Brandin Cooks, WR, NO	vs. Dal
54	Alshon Jeffery, WR, CHI	vs. Oak
55	Matt Ryan, QB, ATL	vs. Hou
56	Danny Woodhead, RB, SD	vs. Cle
57	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN	at KC
58	Allen Robinson, WR, JAC	vs. Ind
59	Peyton Manning, QB, DEN	vs. Min
60	Vincent Jackson, WR, TB	vs. Car
61	Doug Martin, RB, TB	vs. Car
62	Steve Johnson, WR, SD	at Cle
63	Ryan Mathews, RB, PHI	at Was
64	Travis Kelce, TE, KC	vs. Cin
65	Jarvis Landry, WR, MIA	at NYJ
66	James Jones, WR, GB	vs. SF
67	Tyrod Taylor, QB, BUF	at NYG
68	Sam Bradford, QB, PHI	vs. Was
69	Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS	vs. Phi
70	John Brown, WR, ARI	vs. StL
71	Tyler Eifert, TE, CIN	at KC
72	Ameer Abdullah, RB, DET	vs. Sea
73	Philip Rivers, QB, SD	at Cle
74	Todd Gurley, RB, STL	at Ari
75	Mike Evans, WR, TB	vs. Car
76	Michael Crabtree, WR, OAK	at Chi
77	Golden Tate, WR, DET	at Sea
78	Colin Kaepernick, QB, SF	vs. GB
79	Anquan Boldin, WR, SF	vs. GB
80	Rashad Jennings, RB, NYG	at Buf
81	Jordan Reed, TE, WAS	vs. Phi
82	Percy Harvin, WR, BUF	vs. NYG
83	Marvin Jones, WR, CIN	vs. KC
84	Lance Dunbar, RB, DAL	at NO
85	Drew Brees, QB, NO	vs. Dal
86	Terrance Williams, WR, DAL	at NO
87	Eli Manning, QB, NYG	at Buf
88	Jason Witten, TE, DAL	at NO
89	Allen Hurns, WR, JAC	at Ind
90	Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA	vs. Det
91	Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA	vs. NYJ
92	Nelson Agholor, WR, PHI	at Was
93	Darren Sproles, RB, PHI	at Was
94	Charles Clay, TE, BUF	vs. NYG
95	Mike Wallace, WR, MIN	at Den
96	Travis Benjamin, WR, CLE	at SD
97	Blake Bortles, QB, JAC	at Ind
98	Chris Johnson, RB, ARI	vs. StL
99	Eric Decker, WR, NYJ	at Mia
100	Kyle Rudolph, TE, MIN	at Den

Injury Update

Weston Kenney/Associated Press

Probables

Quarterbacks

• Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills (ankle): Taylor was dinged up toward the end of his Week 3 explosion against the Miami Dolphins, but it looks like he'll be just fine in another nice matchup against the New York Giants this week.
• Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (shoulder): Brees is still hurt, but he seems to be progressing in practice, according to ESPN.com's Mike Triplett. It looks like he'll be back to boost the offense this week.

Running Backs

• Chris Ivory, New York Jets (quad): After a couple of weeks teetering on the edge of being active, Ivory is moving in the right direction with his injury. He gets a nice matchup against a reeling Miami Dolphins defense.
• Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons (toe): Don't expect another three-touchdown supernova from Freeman this week, but it looks like he should be ready to carry the load for another week while Tevin Coleman sits out.
• Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers (ankle): It looks like Lacy is fine after running on that injured ankle last week. He should have a nice game in San Francisco.
• Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers (leg): Who would have thought Jonathan Stewart would be on the injury report so early in the season? He looked iffy for this weekend until the Panthers listed him as probable Friday, but Stewart has been a big disappointment thus far.

Wide Receivers

• Travis Benjamin, Cleveland Browns (ribs): Fantasy football's sixth-best wide receiver looks like he should be good to go this week.
• Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers (shoulder): I think we've established that Cobb's shoulder injury is no longer an issue.
  
• Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs (knee): Maclin's knee was slightly problematic heading into Week 3, and he did just fine in a half's worth of garbage time.

Tight Ends

• Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys (knee, ankle): Witten was on this list last week, but he managed to make it through the game against Atlanta without incident. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said about Dallas' passing game.

