Fantasy Football Week 4: Ultimate Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Guide

Alright, guys and gals, Week 4 is officially upon us, and you know what that means! We're deep enough into the season to have some actual data, but still early enough for unexpected breakouts and some truly baffling duds. This is where the rubber meets the road, and your start 'em, sit 'em decisions can literally make or break your fantasy matchup. We've seen some crazy stuff already – injuries, surprise performances, and defenses that are either stone walls or sieve-like. Don't worry, though; I’m here to help you navigate these choppy waters, providing you with high-quality content and valuable insights to make sure your lineup is stacked for success. Forget about those robotic summaries or generic advice; we're diving deep into the player analysis to help you secure that crucial W. So, let's cut through the noise and figure out who to roll with and who to bench in Week 4 fantasy football. — Jeffrey Dahmer Crime Scene Photos: What They Reveal

Week 4 Start 'Em: Must-Plays and High Upside Picks

When it comes to start 'em fantasy football picks for Week 4, we're looking for players with excellent matchups, consistent volume, and a high ceiling for fantasy points. These are the guys who have the potential to explode and carry your team to victory. We've got a good sense of how teams are performing, which defenses are struggling, and which offenses are clicking. It's all about finding those sweet spots where opportunity meets talent, and for Week 4, there are definitely a few players who stand out as must-starts. — Packers Game Today: All You Need To Know

Quarterbacks You Can't Bench

This week, when we talk about quarterbacks you can't bench, we need to focus on signal-callers who not only have a strong arm but also a favorable defensive matchup, offering a high floor and an even higher ceiling. One name that immediately springs to mind is Jalen Hurts. He's been an absolute fantasy goldmine, and Week 4 looks to continue that trend against a defense that, while not terrible, has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against mobile quarterbacks who can exploit them both through the air and on the ground. Hurts' dual-threat ability isn't just a bonus; it's his superpower, giving him an incredibly high floor even if his passing numbers aren't astronomical. He consistently racks up rushing yards and touchdowns, making him virtually matchup-proof in most scenarios, but this week's opponent offers even more potential for a truly dominant performance. Think about the red-zone opportunities; with his ability to scramble and the Eagles' strong offensive line, he’s a prime candidate for multiple scores. His receiving corps, featuring A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, are consistently getting open, and the play-calling is designed to maximize his strengths. You simply cannot sit Jalen Hurts this week; he's a true set-and-forget option who will deliver big points. Another compelling option who should be firmly in your start 'em lineup is a guy like Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars' offense has been humming, and Lawrence has shown significant growth in his decision-making and accuracy. This week, he faces a defense that has been particularly generous to opposing quarterbacks, struggling to generate consistent pressure and often leaving their secondary exposed. Lawrence has a fantastic arsenal of weapons, including Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram, all of whom are capable of turning short passes into big gains. He's been distributing the ball effectively, and the team's commitment to a balanced attack keeps defenses honest, opening up more passing lanes. His rushing upside, though not on Hurts' level, is still present and adds to his fantasy floor. Given the matchup and his recent form, Lawrence is poised for a top-tier fantasy performance and is an absolute must-start in all formats. His ability to connect on deep passes combined with the sheer volume of attempts he’s likely to see makes him an incredibly attractive option, especially if you’re looking for a quarterback who can light up the scoreboard with passing yardage and multiple touchdowns. Don't overthink it with these guys; their talent and favorable circumstances make them elite choices for Week 4.

Running Backs to Ride With

For running backs to ride with in Week 4, we're targeting workhorses who get plenty of touches, especially in the red zone, and are up against defenses that struggle to stop the run. Tony Pollard immediately jumps out as an undeniable start 'em option. The guy is a legitimate bell-cow back in Dallas, handling virtually all of the high-value touches. He's not just a runner; he's a dynamic receiver out of the backfield, adding a crucial layer to his fantasy production. This week, the Cowboys face a defense that has historically struggled against physical run games and backs who can catch passes. Pollard's explosiveness and ability to break tackles make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and his consistent volume ensures a high floor. With the Cowboys' offense often playing with a lead, he'll likely get plenty of carries to milk the clock, further boosting his stats. He's a true three-down back, which is a rare and valuable commodity in today's NFL. Don't hesitate to deploy him; he's a cornerstone for your Week 4 lineup. Another fantastic option, especially if you're looking for consistent production, is Christian McCaffrey. Yeah, yeah, I know, he's basically a cheat code every week, but he's worth discussing because of his unparalleled ceiling. This week, the 49ers face a defense that, while solid, has shown it can be gassed by consistent offensive pressure, and McCaffrey is the definition of consistent pressure. He literally touches the ball on every down if they let him, running, catching, and even blocking effectively. His sheer volume, combined with his incredible efficiency and nose for the end zone, makes him an unbenchable superstar. Even against a tough defense, McCaffrey's role in the offense is so central that he will get his yards and often find the end zone multiple times. He's not just a runner; he's often the team's leading receiver, creating a truly unique and dominant fantasy profile. If you have him, you're starting him, full stop. He’s the type of player who can win you your week all by himself, and Week 4 against this particular opponent sets him up for another monstrous performance. He’s been an absolute force, turning short passes into long gains and consistently finding the end zone, proving that even with a high price tag, his weekly output justifies it every single time. His blend of elusiveness, power, and receiving chops ensures he’s always a threat to deliver big-time points, making him an automatic start regardless of the perceived difficulty of the matchup. When you're making your final lineup decisions, keep these guys at the top of your list; they're the engines of your fantasy team.

