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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

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
Gabriel Davis Sep 28 11:00am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially questionable for Week 4 after practicing in a limited fashion all week. The former Buffalo Bill hasn't had any of his patented boom games through three weeks, catching eight of 16 targets with zero touchdowns on the season. If Davis were to miss the game, Parker Washington or Devin Duvernay would be the primary candidates to take his place. With Evan Engram already ruled out and Davis potentially following suit, Trevor Lawrence would likely rely more on Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk. Given the offense's struggles and Davis's lack of significant impact, it's hard to boost the other receiving options whether Davis has a limited snap count or completely misses out, as the Houston secondary would focus even more on Jacksonville's top two receivers. Fantasy managers planning on taking a risk with Davis this week should still keep a close eye on his status despite him practicing all week.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Sep 28 10:50am ET
Courtland Sutton

Through three weeks, Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton isn't a top-50 receiver in half-PPR scoring and he hasn't found the end zone after scoring a career-high 10 times in 2023. The good news is that he's currently tied for 12th among wideouts with 27 targets, and he's coming off his best game with seven grabs for 68 yards in the Week 3 win over Tampa. With a Week 4 matchup looming on the road versus the New York Jets and a likely showdown with cornerback Sauce Gardner, Sutton could very well struggle as he continues to gain chemistry with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton currently has a career-low 44.4% catch rate on his 27 targets, and the Jets defense has allowed only 150.7 passing yards per game (fourth-fewest) so far in 2024. The 28-year-old will continue to have a high target share, but he's going to need to be more efficient to be anything more than a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 28 10:50am ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will have his work cut out for him this Monday night when the team hosts the visiting Tennessee Titans. The second-year back opened the season on fire with two top-three finishes at the RB position but saw his work and efficiency tick down last weekend with Skylar Thompson (ribs) and Tim Boyle manning the helm instead of an injured Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Head coach Mike McDaniel has yet to determine who his starting quarterback will be in Week 4, though it is believed that the newly acquired Tyler Huntley is in line for the start. The Dolphins' offense should get a boost with the mobile 26-year-old under center, but Achane and the entire offense will have a tough matchup against a strong Titans defense. If Tennessee can be beaten anywhere, it's on the ground -- and Miami will need to use its versatile 22-year-old back if they want to stand a chance to walk away with a victory. The Texas A&M product will need to be included in the passing attack if fantasy managers hope to have production similar to that of the season's first two weeks. Achane is RotoBaller's PPR RB11 in Week 4's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 28 10:30am ET
Javonte Williams

Nothing fantasy managers have seen out of Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams through the first three weeks of 2024 have convinced them to use him as an RB3/flex in Week 4 against a strong New York Jets defense on the road. Williams has led Denver's backfield in snap percentage each of the first three weeks, but he's averaging a career-low 2.2 yards per tote and has yet to find the end zone. The 24-year-old also lost a fumble in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and saw Tyler Badie carry the ball nine times for a team-high 70 yards. If Williams doesn't start improving soon, he could see Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin start to take more touches away as the Broncos try boost their ground game. This Sunday against the Jets, Williams is trending as a low-upside RB3/flex against a Jets defense that has allowed only 15 half-PPR fantasy points per game to the RB position through three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Sep 28 10:30am ET
Tyler Huntley

The Miami Dolphins will square off against the Tennessee Titans as part of a second consecutive Monday Night Football doubleheader. Ahead of the matchup, head coach Mike McDaniel has yet to decide whether Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley will be his starting quarterback. McDaniel and the Fins are having a rough start to the season, with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) out for a few more weeks and Skylar Thompson (ribs) unlikely to suit up this Monday. Boyle -- initially the team's third-string option -- presents with the lower floor of the two potential signal-callers and, at this point, looks less likely to get the start. On the other hand, Huntley, who was recently acquired off the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, is a more enticing option for the team as he brings a dual-threat element to his game. Despite the latter garnering a higher fantasy ceiling, neither quarterback will be a recommended option in Week 4. The 26-year-old Huntley could be an exciting addition in superflex and 2QB formats, so an empty roster spot could be used on him in case he performs better than expected. However, fantasy managers will want to exhibit caution when slotting him into their lineups in his first week of action. The two backups are both low-end QB2s.

