It’s hard to believe, but Week 4 is here, which means fantasy owners have to worry about bye weeks. The Redskins and the Panthers have a bye this week, which means you may need to replace a starter or two. Here are our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 4.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Andy Dalton – Dalton was a steal on draft day and is a QB1 for Week 4. He’s a perfect bye week fill-in for Cam Newton. Dalton is throwing it 38 times per game, which is 10th in the NFL. The Falcons are allowing the fourth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Dalton is a nice value option in daily leagues and could post big numbers this week.
Dud: Ben Roethlisberger – Big Ben enters Week 4 as the sixth highest scoring quarterback. Things will be tough on him this week. He goes up against a Ravens defense that is holding opposing quarterbacks to the second fewest passing yards in the NFL. Temper your expectations for Roethlisberger because this could be an old fashioned low scoring game between two division rivals.
Sleeper: Baker Mayfield – Mayfield jumped onto the scene last week with a big second half performance against the Jets. The rookie has plenty of weapons including Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway and David Njoku. The Raiders’ defense is allowing 8.7 yards-per-pass. Mayfield should continue to roll this week in Oakland.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Tevin Coleman – He should be the lead back for Atlanta this week with Devontae Freeman still recovering from a knee injury. Coleman faces a Cincinnati defense that allowed 230 rushing yards last week, including 184 to Christian McCaffrey. The Atlanta offense should have a big day and Coleman should have success. He is an RB2 with plenty of upside this week.
Dud: David Johnson – This season has been a dud for Johnson. He has 116 rushing yards and one touchdown through three weeks. The Seahawks are giving up the 9th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Johnson’s struggles should continue this week.
Sleeper: Sony Michel – Fantasy owners were hoping Michel was going to break out last week. It didn’t happen, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen against Miami in Week 4. The Patriots placed Rex Burkhead on injured reserve and the Dolphins are allowing the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Michel’s break out could happen this week against the undefeated Dolphins.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Mike Evans – Evans has 23 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns through three weeks. He’s a rock solid WR1 this week against a Bears’ defense that has allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Evans should post big numbers in Week 4.
Dud: Larry Fitzgerald – It’s hard to put any Arizona Cardinal in your lineup and I’m avoiding it anywhere I can. Fitzgerald had two receptions for nine yards last week. How is his chemistry with Josh Rosen? Will he finally find the end zone this week? There are too many questions surrounding Fitzgerald going into Week 4. I’m benching him in re-draft leagues and staying away in daily games.
Sleeper: Mohamed Sanu – Sanu scored a touchdown last week and should have multiple chances to do so again this week against his former team. I’m expecting a shootout between the Bengals and the Falcons. The Bengals are familiar with Sanu, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make the most of his opportunity this week. I expect him to get 7-10 targets, which is enough to consider him in daily leagues.
TIGHT END
Stud: Rob Gronkowski – ‘Gronk’ has six receptions for 66 yards and hasn’t scored a touchdown in his last two games. The Patriots lost both contests. Fantasy owners should expect Tom Brady to lean on Gronkowski early and often, in what is an early season must-win for New England.
Dud: Jared Cook – Cook enters Week 4 as the second-highest scoring tight end in PPR leagues. That will likely change against Cleveland. The Browns’ defense has been great so far this season and they’re limiting opposing tight ends to the fourth fewest fantasy points-per-game. Cook is a TE1, but temper your expectations.
Sleeper: Eric Ebron – Ebron played a season-high 52 snaps last week. He is tied for the most red-zone targets on the team. The Texans’ defense has been far from dominant, which should mean Ebron gets plenty of opportunities this week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Chicago – The addition of Khalil Mack has made Bears’ defense one of the pleasant surprises through three weeks. They have 14 sacks, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries so far this year. That trend should continue against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers will either give Jameis Winston his first start of the season or roll with Ryan FItzpatrick, who threw three interceptions last week.
Dud: Cincinnati – The Bengals’ defense was carved up by Cam Newton and the Panthers in Week 3. Fantasy owners should expect more of the same this week. Atlanta should score 30-40 points on Sunday. Avoid the Bengals’ defense in all formats this week.
Sleeper: Green Bay – The Packers’ defense hasn’t been great this season, but they’re worth a look this week. The Bills’ offense should take a step back after their explosion against Minnesota. The Packers are a streaming option in Week 4.