Wide Receivers Primed for Big Games

Alright, for our wide receivers primed for big games in Week 4, we're scouting for target hogs with favorable matchups against vulnerable secondaries. One player who absolutely needs to be in your start 'em conversation is Puka Nacua. This guy has been an absolute revelation, quickly establishing himself as a target monster for the Rams. Even with Cooper Kupp returning, Nacua has shown that his target share is not a fluke, and his connection with his quarterback is undeniable. This week, he faces a defense that has struggled immensely against slot receivers and lacks a shutdown corner capable of consistently covering his blend of size and route-running ability. His ability to rack up receptions means he has an incredibly safe floor in PPR leagues, and his red-zone usage has given him a high touchdown upside. He's proven he can turn short passes into significant gains after the catch, and his grit and determination are evident on every single play. Don't be fooled by his rookie status; he's playing like a seasoned veteran, and the offensive scheme is designed to get him the ball often and in advantageous positions. He's not just a volume play; he's an efficiency play that you simply cannot bench in Week 4. Prepare for him to continue his breakout campaign. Another wideout who’s an absolute must-start this week is Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions’ offense funnels targets to him, making him one of the most reliable receivers in fantasy football. This week, he faces a defense that has been permeable, particularly through the air, giving up big plays and struggling to contain primary receiving options. St. Brown’s elite route running, combined with his incredible hands and ability to create separation in tight windows, makes him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs. He thrives on volume, and the Lions are more than happy to feed him target after target, especially in critical situations. His role in the red zone is also significant, giving him multiple chances to score touchdowns. He’s the undisputed alpha in that passing game, and his consistency is unmatched. Even if the game script dictates more running, St. Brown will still get his looks, and he often turns those looks into significant fantasy points. You’re starting him every single week, but especially in Week 4, where the matchup sets him up for an exploding performance. His ability to work the middle of the field and convert those short to intermediate passes into substantial gains for his team, all while being a consistent threat in the red zone, makes him an indispensable asset. He consistently outworks defenders, and his rapport with his quarterback is evident in every drive, solidifying his status as a true fantasy elite that you should never hesitate to start. These guys are the real deal, ready to light up the scoreboard for your squad. — Catmail: Your Ultimate Guide To Ohio University Email

Tight Ends: Finding the Hidden Gems

When we're talking about tight ends: finding the hidden gems, consistency and target share are king, especially in Week 4 fantasy football. For this week, look no further than T.J. Hockenson. He’s been a target hog for the Vikings, proving to be a reliable safety valve and a legitimate weapon in the red zone. The Vikings' offense, despite some early-season struggles, consistently funnels targets his way, especially with the absence of another primary receiver drawing attention. This week, he faces a defense that has struggled to cover tight ends effectively, allowing good yardage and even touchdowns to the position. Hockenson's size and athleticism make him a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties alike, and his consistent usage ensures a solid floor in PPR leagues. He’s not going to give you Kelce numbers every week, but he provides a reliable weekly output that is crucial at a position often devoid of it. He is a strong start 'em option. Another tight end with a high ceiling this week is George Kittle, assuming he's healthy and full-go. He's one of the most athletic tight ends in the league, and when the 49ers scheme him into the offense, he can deliver monster performances. This week, against a team that can be susceptible to tight ends, Kittle has the potential to break out for a big game. His involvement in the passing game has been a bit up and down, but the talent and opportunity are undeniable. If you have him, you're likely starting him anyway, but this week feels like a prime spot for a bounce-back performance or a continuation of strong play. He’s a guy who can get you those crucial chunk plays and red-zone targets, making him an intriguing high-upside play.

