Here are the guys you should smash(start) in your lineups and the guys you should be passing on(sitting) for week 4! These aren't guys you 100% have to start or 100% have to bench, they're just guys we believe are going to exceed expectations this week or fall short of what they're expected to do.
Quarterbacks:
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Shawn - Deshaun Watson vs MIN: Watson is due for a huge breakout game and it feels like the matchup is finally right. Watson had a very tough schedule out of the gate, facing 3 of the league's best teams, and now finds a friendlier matchup with the Vikings secondary. They got torched in Week 1 by Rodgers and Tannehill was able to find a handful of deep balls against them this past week. I think Watson finally has his breakout week and goes for 25+ fantasy points.
Q - Joe Burrow vs JAX: Joe Burrow has had quite the impressive start to his young NFL career. He was drafted to a team that is relying heavily on his ability to throw the ball early and often as they have seen themselves down in games. This week they play a Jaguars defense that ranks 30th to opposing quarterbacks with a pressure rate at 18.2%, which could allow Burrow to find plenty of time in the pocket to add to his touchdown total.
Matty P - Cam Newtown @ KC: The Patriots did not have to do much to win last week, they pretty much let Rex Burkhead take over. This most likely will not be the case this week, having to keep up with the Chiefs electric offense. Cam is going to have to do it all against the Chiefs defense who is middle of the pack at best. They did make Lamar struggle a bit last week, but I think Cam will be fine as a top 10 play this week, if you've got him you're starting him.
Tgods - Dak Prescott vs CLE: The first 3 weeks of the season we have seen Dak light it up against good and bad defenses, which is no surprise considering the weapons he is surrounded by. That being said, this Browns' defense is nothing to cause worry over as they rank 22nd against quarterbacks and have allowed the 4th most touchdown passes (8). For a team that has been airing it out as often as the Cowboys, expect another top 10 performance from Prescott.
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Shawn - Tom Brady vs LAC: Tom Brady has not lived up to his ADP just yet, as he was being taken as the 7th QB in most drafts, yet finds himself 15th amongst QBs thus far this season. A big bounce-back last week vs DEN was expected as they are super banged up, but I'm not sure if this streak continues. The Chargers defense does have some injuries, however, they still have a strong defensive line and a capable secondary. Star Corner Casey Heyward will most likely shadow Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will miss this game also. I'm a bit nervous about starting Brady with the utmost confidence this week.
Q - Drew Brees @ DET: Michael Thomas may play and change my opinion a bit on this call, but if Thomas is out, the Saints are looking thin. We saw Brees succeed without MT last week, but no Cook either is a possibility and on the road, we all know he's not the same. This game has a little bit of shootout potential, but I'm a bit nervous about Brees heading into this week. If you have another QB option on your bench, I would consider plugging them in.
Matty P - Ryan Fitzpatrick @ SEA: Fitzmagic is as inconsistent as they come. Last week he had a huge game against a bad Jaguars team, but I'm not too sure he can keep up with Wilson and the Seahawks in this one. I know he's most likely going to have to throw a lot to keep up, but 2 straight weeks with no interceptions...I'm not sure that continues. I think he has an okay game this week, but I would only start him if I was desperate at the QB spot.
Tgods - Carson Wentz @ SF: Whether it is his gameplay, the injury bug on their offensive line, or the poor receiving core, Carson Wentz just has not been able to get into a rhythm to succeed thus far this season. This week may be no different as Greg Ward and Zach Ertz may be his only viable pass catchers on SNF. The 49ers defense has only allowed 2 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in the past 3 weeks which ranks them 2nd in the league. Though the SF defense is just as banged up as the Eagles offense, I think this game could be led more by Eagles running back Miles Sanders and less on the ball traveling through the air.
Running Backs:
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Shawn - Joe Mixon vs JAC: Look, I know what you're thinking.. this guy likes Mixon way too much. You're probably right. However, the Jags just allowed Myles Gaskin to have a nice game against them and their defense isn't scary at all. If there was ever a get-right game for the Bengals, it would be at home this week. Mixon is bound to score a TD eventually with the volume he gets and I think this week has to be the week for him.
Q - Kenyan Drake @ CAR: For similar reasons to what Shawn has above, I like Kenyan Drake this week because of the volume. He may not be piling on fantasy points, but he's getting consistent touches in a potent offense. I think this is the week he's able to find the endzone. The Cardinals are coming off a tough loss while the Panthers are coming in high off of their first win. I think the Cardinals humble them in this game and Drake gets a lot of second-half work.
