WEEK 4 START ‘EM, SIT ‘EM
Week 3 Top Performers:
QB:
- Russell Wilson – 32/50 attempts – 406 yards – 2 TD’s / 7 rushes – 51 yards – 2 TD’s
- Daniel Jones – 23/36 attempts – 336 yards – 2 TD’s / 4 rushes – 28 yards – 2 TD’s
- Patrick Mahomes – 27/37 attempts – 374 yards – 3 TD’s / 4 rushes – 9 yards
- Jameis Winston – 23/37 attempts – 380 yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT / 4 rushes – 3 yards
- Deshaun Watson – 25/34 attempts – 351 yards – 3 TD’s / 7 rushes – 18 yards
RB:
- Mark Ingram – 16 carries – 103 yards – 3 TD’s / 4 receptions – 32 yards
- Alvin Kamara – 16 carries – 69 yards – 1 TD / 9 receptions – 92 yards – 1 TD
- Phillip Lindsay – 21 carries – 81 yards – 2 TD’s / 4 receptions – 49 yards
- Christian McCaffery – 24 carries – 153 yards – 1 TD / 3 receptions – 35 yards
- Dalvin Cook – 16 carries – 110 yards – 1 TD / 4 receptions – 33 yards
WR:
- Mike Evans – 8 receptions – 190 yards – 3 TD’s
- Keenan Allen – 13 receptions – 183 yards – 2 TD’s / 1 carry – 3 yards
- Taylor Gabriel – 6 receptions – 75 yards – 3 TD’s / 1 carry – 7 yards
- Cooper Kupp – 11 receptions – 102 yards – 2 TD’s
- Tyler Lockett – 11 receptions – 154 yards – 1 TD
TE:
- Greg Olsen – 6 receptions – 75 yards – 2 TD’s
- Austin Hooper – 6 receptions – 66 yards – 2 TD’s
- Jordan Akins – 3 receptions – 73 yards – 2 TD’s
- Darren Waller – 13 receptions – 134 yards / 1 carry – 7 yards
- Evan Engram – 6 receptions – 113 yards – 1 TD
Criteria for the Start/Sit categories
Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the matchup. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the matchup and other possible reasons. I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It players are players that are irrelevant at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.
EAGLES @ PACKERS
Auto Start:
- Carson Wentz
- Zach Ertz
- Aaron Rodgers
- Davante Adams
Start:
- Alshon Jeffery (IF PLAYING)
- Nelson Agholor
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Sit:
- Miles Sanders & Jordan Howard
- DeSean Jackson (OUT)
- JJ Arcega-Whiteside
- Aaron Jones & Jamaal Williams
- Geronimo Allison
- Jimmy Graham
Don’t Sweat It:
- Mack Hollins
- Darren Sproles
- Dallas Goedert
Conclusion:
So the Packers defense is legit now? Okay, yeah, cool just checking. To top it all off the Eagles are still without DeSean Jackson, along with a banged-up Alshon Jeffery, and a Nelson Agholor who’s not here for a long time but a good time. Aaron Jones is sharing 50% of the carries with a guy who thinks he’s the most talented player on the field when it’s raining, cough…cough….Jamaal Williams. Through three weeks, MVS and Davante Adams basically have the same amount of targets but it’s still easy to chalk up Adams as the auto-start. In seasonal and DFS, MVS could be a sneaky good play this week so be open to the idea of starting him.
PATRIOTS @ BILLS
Auto Start:
- NONE
Start:
- Tom Brady
- James White
- Julian Edelman (IF PLAYING)
Sit:
- Sony Michel
- Rex Burkhead
- Josh Gordon
- Phillip Dorsett
- Josh Allen
- John Brown
- Frank Gore
- Cole Beasley
- Isaiah McKenzie
Don’t Sweat It:
- Devin Singletary (POSSIBLY OUT)
- Zay Jones
- Robert Foster
- Dawson Knox
Conclusion:
As you can see above there are zero auto-starts and a truck-load of sit players in this matchup. With both defenses looking to be at top form, I plan on benching the majority of these guys outside of father time himself Tom Brady and his favorite pass-catching back James White. With how Sony Michel is looking, I’m steering clear of him from my lineups until he proves otherwise. In this game, I feel confident taking Brady’s old reliables like Julian Edelman and White, as your safest bets. If you’re going to start any Bills players look Frank Gore’s way he totaled 89 yards and 1 TD last week.
