Week 4 Fantasy Football RANKINGS & Tiers: QB, RB, WR, & TE + Starts & Sits (10/01 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Aaron Jones has top-10 potential this week against the Dolphins, who allow the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. His increased involvement in the passing game makes him a high-upside play.

With De'Von Achane out, Alvin Kamara is a volume-dependent play against Atlanta. His fantasy value relies heavily on receiving work, as the Falcons have been effective at limiting opposing run games.

Braylon Allen is the preferred Jets backfield option, expected to lead the team in touches against a weak Bears run defense. He is a viable low-end RB2 start.

Braylon Allen is considered a low-end number-two running back start, especially with Breece Hall expected to miss time.

The source suggests that trading for Breece Hall is a good long-term move, even if it requires weathering his current injury absence.

Young is a solid mid-range QB1 starter for this week; the source argues that the Lions' defense will provide less pressure than the Browns, allowing Young to throw frequently in a high-scoring game.

Dalton Schultz is a recommended start. He is the clear number two option in the Texans' passing game, and the matchup against the Cowboys is favorable as they have struggled against tight ends.

Darren Waller is set up for a smash week due to a favorable matchup against a Lions defense missing key safeties. He is a high-priority start, though his value may be slightly downgraded if Jalen Coker plays.

David Montgomery is recommended as a start over Mondre Stevenson and Sky Moore in standard formats.

Samuel is a sleeper candidate who could benefit from Mike Evans' rib injury; the source expects him to work underneath against the Broncos, avoiding Patrick Surtain and utilizing his YAC ability.

Deebo Samuel is a preferred start over David Montgomery in full PPR leagues if Mike Evans is ruled out.

The source suggests that if one must start a Browns wide receiver, Boston is the preferred option, though he is at best a number four fantasy receiver.

Metcalf is viewed as a boom-bust number three wide receiver who has mostly busted so far; however, the source intends to keep starting him because he remains Aaron Rodgers' clear favorite target with high volume and air yards.

Maye is a sit candidate who has been 'brutal' in weeks two and three; the source does not expect a monster game against Buffalo and believes the Patriots will rely on their run game while Maye continues to struggle.

The source advises against starting Drake Maye, noting he has been brutal in weeks two and three and is not ranked in the top 24 quarterbacks. The Patriots are expected to lean on their run game while Maye struggles, and he faces a difficult matchup against Buffalo.

Egbuka is a sit candidate because the Buccaneers' offense looks awful and he is now playing with an undrafted rookie quarterback who is expected to run frequently, limiting pass attempts.

Geno Smith is a recommended sleeper start, preferred over Sam Darnold, Justin Herbert, and Drake Maye. The source notes the Jets' offense relies heavily on him, and he is a better reader of coverages than Jalen Hurts.

Harold Fannin is not recommended as a top-12 tight end. His previous production was based on improvisational plays rather than structural design, and he is not expected to repeat a multi-touchdown performance.

Despite two disappointing games, Isaiah Likely remains a top-12 tight end start. The source emphasizes his upside if he maintains an eight-target-per-game volume.

Jacoby Brissett is in the low-end starting conversation for the week. He provides a solid floor, having scored 18.5+ fantasy points in 13 of his last 15 games.

Jadarian Price is a talented runner but is difficult to trust due to a three-way backfield committee in Seattle. He is only recommended for desperate situations until he secures a larger role.

The source identifies Winston as the worst quarterback seen through the first three weeks, citing his slow processing, inability to read defenses, and diminished arm velocity as major liabilities for the Giants' passing game.

Williams is considered a flex option against Carolina, but the source warns that he has been a 'bust' through three weeks and may be limited if the Panthers focus on taking away deep plays, leaving him behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Goff is a locked-in QB1 who should be started every week; the source notes he has scored 20+ fantasy points in all three games and faces a favorable matchup against a depleted Panthers secondary.

Javante Williams faces a difficult matchup against Houston, the toughest run defense in the league. While he is a volume-based start, he is considered a low-end RB2 with limited upside, though he may have better touchdown odds and pass-catching involvement than Saquon Barkley.

