The best part about fantasy football is winning. The second best part is the draft. However, the draft has come and gone. Now fantasy owners struggle with the weekly decision about which players to start, which to sit, and which to use as a sleeper. To help with that, I will provide two starts, two sits, and two sleepers at each position every week. Be sure to reach out with any fantasy football questions you may have. Without further ado, let’s get started.
All stats are base on four-point per passing touchdown and PPR scoring.
Quarterbacks
START: Kirk Cousins vs Cleveland Browns
Despite being owned in under 50 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, Cousins has averaged 24.1 fantasy points per game this season, scoring 22 or more in all three contests. He has thrown eight touchdowns against zero interceptions this season. Furthermore, Cousins has thrown for over 320 passing yards in two of the three games, averaging 306 per contest. Meanwhile, the Browns held Justin Fields to only 3.9 fantasy points in his first career start last week. However, they gave up an average of 27.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the first two games of the season, including 22.5 to Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills in Week 2. At this point, Cousins shouldn’t be on the waiver wire in standard size leagues.
START: Sam Darnold at Dallas Cowboys
Since leaving the New York Jets, Darnold has turned into one of the better young quarterbacks in the league. He is averaging 296 passing yards per game this season, throwing for over 300 in back-to-back games. Furthermore, Darnold is the QB12 entering Week 4, averaging 21.1 fantasy points per game, scoring 18.9 or more in every contest. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have given up an average of 2.3 passing touchdowns and 20.8 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They have allowed quarterbacks to throw for over 325 passing yards in every game this season. Despite Christian McCaffrey playing only 30 percent of the snaps last week, Darnold finished with a season-high 25.3 fantasy points.
SIT: Derek Carr at Los Angeles Chargers
Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders offense have been one of the bigger surprises this season. Entering Week 4, Carr is the QB9, averaging 23.1 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Carr has scored 21.2 or more fantasy points in every game this season. However, the matchup this week will keep Carr out of the top-12 quarterbacks. The Chargers have held quarterbacks to the seventh-fewest fantasy points, giving up only 13.9 fantasy points per game this season. Last week, the Chargers held Patrick Mahomes to only 260 passing yards and 22.9 fantasy points. Furthermore, the Chargers held quarterbacks not named Mahomes to only 9.4 fantasy points per game this season. The Raiders offense has been explosive this season but will struggle against the Chargers on Monday night.
SIT: Ryan Tannehill at New York Jets
Last week, Tannehill finished with a season-high three passing touchdowns and 21.5 fantasy points. However, he had a season-low 27 pass attempts and 197 passing yards. Over the first two weeks of the season, Tannehill has only one passing touchdown and averaged only 14.4 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Jets have held quarterbacks to the third-fewest fantasy points this season, giving up only 12.8 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, they have given up 233.3 passing yards per game and only one passing touchdown this season. Tannehill will be without A.J. Brown and Julio Jones for tomorrow’s matchup against the Jets. Expect the Tennessee Titans to have their way with the Jets, leading to a quiet performance from Tannehill.
SLEEPER: Taylor Heinicke at Atlanta Falcons
In both his starts this season, Heinicke has thrown two touchdowns and scored over 20 fantasy points. Over the past two weeks, Heinicke is the QB14 ahead of quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott. Meanwhile, the Falcons have given up the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, giving up almost 25 fantasy points per game to the position. They have given up over 28.8 fantasy points to quarterbacks in two of their games. Furthermore, quarterbacks have averaged almost three passing touchdowns per game against the Falcons this season. Neither the Washington nor Atlanta defense has played well this season, which will result in a high-scoring game this week. Heinicke is a high-end QB2 this week against a terrible Atlanta defense.