TITANS @ FALCONS
Auto Start:
- Derrick Henry
- Matt Ryan
- Julio Jones
- Austin Hooper
Start:
- Adam Humphries
- Delanie Walker
- Calvin Ridley
Sit:
- Marcus Mariota
- Corey Davis
- AJ Brown
- Devonta Freeman
- Ito Smith
- Mohammad Sanu
Don’t Sweat It:
- Dion Lewis
- Tajae Sharpe
Conclusion:
I wish I could say this is a top matchup of the week but Tennessee as a whole makes me want to throw up. Devonta Freeman had a mini bounce back last week but if I have any other options he’s out. Every other Falcon deserves a start especially a TE like Austin Hooper who slid under most gamers radars this offseason. Speaking of TE Delanie Walker is starting to grow on me mainly because he’s becoming the Titans only pass-catching option. That being said, don’t overthink Derrick Henry, he’s the focal point of that offense.
BROWNS @ RAVENS
Auto Start:
- Nick Chubb
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Lamar Jackson
Start:
- Baker Mayfield
- Jarvis Landry
- Mark Ingram II
- Marquise Brown
- Mark Andrews (IF AVAILABLE)
Sit:
- Demetrius Harris
- Gus Edwards
- Justice Hill
- Willie Snead IV
Don’t Sweat It:
- D’Ernest Johnson
- Rashard Higgins
- David Njoku (OUT)
- Nick Boyle
- Seth Roberts
Conclusion:
WHY ARE THE BROWNS SO BAD?! I can imagine this screaming through everyone’s head after these abysmal three weeks. If the Browns are going to get it together it’s gotta be Week 4 right? Nick Chubb is really the only player I trust on this offense but I’m willing to gamble on Baker Mayfield against the Ravens which I’m expecting to be a shoot-out. Play your Ravens but be wary of Mark Andrews and his foot injury. It’s early in the week but he could end up being a game-time decision. Either way, Andrews is worth rolling the dice on.
CHIEFS @ LIONS
Auto Start:
- Patrick Mahomes
- Mecole Hardman
- Travis Kelce
- Kenny Golladay
- Kerryon Johnson
Start:
- Sammy Watkins
- Matt Stafford
- Marvin Jones Jr.
Sit:
- LeSean McCoy & Damien Williams
- Demarcus Robinson
- T.J. Hockensen
Don’t Sweat It:
- Darwin Thompson
- Ty Johnson
- Danny Amendola
- Jessie James
Conclusion:
The Chiefs look really good, don’t they? Patrick Mahomes makes everyone an easy start against almost any team in the league, get used to it. I really, really, really want this to be a close game because I think it has some serious potential for a large number of points. Matt Stafford could be in for more attempts than usual so if you felt at any time you might start him now is the time. Kenny Golladay owners don’t you worry, last week is not reflective of what the rest of the season is going to look like. It is nice to see Marvin Jones Jr. back to doing Marvin Jones Jr. things but I would be careful with him down the road.
PANTHERS @ TEXANS
Auto Start:
- Christian McCaffery
- Greg Olsen
- Deshaun Watson
- DeAndre Hopkins
Start:
- Kyle Allen
- DJ Moore
- Curtis Samuel
- Will Fuller
Sit:
- Duke Johnson & Carlos Hyde
- Keke Coutee & Kenny Stills
Don’t Sweat It:
- Cam Newton (OUT)
- Jarius Wright
- Chris Hogan
- Jordan Akins
Conclusion:
It may be too early to say but I think Kyle Allen is #good. This offense is booming, trending upwards, and better than ever with the number of weapons at Carolina’s disposal. Just play ‘em all and don’t look back especially against the Texans, thus earning the matchup of the week award. At some point we’ve got to see more out of this Texans offense with Deshaun Watson under center, therefore, his WR’s shall benefit from it. With that being said, think it’s been long enough since the last time DeAndre Hopkins had a 100 yard week. We may get to see Will Fuller if we’re lucky, vaulting him into the discussion after this week but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to get concerned about his production.