Week 4 Sit 'Em: Players to Bench or Be Wary Of

Now, let's pivot to the flip side of the coin: the sit 'em fantasy football picks for Week 4. These are the players who, despite their name value or previous performances, face tough matchups, reduced roles, or have shown worrying trends that make them risky plays this week. It's not about saying they're bad players; it's about being smart and strategic, understanding that sometimes even great players have off weeks or face formidable obstacles. Recognizing these situations and making the tough decision to bench a big name can be the difference between a win and a loss. Don't let sentimentality get the best of you; stick to the data and the matchups.

Quarterback Risks to Avoid

When considering quarterback risks to avoid in Week 4, we're looking for quarterbacks who are either struggling with accuracy, facing an elite defense, or dealing with a lack of reliable weapons. One such player who makes the sit 'em list for me this week is Russell Wilson. While he's shown flashes of his old self, the consistency just isn't there, and this week he's going up against an incredibly tough defense that excels at generating pressure and disrupting passing lanes. This defense has a formidable pass rush that can get to the quarterback quickly, and their secondary is disciplined, making it difficult for receivers to get open downfield. Wilson’s offensive line has also shown vulnerabilities, and against a strong defensive front, he could be under constant duress. When pressured, Wilson tends to hold onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or rushed throws, which can result in turnovers. His receiving corps, while talented, has had its own struggles with consistency, and the overall offensive scheme hasn't always maximized his strengths. Unless you are absolutely desperate, you should strongly consider benching Wilson in Week 4. The risk of a low-scoring performance, riddled with sacks and potentially turnovers, is simply too high. It's a prime example of a talent facing an unfavorable matchup that makes him a risky fantasy play. Another signal-caller you might want to reconsider starting is Desmond Ridder. The Falcons’ offense is built around the run game, and while that can open up play-action opportunities, Ridder himself has not consistently shown the ability to capitalize on them. This week, he faces a defense that, while not necessarily elite, is opportunistic and can make life difficult for young quarterbacks. They excel at forcing turnovers and can bring pressure, which has been an issue for Ridder. His passing volume tends to be low, which immediately caps his fantasy upside, especially if he isn't racking up rushing yards or multiple touchdowns. He's still developing, and while there's potential, Week 4 doesn't project to be a breakout performance. The coaching staff is clearly prioritizing a ground-heavy attack, which limits Ridder’s pass attempts and therefore his opportunities to put up significant fantasy points. He is a clear sit 'em for me, unless you are in a deep superflex league and literally have no other viable options. His decision-making under pressure has been inconsistent, and against a defense that can capitalize on mistakes, the potential for a negative outing is elevated. It's often smarter to opt for a quarterback with a higher floor or a more favorable matchup, even if it means benching a player with some name recognition, because reliability is key in these crucial early-season weeks.

Running Backs Facing Uphill Battles

When evaluating running backs facing uphill battles for Week 4 fantasy football, we prioritize workload, efficiency, and the opposing defense. One player who needs to be firmly on your sit 'em list this week is Najee Harris. While he’s a known name, the Steelers' offense as a whole has been struggling to find consistency, and Harris's efficiency has been notably low. This week, he’s going up against one of the league's stingiest run defenses, a unit that consistently shuts down opposing ground games and limits big plays. They are known for their physical front seven and their ability to swarm to the ball carrier, making it incredibly difficult for running backs to gain significant yardage. Furthermore, the emergence of Jaylen Warren has cut into Harris's workload, reducing his overall touches and, consequently, his fantasy upside. The red-zone opportunities are also a concern, as the Steelers' offense has struggled to convert in scoring position. Unless he finds the end zone, which is a big ask against this defense, his yardage totals are likely to be pedestrian. It's a classic case of a tough matchup coupled with an inefficient offense, making him a risky start that you should consider benching. Don't let his name value trick you into starting him in a situation where the odds are stacked against him. Another running back who I'd be wary of in Week 4 is Miles Sanders. While he has a prominent role in the Panthers' backfield, the team's offensive struggles are a significant concern, and he's been dealing with a nagging injury that has impacted his performance. This week, he faces a defense that, while not impenetrable, is capable of bottling up run games, especially when the opposing offense lacks a consistent passing attack to keep them honest. The Panthers' offensive line has also had its issues, making it difficult for Sanders to find consistent running lanes. His efficiency has been hit or miss, and without a high volume of quality touches or significant red-zone opportunities, his fantasy floor is alarmingly low. The team’s overall inability to move the ball consistently downfield can lead to fewer offensive drives and thus fewer touches for Sanders, impacting his overall production. Given his current form, the injury concerns, and the matchup, it’s best to err on the side of caution and place Sanders on your sit 'em bench. You're simply not getting the high upside or the safe floor that you need from a starting running back in Week 4, and there are likely better options available on the waiver wire or already on your bench. These are the kinds of decisions that distinguish a savvy fantasy manager from one who simply sets and forgets; always consider the matchup and recent performance above all else.

