By Cody Smith
The Week 3 picks were a disaster to say the least, but a lot of things happened this week that were not expected. Who would have figured that Daniel Jones would be QB2 in his NFL debut? Who would have guessed that Tony Pollard would out-score Ezekiel Elliott against the Miami Dolphins? And I guarantee nobody had Jordan Akins, Dawson Knox and Darren Fells all in the top-10 among tight ends.
But nothing is ever certain in fantasy football. Things are changing every week and completely evolve throughout the entirety of the season. So let’s hit reset and try again.
For anybody streaming this position going forward, take a look below to find out who I’m high on this week.
Also scroll to the bottom of the page to see how my Week 3 likes and dislikes fared. (Spoiler alert: It wasn’t good.)
See below for my Week 4 ranks.
Quarterbacks I like
Dak Prescott has faced some of the softest defenses in the league to start the season, and the trend continues this weekend. Prescott gets the Saints, who are currently ranked 31st of 32 teams in pass defense. The Saints managed to pick up a victory last week despite Russell Wilson throwing for 406 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Fantasy quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson, Case Keenum and Wilson) are averaging over 30 points a game against New Orleans through three weeks.
My Rank: QB2
ESPN Rank: QB5
Case Keenum has been a pleasant fantasy surprise this season. The Redskins are 0-3, but Keenum has posted QB9 numbers up to this point. This is a trend that looks like it will continue, as Washington faces off against the Giants this weekend (currently ranked 29 of 32.) Keenum has thrown for over 900 yards already this season against some of the league’s tougher defenses including the Bears and Cowboys. Look for Keenum to light it up this week.
My Rank: QB5
ESPN Rank: QB17
Tom Brady doesn’t have quite as many options as he had a few weeks ago against the Dolphins. Antonio Brown is no longer with the team and Julian Edleman is banged up, but Brady still produces QB13 numbers last week despite leaving the game late with a large lead. Brady faces his toughest test of the season in Buffalo, but is having a nice season passing the ball with 911 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns against zero interceptions. This may be a stretch, but I’m pegging Brady as a top-10 play this week.
My Rank: QB10
ESPN Rank: QB14
Quarterbacks to avoid
Deshaun Watson just doesn’t have time to throw the football. Watson has been sacked 12 times in three games; third most in the league behind Marcus Mariota and Kyler Murray. Though Watson is coming off of a 351-yard passing game against the Chargers, things should be a bit more difficult this week against the number eighth ranked pass defense of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have limited Jared Goff, Jameis Winston and Kyler Murray to just 13.4 fantasy points per game through the first three weeks. I’m limiting expectations for Watson.
My Rank: QB7
ESPN Rank: QB3
Matthew Stafford has a favorable matchup with Kansas City this weekend, but failed to take full advantage of a soft match-up with the Eagles last week. Though Stafford will more than likely be playing from behind all day, I’m tempering my expectations, thinking he may continue to struggle in Week 4. Stafford’s fantasy points per game has dropped each week thus far.
My Rank: QB14
ESPN Rank: QB9
Matt Ryan has thrown for at least 300 yards in every game this season, but faces his toughest test this week against the Titans. Tennessee struggled with Gardner Minshew last week, and has allowed six passing touchdowns in three games, but still boast the 10th best passing defense after limiting Baker Mayfield in Week 1 and allowing just 146 passing yards by Jacoby Brissett in Week 2.
My Rank: QB13
ESPN Rank: QB8
Week 4 QB Rankings
1. Patrick Mahomes @Det
2. Dak Prescott @NO
3. Russell Wilson @Ari
4. Lamar Jackson vs. Cle
5. Case Keenum @NYG
6. Philip Rivers @Mia
7. Deshaun Watson vs. Car
8. Aaron Rodgers vs. Phi
9. Kyler Murray vs. Sea
10. Tom Brady @Buf
11. Jared Goff vs. TB
12. Daniel Jones vs. Wsh
13. Matt Ryan vs. Ten
14. Matthew Stafford vs. KC
15. Carson Wentz @GB
16. Andy Dalton @Pit
17. Josh Allen vs. NE
18. Kyle Allen @Hou
19. Mason Rudolph vs. Cin
20. Jacoby Brissett vs. Oak
21. Baker Mayfield @Bal
22. Derrek Carr @Ind
23. Gardner Minshew II @Den
24. Jameis Winston @LAR
25. Teddy Bridgewater vs. Dal
26. Mitchell Trubisky vs. Min
27. Kirk Cousins @Chi
28. Marcus Mariota @Atl
29. Joe Flacco vs. Jax
30. Josh Rosen vs. LAC
Running Backs I Like
Derrick Henry is currently RB6 in PPR scoring, no thanks to his ability to catch the ball. Henry has caught four passes in three games including a 75-yard touchdown reception back in Week 1. Henry does his damage on the ground and will face Atlanta in Week 4. The Falcons have been vulnerable against the run, allowing 111 yards to Dalvin Cook and 74 yards and a touchdown to Marlon Mack. Henry is similar to those two and should yield similar results.
