Week 4 Rankings Discussion & Players You NEED to Know | Fantasy Focus

Brock Bowers is the source's pick for tight end this week after a strong performance last week; the source ranks him as the second-ranked tight end and notes he has been deployed as a wide receiver in the Las Vegas offense, where he would rank approximately between wide receiver seven or eight among all receivers.

Brock Bowers is valued so highly that the source would not trade him for elite wide receivers like Justin Jefferson or CeeDee Lamb; the source would only consider trading him for wide receivers ranked approximately eighth through tenth, placing him in the elite tier of all offensive playmakers, not just tight ends.

Bowers is positioned as the only tight end the source would acquire in a trade scenario, suggesting elite tier value and scarcity premium; the source indicates willingness to trade him only for top-tier receivers like Jamar Chase, Amari Cooper, or Jefferson, establishing him as a cornerstone asset.

Bryce Young is ranked as high as he has ever been in Fantasy Focus rankings this week despite a down performance against Cleveland. He leads the NFL in both passing yards and expected passing touchdowns through three weeks, indicating strong volume and goal-line opportunities. The source notes he's getting a great matchup against Detroit, which has allowed the most passing yards and fantasy points to quarterbacks (nine touchdowns already) and has given up at least 23 points to Josh Allen, Geno Smith, and Tyler Shough. However, a potential red flag is his rushing production: only three carries for 16 yards so far, which is a significant drop from his rushing volume last year.

Watson has been a strong performer to start the season with elite volume: 6th in targets, 12th in receptions, 5th in receiving yards, and 3rd in receiving touchdowns. The source notes the running game doesn't work in Green Bay, which is great for Watson's fantasy value, and he's been fantastic from a volume perspective with a condensed target tree.

Watson leads Packers receivers in volume: 6th in targets, 12th in receptions, 5th in receiving yards, 3rd in receiving touchdowns. The Packers' running game is ineffective, concentrating pass volume through Watson. With Jaden Reed likely out, Watson and Matthew Golden will handle the condensed target tree. Packers are the pass-heaviest offense in the NFL at 73% pass rate (easily #1 in league), driven by negative game script and trailing situations.

Watson faces Tampa Bay, which has allowed 20+ fantasy points to multiple receivers (Denzel Boston, Jordan Addison). The source projects Watson as locked in at WR2 with his volume and offensive role, and expects him to remain a top-20 wide receiver as long as he stays healthy.

Christian Watson is the only wide receiver to reach 12+ fantasy points against the Jets this season, putting up 14 points. The source uses this as context for why Luther Burden might have his hands full against the Jets defense.

The source ranks Darren Waller at tight end 10, which is described as an aggressive rank compared to the consensus ranking of tight end 24. This represents a significant positive deviation from market expectations, suggesting undervaluation.

Against the Detroit Lions, who allow the most yards, most receptions, and most touchdowns per game in the NFL with poor safety play and coverage issues, Waller is positioned well in the end zone; the source considers him a solid play and hints he may not be their long-shot pick for the week.

Waller saw a big jump in targets last week with eight targets in week three when Jalen Coker was out; he's still only playing half the snaps, but the source notes that if Coker remains out this week it would definitely boost Waller's volume and role.

Montgomery's value is heavily dependent on Nico Collins' health. Without Collins, the Texans offense cannot be unlocked, and the source explicitly states they don't want to play Montgomery unless Nico is available. Even with Collins, the upside is limited to getting the offense closer to the end zone, which is not material enough to prefer Montgomery over Jalen Warren.

In a flex decision vs. Lad McConkey, the source prefers Montgomery and hopes he finds the end zone. McConkey faces a tough matchup against Seattle.

Dawson Knox scored 8.5 fantasy points and a touchdown against the Lions in week two, contributing to the pattern of tight ends finding success against Detroit's defense.

Boston is mentioned as an option in a flex decision vs. Jalen Coker and another player. Boston previously scored 20 fantasy points against Tampa Bay.

Denzel Boston is a pivot option if Jalen Coker is unavailable (DNP/DMP), but the source expresses concern about Boston's matchup against the Steelers defense, noting it's a tough defensive unit that could result in a dud performance.

