Our weekly fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em series features your best bets at the skill positions and players you should avoid. We also include our start of the week for the player who is guaranteed to produce that week.
Below is our week 4 edition and as per usual I picked these players based on the Half-PPR scoring system. Be sure to check out our fantasy football section for fantasy football advice and much more!
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Joe Burrow (@ CAR) – It’s been a rough start for the Bengals this season but don’t blame Burrow. The Cincinnati offense has looked the part the first three weeks, the problem has been the defense. They just can’t stop anyone and it showed again on Monday night vs. the Commanders.
Thankfully, Burrow and the Bengals will get to face Carolina next. Don’t let last week fool you. The Panthers are still a bad team and Burrow, Chase and company should have another big day.
Sit ‘Em
Anthony Richardson (vs. PIT) – Richardson had a strong start to the NFL season when he finished as QB4 in week 1. Since then he has fallen off a cliff and is struggling with turnovers. He has 5 interceptions in his last 2 games and things do not get any easier this weekend. Up next is the Steelers and their always stout defense. Sit Richardson until he can break out of this funk.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Najee Harris (@ IND) – Harris sat out practice early this week but was back at it on Thursday after a day of rest. This will be a big week for Harris as it looks like Jaylen Warren will miss this game due to a knee injury. Harris has never been an explosive back but the volume will certainly be there this week.
The matchup is also a good one as the Colts run defense has been struggling so far this season. Indianapolis has given up the most rushing yards to running back through the first 3 weeks. Start Harris with confidence.
Sit ‘Em
Rhamondre Stevenson (@ SF) – Stevenson had a rough week 3 scoring only 0.3 points in Half PPR. If you’re looking for a bounce-back game for him this week you may want to look elsewhere. Stevenson and the Patriots get to face an angry 49ers team that is a surprising 1-2 early on.
The San Francisco defense has yet to allow a 100 yard rusher and the game script for Stevenson doesn’t look good. I expect Antonio Gibson to get the majority of the touches as New England will be down big in this one.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Diontae Johnson (vs. CIN) – It took a quarterback change to finally unleash Johnson and the Panthers offense. This unit looks completely different with Andy Dalton behind center. Johnson had a massive target share last Sunday (14 targets) and I expect that to continue this week.
This game has the makings of a shootout as the Panthers will have to throw it early and often to keep up with the Bengals. Johnson did appear on the injury report Thursday but it looks to be minor and mainly due to the field conditions.
Sit ‘Em
Garrett Wilson (vs. DEN) – One of the biggest surprises so far this season has been the lack of production from Garret Wilson. I like many others expected big things for Wilson this year with Aaron Rodgers under center. That simply hasn’t been the case as Wilson has yet to surpass 60 yards receiving and has only grabbed 1 touchdown.
This week won’t be any easier for Wilson as he gets to face Patrick Surtain and the Broncos defense. I’m not giving up on Wilson yet but I would sit him this week.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Zach Ertz (@ ARI) – Is this the Zach Ertz revenge game? Ertz and the Commanders will be down in the desert this Sunday taking on his former team. Washington will be without Austin Ekeler which will give more opportunities to Ertz in the short to intermediate game. His numbers so far this season haven’t been spectacular but Ertz is averaging 4 targets a game.
Sit ‘Em
Noah Fant (@ DET) – We finally saw some production from Fant this past Sunday but overall it’s been a disappointing start for the Seahawks tight end. Up next Fant will face the Lions who are allowing just 2.6 fantasy points on average to the tight end position this season. Sit Fant and consider streaming another tight end if you have him on your roster.
Start of the Week
James Conner (vs. WAS) – After a strong start to the season Conner fell flat in week 3 against the Lions. Credit the Lions defense who stifled the Cardinals rushing attack all game long.
Up next Conner gets to face the Commanders defense who are struggling to stop anyone. What’s been most alarming is Washington is getting gashed up the middle which is supposed to be their strength. Start Conner this week and don’t look back.
