It’s that time of the week again where fantasy football managers have to start making the tough decisions. Three weeks of the season are complete and gives people some perspective of how this season will go, but a lot can still change. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 4.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. Even though things are bad in Cincinnati right now, you won’t see players like Ja’Marr Chase on here because they should be starting every week.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 4
Quarterbacks
Start: Andy Dalton
The Carolina Panthers have life once again as a result of Andy Dalton taking over for Bryce Young. He came out and made a statement against the Raiders last week throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. It’s not a guarantee he’ll post those numbers every single week, but he has a favorable matchup against the Bengals. Dalton will have a little extra motivation going against the team who drafted him and it makes him an option for superflex leagues.
Sit: Will Levis
Will Levis has gotten better in each of his first three starts of 2024, but he’s still a turnover machine. Through three weeks, he’s thrown five interceptions and lost three fumbles. A matchup against the struggling Dolphins looks good on paper, but it’s hard to trust Levis until he shows any sort of consistency. Avoid him this week unless you absolutely have no other options.
Start: Justin Fields
Back in Week 1, Justin Fields was a sit candidate because there were question marks about how he would perform for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those questions have since been answered, and it’s clear Fields is the QB1 in the Steel City. He posted his best game of the season last week against the Chargers, and he’s going up against a struggling Colts defense this week. His dual threat ability is an added bonus, flipping him over to being someone you can start.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 4
Running Backs:
Sit: D’Andre Swift AND Roschon Johnson
As the kids say these days, D’Andre Swift is cooked. He’s played two consecutive games where he’s averaged less than two yards per carry. You don’t have to be an NFL GM to know that number is atrocious. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus mentioned Roschon Johnson would be seeing more work this week, but Chicago’s offensive line is in consideration for one of the worst in the league. Play it safe and avoid both Bears running backs.
Start: Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson has been in a split backfield for the first three weeks, but it didn’t take long for Austin Ekeler to get injured. Robinson is now the feature back until Ekeler returns which makes him someone you can feel confident about starting. He provides good value as a flex option that can serve as a rusher and a pass catcher for Jayden Daniels in the Commanders offense.
Start: Chuba Hubbard
Chuba Hubbard had a breakout game last week against the Raiders after two weeks of struggling. However, the entire Panthers offense was bad before Dalton took over. If you need to stream a running back for a few weeks, Hubbard is one to consider as he has some favorable matchups through the Panthers bye week. He may not tally 100+ yards every week, but he’s still a serviceable option for fantasy owners.
Read More: Fantasy Football Players to Buy or Sell Ahead of Week 4
Wide Receivers:
Start: Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings had a career game last week with over 150 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. The 49ers offense is a bit depleted right now with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle sidelined by injuries. Jennings is the second option for Brock Purdy behind Brandon Aiyuk, and he’s someone you can use in the flex until one or both guys mentioned above return to the field.
Start: Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard picked up right where he left off with his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. He’s quickly eaten into Garrett Wilson’s target share especially in the redzone. The Jets offense as a whole hasn’t been the most consistent so far this season, but a matchup with the Broncos is a good time to get things right. Rodgers should be in control of the matchup and make good use of Lazard.
Sit: Courtland Sutton
This is one that Sutton owners aren’t going to want to hear after Sutton had a decent game in Week 3. However, Sutton is going to be guarded by Sauce Gardner for most of the game (if not all of it). Gardner is allowing opposing receivers an average of 46 yards per game. With a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, Sutton isn’t the best option to roll with this week.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 4 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Start: Dallas Goedert
Dallas Goedert was TE1 last week in a defensive matchup against the Saints. He won’t be TE1 every week, but he’s had three straight games with 3+ receptions and 30+ yards. The tight end position has been weak this year, to say the least, so Goedert is in position to be someone you can roll with seeing as A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are dealing with injuries.
Sit: Pat Freiermuth
Pat Freiermuth has been slow and consistent this season. He’s pulled in three or four catches every week and totaled between 25-40 yards each matchup. Freiermuth hasn’t found the endzone yet this season, and it’s tough to say when he will. Freiermuth works better in PPR leagues, but he’s not worth starting even in a flex.
Main Photo Courtesy of Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