SLEEPER: Jacoby Brissett vs Indianapolis Colts
With Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, Brissett is the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. In his first start of the season, Brissett scored 20.3 fantasy points against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Brissett threw for 215 yards to go along with seven rushing attempts for 37 yards and the game-tying touchdown against the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Colts gave up three passing touchdowns and 21.5 fantasy points to Tannehill last week despite Brown playing only eight snaps. For the season, the Colts have given up an average of 21.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, giving up at least 17 fantasy points in all three contests. While it’s not a typical revenge game, expect Brissett to play with a little extra motivation this week against the Colts.
Running Backs
START: Clyde Edwards-Helaire at Philadelphia Eagles
Last week, Edwards-Helaire made the start list and finished with a season-high 100 rushing yards and 16.9 fantasy points. CEH also found the end zone for the first time this year against the Chargers and averaged almost six yards per carry. This week, Edwards-Helaire faces an Eagles defense that was destroyed last week by Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Cowboys duo combined for 155 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 34.1 fantasy points against the Eagles. Furthermore, the Eagles have given up an average of 120 rushing yards and 26.9 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Between the matchup and his performance last week, fantasy owners can start CEH as an RB2 with confidence this week.
START: Melvin Gordon vs Baltimore Ravens
While Gordon is dealing with a rib and leg injury, he should play tomorrow against the Ravens. This season, Gordon has averaged 14 carries for 64 rushing yards and 14.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, entering Week 4, Gordon is the RB13 on the season, scoring 15 or more fantasy points in two of his three games. Meanwhile, the Ravens have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up 28.8 per game to the position. They have allowed at least five rushing touchdowns to running backs, giving up two in two of their three games. This week, the Broncos have their first real challenge of the season, so expect the coaching staff to lean on the veterans, especially Gordon.
SIT: Damien Harris vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hopefully, fantasy owners followed this article’s advice last week and benched Harris. He scored only 3.1 fantasy points as he averaged only 2.3 yards per carry against the New Orleans Saints. Furthermore, he saw a season-low six rushing attempts because of the matchup. This week, Harris belongs on the bench again against the Buccaneers. While the Buccaneers have struggled against the pass this season, they have shut down the running game. This season, the Buccaneers have held running backs to only 3.3 yards per carry, one rushing touchdown, and 7.7 fantasy points per game on the ground. With Harris’ limited role in the passing game, his fantasy value is minimal this week. Fantasy owners need to bench him in both PPR and non PPR scoring leagues.
SIT: Tony Pollard vs Carolina Panthers
Entering Week 4, Pollard is the RB18 for the season, averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game. However, that number doesn’t tell the complete truth. Pollard has scored under 8.5 fantasy points in two of his three games this season, averaging 7.9 per game in them. Furthermore, Pollard has played 31.5 percent of snaps this season compared to 75.7 percent for Zeke. This week, the Cowboys take on a terrific Panthers run defense. Over the first three weeks of the season, the Panthers have held running backs to the fewest fantasy points, giving up only 7.6 per game. They have held running backs to only 2.2 yards per carry and allowed no rushing touchdowns. Despite the flash and appeal surrounding him, Pollard belongs on your bench tomorrow.
SLEEPER: Nyheim Hines at Miami Dolphins
Coming off a career year in 2020, Hines has kept up the strong play this season. He has scored over 14 fantasy points in two of three games, averaging 5.5 catches and 7.5 rushing attempts in those contests. Furthermore, he is coming off a season-high 18.9 fantasy point performance last week against the Titans. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up 32 fantasy points per game to the position. They have also given up 20 catches to running backs, the ninth-most in the NFL. The Colts lack proven pass catches and should target Hines plenty tomorrow against the Dolphins.
SLEEPER: Zack Moss vs Houston Texans
After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Moss has put together back-to-back strong performances. Despite missing Week 1, Moss is the RB25 on the season, averaging 16.8 fantasy points per game. He has scored at least 15.4 fantasy points in both games and has three touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, the Texans have given up an average of 26.3 fantasy points per game to running backs. Furthermore, they have given up an average of 123 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and 31.3 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past two weeks. The Buffalo Bills will have their way with the Texans, leading to plenty of opportunities for Moss to run out the clock and stack up the fantasy points.
