Lineup Prep: Week 4

Wed Sep 30 8:14am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Downs should rack up the targets


Before getting to my random thoughts for the week, this is your friendly reminder that the byes start next week. A proactive owner is a winning owner, so if you have a player on a bye next week, it might be a good idea to figure out your replacement this week. You don't want to get caught off guard.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

If you had any concerns about Brock Bowers' health, worry no more. He looked just fine in his first game of the season last week, catching 10 passes on 13 targets. Fantasy owners have to love the way new head coach Klint Kubiak used him. He was peppered with targets throughout the game and seems well on his way to a monster season.

I'm putting Justin Herbert on my bench until he starts to do something on the field. This offense just continues to look disjointed. There is time to turn it around, but Herbert belongs on fantasy benches right now. He has yet to top 17 fantasy points in a game or throw multiple touchdowns. It has been a rough start for a player many thought might be the league MVP in 2026.

Brock Purdy deserves a little more love. He is second overall in fantasy quarterback scoring after three games and is in complete control of the 49ers offense. It has been so impressive to watch him through these first three games. Purdy is playing quarterback at an elite level. I don't think this start is a fluke and expect continued big things from him. What is also encouraging is the offense is running more through him than Christian McCaffrey.

Apparently, all Luther Burden needed to get going was Case Keenum starting at quarterback. Crazy, right? I still have hope Burden has that monster breakout season, especially after seeing his production last week with Keenum as his starter. You saw what he is capable of with the ball in his hands. He is so explosive after the catch. The only thing that continues to worry me is the amount of playing time teammate Kalif Raymond gets, especially in two-receiver sets. It would be great if Burden were the guy out there in those situations instead of Raymond. That would give me even more hope for that breakout. We'll see.

The return of Michael Penix to the Falcons offense sure gave that team a shot in the arm last week. I wasn't sure how Penix would look after his long rehab, but I thought he played one of the better games of his career, all things considered. This bodes well for the entire offense going forward, including Kyle Pitts. I know last week sucked for Pitts, but he produced most of his good numbers last year with Penix throwing him passes. Don't totally give up on Pitts just yet.

I would be feeling pretty good right about now if I were a Zach Charbonnet owner. I really thought Jadarian Price was going to grab hold of the starting job while Charbonnet was out, but that clearly hasn't been the case. Price is having ball-security issues and hasn't done a whole lot with his chances. So once Charbonnet is ready to go, I think he could be a huge fantasy factor, carrying most of the load in this explosive Seahawks offense. He could be a real difference-maker for the fantasy playoffs.

Juwan Johnson was way too underrated coming into the season. He even went undrafted in some leagues. This made no sense to me, coming off a career-best season in an emerging pass game. Johnson is second overall in fantasy tight end scoring after three weeks. He has touchdowns in two of three games and at least three receptions every game. Johnson is a legit TE1 all season long in my view, even when rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson returns to the lineup. There are enough targets to go around in this offense for Johnson to keep producing good numbers.

News and Notes

Commanders: The Commanders signed running back Austin Ekeler. He gives the team another option in their running back room but might have a tough time finding consistent playing time.

Giants: The Giants released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday. This might be the end of the road for Beckham, but he'll try to latch on with another team after failing to get on the field much for the Giants.

Vikings: Minnesota signed running back Devin Neal on Tuesday. The Vikings are a little thin at running back because of the injury to Jordan Mason.

49ers: San Francisco signed wide receiver Dante Pettis on Tuesday. The 49ers are decimated by injuries at receiver, so adding another one was needed.

HOT PLAYS

Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams

Stafford might be without his top receiver for the last two games, but that isn't slowing him down. He is back to playing at an MVP level. Stafford has two straight 300-yard performances and at least 26 fantasy points in each of those games. Look for him to keep it going this week against the Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed at least 20 points in every game and played a pretty easy schedule to start the year. Last week, Philadelphia couldn't stop Case Keenum and the Bears passing attack. Stafford should have a field day with this secondary, which allows the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Bucky Irving, RB, Bucs

With the Bucs missing quarterback Baker Mayfield this week, look for the offense to lean on Irving. He has been one of the few bright spots offensively to start the season. Irving has 90-plus total yards in two of three games. He has gotten a ton of work as the clear lead back for the team and averages a solid 14.03 fantasy points per game. That number could climb this week against the Packers. Green Bay continues to struggle defensively, especially against the run. The Packers allow the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Bijan Robinson almost ran for 200 yards against the Packers last week.

