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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Injury Status: Super Bowl

Thu Feb 8 10:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

There are just a handful of injuries we are dealing with for the Super Bowl, which is great news. Both teams head into the game pretty close to having a full compliment of players. Sure, guys are banged up at this time of the season, but there aren’t many key guys that are going to miss this big game. It is good to see these teams near full strength. Now let’s hope it makes for a great game.

Joe Thuney, OG, Chiefs. Thunk is trying to return from a pectoral injury. He has been out the last few weeks and head coach Andy Reid said Thuney is a long shot to play. But there is speculation that Thuney still has an outside chance to play in the Super Bowl. He has not been ruled out yet and would be a great addition to the Chiefs offensive line if he happens to play.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday. He has a chance to return from his knee injury this week. But even if he is active, it isn’t certain how much Moore plays after missing so much time. He will be a risk for fantasy teams to use.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle has been limited in practice the last few weeks because of a toe injury. It is bothering him, but he will be ready for the Super Bowl. He probably won’t be too limited in the game despite the nagging toe injury. Expect him to get his usual amount of playing time.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs.  McKinnon is trying to return from his groin injury. He remains on Injured Reserve and will need to be activated in the next day or two if he hopes to play this week. He is practicing on a limited basis, so things are trending the right way for him at the moment. He is another player that could be limited in the game if active after being out the last several weeks.

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Kyren Williams Sep 27 10:40pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is in another smash spot this Sunday when his team travels to Chicago to square off against the Bears. The third-year back is fresh off his best game of the season, when he totaled 116 yards and three touchdowns on 26 touches. Fantasy managers can again expect a massive workload for the former fifth-round pick with quarterback Matthew Stafford down his top two receiving options -- wideouts Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle). The Bears' defense has been no slouch against the run this year, ranking just outside the league's top half regarding yardage allowed. However, they've let up the fourth-most touchdowns on the ground (4) and the eighth-most rushing first downs (22). Additionally, Williams is in no danger of ceding work to his backups, as he has handily out-snapped the combination of Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers 164-to-24 through three games. He'll be the engine that drives the LA offense once again this week and ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB5 in Week 4's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Sep 27 10:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry looked like a man amongst boys again when he gashed the Dallas Cowboys for 151 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The King was showing off the incredible stiff arm while proving that age is just a number. Now, Henry and the Ravens shift focus to the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 who have given up the ninth-most yards per carry so far with 4.7. With that being said, they've only given up one rushing touchdown and that comes down to the fact that they have only been in one close game so far. James Conner put up 83 total yards and a score against this defense while De'Von Achane had 96 yards on the ground and Travis Etienne Jr. had 6.2 yards per carry. Henry should be considered an RB1 heading into this matchup, as his ceiling heavily depends on how the Ravens play if they go down early.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 27 10:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the QB4 on the season through three weeks and is on track for just shy of 4,000 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards if he can maintain his averages for 17 games. He even boasts his lowest interception percentage yet, but unfortunately has the lowest touchdown-throwing percentage as well in this sample size. In Week 4, he draws a bit of a tougher test as the Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills who only allow 5.1 yards per pass attempt and have only given up three touchdowns through the air versus four interceptions. However, they give up the ninth-most yards per carry, which would keep Jackson in the QB1 conversation. It's unlikely that this game would turn into a blowout and keep the ball in Derrick Henry and Justice Hill's hands, so Jackson should get more opportunities through the air. Fantasy managers can still consider him a must start, even in a tougher matchup.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 27 10:20pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't project as a viable fantasy option this Sunday in the team's road tilt against the Chicago Bears. The veteran signal-caller was able to eclipse the 300-yard mark in Week 1 when he tossed 317 and a score against the Lions in Detroit, but he hasn't produced much since. It isn't shocking, though, considering he's been sans Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) -- his top two options. Since the matchup against Detroit, the 36-year-old has combined for 437 yards and one touchdown -- failing to throw multiple scores in a game or surpass 221 yards. Additionally, Chicago's defense has been one of the better against the pass this season, allowing just 495 yards and two passing touchdowns through the first three weeks. Expect LA to rely heavily on running back Kyren Williams again, with tight end Colby Parkinson and wide receivers Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson supplementing in the passing game. Despite Los Angeles ranking in the top ten in team pass percentage, the former first-overall pick will be a low-end QB2 for the contest.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Sep 27 9:50pm ET
Jonathan Mingo