George Kittle is ranked third among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

Fannin had a terrific week three performance with 7 catches for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 targets, following a slow start (week one: 21 yards on 3 targets; week two: 5 catches for 54 yards on 6 targets). His snap participation and route rate are up significantly from last year, and target share is also improved. The source ranks him as a top-10 tight end (fringe tight end one), though his consistency depends on Deshaun Watson's play quality.

Isaiah Likely is ranked seventh among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

Coker got banged up last week and is iffy for Sunday night. The source will discuss his status further based on practice information over the next three days. If healthy, he's ranked as a top-20 option.

In a flex decision vs. Denzel Boston and another option, the source prefers Coker if he's healthy. However, the Browns play Thursday, so there may be injury clarity concerns if Coker has a DNP or DMP designation.

If Jalen Coker shows any practice participation Wednesday or Thursday, he should be started over Denzel Boston; the source prioritizes Coker's availability and role over Boston, who faces a tough Steelers defense.

Daniel Dopp is out on Jalen Hurts this week against the Rams. Hurts has finished outside the top 15 at quarterback in back-to-back weeks (against Titans and Bears), defenses not expected to be this strong. His rushing upside has essentially disappeared compared to last year—he has only 16 carries for 87 yards and one touchdown through three weeks, a dramatic decline from his previous rushing volume. The loss of A.J. Brown has removed another weapon and passing outlet. While the Rams have given up over 20 fantasy points to quarterbacks in two of the last three weeks, the source expects a much tougher outing. Hurts is no longer a tier-one quarterback but rather a high-end tier-two or low-end QB1, and this week he's very low-end QB1 (ranked QB11).

Reed is very doubtful to play this week and has not been officially ruled out, but the source expects him to miss the game against Tampa Bay.

Jalen Warren moves up in the running back rankings to approximately RB9 this week following Rico Dowdle's injury status. Dowdle was listed as a non-participant in estimated workouts, creating an opportunity for Warren to see increased usage in the backfield.

Warren moves up in rankings with Rico Dowdle ruled out (non-participant in estimated workout). The source calls Warren a fringe RB1 option for this week's Thursday night game, making him the preferred play over David Montgomery in a head-to-head flex decision.

Love was unleashed in week three after limited usage in weeks 1–2 (43% snap share), jumping to 63% snaps and 26 touches for 109 yards and a touchdown—more touches in one week than the prior two combined. He's been involved in the passing game with at least three targets in every game, and the source views this as the new norm following his high ankle sprain recovery.

Love faces the Giants this week, who allow 5.1 yards per carry (third-highest in the NFL), marking his best matchup to date. The source projects a big opportunity: if Love gets 20+ touches again with improved efficiency and another touchdown, he'll be in the RB1 mix. He also has back-to-back favorable matchups (Giants, then Lions), though the schedule toughens after.

Jeremy Ruckert scored 14.9 fantasy points and a touchdown against the Lions in week three, contributing to the pattern of tight ends finding elite success against Detroit's defense. He was a top-10 tight end in fantasy in that week.

In a flex decision vs. Terry McLaurin, the source is more optimistic on Downs than the other panelists. Downs' volume is huge, and he faces Washington, which has allowed the most fantasy points to receivers so far this season.

Jawan Johnson is ranked tenth among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

Juwan Johnson scored 14.2 fantasy points and a touchdown against the Lions in week one, establishing the Lions as a favorable tight end matchup. He was a top-10 tight end in fantasy in that week.

Kenyon Sadiq scored 23.5 fantasy points and a touchdown against the Lions in week three, establishing the Lions as an elite tight end matchup. He was a top-10 tight end in fantasy in that week.

Kyler Murray faces a historic opportunity this week against Miami. The Dolphins' defense has allowed the best quarterback performance in NFL history through three weeks: opposing quarterbacks are completing 80.3% of their passes, allowing 9.1 yards per attempt (second-worst in NFL), and Miami is the only team without a single sack this year. The source frames this as a make-or-break week: 'If Kyler Murray does not get the job done this weekend, then we might be kicking him to the curb as a fantasy asset.' The Vikings (Miami's last opponent) had three straight games under 250 yards of total offense, showing how bad Miami's defense is. This is Kyler's best chance to prove himself as a fantasy starter.

McConkey faces a tough matchup against Seattle this week, which is a reason to prefer David Montgomery in a flex decision.

