It’s already Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, and the weeks are flying by. With high-scoring games piling up — nine teams scored 27 or more points in Week 3 — fantasy managers are feeling the pressure. Big names like Saquon Barkley, Chase Brown, and Malik Nabers disappointed, while others emerged as difference-makers.
We’re now entering the heart of the year where every matchup feels like a must-win. Let’s lock in the right players and set ourselves up for victory.
Starts
QB — Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. CHI)
Fantasy football often proves that even struggling NFL teams can provide value. Case in point: Geno Smith. Despite the Raiders looking overmatched against Washington, Smith still threw for nearly 300 yards and 3 TDs.
This week’s matchup against the Chicago Bears is ideal. Chicago’s defense has allowed 8 passing TDs through three games and a 75% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks. If you need a one-week streaming QB, Geno has top-10 potential in Week 4.
RB — Nick Chubb, Houston Texans (vs. TEN)
With Joe Mixon sidelined, Nick Chubb took over the Texans’ backfield. The offense hasn’t been impressive, but this week’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans offers promise.
The Titans have already allowed 437 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs on the year. Expect Houston to rely heavily on the ground game to control the tempo. Chubb should see around 15 touches with a strong chance to find the end zone. Pencil him in as a solid flex play.
WR — Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (vs. LAR)
Michael Pittman Jr. wasn’t on everyone’s draft radar, but he’s proving his worth in a surprisingly explosive Colts offense led by QB Daniel Jones. Pittman has seen 19 targets through three games, showing he’s firmly part of the game plan.
Facing the Los Angeles Rams, who just bottled up Eagles RB Saquon Barkley but gave up production to wideouts, Pittman is poised for another strong outing. Expect him to see heavy volume and deliver WR2 numbers in Week 4.
TE — Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (@ SF)
Former second-round pick Brenton Strange is on pace for a breakout year. Through three games, he’s caught 13 of 16 targets for 137 yards, leading the Jaguars in receptions and yards.
He hasn’t scored yet, but once he finds the end zone, he’ll surge up the rankings. The connection with QB Trevor Lawrence is real, making Strange a must-add tight end who can crack the top-12 this season. Get him before the breakout comes.
Defense — Detroit Lions (vs. CLE)
When streaming defenses, you want a struggling offense paired against a unit capable of generating pressure. Enter the Detroit Lions against the Cleveland Browns.
Detroit hasn’t been airtight, but they sacked Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson eight times in Week 3. Meanwhile, the Browns have failed to score more than 17 points in any game this season. Expect the Lions to finish as a top-five fantasy defense this week.
Sits
QB — Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. GB)
One week after being a fantasy start, Dak Prescott finds himself on the sit list. He managed little against a shaky Bears defense and lacks rushing upside, posting just 20 yards on the ground all season.
Through three games, Prescott has attempted 126 passes but thrown only 3 TDs. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, the Cowboys’ passing game takes another hit. Keep Dak on your bench in Week 4.
RB — Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (@ DEN)
The hype train for Chase Brown has derailed quickly. Despite 47 carries, he’s totaled just 93 rushing yards — a shockingly poor return.
Facing the Denver Broncos’ tough run defense, things don’t look better. While it’s hard to bench a high draft pick, keeping Brown in your lineup is hurting your team right now.
WR — Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (@ SF)
After a stellar rookie season, expectations were high for WR Brian Thomas Jr. Instead, he’s managed just 7 catches for 25 yards through three games.
Even with QB Trevor Lawrence throwing often, Thomas hasn’t clicked. A matchup against the 49ers defense, one of the stingiest against WRs, makes him an easy sit.
TE — Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (@KC)
Yes, Mark Andrews scored twice in Week 3 — but don’t forget he totaled just 2 catches for 7 yards across the first two games. Until he shows consistency, he’s a risky start.
The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed the third-fewest points to tight ends this year. Keep Andrews rostered, but don’t force him into lineups this week.
Defense — San Francisco 49ers (vs. JAX)
The 49ers' defense looked like a surefire top-10 unit until DE Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending injury. Without him, the pass rush — and by extension, the secondary — will struggle.
The matchup with the Jaguars is decent, but better streaming options exist. Hold San Francisco for now, but keep them out of lineups until we see how they adjust without their star edge rusher.