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo could see his usage tick up in Week 4 when the team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals. Mingo was already set for a more significant role, with wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) heading to injured reserve. Now, the second-year wideout could be an even more prominent target, with Diontae Johnson (groin) turning up on the team's injury report after missing Thursday's practice. Johnson did log a limited session on Friday, but he's listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup. Fellow wideout Xavier Legette is also projected to pick up some slack in the Panthers' passing attack. Even before Thielen's injury, Mingo was the next man up, as he had the third-most WR snaps on the team after Week 2. It remains to be seen if quarterback Andy Dalton will attempt nearly 40 passes again (37), but if he does and Johnson is not at 100%, Mingo would have the opportunity to post a productive line. Cincinnati's defense hasn't let up a ton of yardage through the air thus far, but they have been quite porous on the ground -- allowing the eighth-most rush yards in the league. Mingo projects as a low-end FLEX with upside for the affair.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 27 9:30pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was listed as limited in the team's Friday practice. It's the second practice in a row he's been designated as such. While the news that he has been able to participate in some fashion is at least encouraging, reports out of Thursday's practice were not exactly glowing. Thompson was seen with a brace under his pads and did not take many throws. Additionally, head coach Mike McDaniel has yet to be inclined to name a starter for Miami's Week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. His lack of a decision is partly due to his desire to gain a competitive edge, but maybe he is holding off to see if the 27-year-old can make enough progress to suit up. Perhaps this is a pain management issue for the former seventh-round pick. Regardless, he'll have one more chance to positively affect his status ahead of this week's contest in the team's final practice on Saturday. If he cannot play, either Tyler Huntley or Tim Boyle will get the start for the Fins. It is believed Huntley will be named the starter. However, fantasy managers will want to monitor this situation for a few more days.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 27 9:00pm ET
Bo Nix