Josh Downs, WR, Colts

Downs is cementing himself as the clear top target in the Colts passing game with Alec Pierce out of the lineup. Downs has 12 receptions on 20 targets over his last two games and has 12-plus fantasy points in each of those games. The volume should continue to be there for Downs going forward. He also plays the Commanders this week, a team that allows the most fantasy points to receivers. Washington is 31st overall against the pass, allowing 280.3 passing yards per game.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants

Skattebo reached 100 total yards for the first time this season last week. He got a little more work with Jaxson Dart out of the lineup, and the Giants leaned on the run a little more, which could be the case for the offense going forward. Skattebo has 13-plus fantasy points in two of three games. He is capable of a big game any given week in this offense, especially this week against Arizona. The Cardinals are 26th overall against the rush, allowing 127 rushing yards per game. Arizona has allowed 30-plus points in each of its last two games.

Tet McMillan, WR, Panthers

McMillan had a rough game last week, catching just two passes for 17 yards. It was a really disappointing performance for all his fantasy owners. But remember, he had 75-plus yards in each of his first two games on 18 targets. And with Jalen Coker banged up, McMillan could get even more looks in Week 4. McMillan has a get-right matchup against the Lions. Detroit continues to have all sorts of injuries in the secondary. The Lions are dead last against the pass, allowing 299.3 passing yards per game. Detroit allows the third-most fantasy points to receivers. McMillan should make his owners forget about that Week 3 game in a hurry.

COLD PLAYS

Kirk Cousins, QB, Raiders

Cousins and the Raiders have been a huge surprise to start the season. Las Vegas is 3-0 and looking like a completely different team this year. Cousins has three touchdown passes in each of his first three games. This is a run-first offense, though, and Cousins hasn't posted huge yardage numbers to date. He is not a sure thing despite a great start to his season, especially at this stage of his career. Cousins will have his toughest test of the season, playing divisional rival Kansas City. The Chiefs allow the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, and their pressure defense could cause issues for Cousins. We would stay away from him in Week 4.

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints

Kamara has a chance to be the starter in the coming weeks with Travis Etienne banged up. Kamara has a huge track record of success, but his play this year is a little worrisome. He has run 18 times for just 51 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. He hasn't done any better as a receiver, catching six passes for 12 yards. He has been very inefficient with his chances. A bigger workload doesn't mean he will start producing big numbers. To make matters worse, Kamara gets the best run defense in football this week. The Falcons allow just 47.7 rushing yards per game. Leave Kamara on your bench for Week 4.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Broncos

Just when you think you can trust Waddle again, he has another dud of a game. He had just two receptions for 10 yards last week. So he has 10 or fewer receiving yards in two of three games to start his career with the Broncos. He has been uneven to start the year, and another down game could be on the horizon this week. Waddle plays the 49ers, a team that allows just 207.3 passing yards per game. The 49ers allow the 11th-fewest fantasy points to receivers. It could be another tough game for Waddle in Week 4.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

Andrews is having a decent start to his season but is yet to top 50 yards in a game. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in just one of three games. He is getting his catches on a weekly basis, but his ceiling is a little limited right now because of a lack of yards and scores. It could be more of the same for Andrews in Week 4 against Tennessee. The Titans allow the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Tennessee is seventh overall against the pass.

Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins

Gordon was a hot item on waivers this week because of the injury to De'Von Achane. Gordon will get the first chance to be the starter for the Dolphins going forward. He isn't exactly a sure thing, though. He averaged just 2.4 yards per carry on all his work last week. Gordon plays in a poor offense and should face plenty of stacked boxes from opposing defenses, forcing quarterback Malik Willis to beat them. Gordon is going to be more of a matchup play, and a matchup against the Vikings this week is not a good one. Minnesota has one of the elite defenses in football and allows the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

SLEEPERS

Marcus Mariota, QB, Commanders

Mariota had a really good first start of the season, scoring 22.25 fantasy points. He might have played better than the guy he took over for, moving the offense well while making sound decisions. He has some spot-start appeal for fantasy owners because of his ability to make plays with his legs and find the end zone. Mariota has a matchup for more success this week, getting the Colts. Indy allows the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has struggled to stop the pass all season long.