The source expresses zero confidence in starting Ladd McConkey in week four against Seattle. Despite acknowledging McConkey is probably the most talented wide receiver in the 25-35 ADP range, the source notes McConkey has done nothing in recent cake matchups except for his first game three weeks ago, and that past performance doesn't help in week four.

Despite the source's hesitation on McConkey for week four, the source acknowledges McConkey is probably the most talented wide receiver in the 25-35 ADP range, noting there are several really talented players in that tier including Jameson Williams.

Burden was heavily utilized last week and is playing well, with a good connection to Case Keenum. The source notes he's been quietly solid despite the Chiefs' offensive struggles, and if Keenum remains the starter, Burden is the preferred flex option over Omari Hampton. His ADP came back to earth late in the offseason, making him a value pick.

Luther Burden is averaging 6.8 yards per target this season. The source notes the volume improved last week but the efficiency has not been strong, providing context for the matchup concern against the Jets.

Luther Burden received 11 targets last week, catching 7 for 61 yards and a touchdown. The source is bullish on Burden's trajectory, noting he's clearly the guy in the Bears offense with Case Keenum, and prefers him over Ladd McConkie despite the Jets defense matchup. The source emphasizes Burden's volume and efficiency gains as reasons to build confidence, contrasting his 11 targets and production with McConkie's inconsistency.

The source dismisses concerns about Tyson Bajan and confirms Luther Burden is the clear lead receiver in the Bears offense with Case Keenum. Roma Dunze is ruled out, further solidifying Burden's role as the primary target.

Golden will take on a larger role in the Packers' passing game with Jaden Reed likely out. He and Tucker Craft will split the secondary receiving opportunities behind Christian Watson.

The source hints at Mitchell Evans as a potential long-shot play for the week against Detroit, who have allowed six of nine touchdowns to tight ends through three games; Evans is positioned as a breakout candidate in a matchup where tight ends are scoring at an elevated rate.

Collins' status for this week is uncertain; the source indicates there's a question of whether he'll play this week rather than a confirmation. His presence is critical to the Texans offense, and his absence significantly impacts the value of running backs like David Montgomery.

Noah Fant scored 13.3 fantasy points and a touchdown against the Lions in week one, establishing the Lions as a favorable tight end matchup. He was a top-10 tight end in fantasy in that week.

Nakua had a big day in week four but his status is uncertain. Sean McVay has indicated there's a chance he plays this weekend, but the source says the situation doesn't pass the smell test and wants to see practice reports before making a final call.

Sam Laporta is ranked sixth among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

McLaurin has a great matchup this week and is favored by some panelists in a flex decision vs. Josh Downs, though one panelist prefers Downs due to volume and Washington's weak pass defense.

Terry McLaurin put up 19.7 fantasy points last week against Seattle; the source notes he's been very busy despite the offense being bad, with a full-time role last week after playing only half snaps in week two. The source suggests the number one receiver can do something against this defense.

McMillan is ranked as the source's WR10 for week four against the Lions, who allow nearly 300 passing yards per game (worst over the past decade). Two receivers have already posted 26.7+ fantasy points against Detroit (Chris Olave 26.7 in week one, Garrett Wilson 26.7+ last week), making this an elite matchup. The source would have a hard time not starting McMillan even in bad weather.

Tommy Tremble is mentioned as a Panthers tight end option in a week where Detroit allows the most touchdowns per game in the NFL and has allowed six of nine total touchdowns to tight ends through three games.

Travis Kelce is ranked fifth among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

Trey McBride is ranked as the top tight end in the source's Week 4 rankings, though the source notes there is not much additional commentary to add about him beyond his top ranking.

Craft has not materialized as expected in early season. With Jaden Reed likely out, Craft and Matthew Golden will split the secondary receiving role, but Craft has underperformed relative to preseason expectations.

Tyler Warren is ranked fourth among tight ends in the source's Week 4 rankings.

Worthy's usage has faded significantly. Week one saw 6 targets (3 catches, 18 yards), week two had 7 targets (5 catches, 25 yards, 1 TD), but week three dropped to only 2 targets. The source attributes the early-season effort to get Worthy the ball to Rice's limited usage in week one, but now that Rice is ramping up, Worthy's role has diminished. He has zero career 100-yard games (excluding a Super Bowl garbage-time performance).