The New York Jets defense draws a great matchup at home against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have struggled on offense this season, ranking 23rd in points per game and 26th in yards per game through three weeks. The Jets boast one of the more talented defenses in the league and find themselves in a great spot against rookie quarterback Bo Nix in front of their home crowd. With New York installed as 7.5-point home favorites in a game with a low 39.5 over/under, fantasy gamers should start the Jets defense with confidence heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Sep 27 8:50pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin had his best game of the season in Week 3, catching five passes for 93 yards in a win over the New England Patriots. Conklin will look to stay hot in a home game against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have been vulnerable against tight ends this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. On the other hand, Denver has been extremely tough on wide receivers, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game. As such, the Jets could look to lean on Conklin when they take to the air in Week 4, making him an interesting option as an upside TE2 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Sep 27 8:50pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein had made two of his three field-goal attempts and all seven of his extra points through the first three games of the season. He will look for more chances to kick in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been stingy against kickers this season, allowing just the 25th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Zuerlein hasn't been getting enough field-goal attempts to trust in fantasy this season, leaving him outside of the top 15 at the position for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams has shown moderate improvement in each of his three games this season as he gets further and further removed from a torn ACL that he suffered in 2023. Williams will look to continue his upward trajectory at home in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Denver has been tough on opposing wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position through three games. That being said, Garrett Wilson should occupy most of lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II's attention in Week 4, which would free Williams up for a larger target share. Williams is by no means a safe fantasy play but he's on the board as a boom/bust flex option heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Friday for the second day in a row. Mostert suffered a chest injury in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed the last two games. However, with two limited showings this week, he could be on his way to returning for a Week 4 tilt on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Pain tolerance is the issue for the 32-year-old veteran, but he is optimistic he'll have a chance to play on Monday. Even if Mostert manages to be active against the Titans, he'll most likely be the No. 2 behind explosive back De'Von Achane, limiting his flex appeal in fantasy lineups, especially if he's eased back in. In the season opener, Mostert played 44% of the snaps (Achane had 52%) and produced just nine yards on six carries while catching two passes for 10 yards. Mostert is shaping up as an extremely volatile flex option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been revitalized in his second year with the team, having caught three touchdowns through three games. He will look to stay hot in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been tough on fantasy wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game thus far. That being said, No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson should draw most of the coverage from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Sunday, leaving Lazard to enjoy an easier matchup. Lazard is a boom/bust play in Week 4 but he's worth considering as a flex option, especially for fantasy gamers dealing with injuries to key players.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 24-year-old has been quiet through three weeks, amassing just three receptions for 14 yards. While he has come along slow as he learns the Eagles offensive system, he has increased his snap percentage each week, ending last week with 88%. However, Dotson failed to impress with no A.J. Brown (hamstring) last week, but now has the chance to step up against with DeVonta Smith (concussion) ruled out and Brown questionable. Rookie Johnny Wilson is another name that will see an increase in usage, but Dotson is the one who is expected to be the No. 2 receiver if Brown is active and the top one if Brown sits out again. The matchup shouldn't scare anyone away for fantasy purposes, but because no wide receiver outside of Brown and Smith has done anything this year thus far, the former Washington Commander is tough to trust. If Brown is out, Dotson turns into a risky flex play, while he remains a WR4/5 if Brown is active.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence should be closer to drop consideration than starting consideration for fantasy managers in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Houston defense has been solid so far this year, but for the struggling Jaguars offense, that is still a tough matchup. Lawrence has put up around ten fantasy points in each of the first three games, a terrible output for a starting fantasy QB. The former top pick has played far from that level, putting up just two passing touchdowns through three games. After being blown out 47-10 by the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, it is easy to completely write off Lawrence and the Jaguars offense. However, a matchup with a division rival the week after an embarrassing blowout could mean a more motivated and improved version of the Jacksonville offense. For now though, Lawrence at best should be kept on benches, and at worst be dropped by fantasy managers in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best receiving performance of his career last weekend, nabbing 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards. The Eagles were without A.J. Brown (hamstring) and lost DeVonta Smith (concussion) later in the contest, leaving the door wide open for Goedert to have a massive performance. The same could happen this week, as Smith was ruled out and Brown is currently listed as questionable. If both miss, the veteran tight end becomes the immediate top target for quarterback Jalen Hurts against a stiff Tampa Bay defense. While the matchup is not favorable, fantasy managers should continue to start Goedert this week with all of the injuries along the Eagles receiving corps.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) put in a second straight day with a limited practice on Friday. Walker has missed the last two games with an oblique injury but has an extra day of rest this week heading into a Week 4 contest on Monday Night Football versus the Detroit Lions on the road. As things stand now, the 23-year-old appears to be on track to return, barring a setback, but he could also go down as questionable on the team's final injury report on Saturday. A questionable tag would make Walker a difficult fantasy decision with his game being on Monday night, unless managers have backfield mate Zach Charbonnet handcuffed to him. Walker is Seattle's clear lead back when healthy. Charbonnet is a plug-and-play option in fantasy without Walker. In the last two games that Walker missed, Charbonnet had a total of 32 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns while adding eight receptions for 47 yards. Check back Saturday for Walker's official Week 4 designation.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023 but has been off to a slow start in 2024. Last week was a defensive back-and-forth between the Eagles and Saints, leaving Elliott with one failed field goal attempt and only one extra-point conversion. Things should be better this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Eagles offense could struggle to move the ball with DeVonta Smith (concussion) out and A.J. Brown (hamstring) questionable. Elliott is shaping up to be a boom-or-bust streaming option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has run for at least 55 yards or a touchdown in each of his past two games as he looks to carve out a meaningful role in the running game behind Breece Hall. The rookie running back will look to continue to ascend when he takes on the Denver Broncos at home in Week 4. The Broncos have been mediocre against running backs in 2024, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. Allen remains behind Hall but he is getting enough work to merit consideration as a flex option in fantasy moving forward. The Broncos have done an excellent job shutting down opponents' passing attacks this season, so the Jets could skew a bit more run-heavy than usual in Week 4. Treat Allen as an RB3/ flex option this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Sep 27 8:20pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The rookie caught the first reception of his young career last week, but did nothing of note past that and even committed a costly penalty. However, with DeVonta Smith (concussion) out this week and no guarantee that A.J. Brown (hamstring) will make his return after being labeled as questionable, Wilson should see an increase in usage. His snap percentage has gone up slowly each week, and Wilson should easily clear the 33% of snaps that he played last weekend. Anyone outside of Smith and Brown have done little to nothing for the Eagles through three weeks, but there is no real choice for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Eagles coaching staff if those two options are not available. The 23-year-old should be considered on the flex borderline in deep leagues if Brown sits and is closer to a WR4/5 if Brown is active.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 27 8:10pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. should be considered a serviceable RB2 in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Houston defense did well against the run in the first two weeks, limiting the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears rushing attacks. In Week 3, they got torched by the Minnesota Vikings, led by Aaron Jones, who put up 148 total yards on 24 touches. The Jaguars offense has struggled, coming off a 47-10 smackdown against the Buffalo Bills last Monday. A matchup with a division rival coming off an embarrassment on Monday Night Football could be the motivation needed for a resurgence. However, expectations should be tempered, as especially with Evan Engram out once again, the offense is more likely to continue being unkind to its fantasy assets. Etienne Jr. is still a good starting option for fantasy managers, but until the offense shows signs of life, Etienne Jr. is capped at an RB2 level against the Texans.

From RotoBaller