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Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 28 10:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin is only rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues, and if he's on your squad, he should be left on your bench in a Week 4 tilt on the road against the New York Jets on Sunday. The Jets defense has allowed 129.3 rushing yards per game through three weeks, which isn't great, but they should be able to slow down rookie quarterback Bo Nix and what has been a below-average Broncos offense. Denver's ground game has been almost non-existent through three weeks, with McLaughlin averaging a weak 2.2 yards per carry on 18 attempts (70 yards). Not only has McLaughlin done very little with his 24 touches in 2024, but Tyler Badie had nine carries for 70 yards in last week's win over Tampa and could get more opportunities if both McLaughlin and Javonte Williams continue to stumble. Stay away from McLaughlin in starting lineups this weekend.

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Bo Nix Sep 28 10:20am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had the best game of his young career in leading the Broncos to their first win of the season in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nix completed a season-high 69.4% of his passes for 216 yards and didn't throw a pick after throwing four in his first two games. He also ran nine times for 47 yards and a touchdown. It represented progress for the 12th overall pick, mainly because he didn't turn the ball over and wasn't sacked at all. But the 24-year-old averaged only 6.0 yards per attempt and has yet to throw a TD pass through his first three games. It wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Nix take a step back in Week 4 on the road against a New York Jets defense that is allowing 12.4 fantasy points to QBs (lowest in the league) through three weeks. The Jets also allow the eighth fewest points per game. Nix is a QB3 in fantasy in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Sep 28 9:30am ET
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is expected to return to practice next week, according to insider Nick Underhill. As soon as Miller is eligible to return from injured reserve, Miller will return to practice and be re-evaluated ahead of his eventual activation. As of now, it sounds very possible that Miller could be activated from injured reserve prior to the Saints' Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year running back has reportedly made a full recovery from the injury that had impacted him since Day 1 of training camp. We've previously heard that Miller hadn't quite earned the favor of head coach Dennis Allen yet, but he'll get another chance to prove himself when he hits the practice field next week. Miller figures to operate as the Saints' No. 3 running back behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams when he returns, but there's always a chance he could push for the backup job over Williams.

From RotoBaller

Marshawn Kneeland Sep 28 9:20am ET
Marshawn Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is expected to miss at least four weeks after being diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain, making him a prime candidate to be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Head coach Mike McCarthy said that Lawrence's injury is even worse than Micah Parsons' high-ankle sprain. Lawrence has been productive throughout four games this year, registering 14 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland should see an uptick in snaps on the defensive line until Lawrence is healthy enough to return to the fold.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 28 6:10am ET
C.J. Stroud

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is one of the lowest-ranked options in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Texans will be missing Tank Dell and potentially Joe Mixon, but despite that, they still have plenty of weapons to cause problems for the Jaguars defense with C.J. Stroud throwing to Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. Also, the Jaguars defense has not been great so far, forcing zero turnovers and scoring zero touchdowns. They also are coming off a 47-10 smackdown against the Buffalo Bills where they scored negative fantasy points. The only thing the defense really has going for them is the pass rush, but they didn't even register a sack against the Bills. While the Buffalo offense is one of the best in the NFL, it is discouraging for fantasy managers to see that bad of a performance from an NFL defense. Unless the Jaguars D/ST somehow scores a touchdown, they could be in for a second straight negative fantasy performance in Week 4.

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D.J. Moore Sep 28 5:30am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2 option this week against the vulnerable Los Angeles Rams secondary. Moore has seen consistent target numbers in his last three games, recording eight, ten, and ten targets. This reliable production is crucial for building chemistry with a rookie quarterback. While he has scored double-digit fantasy points in every game, he has yet to have a breakout performance or find the end zone. Interestingly, Rome Odunze became the first Bears receiver to surpass 100 yards in a game and score a touchdown. This week, the Bears may have a full complement of receivers for the first time since Week 1, as veteran Keenan Allen (heel) is listed as questionable. After being limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Allen returned to full practice on Friday, suggesting he might be ready to play. While the Bears will likely integrate all three receivers into their game plan upon Allen's return, this could dilute their target shares. Nevertheless, the matchup against the Rams looks promising, as they have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts and were notably exploited last week by Jauan Jennings. Overall, the Rams have given the most PPR points to perimeter receivers. Whether or not Allen plays, Moore deserves a spot in fantasy lineups.

