Admin September 26, 2024
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Week 3 provided some surprises across the NFL, especially among fantasy football wide receivers. Jauan Jennings had a career day for the 49ers in their loss to the Rams. Malik Nabers backed up his strong performance in Week 2 with dazzling catches in Week 3 and another top-tier WR performance.
Other wide receivers weren’t quite so solid. Mike Evans had his second-worst fantasy performance of the last 18 months against the Broncos at home. Early-season darling Rashid Shaheed had zero catches against what had previously been a porous Philadelphia pass defense.
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But that’s behind us with Week 4 on deck. Nabers and many others are must-starts at this point of the season. But if you’re looking for some insight to round out your lineup at wide receiver, we’ve got you covered with five wide receivers to start and five to sit for Week 4.
Fantasy football start ’em: Week 4 WRs
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (vs. Washington Commanders)
Harrison Jr. had a team-high 11 targets last week, five catches for 64 yards, and a touchdown. He should have another good week on Sunday against the worst fantasy football defense against wide receivers. Washington allowed 14 catches, 209 yards, and three touchdowns to the Bengals’ wide receiver group. This could be a shootout with Harrison Jr. getting plenty of attention.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (at Detroit Lions)
Smith-Njigba only had three targets against the Dolphins last week but could be in for a better week in Detroit. Slot receivers torched the Lions in the first two weeks but less so in Week 3 against a less talented Cardinals corps. Seattle’s deeper at the position and should open up opportunities for Smith-Njigba to bounce back.
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (at Baltimore Ravens)
Shakir’s a top-20 WR this season in PPR leagues and should be in your starting lineup. He leads the Bills in targets (14), receptions (14), receiving yards (168), and touchdowns (two). He had a solid performance in Week 3 against Jacksonville and now faces a Ravens defense that’s given up five touchdowns and more than 500 yards to opposing wide receivers in just three games.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Indianapolis Colts)
Pickens could be boom-or-bust this week, and we’re thinking more on the boom side. Pittsburgh may be tempted to run the ball on the Colts’ No. 31-ranked run defense, which may limit his targets. But he’s by far their top wide receiver, and the Colts have also allowed the sixth-most points to opposing wide receivers. Even with limited targets, he’s sure to convert and may find the end zone for the first time this season.
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (vs. New England Patriots)
Jennings may come back down to Earth after a career day against the Rams in Week 3. But even if he doesn’t score 40+ fantasy points, he should be in for a good week. New England’s given up the ninth-most points to wide receivers in fantasy football this season. If Brandon Aiyuk gets the bulk of the defense’s attention again, Jennings should have a good week.
Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 4 WRs
Allen Lazard, New York Jets (vs. Denver Broncos)
Lazard bounced back in Week 3 with three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He may not have the same luck in Week 4. The Broncos allow just 83 yards per game to opposing wide receivers and have allowed just one touchdown to the position all season.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (at Tennessee Titans)
Waddle ends up as a sit again this week after a dismal four catches for 26 yards against Seattle in Week 3. The Titans are one of the best defenses against wide receivers this season, allowing just nine catches and 105 yards per game to the position. No wide receiver has scored against Tennessee this season, and it would be a shock if Waddle were the first.
Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams (at Chicago Bears)
Los Angeles’ injury luck has Robinson in a bigger role for the near future, but that may not bode well against one of the top secondaries in the league. The Bears have allowed just one touchdown and 116 yards per game to wide receivers this season. Robinson caught only one of four targets last week and likely won’t fare better in Week 4.
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers boast one of the top pass-rush groups in the NFL, and that’s helped the secondary this season. Opposing wide receivers are catching barely over half of their targets against the Steelers. Pittman Jr.’s caught only 11 of his team-high 20 targets through three weeks. It’s hard to trust him, especially against Pittsburgh’s defense this week.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (vs. New York Jets)
New York’s defense has allowed more rushing touchdowns (two) to wide receivers than receiving touchdowns (one) this season. This pass defense is tough on opposing wideouts through the air; no wide receiver has surpassed 80 yards against New York this season. The Jets’ defense could make life difficult for rookie quarterback Bo Nix and keep Sutton contained in the process.
Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’ems, Week 4
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 4.
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 4.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit in Week 4.
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here’s who to start and who to sit in Week 4.
→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 4.