Matty P - Darrell Henderson Jr. vs NYG: The Rams backfield is one of many backfields who have gone with the hot hand thus far this season. Injuries have had an impact as well making them throw out a different starter each week. Henderson has had at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown through the last 2 weeks. He was given the temporary starting job from McVay this week and going against a Giants defense who has been generous to opposing running backs allowing the 10th most points to running backs, expect another solid performance from Henderson Jr.
Tgods - Todd Gurley @ GB: I think Gurley is a sell-high candidate right now, but maybe keep him for one more week before letting him go. This Green Bay defense just let Kamara run all over the place, even though a lot of them were passes caught out of the backfield, the running holes were there too. I think Gurley gets involved early and finds the endzone again this week, making him an even better option to sell-high on next week.
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Shawn - David Montgomery vs IND: Most people are on the other side of this coin, now that Cohen is out, it's time for Montgomery to shine. I do think he will be getting more volume, just not sure this is the week I'm ecstatic about starting him. The Colts are top 5 against running backs thus far and that includes playing Dalvin Cook and James Robinson. Montgomery is going to need to score to be relevant in this one and I'm not sure he finds the endzone. If you have other options, use them.
Q - Adrian Peterson vs NO: AP is someone I've talked up a bit throughout the season and I still think he's going to be the go-to guy in this backfield for the time being. However, he's still TD dependent and only gets more involved when the game is close or they have the lead. I think the Saints end up winning this game so I'm not sure how involved AP will be this week. If you have to start him go ahead, but I'd look elsewhere for a fill-in RB this week.
Matty P - Jonathon Taylor @ CHI: Look Jonathan Taylor has been as solid as a running back can be. Especially for where you drafted him. Since Mack has been out he has turned into the go-to guy in this backfield and I don't think he'll be lacking volume this week. I'm just bumping him down a couple of spots against the Bears considering this is the toughest defense the Colts have faced this season. I wanna see what he can do before locking him in as matchup-proof. You're probably still starting him, but I'm just a bit nervous this week.
Tgods - Joe Mixon vs JAX: Joe Mixon is a guy that is talked about a lot on our podcast, mainly pointing out the negative, unless you are Shawn. Averaging only about 3.2 yards per carry due to a very weak offensive line, it is hard right now to think things will turn around anytime soon. Going against a Jaguars team that ironically only allows 3.2 yards per carry to opposing running backs and 3 total touchdowns this season, I would keep expectations to a minimum.
Wide Receivers:
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Shawn - Kenny Golladay vs NO: Golladay is back and at the beginning of the season I had him ranked as a top 5 WR. I think it's going to take a little bit to get back to the normal Golladay we're used to, but I think in a favorable matchup this week against the Saints secondary he is a must-start. I have him locked in as a top 15 option this week and I think he finds the endzone again in this matchup.
Q - Amari Cooper vs CLE: The Browns defense is bad. Amari Cooper is Good. That's it... Just Kidding. However, I do believe Amari Cooper is yet again a great play this week. Another easy secondary for Dak and the Cowboys to feast on and Cooper has been the go-to guy. Getting at least 16 points in every game, but no more than 18, he is as consistent as they come. Lock him into your lineups again this week with confidence.
Matty P - Julian Edelman @ KC: After a not so pretty performance week 3 against the Raiders you kind of have to forget about that as the game plan was unusual due to Rex Burkhead's rare workhorse performance. Week 2 against the Seahawks the Patriots were in a shootout and Cam did not look at someone more than Edelman, and with a similar game most likely coming up against the Chiefs, expect him to be targeted the most on this Patriots offense trying to keep up with their high scoring opponent.
Tgods - Allen Lazard vs ATL: There is some news going on that he missed practice and may be dealing with a core injury, but just monitor the reports heading into Saturday because if he plays he's getting towards that must-start territory for me. Lazard showed what he can do with Adams out of the lineup this past week and it was impressive! 6 catches, 146 yards, and a TD. I don't expect that this week, but Atlanta may be the most fantasy-friendly defense in the league, so any part of the Packers offense I can get this week I am starting for sure, especially Lazard.
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Shawn - Jerry Jeudy @ NYJ: Jeudy is a promising young receiver that I like moving forward... once Drew Lock is back. On a short week against the Jets, I think this matchup is going to be very ugly. Especially considering that the Broncos are going to start Brett Rypien. I'm not confident in the Broncos offense and I believe this ends up being a good game for Melvin Gordon and their defense and perhaps no one else.