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Cole Kmet Sep 28 5:30am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a recommended starter this week, thanks to a favorable matchup against a struggling Los Angeles Rams secondary. The Rams allow a league-high 11.53 yards per target and a 93.3% catch rate to opposing tight ends this season. In Week 3, with Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, Kmet had one of his best performances, tying his career-high in receptions and narrowly missing a second 100-yard game. After starting the season behind Gerald Everett, Kmet has out-snapped him in the last two games, although he still isn't on the field as frequently as last year. If Allen cannot play or is less than fully healthy in Week 4, Kmet should have ample opportunities against a Rams defense that struggles to cover the middle of the field. The Bears could have a full array of weapons for the first time since Week 1, as Allen is listed as questionable. After being limited in practice earlier in the week, he returned to full practice on Friday, which could impact Kmet's target share. The Rams have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the fourth-most receiving yards to tight ends. Start Kmet as a low-end TE1 this week, and I hope his breakout continues.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 28 5:30am ET
Matthew Stafford

The Chicago Bears defense and special teams aim to build on their recent improvements against the Los Angeles Rams this week. The Rams arrived in Chicago with a roster plagued by injuries, including star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and several other key players sidelined. Despite the shifting pieces, Matthew Stafford remains versatile and smart in his play. The Bears' strong secondary will face a challenge, as the Rams are likely to take deep shots, so maintaining discipline in coverage will be crucial to prevent big plays. Fourth-year wideout Tutu Atwell emerged as Stafford's go-to target in their victory over the 49ers last week, recording four catches for 93 yards. Additionally, the Bears have struggled against workhorse running backs this season, and they will face another strong rusher in Kyren Williams. Williams is essential to the Rams' offensive success, and containing him will be key to the Bears' chances of winning in Week 4. Unfortunately, such a formidable Bears defense must contend with a struggling offense, but that's the reality for Chicago this season. Start the Bears' defense this week, hoping they can contain Williams and force Stafford into mistakes.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Sep 28 5:30am ET
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy starter for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. In the Bears' 21-16 loss to the Colts, Santos made one of two field-goal attempts. After a strong season opener where he scored 10 points, his production has dipped to seven and four points in the following weeks. While the Bears have faced offensive struggles, they have improved since the opener. Crucially for Santos, the Rams' injury issues may hinder their ability to sustain drives, potentially giving the Bears more scoring opportunities. Notably, four of Santos' six field goals this season have been from 50 yards or longer, showcasing his reliability from distance. However, given the Bears' offensive inconsistencies, Santos is likely to remain a low-end fantasy option on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 28 5:20am ET
D'Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears' running back, D'Andre Swift, is a borderline RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which offers a favorable opportunity. Swift has expressed his frustration with the Bears' struggling run game, stating, "It's high," after a Week 3 loss to the Colts. Last week, he saw a season-low 53% of the snaps, managing just 15 touches for a modest total of 42 yards. With backups Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert getting more playing time, it is getting harder to keep starting Swift. With the Bears ranking 31st in yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Swift is averaging only 1.8 yards per carry and 1.7 yards after contact, highlighting the difficulties faced by both him and the offensive line this season. However, Sunday's game against a Rams defense that ranks 25th against the run could be a turning point. The Bears missed a chance for a breakout performance against the Colts, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the players available. Given that the Rams are a favorable matchup for running backs, Swift has the potential to emerge from his slump and provide flex-level production. The Rams have the fourth-lowest stuff rate, allow the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and rank among the top for rushing success rate and total rushing yards allowed. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues or larger can approach this matchup with cautious optimism.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Sep 28 5:20am ET
Roschon Johnson

The Chicago Bears' running back Roschon Johnson is poised for increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Reports indicate that the Bears want more opportunities for their young back, especially as starter D'Andre Swift has struggled. In recent games, the Bears have experimented with different carry splits among Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson. Given their current ranking of 31st in both yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Sunday's matchup against a Rams run defense that ranks 25th could be the perfect chance for improvement. The Bears missed a good opportunity in Week 3 against a vulnerable Colts defense, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the available talent. Johnson showed promise in Week 3, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with a more physical running style. While Swift led in rushing plays with a 56% snap rate, Johnson carved out a role on passing downs, taking 51% of the snaps compared to Swift's 42%. Johnson also outperformed Swift in the red zone, logging a 47% snap rate versus Swift's 29%. For fantasy managers needing a dart throw at running back, Johnson's recent usage and anticipated uptick in touches make him an intriguing option this week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 28 5:10am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option against the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams come into the game with 1-2 records, eager to avoid falling to 1-3. Last week, Williams delivered his best performance yet, throwing 52 passes and completing 33 for 363 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has shown steady improvement each week, and facing a struggling Rams defense, he's poised to have his strongest outing of the season. The Rams have allowed the highest yards per pass attempt in the league, making this matchup particularly favorable for Williams and the Bears. Comparatively, the Titans, Texans, and Colts rank 11th, 14th, and 16th in expected points allowed, while the Rams sit at 31st. With the potential for more scoring, it's worth noting that Brock Purdy threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams just last week, following Kyler Murray's 266 yards and three scores the week before. Additionally, Williams might get back his security blanket, Keenan Allen (heel), who has missed the last two games due to plantar fasciitis. While Williams has a friendly schedule ahead, he remains a streaming option until he demonstrates more consistency.

From RotoBaller

Carl Granderson Sep 28 4:40am ET
Carl Granderson

The New Orleans Saints D/ST has gotten off to an impressive start in 2024. They have held each of their first three opponents to less than 20 points and have allowed the sixth-fewest points (44) to date. The team also boasts the second-most total takeaways (seven) and ranks in the top ten in sacks. In Week 4 they will go up against the Atlanta Falcons who have done well to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins safe but recently lost starting linemen Drew Dalman (ankle) and Kaleb McGary (knee) to injury. That puts edge rusher Carl Granderson in a good spot to add to the four sacks he has already recorded this season. Fantasy managers wondering where to turn to fill their D/ST slot in Week 4 could do a lot worse than New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Sep 28 4:30am ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams could be in line for improved production in Week 4. Over the first three weeks of the season, he has not had much to offer from a fantasy standpoint with the Saints dedicated to force-feeding Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs). Kamara popped up on the injury report this week, though, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara ends up getting a week off then Williams will soak up much of that work but would face some competition from a now-healthy Taysom Hill (chest). Williams played in three of the four games Kamara missed in 2023 and logged 41 rushing attempts for 100 yards, and a touchdown on the ground, and nine catches for 28 receiving yards. Modest totals for sure, but this year's version of the Saints offense has been far more dynamic with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in charge. Fantasy managers desperate for running back help should monitor pre-game injury reports and only plug Williams into lineups if Kamara is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Sep 28 4:30am ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was a main contributor to the team's 91-point explosion over the first two weeks of 2024. Week 3 was an absolute dud, though, as he came up empty on his five targets against the Eagles. In Week 4, the Saints head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in an NFC South matchup. The Falcons are allowing just 6.04 yards per pass attempt and have given up the fewest deep balls to opposing wide receivers in the league, which does not bode well for Shaheed. Furthermore, Shaheed usually thrives against zone defenses but Atlanta's ranks in the top 10 so far this year. Shaheed's prospects may get a boost depending on the health of fellow wideout Chris Olave (hamstring) who left Friday's practice early and is now listed as questionable. Shaheed would benefit from an uptick in targets if Olave is absent, but otherwise should not be counted on for a boom game in Week 4.

From RotoBaller