RAIDERS @ COLTS
Auto Start:
- Tyrell Williams
- Darren Waller
- TY Hilton (IF PLAYING)
Start:
- Josh Jacobs (IF PLAYING)
- Marlon Mack
- Parris Campbell (IF TY HILTON IS OUT)
Sit:
- Derek Carr
- Jalen Richard
- Jacoby Brissett
- Zach Pascal
- Eric Ebron
Don’t Sweat It:
- Hunter Renfroe
- Jordan Wilkins
- Nyheim Hines
- Chester Rogers
- Deon Cain
Conclusion:
This is one of the worst matchups of the week in my opinion. There’s just not enough players in this game that you love. Jacoby Brissett has continued to look the part as a startable QB but without TY Hilton it’s hard to want to play him. If Hilton is out, Parris Campbell could be in for a big week as long as Brissett is targeting him. For the Raiders, Darren Waller continues to shine as a top ten TE, Tyrell Williams is still the only WR in Oakland, and Josh Jacobs is dealing with a groin injury that appeared to slow him down last week. Point being, avoid this game if possible.
CHARGERS @ DOLPHINS
Auto Start:
- Keenan Allen
- Austin Ekeler
Start:
- Phillip Rivers
Sit:
- Justin Jackson
- Mike Williams
- Preston Williams
Don’t Sweat It:
- Travis Benjamin
- Dontrell Inman
- ALL OTHER DOLPHINS
Conclusion:
Phillip Rivers against the Dolphins will be your safest QB play that you will find this week. That being said, Keenan Allen is now #1 in targets and until Melvin Gordon comes back, Allen is going to be the top option all year long. Once again the Dolphins suck but the light that shines brightest on their team is Preston Williams. He’s talented and that’s obvious but he’s not going to provide you with enough points so SIT ALL YOUR DOLPHINS.
REDSKINS @ GIANTS
Auto Start:
- Sterling Shepard
- Evan Engram
Start:
- Chris Thompson
- Terry McLaurin
- Daniel Jones
Sit:
- Case Keenum & Dwayne Haskins
- Adrian Peterson
- Paul Richardson
- Vernon Davis
- Wayne Gallman
- Darius Slayton
Don’t Sweat It:
- Trey Quinn
- Saquon Barkley (OUT)
- Cody Latimer
- Bennie Fowler
Conclusion:
This is another one of those matchups that you’re most likely not watching. I, on the other hand, am excited to watch this game. Sterling Shephard is BACK and gave every fantasy owner what they asked for, Evan Engram may just be TE 1 by the end of the season as long as he keeps it up, and we can’t forget about the man, the myth, the legend, Daniel Jones. Look to him to start in your lineups if you’re struggling with a decision. For the Redskins, I only like Chris Thompson and rookie phenom Terry McLaurin who has at least 60 yards and a touchdown in every game he’s played. It’s officially time to start Terry McLaurin guys and when Dwayne Haskins gets his shot to start it’s wheels up for McLaurin.
SEAHAWKS @ CARDINALS
Auto Start:
- Russell Wilson
- Tyler Lockett
- Kyler Murray
- David Johnson
- Larry Fitzgerald
Start:
- DK Metcalf
- Will Dissly
- Christian Kirk
Sit:
- Chris Carson & Rashaad Penny
- C.J. Prosise
- KeeSean Johnson
Don’t Sweat It:
- David Moore
- Jaron Brown
- Chase Edmonds
- Damiere Byrd
Conclusion:
Holy Russell Wilson last week, maybe someone should tell the Hawks, it’s time to let Russell Wilson do what Russell Wilson does best and that’s throwing the pigskin. With what should be an entertaining shoot-out in Arizona you must find a way to play all your Seahawks and all your Cardinals. The only player I want to avoid is Chris Carson and that’s mainly due to the number of fumbles he’s given up through 3 weeks. It’s make or break time for Carson and I don’t think this matchup is favorable for him. Kyler Murray, David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Christian Kirk should all be starting and don’t think twice. See isn’t fantasy football easy?
BUCCANEERS @ RAMS
Auto Start:
- Mike Evans
- Chris Godwin
- Cooper Kupp
- Brandin Cooks
Start:
- Jameis Winston
- OJ Howard
- Jared Goff
- Todd Gurley
Sit:
- Peyton Barber & Ronald Jones
- Malcolm Brown
- Robert Woods
Don’t Sweat It:
- Breshad Perriman
- Cameron Brate
- Josh Reynolds
- Gerald Everett
Conclusion:
I want to believe this game is going to be a shoot-out but something tells me there’s a good chance we see a bunch of turnovers in this game. The good news is that you can start 90% of players on both teams with the potential that this game is high scoring. There are so many talented receivers playing in this matchup that I could only pick one guy to sit and that’s Robert Woods receiving less than 50 yards two weeks in a row and zero touchdowns on the year. To me, he looks to be the 3rd option in this offense behind Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin hopefully won’t take turns on who does and who doesn’t score points week to week. That being said, the Rams have a tough defense and I’m slightly concerned about Jameis Winston. I’m going all-in on him anyways.
VIKINGS @ BEARS
Auto Start:
- Dalvin Cook
- Allen Robinson
Start:
- Adam Thielen
- David Montgomery
Sit:
- Kirk Cousins
- Stefon Diggs
- Mitchell Trubisky
- Tarik Cohen
- Taylor Gabriel
Don’t Sweat It:
- Alexander Mattison
- Kyle Rudolph & Irv Smith Jr.
- Mike Boone
- Mike Davis
- Anthony Miller
- Cordarrelle Patterson
- Trey Burton
Conclusion:
Anyone else interested in seeing what Dalvin Cook can do against the Bears? We haven’t seen Cook challenged this year but just because the Bears are good on defense doesn’t mean I’m benching him. Repeat after me, Dalvin Cook will forever be an auto-start no matter the matchup. In addition, Adam Thielen is the only other Viking to play and I can’t see this changing until Stefon Diggs gets more attention from Kirk Cousins. Taylor Gabriel looked great last week but I’m waiting to see another week before wanting to play him considering how bad Mitchell Trubisky looks through 3 weeks. I’m also buying into David Montgomery from this point forward. Last week Chicago used Montgomery quite a bit in a favorable matchup and as long as they aren’t playing from behind Chicago will look to run.
JAGUARS @ BRONCOS
Auto Start:
- NONE
Start:
- Leonard Fournette
- Emmanuel Sanders
Sit:
- Gardner Minshew
- DJ Chark
- Dede Westbrook
- Chris Conley
- Joe Flacco
- Phillip Lindsay & Royce Freeman
- Courtland Sutton
Don’t Sweat It:
- James O’Shaughnessy
- Noah Fant
Conclusion:
Here we go again. I hate having to write up my Broncos because the reality is we suck and we deserve a do-over. Against the Jags defense, I’m willing to bet Emmanuel Sanders will be Joe Flacco’s go-to guy despite how consistent Courtland Sutton has been week to week. I’m flip-flopping on Denver’s running back options which tells me one thing, bench them both. The Jags are tough to decipher against the Broncos. On one hand Denver hasn’t particularly played well on defense but on the other hand, Chris Harris completely shut down Davante Adams last week and the same will go for DJ Chark, the Jaguars only fantasy producing receiver.
COWBOYS @ SAINTS
Auto Start:
- Alvin Kamara
- Michael Thomas
- Dak Prescott
- Ezekiel Elliot
- Amari Cooper
Start:
- Jason Witten
- Randall Cobb
Sit:
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Latavius Murray
- Ted Ginn Jr.
- Tre’Quan Smith
- Jared Cook
- Tony Pollard
- Devin Smith
Don’t Sweat It:
- Drew Brees (OUT)
- Taysom Hill
- Michael Gallup (OUT)
Conclusion:
Another top matchup of the week so play everyone! Even Jason Witten deserves a look and is currently TE 11 in half-point-per-reception leagues. There should be points through the air, on the ground, and everything in between. This is another don’t overthink it type of situation. The only player I would be concerned about is Teddy Bridgewater, there’s plenty of other options this week and he really hasn’t proven anything yet.
BENGALS @ STEELERS
Auto Start:
- Joe Mixon
- Tyler Boyd
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
Start:
- John Ross III
- Mason Rudolph
- James Conner
Sit:
- Andy Dalton
- Gio Bernard
- Auden Tate
- Diontae Johnson
- James Washington
- Vance McDonald (OUT)
Don’t Sweat It:
- Tyler Eifert
Conclusion:
Last but not least we’ve got this hot garbage of a matchup. Being that the Bengals have given up a ridiculous amount of points to running backs this season, I’m giving James Conner the nod even though I don’t quite believe in him. This could also be a game where Mason Rudolph finds his groove in this offense without Vance McDonald so expect more out of JuJu Smith-Schuster this week as well. Easy decisions here with the Bengals, play Joe Mixon, play Tyler Boyd, play John Ross III, and play Andy Dalton at your own risk but just know he’s on my bench.
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