My Rank: RB6
ESPN Rank: RB13
Mark Ingram has posted two weeks of over 100 rushing yards and has scored five rushing touchdowns through the first three weeks. Ingram faces a middle-of-the-road run defense in Cleveland, but the Ravens should find themselves ahead in this game and Ingram should be able to feast on the Browns' defense.
My Rank: RB5
ESPN Rank: RB12
Josh Jacobs has not been as involved as many fantasy owners have hoped. In fact, Jon Gruden came out this week and stated that Jacobs isn’t getting the ball enough. As one of the main threats on the Oakland offense, I’d expect Gruden to figure this problem out quickly. Jacobs faces the Colts' 27th ranked defense this week and should put up huge numbers.
My Rank: RB13
ESPN Rank: RB19
Running Backs to Avoid
Leonard Fournette is barely averaging over four yards per carry this season and has yet to eclipse 66 rushing yards in a single game. The main reason Fournette is still fantasy relevant is the fact that he has caught 14 passes already this season, which is huge for a player that came into the season with low expectations in the pass catching department. Fournette faces a tough task in Week 4 against Denver, who has yet to allow 100 rushing yards in a game this season.
My Rank: RB12
ESPN Rank: RB9
Todd Gurley does not look himself this season. The back is touching the ball 16 times per game and has not produced much in the last two weeks, averaging 3.5 yards per carry over that span. Gurley faces the No. 1 rush defense this week in Tampa Bay who have shut down Saquon Barkley/Wayne Gallman as well as Christian McCaffrey. Gurley will have a tough task come Sunday.
My Rank: RB17
ESPN Rank: RB11
Phillip Lindsay remains on my avoid list despite a great week against Green Bay. However, I’m taking last week as an outlier. Lindsay and Royce Freeman are in a near 50/50 split for the time being, though Lindsay was more efficient with his touches, and found the end zone twice last week. Lindsay (25 touches) and Freeman (19 touches) will more than likely continue to split carries for the time being, with whichever back has the hot hand should have an advantage.
My Rank: RB18
ESPN Rank: RB15
Week 4 RB Ranmings
1. Austin Ekeler @Mia
2. Christian McCaffrey @Hou
3. Alvin Kamara vs. Dal
4. Ezekiel Elliott @NO
5. Mark Ingram vs. Cle
6. Derrick Henry @Atl
7. Nick Chubb @Bal
8. Dalvin Cook @Chi
9. James Connor vs. Cin
10. Marlon Mack vs. Oak
11. David Johnson vs. Sea
12. Leonard Fournette @Den
13. Josh Jacobs @Ind
14. Joe Mixon @Pit
15. Kerryon Johnson vs. KC
16. James White @Buf
17. Todd Gurley II vs. TB
18. Phillip Lindsay vs. Jax
19. Aaron Jones vs. Phi
20. Chris Carson @Ari
21. Devonta Freeman vs. Ten
22. David Montgomery vs. Min
23. Adrian Peterson @NYG
24. Damien Williams @Det
25. Wayne Gallman vs. Wsh
26. Chris Thompson @NYG
27. Kenyan Drake vs. LAC
28. Miles Sanders @GB
29. Jamaal Williams vs. Phi
30. Royce Freeman vs. Jax
31. LeSean McCoy @Det
32. Tarik Cohen vs. Min
33. Carlos Hyde vs. Car
34. Peyton Barber @LAR
35. Sony Michel @Buf
36. Rex Burkhead @Buf
37. Frank Gore vs. NE
38. Duke Johnson Jr. vs. Car
39. Justin Jackson @Mia
40. Devin Singletary vs. NE
41. Rashaad Penny @Ari
42. Jordan Howard @GB
43. Latavius Murray vs. Dal
44. Ronald Jones @LAR
45. Giovanni Bernard @Pit
46. Ito Smith vs. Ten
47. Ty Johnson vs. KC
48. Kalen Ballage vs. LAC
49. Dion Lewis @Atl
50. Jalen Richard @Ind
Wide Receivers I Like
Amari Cooper is currently riding a three-game touchdown streak to begin the season and his chances to score again this weekend are high in a match-up against a weak Saints' secondary. Cooper is averaging 21.3 PPR points per game this season and could even see an uptick in targets with Michael Gallup out for the next few weeks.
