Navigating the Fantasy Football Landscape: Week 4 Start ‘Em and Waiver Wire Strategies

Fantasy Football Week 4 Start ‘Em and Waiver Wire Tips

Introduction

Fantasy football enthusiasts have witnessed some outstanding performances by rookies in the first three weeks of the season. In this week’s Fantasy Insider, we will discuss some notable first-year players who could be impactful contributors in fantasy football. Additionally, we will provide recommendations on who to start and who to add to your squad for Week 4. Our analysis will focus on Point-Per-Reception (PPR) formats, and players will be listed in order of preference for lineup picks or waiver priority.

Running Backs

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Josh Jacobs

The Raiders’ running back, Josh Jacobs, is expected to deliver his best fantasy football performance of the season so far. Facing the Chargers, who rank 21st in rushing yards allowed to running backs, Jacobs will be a key player in the Raiders’ game plan to control the clock. In his last meeting with the Chargers, Jacobs rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown, making him a solid starting option for Week 4.

Zack Moss

Zack Moss, the lead running back for the Colts, has been performing well in recent games. With a rushing touchdown and over 100 rushing yards in his last two outings, Moss should be considered a good fill-in RB2 or flex option. The Rams, who the Colts face in Week 4, rank 16th in rushing yards allowed to running backs, signaling a decent matchup for Moss.

Roschon Johnson

The Bears’ rookie, Roschon Johnson, is poised to make his first fantasy splash in Week 4. Facing the Denver defense, which has allowed the most rushing yards and touchdowns to opposing running backs so far this season, Johnson has the chance to showcase his skills. Establishing the run game with Johnson can help the Bears execute a balanced offensive attack as they search for their first win of the season.

Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren, the Steelers’ running back, has the advantage of facing a Houston defense that ranks 28th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to running backs. Warren, a versatile player, has the potential to emerge as a regular fantasy consideration with a quality outing. He can inject some much-needed life into the Pittsburgh offense, making him a worthy start in Week 4.

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De’Von Achane

De’Von Achane, the explosive rookie for the Miami Dolphins, delivered a remarkable fantasy performance in Week 3 with 203 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He was previously listed in the Seahawks Fantasy Insider preseason 2023 rundown of sleepers. While acquiring Achane off the waiver wire may require a significant portion of your Free Agent Budget (FAAB), his potential as a difference-making running back justifies the investment. Plan to save some budget for future pickups but make Achane a priority if you have the opportunity.

Jerick McKinnon

Jerick McKinnon, the pass-catching specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs, caught two touchdown passes in Week 3 and had nine touchdown catches last season. In Point-Per-Reception (PPR) formats, McKinnon can provide valuable contributions. Consider adding him to your roster for additional depth and flexibility.

Ezekiel Elliott

If available, Ezekiel Elliott, the former star player for the Dallas Cowboys, could be a decent plug-in option for the upcoming fantasy matchups. Facing his former team in Week 4, Elliott rushed for 80 yards in his last game and can be a reliable depth player during bye weeks.

Elijah Mitchell

It’s advisable to roster the top NFL backups of your best fantasy running backs. In this case, rostering Elijah Mitchell as a backup for Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco makes sense. Mitchell, along with other backups like Dallas’ Rico Dowdle, should be high-priority adds for fantasy managers who have rostered McCaffrey or Tony Pollard from the Dallas Cowboys.

Wide Receivers

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Tyler Lockett

Tyler Lockett, a consistent performer, should be an automatic choice in most fantasy football lineups. While some fantasy managers with tight lineup decisions may consider reserving Lockett, his matchup against the Giants, who rank 16th in Fantasy Points Per Game (FFPG) allowed to wide receivers, suggests he will continue to have significant upside. Lockett benefits from the Seahawks’ strong rushing attack, which sets up play-action opportunities for quarterback Geno Smith.

Tutu Atwell

Tutu Atwell, in his third year with the Rams, has been targeted at least eight times in each of the first three games of the season. With 196 receiving yards in the first two weeks and a touchdown catch in Week 3, Atwell has proven his value as an early-season waiver pickup. Facing the Colts, who rank 26th in FFPG allowed to wide receivers, Atwell is a reliable option for Week 4.