Wide Receivers with Limited Upside

When we're talking about wide receivers with limited upside for Week 4, we're looking at players who are either facing shutdown corners, inconsistent quarterback play, or a significant reduction in target share. One receiver who falls into the sit 'em category this week is Gabe Davis. While Davis has a penchant for the big play, his week-to-week consistency is incredibly frustrating for fantasy managers, and this week he faces a defense that has a very strong secondary, particularly at cornerback. This team is known for taking away the deep ball, which is Davis's bread and butter, and their defensive backs excel at shadowing top receivers and limiting their opportunities. He's often feast or famine, and in a tough matchup like this, the odds are stacked towards the famine side. Unless he breaks off a long touchdown, his target volume is often too low to provide a safe floor, especially in PPR leagues. The Bills' offense also distributes the ball to various weapons, and without a guaranteed high target share, Davis is a boom-or-bust play that you should typically avoid in a difficult matchup. It's hard to trust him to deliver consistent points against a defense that is designed to neutralize exactly what he does best. So, for Week 4, he’s a strong sit 'em. Another wide receiver you should think twice about starting is Drake London. While immensely talented, London is unfortunately tethered to a run-heavy offense with a quarterback who has shown limited passing volume and inconsistent accuracy. This week, the Falcons will likely continue to lean heavily on their ground game, which naturally limits London’s opportunities. Even against a potentially softer secondary, the sheer lack of pass attempts severely caps his upside. He might make a spectacular catch or two, but the overall volume needed for a significant fantasy outing simply isn't there most weeks. Until the Falcons decide to open up their passing game or there's a change at quarterback, London remains a risky start who you should consider benching, especially if you have other receivers with higher target shares or more favorable offensive schemes. It’s tough to bench a player with his talent, but fantasy football is about putting yourself in the best position to win, and unfortunately, London’s current situation severely limits his weekly ceiling. Both of these players face significant headwinds that make them unfavorable fantasy starts for Week 4, and it’s always best to pivot to options who have a clearer path to consistent targets and higher scores.

Tight Ends: Temper Your Expectations

Finally, for tight ends: temper your expectations in Week 4, we're looking for players who might be facing strong defenses against the position or who have simply not commanded enough targets to be reliable. One player you might want to move to your sit 'em bench is Dalton Schultz. While he’s now in Houston, the Texans' offense is still finding its rhythm, and Schultz hasn't consistently been a high-volume target, despite some preseason hype. This week, he’s facing a defense that has historically been tough on opposing tight ends, limiting their yardage and preventing red-zone scores. The target share in Houston is still somewhat unpredictable, and until Schultz consistently sees a higher volume of targets, he remains a low-floor option in all formats. There are likely better streaming options or tight ends with more consistent usage available, so don't feel obligated to start him if he's not delivering. Another tight end that you should be wary of is Tyler Higbee. The Rams offense has shown it can support multiple pass catchers, but with the emergence of Puka Nacua and the return of Cooper Kupp, Higbee's target share could become even more inconsistent. While he might get a red-zone look here and there, relying on him for consistent production is a gamble. This week, he faces a defense that, while not elite against tight ends, is certainly capable of limiting his opportunities, especially if the Rams' other receivers are heavily involved. He is a fringe option at best and should be considered a sit 'em unless you are in a very deep league or have absolutely no other choice. It’s always about finding the most reliable path to points, and for these tight ends, that path is currently obstructed.

Final Thoughts for Week 4

Alright, guys, that wraps up our Week 4 fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em guide! Remember, these decisions are crucial, and sometimes the hardest ones involve benching a player you drafted high or have a personal attachment to. But in fantasy football, winning is the goal, and that means making strategic, data-driven choices. Focus on those favorable matchups, consistent volume, and high-upside plays for your start 'em candidates, and don't be afraid to sit 'em players facing tough defenses or those with limited roles. Take these insights, apply them to your specific league settings, and fine-tune your lineup. Good luck in Week 4, and let's go get those wins! May your waiver wire claims hit, and your bold benching decisions pay off big time. You've got this!