Week 4 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Advice on Fantasy Football Stars to Play or Bench
While the 2024 NFL season continues to be an unpredictable affair, we've started to see some stability in the fantasy world. Players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have recovered from slow starts, while Justin Jefferson and Saquon Barkley have been as reliable as expected.
However, we've seen some surprisingly poor production from players like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews, and managers still face tough decisions on a weekly basis. Injuries to fantasy stars like Christian McCaffrey and Puka Nacua have further impacted the fantasy landscape.
While byes won't begin until Week 5, managers will have some tough choices to make this weekend. Here, you'll find a look at some of the tougher matchups for top fantasy standouts and a few start-sit recommendations for Week 4.
All picks are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Start: RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has returned to fantasy stardom in Klint Kubiak's offense, but the five-time Pro Bowler faces a daunting situation in Week 4.
The Saints will visit the rival Atlanta Falcons, who have largely stifled opposing running backs this season. Only the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed fewer fantasy points to the position in 2024.
Kamara was also out of practice on Wednesday with hip and rib injuries, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
On top of that, the Saints offensive line—which was already without Ryan Ramczyk—suffered another blow on Sunday. Starting center Erik McCoy is expected to miss extended time with a groin injury that will require surgery.
"You lose a guy like Erik, it hurts," Saints quarterback Derek Carr said, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell.
As long as he's active, though, Kamara should still be start-worthy this week, because of his role in the passing game. He's caught now fewer than two passes in a game this season and has topped 100 scrimmage yards in every week. If the Saints can't run effectively, they'll look to supplement the ground game with short passes, so Kamara should have a high PPR floor.
Sit: RB JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers running back JK Dobbins has also reentered the fantasy spotlight this year, largely because he is healthy. He topped 130 scrimmage yards and found the end zone in each of his first two games.
However, Dobbins fell off against a stingy Pittsburgh Steelers defense in Week 3. He did catch three passes but finished with only 54 scrimmage yards and no touchdowns.
Dobbins could be in store for a similar performance against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. The Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season and will likely plan to stop Dobbins specifically.
Los Angeles may or may not have quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) this week, but he's highly unlikely to be at or near 100 percent.
Dobbins' PPR floor should prevent him from being a total bust, but his ceiling against the rival Chiefs is extremely limited. Managers who have other options—Dobbins was likely either a late-round pick or plucked off the waiver wire—should trust them in Week 4.
Start: WR Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
The Cleveland Browns have a talented defense, but their overreliance on single-high safety coverage has led to some big performances by opposing receivers. Cleveland has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to the position through Week 3 and just allowed rookie wideout Malik Nabers (8 catches, 78 yards, 2 TDs) to go off.
This doesn't mean that Las Vegas Raiders wideout Davante Adams is a slam-dunk play in Week 4, however. Quarterback Gardner Minshew had another inconsistent and inefficient game on Sunday, which led to less-than-stellar production for Adams.
The 31-year-old caught four passes for 40 yards against the Carolina Panthers.
Given Cleveland's lack of offensive continuity and poor offensive line play, there's a real chance that Las Vegas looks to grind this game out with defense and the running game. Ultimately, though, the Raiders will probably have to move the ball through the air.
Zamir White has largely been a disappointment as a runner, and the Browns defense is still above-average against the run. Expect Minshew to target Adams early and often, giving him a high PPR floor this week.
Sit: WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is averaging five receptions and 50 receiving yards so far this season. While that's probably not what managers expected to see with a healthy Aaron Rodgers under center, it has given Wilson a fairly strong floor.
However, Wilson may be even less effective this week against Patrick Surtain II and the Denver Broncos. Surtain and Co. just held Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans to two catches and 17 yards on Sunday.
While Rodgers does look to get Wilson involved, he isn't afraid to go elsewhere with the football. In the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots, eight different Jets players had multiple receptions.
Rodgers won't force the ball to Wilson, and the Jets may not even use a pass-heavy approach. They could easily choose to attack Denver's 21st-ranked run defense with the talented backfield duo of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
Wilson should soon experience his fantasy breakout, but he's too risky to trust in Week 4.
*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros