3 Up, 3 Down: Fantasy Studs and Duds from Week 4

Week 4 was full of incredible breakouts and disappointing performances. Sleepers like Robert Tonyan were difference-makers, and stars like Calvin Ridley let down their fantasy owners. The NFL also encountered their first real COVID-19 incident of the season, forcing the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers to postpone their game. With stricter protocols now in place, hopefully, teams will avoid any future issues. Reflecting on last week’s games, whose fantasy stock increased and decreased the most?

3 Up:

1. Joe Mixon – RB – 42.1 PPR Points

After three disappointing performances to start the year, Mixon finally broke out Sunday, racking up 181 total yards and three touchdowns. The volume has been there all along for the fourth-year back, and he finally turned it into production. Mixon has three tough matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns coming up, so it may be in your best interest to sell high on him over the next few days. For now, those who stayed patient with the Bengals’ workhorse can take a victory lap.

2. Tom Brady – QB – 32.5 Points

Vintage Brady made an appearance on Sunday against a strong Los Angeles Chargers defense, throwing for 369 yards and five touchdowns. Brady worked with what he had with a banged-up receiving core, finding lesser-known targets for four out of five touchdowns. The 43-year-old veteran continued to establish a rapport with Mike Evans as well, connecting with the star wideout seven times for 122 yards and a touchdown. The Buccaneers’ offense finally played up to their potential this week. It’s scary to imagine how dangerous they could be when all of their weapons are healthy.

3. DJ Chark – WR – 29.5 PPR Points

After missing the Jaguars’ Week 3 game with a myriad of injuries, Chark reclaimed his spot as the top dog in Jacksonville’s offense on Sunday. The third-year wideout racked up eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Chark will look to keep his momentum going this week against a vulnerable Houston Texans secondary that just allowed two Minnesota Vikings receivers to record 100+ yards in a game.

3 Down:

1. Kenyan Drake – RB – 3.5 PPR Points

Drake has unquestionably been the most disappointing fantasy running back this year — not counting injuries — failing to score 15 or more points in a game so far. The good news? Backup running back Chase Edmonds didn’t look much better against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Give Drake one more chance to prove himself this week against the New York Jets. If he can’t perform against that abysmal defense, it’s probably time to give up on him.

2. D.J. Moore – WR – 8.9 PPR Points

Moore flashed his potential in Week 2 but has failed to live up to the hype in recent games. He still sees a solid workload, but the third-year wideout hasn’t been able to produce up to expectations. It’s not time to panic yet, as Moore has a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons’ atrocious secondary this week. However, if he turns in another dud, it may be time to consider benching the Panthers star.

3. Hunter Henry – TE – 5.9 PPR Points

Henry hasn’t been awful so far this year, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t been the elite tight end that many expected. With Justin Herbert under center in Los Angeles, Henry’s value as a safety valve decreases. Keenan Allen is clearly Herbert’s no. 1 target, and Mike Williams will likely be returning from injury soon. It’s probably time to temper expectations for Henry’s production.

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