There are still a ton of big names dealing with injuries as you’ll see below and it’s resulted in some lesser known names to appear much higher in the Week 4 fantasy football rankings. Devonta Freeman and Joe Mixon are both ruled out in what is one of the highest game totals of the week between Atlanta and Cincinnati. It’ll be the battle of the backups between Giovani Bernard and Tevin Coleman. Both are fine plays this week and will be for as long as Freeman and Mixon are sidelined. Consider yourself lucky if you own either as they are sure bet RB1’s in Week 4. There will be constant updates in my standard and PPR rankings as we get practice reports and injury news leading up to kickoff each Sunday.
As you’ll see below, I’ve highlighted some of the players I like and dislike more than others, using the Expert Consensus Rankings on FantasyPros. As we get into tougher matchups, this may help you decide if you have to start or sit a certain player. Feel free to hit me up with any questions @chrismeaney
Key Week 4 Injuries
Jimmy Garoppolo (ACL) – done for the season
Tyrod Taylor (concussion) – OUT; Baker Mayfield in
Randall Cobb (hamstring) – RULED OUT
Joe Mixon (knee) – RULED OUT
Devonta Freeman (knee) – RULED OUT
Jay Ajayi (back) – will play
Corey Clement (quad) – RULED OUT
Marlon Mack (hamstring) – RULED OUT
Darren Sproles (hamstring) – RULED OUT
Jonathan Stewart (foot) – placed on IR
Evan Engram (knee) – week-to-week
Jack Doyle (hip) – RULED OUT
Jake Butt (ACL) – done for season; “Jeff Heuerman everybody”
IDP
Aqib Talib (ankle) – place on IR; expected back this season
Joey Bosa (foot) – reportedly sidelined until at least Week 9
CJ Mosley (knee) – expected to play
Everson Griffen (knee) – also dealing with off-field issues
Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) – RULED OUT
Rodney McLeod (MLC) – done for season
Sean Lee (hamstring) – RULED OUT
Other News
Rishard Matthews – Titans release WR
Jonathan Williams – Saints release RB
Deshaun Watson @ IND
Deshaun Watson has looked better and better with each game that passes by. He’s shown no signs of slowing down on the ground either. Watson averaged 38 rushing yards per game last season and has 120 yards on 18 attempts in 2018. It gives him a solid floor and the matchup is right against the Colts.
Matt Ryan vs. CIN
Matt Ryan stays at home this week where he has nine touchdowns in the last two weeks. Ryan tossed five touchdowns in a shootout with the Saints last week and this matchup against the Bengals has the potential to be high scoring as well. At least Vegas thinks so with the high total of 52. The Bengals have allowed the sixth most yards, ninth-most passing yards and they are giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to QB’s. A shoutout to Andy Dalton who has QB status this week as well.
Ryan Tannehill @ NE
Miami and Ryan Tannehill enter their matchup in New England with a perfect 3-0 record. The Patriots return home after losing two straight which usually spells trouble for the opposing team. We very well could see angry Tom Brady this week, but one thing is for sure…the defense in NE has not been great. They have allowed the fifth most yards and 10th most passing yards. They’ve also given up the 10th most fantasy points to QB’s and the second most rushing yards overall. Tannehill has a sneaky 74 rushing yards on the ground and comes win with seven passing touchdowns with a 72.9 completion percentage. He’s definitely worthy of a start in two-QB leagues.
Ryan Fitzpatrick @ CHI
Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be coming close to any of my lineups this week after he threw three interceptions last week. The magic has just about run out for Fitz as he’ll face a tough defense on the road, with Jameis Winston looking over his shoulder. Chicago leads he NFL in sacks and have five interceptions through three games.
Aaron Jones vs. BUF
Aaron Jones returned last week and out produced Jamaal Williams. Jones had 42 yards on six carries, while Williams had 29 yards on five rushing attempts. The Green Bay Packers are heavy home favorites this weekend against the Bills and this backfield may just clear itself up after this game. If you recall, it was Jones who was ranked higher for me last week and it will be from here on out. Aaron Rodgers seems to see the upside with Jones as well. I think Jones is the better back and it’s not even close. Pass blocking has stalled his progress, so keep an eye on that this weekend.
Sterling Shepard vs. NO
I’m not saying this NO/NYG game will be like the one in 2015 where Eli Manning and Drew Brees combined for over 850 yards and 13 touchdowns, but they’ll be some points on the board. It’s one of the highest totals of the week and the Saints have allowed the most fantasy points to QB’s and WR’s. They’ve given up the third most yards and passing yards. Shepard is coming off his best game of the season and New York will be without Evan Engram.
Corey Davis vs. PHI
Corey Davis has been pretty quiet to start the season. Let’s keep in mind he’s had some tough matchups and has had to deal with some poor QB play. Marcus Mariota has his issues, but he’s locked into Davis this season. Partly because there is nobody else to really throw to. Davis leads the team in targets and the next closest is Dion Lewis. Tennessee lost Delanie Walker in Week 1 and they cut ties with Rishard Matthews. I understand Matthews wasn’t getting a lot of play to begin with, which is why he wanted out, but that’s one less body in the offense. There is a lot of opportunity for Davis and that’s hard to ignore. The Eagles have allowed some big time plays in the secondary so far this season. The time to buy-low on Davis is now and the time to pick up his teammate Taywan Taylor is also now.
Tyler Eifert @ ATL
Tyler Eifert is healthy and he’s fresh off his best game of the season: six catches on eight targets for 74 yards. Overall, Eifert has 141 yards and 11 catches on 15 targets. He’s always been one of the most talented tight ends in football when healthy and this is a great spot for him. It’s one of the highest totals of the week and the Falcons are a complete mess defensively. Atlanta has allowed the sixth most yards and seventh most passing yards.
Week 4 Rankings
Like these Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups? Get more Chris Meaney on his new podcast, By Any Means. Each week he’ll bring in guests from around the industry to break down all the fantasy news you need to know for your march to the championship.