Here's a look back at Week 4's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 4 RECAP
Bengals 27, Dolphins 15: Raheem Mostert has been Miami’s clear leader on early downs for three straight games. Despite Chase Edmonds scoring three times in the last two games, Mostert is looking like the running back with the highest upside going forward.
Vikings 28, Saints 25: The Justin Jefferson panic was hilarious after he had only three receptions for 14 yards on only six targets against the Lions in Week 3. Through four games, Jefferson is on pace for 119 receptions (178 targets) for 1,670 yards and eight TDs.
Falcons 23, Browns 20: Kyle Pitts wasn’t even on the field in seven of 20 pass plays for Atlanta. Make it make sense, Arthur Smith.
Cowboys 25, Commanders 10: Michael Gallup played more than I expected, running a rout on 83% of Cooper Rush’s dropbacks. He also had a TD as one of his two receptions. I’m not sure there’s enough volume in this passing game for Rush to support both Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, but there will be once Dak Prescott returns under center.
Seahawks 48, Lions 45: Too much fantasy goodness to fit in this space so I’ll focus on the most surprising aspect of this offensive bonanza (and Detroit’s season in general): Jared Goff. Goff is the overall QB5 through four games. He’s one of three quarterbacks with 1,100-plus passing yards and double-digit touchdowns this season — the others are Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. I’m sold after the former No. 1 overall draft pick was able to thrive despite missing several weapons against the Seahawks on Sunday. Those weapons should return soon and an elite offensive line will give Goff a shot at producing top-12 value going forward.
Titans 24, Colts 17: If you’re 1-3 or 0-4 and currently roster Jonathan Taylor, it’s time to shop the consensus No. 1 pick in fantasy drafts. Taylor had only 167 yards in 50 carries (3.34 yards per carry) the last three games before sustaining what Indy fears is a high ankle sprain. He’s already been ruled out this week, could miss multiple games and might even be limited once he returns. If you’re sitting pretty at 4-0 or 3-1, keep calm and carry on.
Giants 20, Bears 12: Even when David Montgomery is healthy, Khalil Herbert (101 total yards) should remain rostered just in case he sees more playing time or Montgomery suffers a setback.
Eagles 29, Jaguars 21: This is an example of James Robinson needing a positive game-script to hit his ceiling, and any game Jacksonville trails early will likely feature more of Travis Etienne.
Jets 24, Steelers 20: Things are trending in the right direction for rookie Breece Hall to become an obvious start in fantasy soon. This was the first week where he received the majority of early-down snaps and only Austin Ekeler has more targets this season (29 to 28) for running backs.
Bills 23, Ravens 20: Jamison Crowder has a broken ankle and has been placed on injured reserve. Monitor Isaiah McKenzie’s progress this week — he’s currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol — but he’s the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) so far this season on the strength of scoring a TD in three of four games.
Chargers 34, Texans 24: I predicted Ekeler would see some serious TD regression from his total of 20 last season, but I never expected him to get shut out. Hence, his three TD eruption against Houston made a lot of sense.
Cardinals 26, Panthers 16: Greg Dortch only played in roughly one-third of Arizona’s offensive snaps and had one catch for six yards with Rondale Moore active. It was fun while it lasted.
Packers 27, Patriots 24 (OT): It appears Green Bay’s wide receiver situation has sorted itself out. Both Allen Lazard and Romeo Doubs were tied in offensive snaps and targets against New England. Lazard had more receiving yards, but Doubs had the touchdown. Rookie Christian Watson and Randall Cobb shouldn’t be rostered at this time.
Raiders 32, Broncos 23: It appears reports of Josh Jacobs' demise this offseason were premature. It was almost considered a foregone conclusion he’d lose touches within some sort of committee with rookie Zamir White eventually supplanting him as the early-down option while Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden would double-team passing downs. Nope. White has barely played, while Abdullah and Bolden have combined for six receptions in four games. Jacob has dominated this backfield and I don’t see any reason for that to change barring injury.