Risks

DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia Eagles (hamstring) 

Maybe a week off is just what the doctor ordered for Murray. The reigning rushing champion—who won't be repeating this year—didn't play last week after his former team pummeled him in Week 2. Things are looking up for him to play against another divisional foe in Week 4, but nothing is certain.

Despite being a full participant in practice, Murray is listed as questionable. Hopefully he plays, but it doesn't seem to be a lock. We've seen this with a few players this year—they look like they're ready to roll, only to be declared out Sunday with no aggravation.

Even if he does suit up, Washington isn't the best matchup, and Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles are still around to steal touches.

Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts (shoulder)

Well, this Thursday repot doesn't sound good from ESPN's Adam Schefter:

"

Colts QB Andrew Luck threw a little before practice today but the Colts shut him down for the day, per league source. It is unlikely Luck throws much, or at all, before Sunday. Luck is now considered legitimately questionable to play Sunday vs Jaguars. Another factor in the Colts' decision will be that they will play again Thursday night against the Texans.

"

I cannot recall the last time that so many big-name quarterbacks were injured in succession. A week after Tony Romo was lost for half the season, Brees missed a game and Ben Roethlisberger was knocked out for a few weeks. Now this.

If Luck does play, he's definitely worth starting despite the risk. That is, of course, unless you picked up a quality bench guy such as Tyrod Taylor.

Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons (hamstring, toe)

This is a recurring theme with Julio Jones—the injuries keep piling up for the star receiver.

Now he has a toe injury, one that is thankfully not being classified as turf toe. The fact he has missed or been limited in practice over the past few weeks hasn't done much to slow him down on Sundays, but we could be reaching critical mass with injuries. He could well need to miss some time if anything else gets dinged up.

With that said, you should start him this week. 

Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets (knee)

Decker's return to the lineup would be a huge boon for the New York Jets offense, but only if he's actually able to contribute. His PCL injury doesn't seem to be nearly as severe as, say, Breshad Perriman's out of Baltimore, but Decker may not be a viable fantasy starter until he can play a full game without restriction.

Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals (knee)

Speaking of sprained knees, it looks like Ellington might make his return from the injured MCL he suffered in Week 1. What looked like a nasty non-contact injury turned out to be far less serious, but that doesn't mean you should insert him into your lineup willy-nilly.

Ellington's playing status is still unclear, and the Johnson Bros. have held down the fort in his absence. Even if Ellington goes, it's a good bet the Cardinals will ease him into action to avoid too much early wear and tear.

Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers (concussion)

This would be Green's last chance to shine before Antonio Gates returns. It doesn't mean you should stick him in your lineup, though, even if he does end up playing.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears (hamstring)

It seems that Jeffery is headed for another scratch this week, as ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson reported Friday. Who could blame Jeffery or the Chicago Bears? The season is already lost, so why risk serious injury to your best receiver? Look elsewhere for lineup comfort.

Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans Saints (ankle)

Last week's production from Brandin Cooks was a bit of a surprise considering Luke McCown was throwing him the ball. Were it not for Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and his game-saving interception skills, Cooks might have had a big game.

That same ankle that nagged him last week continues to do so, but at least he will likely get his starting quarterback back this week. Both of those guys are risks, but the Dallas defense is a nice matchup.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers (knee)

It looks like the 49ers will be without their starting tight end this week, at least if his lack of practice is any indication. He's listed as doubtful on the 49ers' injury report. That's too bad because the offense might have some serious garbage-time scoring to do in San Francisco.

Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans (groin)

Foster has been deemed a game-time decision this week, which means fantasy owners will be playing with fire if they stick him in lineups. If he does play, what are the chances he aggravates his groin injury or plays on a "pitch count"?

Still, it'll be difficult to keep him on your bench this week if he does play, and I won't blame you if you put him in.

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers (ankle)

Will the Packers put Adams on the field again this week? Last week didn't turn out so good for him as he aggravated his ankle injury. It's probably best to avoid him for Week 4 in case he is in for a similar fate or the Packers hold him out altogether.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Lynch will probably be a game-time decision this week. That's what Pete Carroll said to 97.3 KIRO radio on Friday (via Seahawks.com). Considering how much wear and tear Lynch has been through over the years, Seattle may opt to rest him to get him fully healthy.

Doubtful or Out

LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills (hamstring)

An early touchdown saved LeSean McCoy owners from total disaster last week, as the talented Bills running back was forced from the game because of his balky hamstring. Even then, he didn't get to double-digit points.

This week, McCoy will probably rest his hamstring so that he might return to full strength sooner rather than risk aggravating it even more. That means Karlos Williams is a must-start.

Branden Albert, OT, Miami Dolphins (hamstring)

If you were counting on Ryan Tannehill or anyone else on that Dolphins offense, you might want to think again. Branden Albert will probably miss another week, per James Walker of ESPN.com, continuing Miami's tradition of trotting out five wet paper towels to block for the quarterback.

Playing a tough Jets defense in London isn't likely to help matters.

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants (calf)

Nothing to see here. Cruz is probably droppable at this point.

Injury updates courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted. 

Sleepers and Busts

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Sleepers

Ty Montgomery, WR, Green Bay Packers

Assuming Davante Adams sits, Ty Montgomery figures to be the No. 3 receiver for the Green Bay Packers. He goes up against a 49ers defense that has given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers thus far this season.

San Francisco figures to key on Randall Cobb and James Jones, which could lead to some big opportunities for Montgomery. 

Garrett Celek, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Celek had himself a fine preseason, and now he will likely find himself in a starting role with Vernon Davis hurting.

The 49ers are probably going to need to throw the ball a lot when the Packers take a big lead, and Celek will be a beneficiary. Seven or eight targets could turn into a nice fantasy output.

Robert Woods, WR, Buffalo Bills

With Sammy Watkins out, look for the Buffalo Bills to get their receiving production from the likes of receiver Percy Harvin and tight end Charles Clay. 

One guy who could have a nice game without any fanfare heading in is Robert Woods, who figures to get the start at No. 2 receiver.

Busts

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston targeted Mike Evans a whopping 17 times last week, and the big receiver managed seven receptions for 101 yards. He might continue to get huge volume, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will translate to points.

To wit, Evans squares off against one of the best cover cornerbacks in the league in Josh Norman. The Carolina defensive back might not match up directly with Evans on every play, but the receiver's fantasy output could be negatively impacted on the whole.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

The Seattle defense got its groove back, and its name is Kam Chancellor.

Well, that, and the Seahawks were backed by the best home crowd in the league when they shut out the Chicago Bears in Week 3. CenturyLink Field provides the kind of environment that makes Matthew Stafford wilt.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

How could Larry Fitzgerald possibly be considered a bust after his white-hot start to the season? Carson Palmer is targeting his big receiver a ton, and Fitzgerald is one of the top fantasy scorers in the league as a result.

Simply put, the St. Louis Rams haven't given up many fantasy points to wide receivers thus far this season. That isn't to say they won't start to bleed against Fitzgerald, but they've given up just 14.4 standard points per game to wideouts in 2015.

There's no way you can sit him, but don't be surprised if Fitzgerald puts up single digits this week.

Start 'Em

Every week we'll take a look at one player from each position who you should be starting, looking beyond the obvious guys of course. Except kickers. They don't belong in fantasy football.

Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

It seems like yesterday that Sam Bradford was a hot fantasy football commodity. It's amazing what a couple of bad games can do to erode confidence. 

Bradford takes on a mediocre Washington pass defense this week, though, and it's about time he gets back on track. With little pass rush to speak of and a middling secondary, Washington probably won't get to Bradford like other teams have this year.

Look for a breakout game for Chip Kelly's prized quarterback.

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

The season began with Chargers running back Danny Woodhead stealing all the goal-line work and generally playing the role of trusted veteran over rookie Melvin Gordon. But that doesn't mean Gordon hasn't been involved in the offense.

Gordon has averaged 15 carries per game so far. A penalty robbed him of a touchdown in Week 1, and he is getting a bigger share of the touches each game. The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, have given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs thus far.

Now would be a good time to unleash the rookie in your fantasy lineups.

Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Why should you stick Nelson Agholor into your lineup after the horrendous start to his fantasy career? It's simple—he's actually getting open, and the Eagles offense is coming around.

Washington's pass defense is middling at best, and it will likely focus on slowing down Jordan Matthews. It'll be the perfect opportunity for Agholor to get going, assuming Bradford is keen on throwing the ball downfield a bit more.

