QUARTERBACKS
Nick Foles (vs. IND) – Mitchell Trubisky was benched in the second half of last week’s game versus the Falcons and Foles led the team to a comeback victory. This week, Foles was named the starter for the Bears. Chicago is going to try and move to 4-0 on the year, despite their poor quarterback play. Foles is an upgrade over Trubisky and is someone to add now while you can, and in his next three weeks, he faces Indianapolis at home and Tampa Bay and Carolina on the road. Solid matchups ahead for him in the coming weeks.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. SEA) – I’m not a big fan of Fitzpatrick for the rest of the season, as rookie Tua Tagovailoa could take over at any minute, but he is a solid short term pickup this week against the Seahawks in a game with a 54 total. The Dolphins are 6.5 underdogs in this game which suggest they will be playing from behind, meaning more pass attempts.
RUNNING BACKS
Jeff Wilson (vs. PHI) – Running backs are tough to come by this week, despite all of the injuries, but the team that has been the most victimized by injuries has to be the 49ers, who are without not only their starting quarterback, but their two primary running backs, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle (who may return this week), backup tight end Jordan Reed, and several key defensive players including Nick Bosa, Soloman Thomas and Richard Sherman. Jeff Wilson was slated to be the fourth-string running back on the 49ers this year but has vaulted into RB2 status. McKinnon has an injury history of his own, so don’t be surprised if we saw more Wilson moving forward. I’m expecting this to be a committee situation until Mostert returns.
Carlos Hyde (@ MIA) – We need to monitor the status of starting running back Chris Carson who was viciously tackled by one of the Cowboys defensive lineman, Trysten Hill. As of now, Carson is considered questionable and it looks like he avoided a major injury. Should Carson be out, Hyde is the next man up in a juicy matchup versus the Dolphins. Hyde is likely just a low end flex option, though.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Justin Jefferson (@ HOU – MONITOR GAME STATUS) – Alright, so your top pickup this week is Vikings’ first round pick, Justin Jefferson. However, we need to be cautious here. There’s nothing concerning about the talent of Jefferson, who finally showed his upside last week. The issue is the status of the Vikings-Texans game. It was reported that a handful of Titans players tested positive for COVID-19, and the Titans played the Vikings last week. As of now, just the Titans game has been rescheduled, but don’t be surprised if this game game also gets rescheduled. Regardless, Jefferson has the upside to be a weekly FLEX or better play moving forward.
Brandon Aiyuk (vs. PHI) – Another first round rookie wide receiver was unleashed last week in Brandon Aiyuk, who posted five receptions for 70 yards and also three rushes for 31 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Aiyuk missed Week 1, was limited in Week 2, but was finally able to show his talents in Week 3, and I’m expecting more of the same here in Week 4 in a Sunday Night Football matchup versus the Eagles, who are allowing the third-most receptions to wide receivers, fourth-most receiving yards, third-most touchdowns, and third-most fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers this season. Deebo Samuel still has not played a game yet this year, and George Kittle is slowly working his way back.
TIGHT ENDS
Jimmy Graham (vs. IND) – New quarterback, new upside for Jimmy Graham. The Colts are allowing the ninth-most receptions and are tied for the tenth-most touchdowns versus tight ends this year. Graham showed he’s still got something left in the tank last week, scoring multiple touchdowns, albeit versus the Falcons, but the Colts are another solid matchup for the aging veteran. It’s a rough week for tight ends on the waiver wire, but Graham has shown he is capable of still producing top-12 tight end numbers twice this year, currently sitting at the TE7 on the year. Add Graham if he’s still available in your league.
Robert Tonyan (vs. ATL) – I’m not a believer in Tonyan the player long term, but he has a great matchup this week. Currently the number 19 tight end on the year, Tonyan faces the Falcons on Monday Night. The Falcons have one of the worst overall defenses in the league, and Aaron Rodgers should have no problem moving the ball downfield in all areas of the field versus this team. If you’re struggling for a tight end, look no further than Tonyan.