Woody Marks, RB, Texans

Marks has pretty much split the snaps with David Montgomery this year, playing in more of a timeshare than expected. Marks scored his first touchdown of the season last week, getting the red-zone work over Montgomery. This was a surprise but bodes well for Marks going forward. And with Montgomery struggling with his chances, Marks could start to get more opportunities. Marks gets a Cowboys defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Dallas allows the second-most rushing yards per game (179.7). Marks could be a sneaky play as a flex option for fantasy teams in Week 4.

Mack Hollins, WR, Patriots

Hollins has played the most snaps of any Patriots receiver this year. He has 50-plus yards in two of three games. Hollins had his best game of the season last week, catching six passes for 87 yards on nine targets. He clearly is a top option in the Patriots passing game with A.J. Brown out of the lineup. The Patriots are going to have to score some points this week if they hope to keep up with the Bills, so look for the team to throw the ball in this matchup. Buffalo is 27th overall against the pass, allowing 254.3 passing yards per game. Hollins could be worth a shot as a WR3 in Week 4.

Darren Waller, TE, Panthers

Waller was a little touchdown-dependent his first two games but got looks outside of the red zone last week. This was encouraging for his fantasy floor, as he caught five passes on eight targets. He is quickly gaining fantasy value as the starting tight end in this offense. He has some streaming value this week. Waller gets the Lions, a team that has really struggled to stop the tight end. Detroit allows the most fantasy points to tight ends, allowing at least 27 fantasy points to tight ends in all three of its games.

Malachi Fields, WR, Giants

Fields has done little to start his rookie season, but he has some good underlying numbers. He has 12 targets in three games and has played the most snaps of any Giants receiver, even more than Malik Nabers. It just seems like a matter of time before Fields has a big performance. Why not this week against the Cardinals? Arizona allows the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers, and as mentioned earlier, this defense is allowing a ton of points right now, giving up 30-plus in each of its last two games. Fields is our pick to click in the passing game for the Giants in Week 4.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week, we'll take a look at some of the high- and low-scoring games for the coming week. In high-scoring affairs, get your marginal players in those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. In the low-scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High-Scoring Games

Jaguars/Bengals, Broncos/49ers, Chiefs/Raiders, Lions/Panthers, Falcons/Saints.