Wide Receivers
START: Calvin Ridley vs Washington Football Team
Coming into the season, Ridley had top-five expectations. Yet, entering Week 4, Ridley is the WR25, averaging 14.5 fantasy points per game. He has scored under 14.5 fantasy points in two of three games, scoring only one touchdown. However, Ridley should have a big performance tomorrow against Washington. This season, Washington has allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. They have given up almost 54 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, Washington has given up at least one receiving touchdown to wide receivers in every game. Last season, Ridley averaged 9.5 targets and 18.8 fantasy points per game. By comparison, Ridley has averaged 9.7 targets and 14.5 fantasy points per game this season. Fantasy owners should expect Ridley to bounce back, starting this week against Washington.
START: Corey Davis vs Tennessee Titans
In Week 1, Davis caught five of his seven targets for 97 receiving yards, two touchdowns and finished with 26.7 fantasy points. However, Davis has finished with 11.9 fantasy points despite seeing 15 targets over the past two weeks. Davis caught seven of those 15 targets as he faced two very tough defenses. This week, Davis is the perfect bounce-back candidate against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, giving up 50.1 per game to the position. Furthermore, they have given up an average of 226.7 receiving yards and two touchdowns per game to wide receivers. The Jets will be in negative game script most of the game. With the Jets chasing points, Davis should finish with plenty of garbage time fantasy points.
SIT: Brandin Cooks at Buffalo Bills
Entering Week 4, Cooks was the WR6, averaging 20.6 fantasy points per game. He has scored 18 or more fantasy points in every game, scoring 20.5 or more in back-to-back weeks. Furthermore, Cooks has averaged nine catches on 12.5 targets per game over the past two games. More impressively, Cooks has put together back-to-back top-12 finishes with Mills under center. However, Cooks faces a tough matchup this week against Tre’Davious White and the Bills. This season, the Bills have held wide receivers to an average of 12.3 catches for 113 receiving yards and 25.2 fantasy points per game. Last week, White held Terry McLaurin to only four catches for 62 receiving yards and 10.2 fantasy points. Fantasy owners should expect a similar or worse performance from Cooks this week.
SIT: Marquise Brown at Denver Broncos
After back-to-back games with over 19 fantasy points to start the season, Brown was in line to have a strong performance against the Detroit Lions last week. However, Brown struggled with drops, catching only three of his seven targets and finished with 8.3 fantasy points. Furthermore, Brown has pulled in only nine of his 17 targets over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the Broncos have held wide receivers to the 10th fewest fantasy points, giving up 34 fantasy points per game to the position. They have given an average of only 149.7 receiving yards and two touchdowns to wide receivers this season. Between the tough matchup and his struggles holding onto the ball, fantasy owners would be wise to leave Brown on the bench.
SLEEPER: Jaylen Waddle vs Indianapolis Colts
Over the first three weeks of the season, Waddle totaled 22 catches, the fifth most in the NFL. However, 12 of the 22 catches came last week against the Raiders as Brissett targeted him 13 times. By comparison, Waddle caught 10 of 14 targets over the first two weeks combined. This season, Waddle is the WR26, averaging 14.2 fantasy points per game, scoring 16 or more in two of three games. Meanwhile, the Colts have given up seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers, giving up almost 43 fantasy points per game to the position. The Colts have also given up seven receiving touchdowns and a 21.2 percent touchdown rate to wide receivers this season. This week, fantasy owners should expect another top-30 finish from Waddle.
SLEEPER: Jakobi Meyers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite not finding the end zone this season, Meyers remains a consistent flex option for fantasy owners. Meyers has averaged 6.3 catches on 9.7 targets for 58.7 receiving yards and 12.2 fantasy points per game this season. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers, giving up 58.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, they have given up almost 23 fantasy points per game more than the league average to wide receivers. The Buccaneers have given up an average of 20.7 catches for 241 receiving yards and 2.3 touchdowns per game to wide receivers this season. Last week, the New England Patriots weren’t able to get the running game going. They will have the same problem tomorrow night, forcing Mac Jones to lean on Meyers once again.