DEFENSE
San Francisco 49ers (vs. PHI) – If the 49ers were cut in your fantasy league like they were in my family and friends league, add them immediately. This unit, despite the injuries, should remain one of the top-five in the league in most matchups. This week, they face the Eagles, who give up tons of sacks, and Wentz has had a down year to this point. Next week, the 49ers face the Dolphins, another easy matchup, and then the Rams two weeks from now. They need to be owned in every league.
Arizona Cardinals (@ CAR) – The Panthers got their first win of the season last week but did not put up a ton of yardage or points. Bridgewater was sacked twice last week, threw two interceptions and was sacked five times the week before. This Panthers offense is without their star in Christian McCaffrey and is a great matchup for any defense/special teams until proven otherwise.
KICKERS
Matt Prater (vs. NO) –This week, Prater is going to be in a game with a 54.5 total at home. I’m expecting this game to be a shootout from both sides of the ball, and in order for Prater and the Lions to stay competitive in this game, there are going to be lots of points scored.
Sam Sloman (vs. NYG) – The Giants, like the Jets, continue to be among the bottom feeders in the NFL. This week, they travel cross country to LA and are 12.5 point underdogs in a game with a 48 total. Sloman should have no problem coming through for fantasy this week and is available on most waiver wires.
WEEK 4 WEDNESDAY INJURY UPDATES
QUARTERBACKS
Drew Lock (Shoulder) – Confirmed out for Week 4, Brett Rypien is getting the start.
Tyrod Taylor (Ribs) – Missed practice, likely to miss Week 4.
Jimmy Garoppolo (Ankle) – Missed practice, likely to be out on Sunday Night versus the Eagles.
RUNNING BACKS
Tarik Cohen (Torn ACL) – Cohen has torn his ACL and will miss the entire season. This opens a greater opportunity for David Montgomery to have a lead role.
Leonard Fournette (Ankle) – Missed practice on Wednesday, not expected to play versus Chargers.
Chris Carson (Knee) – Carson was involved in a dirty tackle versus the Cowboys last week, and as of now his status is unknown for Week 4, though reports are encouraging as he did practice in limited fashion on Wednesday, which means there’s a good chance he will be able to return.
Miles Sanders (Glute) – Limited practice on Wednesday, should be fine for Sunday Night.
Kareem Hunt (Groin) – Missed practice but is expected to play this week.
Cam Akers (Ribs) - Missed practice, not expected to play versus NYG.
Raheem Mostert (Knee) - Missed practice again, likely will miss versus PHI.
Phillip Lindsay (Toe) – Limited practice, possibly can return versus the Jets on Thursday Night.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Thomas (Ankle) – Got in a limited practice on Wednesday, could potentially return versus DET.
Chris Godwin (Hamstring) – Missed practice, not expected to play in Week 4.
DeAndre Hopkins (Ankle) – Missed practice, expected to play though.
D.J. Chark (Chest) - Limited practice, likely to return.
Christian Kirk (Groin) – Missed practice and is likely to miss another game.
Mike Williams (Hamstring) – What else is new, Williams is hurt again. Not expected to play this week after missing practice.
Henry Ruggs III (Hamstring & Knee) – Missed practice, not expected to play versus BUF.
Bryan Edwards (Foot) – Missed practice, expected to miss the game against the Bills.
Jamison Crowder (Hamstring) – Limited practice, could return.
Breshad Perriman (Ankle) – Out this week again versus DEN.
Michael Pittman (Ankle) – Missed practice, won’t play this week or beyond for the Colts.
TIGHT ENDS
George Kittle (Knee) – Full Practice, likely to return.
Jared Cook (Groin) – Missed practice, questionable.
Jordan Reed (Ankle) – Missed practice, placed on IR. What else is new.
(Cover Photo: Dale Zanine/USA Today)
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