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.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New Orleans Saints utilityman Taysom Hill (chest) is ready to get back to action in Week 4. The notorious jack of all trades missed the Saints' previous outing against the Eagles while dealing with a chest injury suffered in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hill was mostly left out of the Saints' prolific offensive output in their first two games of 2024, getting a total of 10 touches and 55 scrimmage yards but that might change when the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. With running back Alvin Kamara (hips/ribs) limited in practice all week and wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) added to the injury report on Friday, Hill may be in line for his first big game of 2024. The boom-or-bust cycle of Hill's career skews towards the latter but given the health of his teammates, his versatility, and the overall production (or lack thereof) at tight end league-wide, Hill might be a risk worth taking at tight end in Week 4.

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New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe hit field goals from 34 and 38 yards out in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His second professional season started with a bang in Week 1 when he converted five extra points and had four field goals (including two from over 50 yards away). The two games since produced more modest results, with scores of eight and six fantasy points. In Week 4 he has a good chance of turning in another double-digit effort against the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the most fantasy points to kickers thus far in the new season. Fantasy managers looking for options in Week 4 can plug Grupe in with confidence.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (groin) popped up on the team's injury report for Week 4, though he was a full participant in practices this week and carries no injury designation going into his next game. After scoring six total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) in the Saints' back-to-back blowouts to start the season, Carr failed to crack double digits in fantasy points in Week 3. In Week 4, the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons who have allowed a paltry 6.04 yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks thus far in 2024. Carr has the additional challenge of missing his starting center, Erik McCoy (groin), and possibly Chris Olave (hamstring) who left Friday's practice early and is questionable for the NFC South matchup. Carr might still be a play in two-quarterback formats but in most leagues, streamers should avoid him in Week 4.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stout defensively this season, surrendering the fewest yards and points per contest in the NFL. They are primed for further success at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Although Indianapolis' offense has scored a respectable amount of points through three weeks, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson currently leads the league in interceptions thrown. If running back Jonathan Taylor struggles against a Steelers defense allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game, Richardson could be forced to throw the ball while dealing with immense pressure from DPOY favorite T.J. Watt. Fantasy managers should lock Pittsburgh's DST into lineups of all shapes and sizes on Sunday.

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been very productive to start the 2024 campaign and will look to keep rolling against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. While Pittsburgh's offense is not necessarily firing on all cylinders, the Steelers' defense has been dominant, often leaving the offense little work to do to get within Boswell's range. He may not offer the same weekly upside as a kicker on a team with a more potent offense, but Boswell is about as steady as they come. For what it's worth, the Colts are tied for the fifth-most fantasy points per game allowed to kickers this season, and with Indianapolis giving up the second-most offensive yards in the league, fantasy managers can start Boswell with confidence on Sunday.

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San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo will look to build on a modest increase in usage in Week 4 when the team hosts the New England Patriots. Last week against the Rams in Los Angeles, Guerendo took five carries for 19 yards and zero passing targets. The fourth-round pick saw his offensive snap count grow to 10 after combining for four total in his first two games. It's very unlikely that Guerendo will become usable for fantasy players in mainstream leagues without an injury to Mason, given head coach Kyle Shanahan's tendency to use his main back as a bell cow. In Week 4 Guerendo should remain on fantasy benches. However, he represents nearly as good an injury stash as any in the league, so managers who can afford to hold, should.

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Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little is not a great starting option against the Houston Texans in Week 4. The Jaguars offense has struggled to start the year, putting up just 40 points through three games. The rookie kicker has nailed four out of five kicks so far, with his one miss coming from 43 yards. He hasn't had many opportunities to kick field goals with the offense struggling, but he has shown he has the leg to nail kicks over 50 yards. If the offense were to show improvement in Week 4, Little could become a decent fantasy option, as the offense on paper should be getting into field goal range more often. For now though, with just 18 fantasy points through three games, the upside for Little as a fantasy kicker does not seem to be there. Until the offense improves, Little is best left off of fantasy rosters in Week 4.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is yet to find the end zone or surpass 40 yards receiving in a contest in 2024 but still offers reliability against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. The fourth-year pro is the only tight end in the NFL to catch at least four passes in every game this season. While it is fair to have concerns regarding Freiermuth's lack of touchdown upside, it is difficult to ignore consistent involvement at a position that has been so devoid of fantasy production as of late. The Colts have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a matchup Freiermuth can take advantage of. The 25-year-old can be trusted as a low-end starting option on Sunday.

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