This is certainly a boom-or-bust proposition, but injuries and byes may have pushed you into a corner.  

Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Clearly, I think the Eagles passing game is going to get rolling this week. If you have all these guys, though, it might be best to hedge your bets.

Oakland Raiders D/ST

The Raiders defense is going to pop up a few times in this piece. As streaming defenses go, few look better given the matchup against the Bears.

Sit' Em

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Every week we'll take a look at one player from each position who you should be sitting barring a lack of viable alternatives, looking beyond the obvious guys of course. Except kickers. They don't belong in fantasy football.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins

With offensive tackle Branden Albert likely sitting out this week, Ryan Tannehill could be in for another long day under assault against a tough New York Jets defense.

The Dolphins couldn't get anything going last week as the Buffalo Bills rushed Tannehill into oblivion. That was at home. While this is technically a home game for Miami, the teams play in London. About the only thing Tannehill has going for him is that he's played there before.

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins

Similar sentiments can be voiced about Lamar Miller this week. That entire Dolphins offense could lay an egg in London.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We didn't quite get the fantasy performance we wanted out of Mike Evans last week, but his seven-catch, 101-yard performance was a huge positive step after the goose egg he laid in Week 2.

Unfortunately, Evans runs aground on the Isthmus of Norman. 

The Carolina Panthers are 3-0, and a solid defense has played a big part in the fast start. Cornerback Josh Norman has come into his own as one of the best in the league, and he could be on Evans quite a bit this Sunday.

Gary Barnidge, TE, Cleveland Browns

Don't let one week fool you—the Raiders are terrible against tight ends, which is the only reason Gary Barnidge had a huge game last week. 

San Diego is in the middle of the pack when it comes to giving up fantasy points to tight ends, but it has allowed just more than a third of what Oakland has. He will return to his pedestrian form this week.

St. Louis Rams D/ST

The Rams lead the league in sacks per game and are in the top five in fantasy scoring for defenses and special teams. But have you seen the Arizona offense? The Cardinals may not drop a 50 burger this week, but Carson Palmer and Co. are by far the best unit St. Louis has faced (given Ben Roethlisberger was injured during last week's game).

The DraftKings Scoop

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Here is the Week 4 rundown for DraftKings, if you are of that persuasion. 

The Chalk

chalk (n.)—a player considered to be a consensus pick or a “must-start” option for a given DFS contest, especially in cash games.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers ($9,200)

He may be the most expensive player of the week, but Aaron Rodgers goes from great to fantastic because of the matchup.

The San Francisco 49ers have been abysmal in pass defense over the past couple of weeks, unable to hold Ben Roethlisberger or Carson Palmer in check. Rodgers, meanwhile, is the best quarterback in football.

It'll take some money savings elsewhere, but no quarterback is safer this week. Rodgers even has enough upside to consider in GPP lineups.

Karlos Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills ($3,200)

There may not be a bigger chalk play this entire season than Karlos Williams.

Remember when Giovani Bernard was injured late in 2014 and Jeremy Hill was the de facto workhorse heading into Week 15? Hill's low price made him a great value and a chalk play. It just so happens he had a huge game to reward everyone who nabbed him.

This has a similar feel.

Granted, we can't expect Williams to go north of 100 yards and score two touchdowns like Hill did, but the New York Giants aren't exactly the Seattle Seahawks, either. The rookie is in line for a huge workload, and you can't beat that price. Even if he's a letdown, a massive percentage of the population will be disappointed alongside you.

Martellus Bennett, TE, Chicago Bears ($4,500)

Whether or not Jimmy Clausen short-circuits his value until further notice, Martellus Bennett will probably be heavily owned this week. That's because the Oakland Raiders are giving up the most fantasy points to tight ends this season, and it's not close.

In fact, by nearly a touchdown, on average—20.2 standard fantasy points per game compared to the next-worst team (the Saints) at 14.9.

The Raiders can't cover tight ends, and Bennett could have a field day despite his quarterback.

The Cash Plays

cash game (n.)—a contest in which at least 40 percent of the entrants earn a prize. High-floor players are desirable in cash games.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers ($6,900)

The Packers are nine-point favorites on the road this week. That's massive.