Q - Terry McLaurin vs BAL: I know the Chiefs just annihilated this defense in Week 3 but that's Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Ravens are going to come hungry this week after their first loss and Marlon Humphrey is feeling good after signing that new contract extension. If you have McLaurin you probably don't have a better option to start, but I would consider looking at other options because he may flop a bit this week.
Matty P - Marquise Brown @ WSH: Hollywood makes me nervous as I said on the podcast yesterday. I'm just not sure how consistent he is going to be moving forward. This feels like a game where the ravens continue to run the ball all over the Washington Football Team who are still missing Chase Young. He's a boom or bust kind of guy with the speed he has, but I'm leaning towards another bust this week... look elsewhere if you have other options.
Tgods - T.Y. Hilton @ CHI: Hilton has been underperforming, to say the least, this year with what was supposed to be a MUCH better season having a pass-happy quarterback in Philip Rivers. With the loss of Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell, you would expect him to see much more volume but that does not seem to be the case. With the emergence of tight end Mo Alie-Cox and the return of Trey Burton/Jack Doyle, Hilton may have seen his best days as being the only option behind him as of right now.
Tight Ends:
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Shawn - Mike Gesicki vs SEA: Gesicki was quiet last week after finding the endzone against the Jaguars, but this week he will be busy. The Seahawks offense is going to have a field day against the poor Dolphins defense and I think the Dolphins are left playing catch up all day. Gesicki gets involved early and may scrape together some garbage time points for a top 10 TE performance.
Q - Rob Gronkowski vs LAC: I was the highest of all of us heading into the season on Gronk and I was nervous after 2 straight duds. However, he came back to life last week and showed me what he can do catching 6 passes for 48 yards. I still have some faith in Gronk and with no Godwin, possibly no Scotty Miller, and Mike Evans covered by Heyward, Gronk should be the go-to guy this week. I'm back in on Gronk this week for sure.
Matty P - T.J. Hockenson vs NO: Hockenson has the talent to be an elite TE and he has shown plenty of flashes when he's on the field over the past 2 seasons. This season he's had at least 4 catches and 50 passing yards in every game this season. I'm starting him with confidence in a game where they may have to throw a bunch to keep up with Kamara and the Saints. Lock Hockenson into your lineup this week with confidence.
Tgods - Noah Fant @ NYJ: Going against the Jets, it would be hard not to think every possible fantasy option is almost an automatic start and Fant is no different. Last week Fant had his first game without a touchdown with partially hindered his total fantasy points but still was a major involvement in this offensive game plan. A Jets defense that is allowing almost 15 points to opposing tight ends, Fant should be plugged in and played with major confidence even with Rypien at the helm for the offense.
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Shawn - Hayden Hurst @ GB: I like what Hayden Hurst has been able to accomplish thus far replacing Austin Hooper. Without Julio at all and Russell Gage for a portion of the game last week, Hurst was only able to grab 1 catch on 3 targets. It just so happened that it was a touchdown. I think he's going to be involved, but I'm nervous his usage becomes inconsistent, especially if Julio and Gage can go. Being the 4th or 5th option on a team it's tough to remain consistent.
Q - Austin Hooper @ DAL: My fear for Hooper in this one is that he's just been forgotten about already. If we're having trouble trusting Odell and Jarvis Landry to put up consistent points on a weekly basis, what makes you feel any more confident in Austin Hooper? Only 7 catches for 62 yards through 3 games this season, I just need to see him used more before I am putting him anywhere near my starting lineup.
Matty P - Evan Engram vs LAR: I actually like Engram, I think he's a great tight end when healthy and has shown some flashes of that again this year. However, I don't like this Giants offense without Saquon. This offensive line looks awful, the run game nor the passing game can get going, I just do not feel good about this team. This feels like a game where the Rams go up big and the Giants struggle a ton to put up any points. Aaron Donald vs a bad O line? Count me out on Engram and any Giants players this week until I see more.
Tgods - Jimmy Graham @ IND: With the emergence of Nick Foles at quarterback, Graham has looked like the tight end of old leading tight ends in touchdowns and red zone targets. Though he has looked promising 2 of 3 weeks so far this season, the Colts have not budged when it comes to allowing points to opposing TE's as they are ranked 1st against them. This Colts defense in general has been a force to be reckoned with, definitely pick Graham up for your team, but I'm not confident in playing him this week.
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