The source views Waddle as a bona fide number two wide receiver for this week, noting that while he may be a number three option in some upcoming weeks, he is a strong start against San Francisco; the source highlights his week two performance as evidence of his potential.

Jalen Warren is a strong start for Week 4 against the Browns. Despite the short week and a decent Browns defense, he is the feature back for the Steelers and has the potential to finish as a top-12 fantasy running back. He is expected to produce similar value to Chuba Hubbard's 15-point performance from last week.

Jalen Wright is expected to handle two-thirds of the Dolphins' backfield work with De'Von Achane out. However, the team's overall offensive struggles and poor offensive line play make him a low-upside start against Minnesota.

Addison is a recommended start regardless of Justin Jefferson's status; the source believes he has huge upside if Jefferson is out and remains a viable WR3 even if Jefferson plays.

Downs is praised for his elite route running, burst, and speed; the source expects a big game against Washington's secondary, which has allowed six touchdowns to wide receivers in three weeks.

Justin Herbert is considered untrustworthy due to poor performance, averaging 229 passing yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions. He faces a tough Seattle defense that may get Julian Love back, making him a sit candidate.

Kenyon Sadiq is a top-12 tight end and a recommended waiver wire add. His breakout performance was supported by eight targets, and he is expected to see continued opportunities while A.D. Mitchell is out.

Murray is a sit candidate; the source has no faith in his passing ability, noting that he looks 'gross' and that the team has no incentive to let him throw frequently, making him less efficient than other available starters.

McConkey is a sit candidate; he is dealing with a foot injury on top of a previous rib injury and faces a tough Seattle defense that has allowed only one receiver to reach double-digit PPR points this season.

The source expresses extreme concern regarding Nabers, arguing that he should not be rostered or started in fantasy football due to Jameis Winston's poor quarterback play, which includes slow reads, decreased velocity, and an inability to get the ball to his receivers.

Washington is a sleeper with a 27% target share; the source likes his usage in the backfield and on screens, projecting him for around 12 fantasy points against Minnesota.

Mark Andrews is a sit candidate due to his recent poor play and inability to score touchdowns, despite a theoretically favorable matchup against the Titans.

Stafford is a low-end QB1 starter; the source expects an efficient game rather than a blow-up performance, noting that while he has a good track record against Vic Fangio, he is ranked behind higher-upside options like Goff and Shuck.

Ollie Gordon is expected to receive only one-third of the Dolphins' backfield touches. He is considered an inefficient runner and a poor fantasy option despite recent FAAB spending by managers.

Amarion Hampton is a fade due to poor rush efficiency, bad vision, and a declining snap share (42% last week). He is not a feature back or a reliable pass-catcher, making him a risky start against Seattle.

Puka Nakua is trending toward playing in Week 4 after returning to practice. Despite potential rust or health concerns, his high target volume makes him a must-start receiver.

Sam Darnold is viewed as a sleeper and a better start than Justin Herbert or Drake Maye. The Seahawks' offense is more pass-heavy this year, and Darnold remains efficient with JSN as a key target.

Saquon Barkley is a risky start at RB13 due to a tough matchup against the Rams and declining involvement in the passing game. He has only run routes on about a third of the team's snaps in games he finished, making it difficult for him to produce without high rushing volume.

McLaurin is a recommended start, as his target perspective has improved over the last two games and he has a strong historical connection with Marcus Mariota, having produced 14+ PPR points in four of six games together last year.

Tony Pollard is a viable low-end RB2 against the Ravens. Despite the perceived tough matchup, he has been efficient as a rusher and is expected to see 16-18 carries with Tyjay Spears not at 100% health.

Tucker Craft is viewed as a sit. He is not earning targets at his previous rate, is struggling with drops, and is not producing after the catch, which is necessary given the target competition from Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

Woody Marks is gaining momentum in the Texans' backfield and is the preferred pass-catching option. He is making progress in short-yardage situations and could reach 10 PPR points against Dallas, especially if Houston is trailing.