It also means they are liable to hold a big lead over the 49ers at some point, though we could have told you that without looking at the Vegas odds. A big lead typically leads to more running, which would be a boon to Eddie Lacy this week. Green Bay might look to keep him fresh by getting James Starks on the field more, but Lacy should have a good day regardless.

Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons ($9,300)

He is listed as questionable on the injury report, but this is shaping up to be a weekly theme for Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons. He should be a go, and Jones is the new Megatron—a top-10 fantasy option every week who is worthwhile fitting into cash lineups wherever you can.

That paragraph gave me deja vu.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears ($7,100)

There is nothing to like about the Bears offense, but Matt Forte comes close.

The veteran had a decent outing in an awful matchup last week against the Seahawks, rushing for 74 yards in a lost cause. This week the Bears are home against a Raiders defense that has given up nearly twice as many fantasy points per game than Chicago's last opponent.

Look for the Bears to run plenty of offense through their workhorse this week.

Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders ($6,300)

Forte's counterpart on the Raiders should also be in for a nice game, but for different reasons. Instead of being the focal point of the offense, Murray should have a nice fantasy output by virtue of a great matchup and a big lead.

The Raiders come to town as favorites, and rightfully so—the Bears are awful. Murray should be a nice cash game value this week.

The Stacks

stack (v.)—rostering two to three players from the same NFL team with the hope that if one player performs extremely well, then the other one to two players will also benefit.

Aaron Rodgers, QB ($9,200) and Randall Cobb, WR, ($7,400) or James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers ($5,300)

With the New England Patriots out of action, the Packers become arguably the most stackable team. 

Rodgers might be at the peak of his powers, though it's hard to say for sure since he keeps upping the ante. He won't be at home this week, which is about the only negative thing you could say about his prospects for Week 4.

That Packers offense is humming despite personnel losses. Those who are still around to catch passes from the reigning MVP should have another big week against that weak 49ers defense.

Derek Carr, QB ($7,000) and Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders ($6,300)

I said Green Bay is "arguably" the most stackable team this week because there is another great option—the Oakland Raiders.

That's right. Don't worry, hell hasn't frozen over. But a pig might have been on a plane over your house just now.

Quarterback Derek Carr has thrown for more than 300 yards with multiple touchdowns in each of the past two games after a humiliating Week 1 showing against the Cincinnati Bengals. He heads to Chicago to face a Bears team that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and sixth-most to receivers.

That's where Carr's main man comes in—Amari Cooper figures to feast on that weak secondary this week.

Colin Kaepernick, QB ($5,500) and Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers ($4,600)

If you had started this duo a couple of weeks ago like we told you here, you would have probably been in good shape. Colin Kaepernick and Torrey Smith hooked up for a huge game after falling behind big to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

True, they fell behind big to the Arizona Cardinals last week, only to continue stinking through the second half. But that was a divisional game on the road against a much better defense.

This week, Rodgers and Co. head west from Green Bay to continue punishing that 49ers defense, which could lead for another extended period of garbage time for Kaepernick and Co. Of course, you should only consider this stack in GPP tournaments.

Latavius Murray, RB ($6,300) and Oakland Raiders D/ST ($2,600)

If you are looking for interesting ways to stack your roster, using the Raiders defense might be a relatively uncommon one.

That Oakland defense might not be terribly good, but it could have a field day against Chicago quarterback Jimmy Clausen and that ailing Bears offense. Pairing that defense with Latavius Murray could bring huge returns at a modest combined price.

The GPP Plays

GPP (n.)—stands for “Guaranteed Prize Pool.” It is a type of tournament for which the daily fantasy sports site promises a specific prize pool amount to be divided among the winners regardless of entry count.

Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars ($3,700)

Hurns was on here last week, and he delivered with 70 yards and a touchdown. This week he should benefit from the likelihood that Colts cornerback Vontae Davis will cover Allen Robinson.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Indianapolis Colts ($5,000)

With Andrew Luck in serious question this week, Matt Hasselbeck suddenly becomes an intriguing option at minimum price. Of course, it all depends on whether Luck can play—a short ensuing week complicates things for the star quarterback—and if Hasselbeck is at all effective at 40 years of age. 

Throwing minimum-priced players into lineups gives you better options elsewhere, though, at least in theory. And who knows what Hasselbeck might conjure up with that arsenal.