Nico Collins

Nico Collins, a rising star in the Houston passing game, has been impressing with his performances. While Tank Dell has been receiving considerable attention, Collins has the potential to have a breakout game against the Steelers, who rank 26th in FFPG allowed to wide receivers. Expect Collins to capitalize on favorable matchups and deliver a strong fantasy outing.

Jerry Jeudy

Jerry Jeudy, who made his season debut in Week 3 with five receptions for 81 yards, has an even better opportunity against Chicago’s 30th-ranked pass defense in Week 4. With a favorable matchup, Jeudy is poised to make a significant impact in fantasy football.

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Tank Dell

Tank Dell, an exciting receiver for the Houston Texans, has shown that smaller receivers can still make a big impact. With an average of 16.7 yards per reception and two touchdown catches, Dell is proving his worth as part of a resurgent Houston passing game. As defenses start to focus more on Dell’s teammate, C.J. Stroud, Dell will have more opportunities to shine. Consider adding him to your roster for the upcoming weeks.

Adam Thielen

Despite being 33 years old, Adam Thielen is defying expectations with his performance this season. With recent consistency in catching touchdown passes and a favorable matchup against his former team, the Vikings, Thielen has the potential for continued success. The Vikings’ defense ranks 30th in FFPG allowed to wide receivers, making Thielen a valuable addition to your roster.

Quentin Johnston

Quentin Johnston, a first-round draft pick for the Chargers in 2023, has the potential to become a fantasy WR3 option in the future. With Mike Williams out for the season, Johnston has the opportunity to step up and contribute to the Chargers’ passing attack. Consider adding him for depth and future potential.

Marvin Mims Jr.

Marvin Mims Jr., a rookie speedster for the Denver Broncos, has been averaging an impressive 27.9 yards per reception in his first three games. With Denver’s inclination to throw deep passes, Mims will continue to be involved as a rising playmaking threat. Expect some spike statistical performances from Mims, making him an attractive streaming option in fantasy football.

Quarterbacks

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C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud, the quarterback for the Houston Texans, has displayed poise and sharpness in his first three NFL games. With strong passing performances in his last two games and a favorable matchup against the Steelers, Stroud should be considered a top add and start option for Week 4. The Steelers’ defense ranks 22nd in passing defense, indicating favorable conditions for Stroud to excel.

Jameis Winston

In superflex leagues, where a second quarterback can be started at another flex position, Jameis Winston is a top add for Week 4. Known for his aggressive passing style and with a talented wide receiver corps in New Orleans, Winston has the potential for productive outings. Consider adding him to your roster for added flexibility.

Tight Ends

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Dalton Kincaid

Dalton Kincaid, the tight end for the Bills, has an opportunity for an impressive fantasy performance in Week 4. Facing the Miami Dolphins, who rank 25th in FFPG allowed to tight ends, Kincaid should have a chance to shine. Consider starting him for a potentially fruitful fantasy output.

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Luke Musgrave

Luke Musgrave, a rookie tight end for the Packers, had eight targets in Week 3 and has the potential for increased production. With a favorable matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allow the most FFPG to tight ends, Musgrave should be added to your roster before his fantasy numbers increase and make him a hot waiver wire target.

Week 4 Defenses to Stream

For fantasy managers looking to stream defenses in Week 4, consider the following options:

• Chiefs (vs. Jets)
• Seahawks (vs. Giants)
• Bengals (vs. Titans)

Conclusion

As we enter Week 4 of the fantasy football season, it’s essential to stay ahead of the game by analyzing matchups and making strategic roster decisions. With notable rookies making their mark and favorable matchups for certain players, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on potential breakout performers. By utilizing the waiver wire effectively and making informed lineup choices, fantasy managers can give themselves the best chance to succeed. Keep in mind that these recommendations are based on PPR formats and should be tailored to each specific league and team. Good luck in Week 4 and may your fantasy football dreams become a reality!