Chiefs 41, Buccaneers 31: Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s TD production is unsustainable and Jerick McKinnon has only 23 touches in four games. Isiah Pacheco is the running back in Kansas City that excites me long-term.
49ers 24, Rams 9: San Francisco had allowed only five receptions for 23 yards to tight ends in three games before Tyler Higbee produced 10 receptions for 73 yards. Higbee now leads the position in overall targets (38) and only Mark Andrews is receiving a bigger share of his team’s passes — 30.8% to 25.3% (both are huge numbers for tight ends) — after the first month of the season.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 5:
INDIANAPOLIS AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Russell Wilson (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Melvin Gordon (DEN).
Who to start: Nyheim Hines (IND) already deserved flex consideration as the overall RB41 in PPR, before Jonathan Taylor was ruled out. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) has flex potential as the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR45 in PPR). The Broncos D/ST face an offense that has allowed 15 sacks and has produced nine turnovers in four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Matt Ryan (IND) against a defense that has only allowed three TDs to quarterbacks in four games. Alec Pierce (IND) has established his big-play credentials the last two weeks, but this is a difficult matchup to trust him. Mo Alie-Cox (IND) remains touchdown-dependent. There are better options available this week than the Colts D/ST. I’m not sure Latavius Murray (DEN) has been with the team long enough — he signed Monday — to trust in your lineup on a short week.
Sleeper: Mike Boone (DEN) has been the primary passing-down back the past three weeks, so he is likely to at least have that role with Javonte Williams done for the season.
N.Y. GIANTS VS. GREEN BAY (AT LONDON)
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB), Packers D/ST.
Who to start: AJ Dillon (GB) maintains flex value with at least 14 touches in every game this season. Allen Lazard (GB) is the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR27 in PPR) since Week 2. Romeo Doubs (GB) has 13 receptions (16 targets) for 120 yards and two TDs the last two games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Kadarius Toney (NYG), Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) and Richie James (NYG) — indeed the entire Giants wide receiver room — who could all be limited or out with an injury. Daniel Jones (NYG) hasn’t thrown a TD pass since Week 2 and is currently dealing with a sprained ankle. Robert Tonyan (GB) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that has only allowed 15 receptions for 134 yards and no TDs to tight ends in four games this season.
Sleeper: Daniel Bellinger (NYG) is a lottery ticket at tight end considering how decimated the G-Men’s receivers are — he’s developed a rapport with Jones and has seven receptions (eight targets) for 63 yards the last two games after scoring his first career TD in Week 2.
PITTSBURGH AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in four games. Devin Singletary (BUF) is the overall RB31 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) through four games. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) has flex potential if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol this week.
Who to sit: This is a difficult matchup to trust Chase Claypool (PIT) with only three receptions (eight targets) for 35 yards the last two games. George Pickens (PIT) is a boom-or-bust option this week. This isn’t the week to fire up Kenny Pickett (PIT) — the Bills haven’t allowed more than 200 passing yards since Week 1 and have only allowed three TD passes this season. I’m fading the Steelers D/ST against the Bills high-powered offense on the road. Dawson Knox (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent with only 12 receptions for 111 yards in four games.
Sleeper: Rookie Khalil Shakir (BUF) would have flex appeal as the Bills’ slot receiver if McKenzie isn’t able to go against the Steelers.
L.A. CHARGERS AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE).
Who to start: Gerald Everett (LAC) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through four games. Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintains premium flex status with at least 12 touches in every game this season.
Who to sit: Keenan Allen (LAC) remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury — I’d like to see Allen make it through a game unscathed before he’s in my lineup at this point. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has been limited by an ankle injury in practice this week. I’m sitting the Chargers D/ST against Chubb and Hunt. Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) remains boom-or-bust with inconsistent usage this season — three-or-fewer targets in two of the last three games. The Browns D/ST are only 24th in fantasy scoring through four games.