Ty Montgomery, WR, Green Bay Packers ($3,000)

At minimum price, Montgomery won't even need to have a huge game to meet value—four or five catches for 50 yards will do. With big upside in a good matchup, though, Montgomery could be a real difference-maker in lineups this week.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars ($4,400)

Don't use T.J. Yeldon if you already have Hurns in your lineup—unless you think the Jaguars are going to blow away the Colts.

Yeldon has been unspectacular thus far, but he is getting the majority of the work for the Jaguars. The Colts, meanwhile, have given up more than 400 total yards and four touchdowns to opposing running backs through three games this season.

Whether or not Luck plays, the Jaguars might look to control the clock on the road. That means a healthy dose of the rookie early on.

Larry Donnell, TE, New York Giants ($2,900)

This is skewed by having faced Rob Gronkowski in Week 2, but the Buffalo Bills are giving up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. If the Giants fall behind, they are going to rely on the passing game to keep up.

This could be one of those weeks when Larry Donnell scores, and his low price means he won't need a huge game to bring a decent return on investment.

Daily fantasy definitions courtesy of Cracking DraftKings over at FootballGuys.com.

Last-Minute Waiver Options

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks

If Marshawn Lynch can't go this week, Thomas Rawls will make for an excellent spot start. He may not be available by virtue of his nice performance in Lynch's stead last week, but it's definitely worthwhile looking into his availability.

Even if Lynch plays, Rawls is worth a stash if you have the bench space. You never know when Beast Mode might be switched off.

DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins

This wouldn't be the week to stick him into any lineups, but DeVante Parker appears headed toward a starting job soon. He garnered 41 offensive snaps last week according to Football Outsiders, third-most among wideouts on the team.

Once Parker gets on the field as a starter, he should start putting up some nice fantasy numbers. It's better to nab him now before he becomes a must-add in a week or two.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

If for whatever reason you play in a league where 30 quarterbacks are taken—perhaps one where you start two quarterbacks—and you really need someone, Matt Hasselbeck might be your huckleberry.

Of course, it all depends on Andrew Luck's availability, but 40-year-old Hasselbeck is ready to step in and save the day. Or at least prevent you from getting a goose egg, in theory.

Oakland Raiders D/ST

If you are streaming defenses this season, few likely available ones will be better pickups than the Oakland Raiders. We already discussed them being a nice, cheap option over at DraftKings, and that's because they face Jimmy Clausen and the increasingly hapless Bears.

What Other Experts Are Saying

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Sablich brothers—Justin and Jason—also warn in the New York Times that Larry Fitzgerald might not have a big game against a relatively stingy Rams defense:

"

But daily leaguers should be aware that the Rams rank as the third worst fantasy matchup for receivers, having permitted just 347 yards and one touchdown through three games. With the Rams run defense as bad as it has been (122 Y.P.G., 25th overall), the Cards would be wise to lean on the run game anyway.

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The Oakland Raiders offense and certain Chicago Bears look like good fantasy options to Michael Beller of Sports Illustrated too:

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This Raiders offense graduated from stay-away territory last week, and it did so largely because of the efforts of Carr, Murray and Cooper. I was down on Cooper heading into the season because of the offense, and even after Week 1, but I have to admit that I was wrong. Derek Carr is not holding him back at all. In fact, he and Carr are thriving together. Both Cooper and Murray have reached matchup-proof status, though it helps that the Bears present one of the best matchups in the league. As for Forte, his days in Chicago could be numbered, and if he’s on your team, you have to hope that the Bears do something we see so rarely in football: trade a big-name player during the season. The Raiders have allowed the most points to tight ends this year, letting every starter at the position they’ve faced score at least one touchdown. Bennett should have a nice day, even with Jimmy Clausen under center.

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Matthew Berry doesn't like Ryan Tannehill very much either in this week's Love/Hate over at ESPN.com

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In six career games versus the Jets, Tannehill has thrown four touchdowns to go along with six interceptions. Meanwhile, the Jets have allowed opponents to complete just 21.1 percent of deep passes, lowest in the league this season. Tannehill has attempted 30 deep passes this season, fourth-most in the league. I'm not expecting the deep stuff to work against the Jets, and with the Dolphins' run game struggling as well, this should be a low-scoring affair. 

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All fantasy rankings and statistics courtesy of FFToday.com. All Vegas odds courtesy of OddsShark.com.

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