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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Lamb could top last season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver 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 receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  WR SOS  
1. Denver Broncos 531.34
2. Los Angeles Chargers 536.08
3. Miami Dolphins 537.31
4. Kansas City Chiefs 549.96
5. Las Vegas Raiders 552.89
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 554.85
7. New England Patriots 555.93
8. Buffalo Bills 556.13
9. Houston Texans 561.75
10. San Francisco 49ers 565.73
11. New Orleans Saints 566.06
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 566.19
13. Cincinnati Bengals 566.32
14. Jacksonville Jaguars 570.07
15. Baltimore Ravens 571.77
16. Seattle Seahawks 573.41
17. Minnesota Vikings 573.91
18. Philadelphia Eagles 574.46
19. Carolina Panthers 575.49
20. Los Angeles Rams 575.79
21. Washington Commanders 575.91
22. Detroit Lions 576.36
23. Atlanta Falcons 577.76
24. New York Jets 577.99
25. Tennessee Titans 578.06
26. Indianapolis Colts 578.18
27. Cleveland Browns 583.5
28. Arizona Cardinals 586.09
29. New York Giants 586.93
30. Chicago Bears 601.21
31. Dallas Cowboys 608.4
32. Green Bay Packers 610.22

 

The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.

CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.

The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze.  These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.

The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.

On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.

The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.

There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.

The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.

Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. 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 receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  WR PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Los Angeles Rams 501.93
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 515.53
3. Kansas City Chiefs 519.43
4. New York Giants 521.63
5. Miami Dolphins 532.77
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 534.53
7. Houston Texans 538
8. Buffalo Bills 540.87
9. Las Vegas Raiders 541.9
10. Carolina Panthers 549.33
11. Cincinnati Bengals 552.17
12. Detroit Lions 553.73
13. Arizona Cardinals 555.27
14. Cleveland Browns 555.4
15. Minnesota Vikings 560.93
16. New England Patriots 573.03
17. Los Angeles Chargers 573.1
18. Tennessee Titans 575.17
19. Baltimore Ravens 581.27
20. Seattle Seahawks 585.08
21. New York Jets 585.5
22. Denver Broncos 587.2
23. Pittsburgh Steelers 587.8
24. Philadelphia Eagles 589.73
25. Green Bay Packers 590.85
26. Washington Commanders 591.57
27. New Orleans Saints 604.13
28. Dallas Cowboys 609.73
29. Indianapolis Colts 614
30. San Francisco 49ers 641.53
31. Atlanta Falcons 644.93
32. Chicago Bears 647.98

 

The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.

Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.

The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.

San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.

Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.

The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.

And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.

The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.

The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.

And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.

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
Keenan Allen Sep 27 7:50pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is trending toward playing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 with a heel injury that he said has left him "hurting" since training camp. Allen, 32, practiced in full on Friday for the first time since Week 1 and was deemed questionable on the final injury report after missing each of the last two games. The Bears held him out of football activities the last two weeks before he returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Allen said he dealt with a similar injury in 2023 and classified it as "a wear-and-tear type of deal." He doesn't think this injury will hinder him the remainder of the season. With Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, rookie first-rounder Rome Odunze went off for six catches, 112 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Allen will be a shaky flex play if he's active, although he did see 11 targets in Week 1.

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Breece Hall Sep 27 7:50pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has scored a touchdown in all three of his games this season while racking up 170 rushing yards and 16 catches for 120 yards. He will look to stay hot in a home game against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have been middle-of-the-road against running backs this season, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Even while splitting carries with talented rookie Braelon Allen, Hall has been one of the most dynamic running backs in the league and is a must-start as a top-three fantasy running back heading into Week 4.

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A.J. Brown Sep 27 7:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out of the Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (calf) has also been ruled out, while nose tackle Vita Vea (knee) is questionable to play. Winfield is missing his third straight game after injuring his foot in the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Tampa's secondary will be especially vulnerable with the 26-year-old out again, although they could get a break this weekend if both Eagles receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) are out (Smith has already been ruled out). The Buccaneers are on a short turnaround in Week 5 with a Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, so there's a good chance Winfield still won't be ready by then. In IDP fantasy leagues, Winfield needs to remain stashed while he heals.