Sleeper(s): DeAndre Carter (LAC) and Michael Bandy (LAC) would both be lottery tickets at wide receiver in deeper leagues if Allen and Palmer are out.
CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), Vikings D/ST.
Who to start: Khalil Herbert (CHI) maintains flex value with upside against a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs in four games. Adam Thielen (MIN) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR41 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading David Montgomery (CHI) until we see his knee/ankle has fully healed and his usage returns to normal. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains boom-or-bust with five-or-fewer targets in three of four games. Cole Kmet (CHI) only has eight targets in four games. Justin Fields (CHI) hasn’t thrown a TD pass in three games. The Bears D/ST doesn’t deserve streaming consideration on the road. Alexander Mattison (MIN) remains touchdown-dependent with Cook active. Irv Smith (MIN) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in three of four games.
Sleeper: Kirk Cousins (MIN) has thrown for multiple TDs against the Bears in four straight games.
DETROIT AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: TJ Hockenson (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET), Damien Harris (NE), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: You’re starting Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) if he’s active, but I’m not expecting him to play with the Lions’ bye next week. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to quarterbacks in four games.
Who to sit: DJ Chark (DET) remains boom-or-bust if he’s active. I’m treating Jakobi Meyers (NE), DeVante Parker (NE) and Nelson Agholor (NE) all as boom-or-bust options with Bailey Zappe (NE) potentially under center. Hunter Henry (NE) remains touchdown-dependent with only five receptions for 41 yards this season.
Sleeper: Josh Reynolds (DET) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 2.
SEATTLE AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Chris Olave (NO).
Who to start: You’re starting both Alvin Kamara (NO) and Michael Thomas (NO) if they’re active. I expect a better showing from the Saints D/ST in this home matchup than what we’ve seen so far this season.
Who to sit: This is a difficult matchup to trust Rashaad Penny (SEA) or Kenneth Walker (SEA) if Penny is limited or out with a shoulder injury. Noah Fant (SEA) and Will Dissly (SEA) are touchdown-dependent against a defense that has only allowed 12 receptions for 86 yards and no TDs to tight ends in four games. This is a tough matchup to trust Geno Smith (SEA) outside of superflex leagues despite his solid performance so far this season. Jarvis Landry (NO) remains boom-or-bust — even if Thomas is inactive — with only 12 targets the last three games. Mark Ingram (NO) only has flex value if Kamara sits again.
Sleeper(s): Either Jameis Winston (NO) or Andy Dalton (NO) will face a defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
MIAMI AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Garrett Wilson (NYJ).
Who to start: Both Chase Edmonds (MIA) and Raheem Mostert (MIA) deserve flex consideration with this matchup. The Dolphins D/ST face an offense that has allowed 10 sacks and produced nine turnovers in four games. Breece Hall (NYJ) is the overall RB23 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) through four games. Elijah Moore (NYJ) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed four TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. Michael Carter (NYJ) maintains flex value with at least 11 touches in every game this season. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed 28 receptions and two TDs to tight ends in four games. Zach Wilson (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to quarterbacks in four games.
Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with only eight receptions in four games.
Sleeper(s): Teddy Bridgewater (MIA) is a sneaky streaming candidate against a defense that has allowed three TD passes in half its games this season. Corey Davis (NYJ) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) through four games and has a solid rapport with Wilson.
ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Drake London (ATL), Tom Brady (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB), Buccaneers D/ST.
Who to start: You’re still starting Kyle Pitts (ATL) if he’s active — Buccaneers just got toasted by Travis Kelce.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tyler Allgeier (ATL) against one of the toughest run defenses in the NFL. Julio Jones (TB) and Russell Gage (TB) are boom-or-bust options with Godwin active. Cameron Brate (TB) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol — he’s a streaming candidate if he’s active against a defense that has allowed at least seven receptions, 71 yards or a TD to tight ends in three straight games.
Sleeper: Marcus Mariota (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed at least 236 passing yards in three straight games and six TDs to quarterbacks over that span.