My Rank: WR2
ESPN Rank: WR9
T.Y. Hilton saw double digit targets last week and only played in the game’s opening half, making it seem as though Jacoby Brissett is certainly comfortable with his WR1. Should Hilton play this week after leaving last week’s game with a quad injury, he has a solid match-up against the Raiders, but make sure to monitor him on game day to make sure he is playing.
My Rank: WR3
ESPN Rank: WR16
Adam Thielen has been the clear WR1 in Minnesota this season, surpassing Stefon Diggs. Thielen has seen just 16 targets in three games, but is currently on the NFL’s run-heaviest offense. Thielen’s match-up this week is tough with the team facing off with Chicago, but the Bears' run defense has been a bit better than its pass defense, which may force Kirk Cousins to throw a bit more than usual.
My Rank: WR14
ESPN Rank: W18
Wide Receivers to Avoid
Julian Edelman is currently listed as questionable after leaving last week’s game against the Jets with a rib injury. With the Patriots pass attack quickly finding itself depleted, Edelman has potential to put up big numbers, especially in PPR. I’m concerned this injury slows him down a bit, especially against the Bills' 12th ranked pass defense.
My Rank: WR19
ESPN Rank: WR11
Juju Smith-Schuster used a long touchdown reception to save an otherwise unproductive day Sunday against San Francisco. Though the 49ers' pass defense looks above average this year, it seems clear that Mason Rudolph and Smith-Schuster still lack the connection that Big Ben had with the star receiver. Juju slides down my ranks this week and will stay down until he can prove his worth in Pittsburgh’s shaky offense.
My Rank: WR26
ESPN Rank: WR12
Chris Godwin clearly played second fiddle to Mike Evans last week, only hauling in three catches against the Giants. For those that don’t remember, that is how many TOUCHDOWNS Evans had in the game. Godwin’s four targets were a season low. He has breakout potential, but has been hobbled by a hip injury this week and a match-up with a strong Rams' secondary in on the horizon. Temper expectations for the Penn State grad this week.
My Rank: WR28
ESPN Rank: WR19
Week 4 WR Rankings
1. Keenan Allen @Mia
2. Amari Cooper @NO
3. T.Y. Hilton vs. Oak
4. Sammy Watkins @Det
5. Odell Beckham Jr. @Bal
6. Julio Jones vs. Ten
7. Tyler Lockett @Ari
8. Cooper Kupp vs. TB
9. Michael Thomas vs. Dal
10. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Car
11. Davante Adams vs. Phi
12. Terry McLaurin @NYG
13. Mike Evans @LAR
14. Adam Thielen @Chi
15. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Sea
16. Christian Kirk vs. Sea
17. Tyler Boyd @Pit
18. D.J. Chark @Den
19. Julian Edelman @Buf
20. Sterling Shepard vs. Wsh
21. Brandin Cooks vs. TB
22. Kenny Golladay vs. KC
23. Demarcus Robinson @Det
24. DJ Moore @Hou
25. Marquise Brown vs. Cle
26. Juju Smith-Schuster vs. Cin
27. Tyrell Williams @Ind
28. Chris Godwin @LAR
29. Josh Gordon @Buf
30. Robert Woods vs. TB
31. Allen Robinson vs. Min
32. Curtis Samuel @Hou
33. Nelson Agholor @GB
34. Calvin Ridley vs. Ten
35. Marvin Jones Jr. vs. KC
36. Mecole Hardman @Det
37. John Ross III @Pit
38. Emmanuel Sanders vs. Jax
39. Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs. Phi
40. Alshon Jeffery @GB
41. Courtland Sutton vs. Jax
42. Jarvis Landry @Bal
43. Stefon Diggs @Chi
44. Mike Williams @Mia
45. John Brown vs. NE
46. Phillip Dorsett @Buf
47. Paul Richardson @NYG
48. Cole Beasley vs. NE
49. DK Metcalf @Ari
50. Randall Cobb @NO
Tight Ends I Like
Dawson Knox came out of nowhere last week to catch three passes on four targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also had one carry for nine yards. I’m not saying to start Knox over a top-tier option, but keep an eye on this guy. Buffalo hasn’t has a solid tight end in ages, and if this kid can become that, he’ll be a nice safety outlet for Josh Allen.
