Wow, we are already a quarter of the way into the season. Week 4 is here and if you are 3-0 or even 0-3 there is a lot of football left. So far into the season it seems like anything can go. I’m here to help you win this week as you try to figure out who to start or sit. Here we go!
Starts
QB - Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Vs Mia)
The former number one overall pick is in his 3rd season and hasn’t had quite the hot start fans we’re hoping for. The turnovers are up and the TDs are not piling up at all. This week he will build off his solid play against the Jets from a week ago and he will finish as a top 5 QB in fantasy this week. Burrow is up against a Dolphins defense that has already given up 900 yards passing this season and it’s only been three games. Burrow may have been playing decently so far this year, but the signs are all green to play him this week, so make sure he’s in your lineup.
RB - Breece Hall, New York Jets (@ Pit)
The rookie running back has played solid so far, but it’s been strictly a split backfield in NY so it’s felt a bit risky playing Hall these first few weeks. I’m here to make sure you put him in your lineup this week, even more so in PPR leagues. Hall already has over 20 targets through the first 3 games which should raise some eyebrows. The Jets are also up against a Steelers defense who has already given up over 400 yards on the ground. Robert Saleh has been keeping the rookie active and look for him to get even more touches as the season goes on.
WR - Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (@ Det)
Coming into the year, I would have told you not to expect a Seahawks receiver on this list all season. Well, it turns out Geno Smith can still play QB at a solid level. Lockett has had 9 catches and 11 targets for 2 consecutive weeks. That type volume almost forces you to play him. He also has a favorable matchup against Detroit so make sure he’s in your lineup.
TE - Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (@ Pit)
Another thing I thought I wouldn’t see, two Jets players making the start list on the same week. Well here we are. Conklin has turned into a big part of this offense. Already 24 targets on the season which is the same volume as Travis Kelce. Yes it’s early in the season, but TE is very weak in fantasy and Conklin is available in almost 90 percent of leagues. If you're not confident in your TE, the first person on your radar should be Conklin.
Defense - Philadelphia Eagles (Vs Jacksonville)
The Eagles only allowed 13 points in the last 2 games. That’s impressive in itself and even more so when you see they played the Commanders and the Vikings who have both already lit up scoreboards this season. They also have a dozen sacks on the season along with 4 interceptions. They look to add on to the their early season success in a favorable matchup against the Jags. The Eagles are available in 60 percent of leagues. Go get them before they are scooped up.
Sits
QB - Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Vs KC)
Tom Brady might be the greatest of all time but he’s far from the greatest right now. I’d say there’s at least 15 other QBs I’d rather have in my lineup right now. That’s why I’m here to tell you to keep him on your bench. He only has 3 TDs on the season so far and has yet to eclipse the 300 yard mark. Pair those numbers with zero threat in the run game, and everything is pointing to keeping this guy on the bench, even in a possible shootout with Kansas City.
RB - Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders (@ Dal)
My hopes were truly high for Gibson this year. After the thousand yard campaign last year and Brian Robinsons injury, everything was looking up for Gibson. Well now it’s 3 games in and he has yet to get over 14 carries in a game. He’s almost turning into a TD dependent running back and that doesn't bode well up against the Dallas Cowboys defense, who has only allowed one rushing touchdown so far this year. Keep him on the bench until he gets more involved or it’s a better matchup.
WR - Allen Robinson, Los Angeles Rams (@ SF)
Speaking of high hopes, many loved Robinson coming into the year. Being on a much better offense and a great compliment to Cooper Kupp on a McVay offense. Well, so far it has been the complete opposite. He only has 12 targets in the first three games, if it wasn’t for the TD he had in Week 2, his season would truly look dismal. Take all that negativity and match it up in a touch game against the 49ers who have allowed the fewest passing yards in the league so far. Much better options available for your lineup this week.
TE - Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings (@ NO)
I know it gets repetitive but always chase the targets when choosing your TE. The thinnest positional group in all of fantasy is at TE. So with that being said don’t go for Irv Smith. Yes, it’s a nice offense and he’s a solid player, but far too many mouths to feed, as shown last week when K.J Osborn had a big game. Irv Smith looks to be Kirk Cousins' 4th option on the depth chart. He’s also matched up against a Saints defense who is top 3 against TEs so far this season.
Defense - Arizona Cardinals (@ Car)
When I choose a defense for the sit list, I usually go for the trap games... and this is one of them. On paper the Cardinals have a great matchup playing against a shaky Baker Mayfield who’s only thrown for 550 yards this season through three games. They might have a good matchup on paper but the Cardinals haven't been able to stop anyone so far. Not only that, they have had zero interceptions and only 2 sacks. Keep them on the waiver this week and stream someone else.