Tight Ends
START: Noah Fant vs Baltimore Ravens
Fant had a poor performance last week against the Jets in Denver’s blowout victory. He finished with only three targets and 3.5 fantasy points. However, Fant averaged seven targets and 12.8 fantasy points per game over the first two games, finishing with 12 or more in both contests. Meanwhile, the Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up over 21 fantasy points per game to the position. The Ravens have also given up an average of 7.7 catches for 96.7 receiving yards and 21.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Furthermore, they have given up a touchdown to the tight end position in two of their three games this season. This week, fantasy owners should feel confident in Fant finding the end zone.
START: Hunter Henry vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming into the season, Jonnu Smith was a fantasy sleeper. However, three games into the year, Henry has been the better fantasy player. Henry is averaging seven fantasy points per game compared to six for Smith. Furthermore, Henry has played 99 snaps over the past two weeks compared to 59 for Smith. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have given up an average of 15.4 fantasy points per game to tight ends, giving up at least 15 fantasy points every game. More importantly, the Buccaneers have given up at least five catches for 40 receiving yards to tight ends in every game this season. With the Patriots unable to run the ball against the Buccaneers, expect Henry to see an uptick in targets tomorrow night.
SIT: Tyler Higbee vs Arizona Cardinals
Three weeks into the season, Higbee is the TE12, averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game. However, he has been one of the better fantasy tight ends this season. Higbee scored 11.8 or more fantasy points in two of three games this season, catching 10 of his 11 targets in those contests. However, he faces a tough matchup this week against the Cardinals. Arizona has held tight ends to the fourth-fewest fantasy points, giving up only 4.3 fantasy points per game this season. They have held tight ends to under five fantasy points and 20 receiving yards in every game. While Higbee is the best tight end the Cardinals have faced this season, this week, fantasy owners need to leave him on the bench.
SIT: Dalton Schultz vs Carolina Panthers
Last week, Schultz finished as the TE1, catching six of seven targets for 80 receiving yards and two touchdowns, scoring 26 fantasy points. However, Schultz scored 64.5 percent of his fantasy points this season last week. Meanwhile, the Panthers have held tight ends to the sixth-fewest fantasy points this season, giving up only 7.1 fantasy points per game to the position. They have kept tight ends out of the end zone while holding them to an average of 3.7 catches for 34.3 receiving yards per game this season. While Schultz has earned the starting role, Blake Jarwin is still playing 54.1 percent of the snaps per game on average. Between the matchup and a split workload, Schultz is a risky streaming option at best this week.
SLEEPER: Dawson Knox vs Houston Texans
Entering the season, Knox was a fantasy afterthought. However, Knox has averaged four targets and 10.9 fantasy points per game this season. Furthermore, entering Week 3, Knox was the TE7 for the season. More importantly, Knox is first on the team in receiving touchdowns, scoring in back-to-back weeks. Meanwhile, the Texans have struggled against tight ends this season, giving up an average of 18.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, tight ends have scored 15 or more fantasy points against the Texans in every game this season. Knox has become a red zone target for Josh Allen and should have his third straight game with a touchdown.
SLEEPER: Pat Freiermuth at Green Bay Packers
The second-round rookie played a career-low 36 percent of the snaps last week against the Cincinnati Bengals; however, he finished with a career-high five targets and 11.2 fantasy points. More importantly, Freiermuth has turned into Ben Roethlisberger’s go-to tight end. While the veteran Eric Ebron has played six more snaps than the rookie, Freiermuth has 30 percent more targets than the veteran. Meanwhile, the Packers have struggled to slow down tight ends this season. They have given up an average of 19.9 fantasy points per game to the position, giving up at least 17 fantasy points in all three contests. With Chase Claypool questionable for this game, Freiermuth could see a few extra targets tomorrow.
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