TENNESSEE AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: Robert Woods (TEN) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. The Titans D/ST face an offense that has allowed 17 sacks in four games. Antonio Gibson (WAS) has been solid — RB21 in standard and RB19 in PPR — through four games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games. Carson Wentz (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed at least 303 passing yards and two TDs in three straight games. JD McKissic (WAS) maintains his flex value in PPR as the overall RB33 in the format.
Who to sit: Austin Hooper (TEN) remains touchdown-dependent with only five receptions in four games.
Sleeper(s): Ryan Tannehill (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to quarterbacks in four games. Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed 23 receptions for 294 yards and three TDs to tight ends in four games.
HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Brandin Cooks (HOU), Dameon Pierce (HOU), Christian Kirk (JAC), James Robinson (JAC).
Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) has flex value against a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in four games. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) has multiple TD passes in three straight games. The Jaguars D/ST is currently fifth in fantasy scoring.
Who to sit: Nico Collins (HOU) remains boom-or-bust with three-or-fewer receptions in three of four games. Both Zay Jones (JAC) and Marvin Jones (JAC) are boom-or-bust options against a defense that has only allowed one TD to wide receivers this season. Evan Engram (JAC) is touchdown-dependent with only four targets the last two games.
Sleeper: Rex Burkhead (HOU) maintains flex value as the overall RB35 in PPR.
SAN FRANCISCO AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST, Christian McCaffrey (CAR), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: Jeff Wilson (SF) is the overall RB18 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) since Week 2.
Who to sit: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) remains boom-or-bust with sporadic volume. Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) is the overall QB22 in two games as a starter this season. Robbie Anderson (CAR) remains boom-or-bust with only seven receptions in the last three games. Baker Mayfield (CAR) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD pass since Week 1.
Sleeper: The Panthers D/ST has been third in fantasy scoring the last two weeks and deserves streaming consideration at home against Garoppolo.
DALLAS AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Cooper Kupp (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Rams D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Gallup (DAL) has flex value in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games.
Who to sit: Tony Pollard (DAL) is a boom-or-bust option with a difficult matchup this week. Dalton Schultz (DAL) is touchdown-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to tight ends this season. Cooper Rush (DAL) is the overall QB20 in three games as a starter this season. Cam Akers (LAR) and Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR) remain touchdown-dependent with inconsistent usage. Allen Robinson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust option with only nine receptions in four games.
Sleeper: Matthew Stafford (LAR) is averaging 324 passing yards in four career games against the Cowboys.
PHILADELPHIA AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex value as the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) since Week 2.
Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) remains touchdown-dependent with only 19 touches in four games.
Sleeper: A healthy Rondale Moore (ARI) should pickup right where Greg Dortch left off — Dortch was fantasy’s WR28 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) while Moore was nursing a hamstring injury.
CINCINNATI AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: Rashod Bateman (BAL) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR29 in standard formats through four games. The Ravens D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offensive line that’s been hit-or-miss this season.
Who to sit: Tyler Boyd (CIN) is touchdown-dependent with five-or-fewer targets in three straight games. JK Dobbins (BAL) is a touchdown-dependent option this week against a defense that has only allowed one TD to running backs this season. Devin Duvernay (BAL) remains boom-or-bust with only 13 targets in four games.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CIN) has five receptions or a TD in three of four games this season.
LAS VEGAS AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Darren Waller (LV), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC).
Who to start: Hunter Renfrow (LV) has WR3/flex upside in his return from a concussion against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in four games. Derek Carr (LV) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to quarterbacks in four games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has at least five receptions and eight targets in three of four games.
Who to sit: Mack Hollins (LV) is more boom-or-bust this week with Renfrow active. Mecole Hardman (KC) remains boom-or-bust option with only six targets in the last three games. Jerick McKinnon (KC) remains touchdown-dependent with limited volume in the Chiefs’ offense.
Sleeper: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) produced 133 yards and a TD in 2019 against the Raiders — the only time he’s faced them.