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Aaron Rodgers Sep 27 7:40pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned in his best game of the season in a Week 3 win over the New England Patriots, throwing for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He will look to build upon that performance in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been tough on opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing just the 23rd-most fantasy points per game to the position through three games. Rodgers has gotten progressively better each game this season and is a decent option as a QB2 in superflex leagues but the matchup isn't ideal this weekend. Treat Rodgers as a low-end QB2 in fantasy in Week 4.

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Baker Mayfield Sep 27 7:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a rough performance against the Denver Broncos last week. The veteran signal-caller completed 25-of-33 passing attempts for 163 passing yards and one touchdown with one interception in the loss. Mayfield has been held to two total touchdowns and less than 190 passing yards over the last two games. Mayfield had an awesome season opener, but has come back down to Earth. It's not all his fault as the Bucs offensive line is giving Mayfield nearly no time in the pocket. It wouldn't get any easier for Mayfield against the Philadelphia Eagles defense in Week 4. A defense that has done a nice job against the pass this season. The Bucs o-line gave up seven sacks last week, so if they can hold up, Mayfield should have a better day. However, that's unlikely to happen, so Mayfield should remain on the QB2 radar.

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Gardner Minshew II Sep 27 7:30pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

The Cleveland Browns defense will head on the road to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Cleveland's defense has been solid through three games, notching nine sacks, good for the 10th-most in the league. The Raiders will turn back to Gardner Minshew II under center after benching him for Aiden O'Connell last week, but Minshew is on a short leash after throwing just three touchdowns and three interceptions through the first three games of the season and failing to earn a vote of confidence from head coach Antonio Pierce during the week. That being said, the Browns defense comes into Week 4 rather banged up as Myles Garrett (foot, Achilles, thigh), Jordan Hicks (ribs, elbow), and Mike Ford (knee) all missed some practice time this week with their respective injuries. The Browns are 1.5-point road favorites in a game with a low over/under of 36.5 points, so fantasy managers can feel confident starting the unit as a top-10 option this weekend.

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Bucky Irving Sep 27 7:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) has been given a questionable tag to play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Irving was limited in practice on Wednesday, didn't practice on Thursday and returned to a limited practice on Friday. The 22-year-old fourth-rounder has been more productive than Rachaad White through the first three weeks, which could lead to more touches moving forward, but his status is in question for the weekend. Irving so far has 30 total touches for 182 scrimmage yards and has looked much more elusive and explosive with the ball in his hands. Even if Irving is a shaky RB3/flex play this Sunday against the Eagles, he's deserving of a stash in most fantasy formats, regardless of whether you also have White. If Irving is unable to get the green light to play in Week 4, it will make White a more appealing RB3/flex play himself, while Sean Tucker would serve as the direct backup to White.

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Rachaad White Sep 27 7:30pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White has failed to eclipse over 35 rushing yards through the first three games of the season. Luckily, White's ability in the receiving game has helped salvage his fantasy value. At this point, it's unclear if the Bucs are going to ride with White as the early down back. Instead, Bucky Irving could get the a majority of the rushing attempts while White works as the primary pass catcher in the backfield. Fantasy managers in high PPR leagues should still be able to get decent value from White because of his receiving ability. However, he's unlikely to have much success on the ground against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. White is going to fall into the low-end RB2 mix until he proves he can run the ball.

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Jalen McMillan Sep 27 7:20pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Friday and is now doubtful to be able to play in Week 4 on Sunday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. McMillan was officially listed as limited in Friday's practice. Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) were also on this week's injury report, but the two wideouts have since been cleared to play this weekend. With McMillan now unlikely to face Philly, Trey Palmer will step in as the team's WR3 for at least one week in a very nice matchup. The second-year wideout has only seen three targets through the first three weeks, catching one of them for a 19-yard gain, so he'll only be a deep WR4/flex sleeper worth considering in much deeper fantasy leagues this week. McMillan has exactly one catch in each of his first three NFL games, going for 59 yards and one touchdown.

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Dustin Hopkins Sep 27 7:20pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has been accurate thus far in 2024, hitting four of his five field goals and all four of his extra points through three games. He will look to keep it going in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been generous to opposing kickers this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Hopkins has shown a big leg, hitting two kicks from 50+ yards and 10 from that distance since 2023, but the Cleveland offense has generally underwhelmed due to poor play from Deshaun Watson and multiple injuries across the offensive line. That makes Hopkins tough to trust as a starting kicker in fantasy heading into Week 4 against the Raiders.