Low-Scoring Games

Steelers/Browns, Packers/Bucs, Dolphins/Vikings.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Starts and Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Josh Downs Oct 3 6:30am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has settled into a larger role in his team's offense after the injury to Colts WR1, Alec Pierce (heel). Pierce will miss at least three more weeks after re-aggravating the heel injury in the leg he had surgery on in the offseason. Downs was targeted a season-high 11 times in Week 3, which was his most volume in a game since 2024. He caught five of those passes for 77 yards. The Commanders have a soft pass defense, which should be a good matchup for Downs on paper, though they tend to be leakier against outside receivers than those in the slot. His diminutive size keeps him in the slot mostly, but he's been one of the NFL's best separators and has averaged 13.3 yards per catch, a healthy clip considering his best capability is his short-area route running. Downs is in WR3/flex territory for this matchup, and is worth a start in 12-team full-PPR leagues for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 3 6:30am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had his most productive game of the young season in Week 3. Given his minimal usage to start 2026, all it took was three catches for 40 yards on five targets. Harrison's use as a deep target is antithetical to quarterback Jacoby Brissett's tendency to throw quick, short passes, which does not bode well for the receiver's ongoing fantasy value. There is some hope for a turnaround against the Giants in Week 4, though. In Week 2, Davante Adams beat New York for eight catches, 195 yards, and two touchdowns, with an aDOT of 19.8 yards. If Brissett can be bothered to let Harrison's routes develop, the former phenom would be in for a big day. Given Brissett's focus on Michael Wilson and Trey McBride, it seems like a long shot, however. Harrison is projected as a WR5 and a risky bet better suited for deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 3 6:30am ET
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones averages just over 200 passing yards per game, with three passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and two fumbles lost through three games. His return from an Achilles tendon tear hasn't gone according to plan, and he's lucky his team recovered a third fumble he had in Week 3, else they'd potentially be staring down the barrel of 0-3. But he should get better as the weeks go on, and the Colts have faced three tough defenses to start the season. In Week 4, they'll go on the road to face the Washington Commanders, who have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. They were shredded through the air by opposing quarterbacks last season, and are allowing a whopping 8.2 yards per pass attempt to opposing quarterbacks this season, a clip that's fifth-worst in the NFL. Ironically, Indianapolis is one of the few teams allowing more. This game could be a pass-heavy shootout, in which case Jones would be worth starting in 2QB and superflex leagues. He's better off left on the bench in 1QB leagues, though, as the rushing upside he has a season ago has evaporated.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Oct 3 6:20am ET
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren caught nine of his 10 targets for 55 yards and carried the ball one time for two yards in his team's narrow win over the Houston Texans in Week 3. With the Colts' top wide receiver, Alec Pierce (heel), out with a heel injury, Warren is the team's top target in the passing game. The Texans presented a tougher defensive challenge than do the Washington Commanders, who have been one of the NFL's worst defenses against tight ends last season and through this year so far. Warren has faced tough defenses in each of his first three games and still maintained fantasy football relevance, so he appears to be on the verge of a breakout game here. Warren and wide receiver Josh Downs will split the lion's share of the team's targets. The Commanders appear to have an improved offense under quarterback Marcus Mariota, who will start in Week 4, and Indy's defense hasn't been playing exceptionally well, so a game with high passing volume could be on the table for the Colts. Warren is firmly in TE1 territory in fantasy football this week and should be started in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Oct 3 6:10am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has three touchdown catches in as many games to start the 2026 NFL season. He's 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, and has the trust of his quarterback, Dak Prescott, in crucial areas of the field. Ferguson had 15 touchdowns in his NFL career and eight scoring grabs last season, and he's on pace to crush his career-high and add a significant amount to his total. He has just nine catches for 72 yards on his 11 targets, so he's made them count. A lost fumble in Week 3 put a damper on his fantasy score. And his volume isn't anything special, which makes him heavily touchdown-dependent. Houston's defense gave up 9.8 PPR fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in 2025, slightly less than league average, so the matchup isn't terrible. But Ferguson's two-catch, six-yard performance in Week 1 against a soft New York Giants defense is indicative of his low floor. Ferguson is a high-end TE2 with upside for Week 4 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Oct 3 6:10am ET
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson cemented his role as the team's WR1 with his performance in Week 3. In Arizona's 36-30 loss to the 49ers, Wilson came away with 11 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Through three weeks, Wilson now has a 24.8% team target share and a whopping 42.6% air yard share. Wilson also ranks sixth among wide receivers in first-read rate (35.1%). Wilson's use in Arizona's pass-happy offense should translate into more productive games in the weeks ahead, especially in PPR settings. In Week 4, the Cardinals will face the New York Giants, who allowed Wan'Dale Robinson seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown last week, good for WR17 overall. Wilson is projected as a WR2/3 for this week. His potential volume raises his ceiling and makes him worth a start.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 3 6:00am ET
Tyler Allgeier

Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier spent the first two weeks of 2026 on the strong side of a 60-40 snap share with rookie Jeremiyah Love. In Week 3, Love took over as the team's lead back, and Allgeier saw 31 snaps to Love's 55. Allgeier finished last week's game with just two carries for -1 yard, and had four catches for 10 receiving yards. After Arizona selected Love with the third pick of the NFL draft, Allgeier was fated for another timeshare after escaping one in Atlanta. As with the Falcons, Allgeier now appears to be the second-stringer, sinking his fantasy value. Allgeier was still involved on goal-line snaps and in two-minute drills, but it is hard to see him providing consistent fantasy returns. He is projected as an RB4 for Arizona's Week 4 meeting with the New York Giants. Fantasy managers may want to hold him as a handcuff but should find another option to start this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jeremiyah Love Oct 3 5:50am ET
Jeremiyah Love

