After an exciting three weeks of NFL action, Week 4 provides a number of start/sit dilemmas for fantasy football. With playing time shaking out among these depth charts, start ’em/sit ’em decisions become easier on a week-to-week basis. With that said, here are a few players to start and fade ahead of the Week 4 fantasy football slate
Start ’em, Sit ’em – NFL Week 4 Fantasy Football Lineup Picks
Quarterback: Start ‘Em
Joe Burrow, CIN (vs. JAX)
After facing the Chargers, Browns, and Eagles, Joe Burrow finally finds himself projected to win a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow currently averages just 5.8 yards per attempt (32nd), completing 68.9% of his passes. However, overall volume keeps Burrow viable on a week-to-week basis.
The Bengals average 75 plays per game (second) and throw the ball 68.9% of the time. This has allowed Burrow to average 47 pass attempts per game, elevating his box score statistics. With the schedule finally lightening up, Burrow looks like a strong starting option at quarterback in Week 4.
Quarterback: Sit ‘Em
Baker Mayfield, CLE (at DAL)
Disappointing through three weeks, Mayfield finally appears to have a solid matchup in Week 4 against the Cowboys. However, Mayfield has averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt (27th) with a disappointing 62.4% completion percentage.
As for the matchup, teams continue to find success passing on Dallas. However, Cleveland has shown no desire to pass the ball. On top of only running 62.7 plays per game (22nd), Cleveland throws the ball just 47.3% of the time. If Cleveland takes a lead, the Browns likely employ their characteristic run-first approach. In the event they’re trailing, Mayfield likely underperforms anyway. With better options on the waiver wire, Mayfield remains a sit this week.
Running Back: Start ‘Em
Darrell Henderson, LAR (vs. NYG)
With Cam Akers injured in Week 3, Henderson played a larger offensive role and actually out-performed Malcolm Brown. Henderson and Brown played the same amount of snaps, but Henderson out-carried Brown 20-7 and out-targeted him 2-1.
This week, the Rams face the New York Giants as 12.5-point favorites. The Rams already run more than any other team in the league, making both runners potentially viable. However, with Akers set to sit and Brown already losing work, Henderson looks like the back to start in this offense.
Running Back: Sit ‘Em
Todd Gurley, ATL (at GB)
Initially drafted in the third round of fantasy leagues, Gurley continues to disappoint on a weekly basis. So far this year, Gurley accounted for just 197 rushing yards and a pair of scores on 49 attempts. More importantly, the continues to cede backfield work with increasing severity.
Last week alone, Gurley only out-snapped Brian Hill 35-23. He also only out-carried Hill 14-9. Hill proved efficient, rushing for 58 yards on nine attempts and catching 1-3 targets for an additional 22 yards. With the Falcons increasingly employing a running back committee, Gurley looks like a sit candidate in Week 4.
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Wide Receiver: Start ‘Em
Davante Adams, GB (vs. ATL)
Reportedly on track to play in Week 4, Adams draws a tantalizing matchup against the Falcons’ secondary. Adams situation is slightly concerning because the Packers play on Monday Night Football. However, in the off-chance Adams can’t suit up, the Packers present readily available replacements on the waiver wire.
As for situation, this game sits with a 57.5 total and the Packers favored by a score. More importantly, the Falcons allow 7.8 yards per pass attempt, which ranks bottom 10 in the league. Adams received an enormous 17 targets in Week 1 prior to his injury in Week 2. Even a fraction of the targets in this matchup deserves a start in fantasy football.
Wide Receiver: Sit ‘Em
Terry McLaurin, WAS (vs. BAL)
While McLaurin has produced 269 receiving yards and a score on just 16 receptions this season, his Week 4 matchup remains a major concern. Slated to face off against the Baltimore Ravens with Dwayne Haskins struggling, McLaurin looks like a possible sit ’em candidate.
Prior to allowing 385 passing yards to Patrick Mahomes in Week 3, the Ravens looked like a top secondary in the league. Now slated to face Haskins, it looks like Baltimore should bounce back easily. Haskins currently averages 6.2 yards per pass attempt (30th) and holds a 56.4% completion percentage. While McLaurin’s talent is undeniable, his situation in Week 4 is one of the worst in football. Consider sitting McLaurin if other options present themselves.
Tight End: Start ‘Em
Rob Gronkowski, TB (vs. LAC)
With Chris Godwin already ruled out and Scott Miller looking questionable at best, Gronkowski could play an elevated role in Tampa Bay’s passing attack this weekend. Last week alone, Gronkowski led the team with seven targets and played 93% of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps.
Importantly, Gronkowski showed solid efficiency on his playing time. While he still blocked over 50% of the time, he reeled in six catches for 48 yards. Tampa Bay already employed 12 personnel often with O.J. Howard also on the team. With player personnel issues, Gronkowski’s snaps share should be high, and he looks like a solid spot starter in Week 4.
Tight End: Sit ‘Em
Tyler Higbee, LAR (vs. NYG)
While Higbee’s three touchdowns on 11 targets look solid in box score hunting. His low volume role in Los Angeles’ offense projects to lead to lower output in future games. One such game could occur in Week 4 with the Rams slated to take on the New York Giants as 12.5-point favorites.
The Rams currently rank dead last in pass rate (45.9%), which figures to depress the overall pass game here. Magnifying Higbee’s bust potential, he only ran a route on 40% of Jared Goff‘s dropbacks in Week 3. With multiple concerns, fantasy owners should sit Higbee this weekend.
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