My Rank: TE19
ESPN Rank: NR
Tight Ends To Avoid
This is a fun fact… You, yes YOU! Have had the same amount of fantasy points as Jimmy Graham has had the last two weeks combined for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers has stated he wants to get Graham more involved and I believe he will do that. He literally just has to throw one pass his way and he’ll be more involved than in the past two weeks. Graham is a TD dependent play and in my opinion, not worth the risk of deploying as a starter this week or beyond.
My Rank: TE23
ESPN Rank: TE22
Week 4 TE Rankings
1. Darren Waller @Ind
2. Evan Engram vs. Wsh
3. Travis Kelce @Det
4. Mark Andrews vs. Cle
5. Delanie Walker @Atl
6. Zach Ertz @GB
7. Greg Olsen @Hou
8. Will Dissly @Ari
9. T.J. Hockenson vs. KC
10. Austin Hooper vs. Ten
11. Vernon Davis @NYG
12. O.J. Howard @LAR
13. Jason Witten @NO
14. Tyler Eifert @Pit
15. Jared Cook vs. Dal
16. Eric Ebron vs. Oak
17. James O’Shaughnessy @Den
18. Trey Burton vs. Min
19. Dawson Knox vs. NE
20. Jordan Akins vs. Car
21. Noah Fant vs. Jax
22. Jack Doyle vs. Oak
23. Jimmy Graham vs. Phi
24. Hayden Hurst vs. Cle
25. Demetrius Harris @Bal
Week 3 likes/dislikes
Quarterback likes
Jimmy Garoppolo: My Rank - QB8; ESPN Rank - QB17; Actual finish - QB28
Matt Stafford: My Rank - QB10; ESPN Rank - QB20; Actual finish - QB27
Andy Dalton: My Rank - QB21; ESPN Rank - QB24; Actual finish - QB17
Quarterback dislikes
Carson Wentz: My Rank - QB17; ESPN Rank - QB10; Actual finish - QB9
Jameis Winston: My Rank - QB18; ESPN Rank - QB11; Actual finish - QB4
Mitch Trubisky: My Rank - QB20; ESPN Rank - QB16; Actual finish - QB12
Running Back likes
Le’Von Bell: My Rank - RB3; ESPN Rank - RB8; Actual finish - RB31
Todd Gurley: My Rank - RB8; ESPN Rank - RB13; Actual finish - RB53
Josh Jacobs: My Rank - RB10; ESPN Rank - RB19; Actual finish - RB48
Running Back dislikes
Sony Michel: My Rank - RB26; ESPN Rank - RB20; Actual finish - RB41
Damien Williams: My Rank - RB33; ESPN Rank - RB22; Actual finish - N/A
Phillip Lindsay: My Rank - RB28; ESPN Rank - RB26; Actual finish - RB3
Wide Receiver likes
Sammy Watkins: My Rank - WR2; ESPN Rank - WR12; Actual finish - WR44
Amari Cooper: My Rank - WR7; ESPN Rank - WR10; Actual finish - WR7
Allen Robinson: My Rank - WR16; ESPN Rank - WR28; Actual finish - WR40
Wide Receiver dislikes
Tyler Boyd: My Rank - WR27; ESPN Rank - WR19; Actual finish - WR38
Mike Williams: My Rank - WR41; ESPN Rank - WR32; Actual finish - WR60
Tight End likes
Gerald Everett: My Rank - TE20; ESPN Rank - NR; Actual finish - TE32
Tight End dislikes
T.J. Hockenson: My Rank - TE18; ESPN Rank - TE12; Actual finish - TE56
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