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love handled 21 carries for 90 rushing yards and caught all five of his targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Week 3. After spending Weeks 1 and 2 on the short side of a 60-40 split in snaps with Tyler Allgeier, Love was the unquestioned featured back last week, soaking up nearly two-thirds of the snaps in the backfield and out-touching Allgeier 26-6. Looking ahead to Sunday, Love will face a New York Giants defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry and 2.6 rushing yards before contact. Last week, Tony Pollard found 74 yards on 17 attempts against the Giants, and in Week 2, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 24 carries and 164 rushing yards. Now in the driver's seat of the Cardinals' backfield, Love is projected as an RB1 with a favorable matchup in Week 4 and can be trusted in starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 3 5:30am ET
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 38 of his 52 pass attempts in Week 3, finishing with 280 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Brissett added a rushing touchdown on a goal-line sneak in the 36-30 loss to the 49ers. Brissett is averaging 39 passes per game and 27.3 completions, good for second-most in the league, and has a 70.1% completion rate through three weeks. Brissett has found success by getting rid of the ball quickly and hitting receivers on short routes, which has given him the third-lowest aDOT and time to throw among starting quarterbacks. In Week 4, Arizona faces the New York Giants, who have been susceptible to such passes, offering opponents the third-highest completion rate and fourth-highest EPA per dropback on short routes. Arizona's high passing volume makes Brissett a dark horse streamer and a qualified starter in two-QB setups for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Eddy Pineiro Oct 3 4:50am ET
Eddy Pineiro

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro whiffed on two extra point attempts in Week 3 but converted his other three tries and nailed a 57-yard field goal, his only attempt of the game. Never quite known for being a powerful kicker before coming to San Francisco last season, Pineiro is now 8-for-10 from 50-plus yards in 17 games with the team, compared to 11-for-14 in his 70 previous games with other teams going back to 2019. The 49ers' high-powered offense has given Pineiro the lead in extra point attempts through three weeks with 13, though it has cost him opportunities to attempt field goals. Pineiro could be in for a more productive game in Week 4, in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair with the Denver Broncos. Pineiro is projected as a top-10 option this week and is worthy of a start in fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 3 4:40am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle put any lingering concerns about his Achilles to bed with his performance in Week 3. Kittle played a big role in the 49ers' 36-30 win, catching six of his seven targets for 82 receiving yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Kittle is the most likely candidate to emerge as Brock Purdy's primary target in Week 4, as injuries to San Francisco's wide receiver corps keep piling up. Mike Evans (ribs) is listed as questionable and is considered a game-time decision. His absence would afford Kittle a few extra looks. In Week 4, San Francisco hosts the Denver Broncos, who gave up eight receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown to the Rams' Tyler Higbee last week. In PPR scoring, Kittle is the overall TE5 and is averaging 15.8 fantasy points per game. He is projected as a top-five tight end for Week 4, and should be in starting lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 3 4:30am ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. made history in Week 3 with his 80-yard touchdown off a lateral from Mike Evans (ribs). Samuel finished that game without receiving a pass from quarterback Brock Purdy, which gave him the dubious honor of having the most receiving yards without a catch in an NFL game. Samuel wasn't even targeted in the game, but he should be more involved in Week 4 against the Broncos, with Mike Evans (ribs) a game-time decision and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) joining De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) and Christian Kirk (calf) on injured reserve. On paper, Samuel's matchup is not easy, but last week the Rams were able to exploit Denver's secondary to the tune of 390 passing yards. Samuel is projected as a WR3 in Week 4. His explosive play ability and potential for increased involvement in the 49ers' offense make him worth starting on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 3 4:10am ET
Mike Evans

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (ribs) is listed as questionable for Week 4 and is considered a game-time decision, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Evans took a hard shot to the body on his first target of the game last Sunday and was eventually removed from the game later in the first half after clutching at his side in obvious pain following a broken pass play. Evans missed the 49ers' first two practices of the week but was a limited participant on Friday. If Evans is forced to sit, the offense will have greater focus on George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, with wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr., Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing seeing potential boosts as well. Assuming he is active, Evans is projected as a back-end WR3 playing hurt and with a potential matchup against Pat Surtain. Fantasy managers may want to avoid the risk and find an alternative for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Kaelon Black Oct 3 4:00am ET
Kaelon Black