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Chris Godwin Sep 27 7:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) were both on the injury report this week but were officially cleared to play in Week 4 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Evans was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before being held out of Friday's practice for rest purposes, while Godwin was limited all week. The Bucs were apparently resting their top two wideouts this week as they deal with minor injuries. Both of them will be available this weekend and should be considered must-starts in fantasy lineups against an Eagles defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position through the season's first three weeks. Evans, in particular, could get the squeaky wheel treatment on Sunday after catching just two passes for 17 yards in the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. Godwin has found the end zone in each of the team's first three games.

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Jordan Akins Sep 27 7:10pm ET
Jordan Akins

Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins will get another turn as the team's starter with David Njoku (ankle) ruled out for a Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Akins drew seven targets in Week 3, but he turned those looks into just four catches for 29 yards in the loss to the New York Giants. He will go against a Raiders defense allowing the 13th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024. Akins holds some value as an option in two tight-end leagues but he is not a starting option outside of that format. Great him as a high-end TE3 heading into the weekend.

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Davante Adams Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Davante Adams

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.

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Amari Cooper Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper shook off a slow start to the season to catch two touchdowns in a Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Cooper will look to do more damage in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been generous to fantasy wideouts in 2024, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Cooper has been pretty boom/bust in this current iteration of the Cleveland offense but the matchup is good and he remains the No. 1 option in the passing attack for the Browns. Treat Cooper as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 4 against Las Vegas.

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Jerry Jeudy Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was quiet in a Week 3 loss, catching just four passes for 27 yards. He will look to bounce back in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders represent a plus matchup for Jeudy as they are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts through three games. That being said, the Cleveland passing attack has looked rough at times this season and Amari Cooper reminded everyone why he's the top receiver in town with seven catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns last week. Jeudy can be treated as a low-end flex option heading into Week 4.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 27 6:50pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman has been tough to predict through three games. The veteran saw just one snap in Week 1 then led the Cleveland backfield with 14 carries in Week 2. In Week 3 he was back to being an afterthought with just two carries in a loss to the New York Giants. Foreman will look for a larger share of the workload in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been a great matchup for running backs this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position through three games. The unpredictable nature of Foreman's workload on a weekly basis leaves him as a low-end flex option who has a very high risk of busting. He's best left on fantasy benches in Week 4.

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Jerome Ford Sep 27 6:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (knee) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Ford was held out of practice on Wednesday, creating some uncertainty about his status this week, but he returned to a limited session the following day. Fellow RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) missed practice all week and will be held out again this weekend. The Browns have involved D'Onta Foreman some, but Ford remains the team's lead back for as long as Nick Chubb (knee) remains out. The 25-year-old Ford has 39 total touches for 203 yards and one touchdown through three games in 2024 and will enter the Week 4 contest in Vegas as an RB3/flex play for fantasy managers against a banged-up Raiders defense. The Raiders defense has been extremely vulnerable on the ground early on, so Ford has considerable upside in this matchup this week.

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Sam Darnold Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Sam Darnold

The Green Bay Packers' defense and special teams unit will draw a tough assignment as they head home to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Packers were able to tee off on Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans to the tune of eight sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in Week 3 as the top-scoring fantasy defense on the week. With the Vikings heading to town riding the hot hand of Sam Darnold, plus Justin Jefferson, former Packer Aaron Jones, and the return of Jordan Addison, the Vikings will be a tall order to stop on all fronts. Look for the Packers to have some success but ultimately, be a middling option on the week for fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Kamara started out the week with a DNP on Wednesday before he was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. The fact that the 29-year-old got in two straight days of practice puts him on the right side of questionable leading into Sunday's divisional clash, but fantasy managers will still want to check the Sunday morning inactives list to be sure. If Kamara is out or limited at all, it will mean more work for backup Jamaal Williams. Kamara, who has been a big part of the Saints' offense through three weeks, could see even more work through the air if he suits up and receiver Chris Olave (hamstring). Tight end Taysom Hill is another option for backfield work if Kamara is inactive this week. If active, Kamara needs to be started in all fantasy lineups as a clear-cut RB1.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in a home loss to the New York Giants in Week 3, throwing two touchdown passes but getting sacked eight times on 37 pass attempts. He will look to get back on track in a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been relatively generous to opposing quarterbacks so far this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Watson hasn't done much to inspire confidence in him in fantasy this season, throwing just three touchdowns and two interceptions through three games. Still looking for his first 200-yard passing game this season, Watson should be on benches in fantasy as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 4's matchup.

From RotoBaller