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black saw a healthy 38.5% snap share in the first two games of the season. The 49ers had both contests well in hand early on, allowing them to get Black involved frequently as a means of managing Christian McCaffrey's workload. When the Cardinals proved surprisingly pesky in Week 3, San Francisco leaned on their star at the expense of the rookie, who saw just eight snaps to CMC's 45. That pattern may follow in Week 4, when the 49ers take on the Denver Broncos, who have engineered fourth-quarter comebacks in each of the last two weeks. On the plus side, the Broncos have been soft against the run so far in 2026, giving up the third-highest yards per carry and highest EPA per rush attempt. Black is projected as a borderline RB4/5 for Week 4. Fantasy managers may want to look for an option with more certain playing time before plugging Black into their lineups.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 3 3:50am ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in line for a productive Week 4 when he squares off against the Denver Broncos. So far in 2026, Denver has given up the third-most rushing yards, has the highest EPA allowed per run, and has the most missed tackles in the league. The Broncos defense will also be missing linebacker Dondrea Tillman (hamstring). This makes for an inviting matchup for McCaffrey, who owns the league's fifth-best rushing success rate and the highest average rushing yards before contact among starting running backs. As usual, McCaffrey can be expected to be one of quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite targets. And with Mike Evans (ribs) questionable and expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday, McCaffrey could see his receiving work increase. The Broncos gave up six catches for 70 yards to Kyren Williams last week. McCaffrey is projected as the overall RB6 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 3 3:40am ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy completed just 15 passes (out of 27 attempts) in Week 3, but he passed for a season-high 297 yards and four touchdowns in the team's 36-30 win over the Cardinals. Purdy is now up to 789 yards on the season, has a 72.3% completion percentage, and a league-leading nine passing touchdowns. Purdy may be without Mike Evans (ribs) in San Francisco's upcoming matchup with the Broncos, as the wide receiver is managing a rib injury sustained last weekend and will be a game-time decision on Sunday. Even without Evans, Purdy should remain an effective fantasy option, as he will still have Deebo Samuel Sr., George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey at his disposal. Last week, Denver surrendered 390 passing yards and two touchdowns to Matt Stafford. Purdy is the overall QB2 after three weeks and projects as a top-five option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 3 3:00am ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Spears started the week as a non-participant but upgraded to limited, then to a full session on Friday. The Louisiana native has dealt with an ankle injury for a few weeks, though it didn't affect his ability to play in the team's Week 3 loss to the Giants. That said, it was Spears' least efficient game of the year thus far. Head coach Robert Saleh didn't seem concerned about the back's status earlier in the week, and a full practice to end the week should signal he has a good chance to suit up. If he does, the Tulane product is nothing more than a desperation long shot against the Ravens in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Oct 3 2:50am ET
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson came back down to earth with an extremely quiet showing last Sunday, but we're still trusting him as a mid-to-low RB2 option ahead of Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills. Henderson had just eight carries for 23 rushing yards (plus one reception) last Sunday. The low volume can be attributed to the fact that New England had nothing going on offense and had to throw the ball more, but that's still something to consider as fantasy managers set their lineup for Week 4. The good news is that, even though Buffalo is favored by seven points, the Bills' defense has been iffy and should give Henderson an opportunity to bounce back after last week's dud. So far, Buffalo's run defense has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points, 10th-most rushing touchdowns, third-most receptions, third-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2026. Game script aside, this matchup presents an extremely encouraging fantasy outlook for Henderson. He ranks as RotoBaller's RB25 in Week 4, but there's no disputing his top-15 upside.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Oct 3 2:40am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams ranks as the overall RB11 in PPR leagues through the first three weeks of the season, but a Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles hurts his ceiling and floor in fantasy football. Williams has been a busy pass-catcher in addition to running the ball this season, and he's best known for his work around the goal line. As a result, we're not thrilled that he's facing an Eagles run defense that has allowed the fewest receptions and fewest receiving yards to running backs. This Philadelphia unit has also limited running backs to one rushing touchdown and zero receiving touchdowns through three games. Managers aren't benching Williams on the heels of his 21.8-point (PPR) performance, but it may be necessary to temper expectations at least a little given how well the Eagles have played against the run this year. He's still hanging around as the RB9 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 3 2:40am ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has endured a nightmare start to the season so far, and he's falling all the way to QB18 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 4. Maye had an extremely ugly stat line last week, including 199 passing yards and three turnovers, and he'll now head into an even tougher all-around matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills' defense has been near the middle of the league this year, but we're more concerned about their elite offense and how that might speed Maye up or force him to attempt more passes on Sunday afternoon. If Maye can't keep pace with Josh Allen's squad early, it could be another long day in terms of turnovers and overall scoring. It also doesn't help that the MVP runner-up has been depleted of his top weapon, as he'll go at least two more weeks with AJ Brown (ankle) available. Between the tough divisional matchup and a weakened supporting cast, Maye can be benched in most single-quarterback leagues this week, even if you're replacing him in the lineup with someone you added off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller