By: Jake Weiner
The Swish
Fantasy Football has been off and running, and no one could be more excited than us at The Swish! So far, there is much to cover: starts and sits, underwhelming players, overachievers, sleepers, rankings, and how to handle the waiver wire and make trades. We will attempt to cover this in this article and perhaps one more. Stay tuned, keep your eyes peeled, and read about what happens on the best day of the week: Football Sunday
(Mondays and Thursdays may also be included).
WHAT TO SEE IN THIS ARTICLE:
Starts and Sits
3 Per Position
Week 4 Points Rankings
Top 20 QB, Top 20 RB, Top 20 WR, Top 12 TE
Waiver Wire
Top 3 Targets Per Position
STARTS AND SITS
(5 per position)
QUARTERBACK
STARTS:
1. JORDAN LOVE
MATCHUP: DETROIT @ GREEN BAY
SLEEPER PROJ: 16.29
OUR PROJ: 20.3
REASONING:
Jordan Love is off to a great start this fantasy season. Love is killing it so far by averaging 22.86 points per game and scoring 25.26 points last week versus the Saints. The Lions specialize in their offense, and so far this season, all of their games have been shootouts with high scores and many offensive possessions. With this opportunity for Love, he will capitalize on the opportunity.
2. RUSSELL WILSON
MATCHUP: DENVER @ CHICAGO
SLEEPER PROJ: 15.61
OUR PROJ: 19.4
REASONING:
Look. Russ has not been our favorite quarterback in the past two seasons. But this year, despite the Broncos playing, he has been solid. Sean Payton might not be the same coach he was four years ago, but he still knows how to run an offense. Russ has thrown six touchdown passes and two interceptions, which is not too awful, and he has run for over ten yards every game, giving you that extra point. Russ is a good and safe start for this week.
3. GENO SMITH
MATCHUP: SEATTLE @ NEW YORK GIANTS
SLEEPER PROJ: 16.48
OUR PROJ: 20.46
REASONING:
The Giants and the Seahawks have not had the best defenses to start the 2023 season. With that said, this game should be a high-scoring game. Geno should be passing for at least two touchdowns, and given how bad the Giant's pass rush has been, he should be calm and collected in the pocket and not throw over one interception, if he even does throw one.
SITS:
1. DAK PRESCOTT
MATCHUP: NEW ENGLAND @ DALLAS
SLEEPER PROJ: 18.5
OUR PROJ: 15.1
REASONING:
Dak has really not been the same in the fantasy world. He has only had one week this season above 16 points and has only thrown three touchdowns. He is still a top-ten NFL quarterback, but not in fantasy. The Pats defense is outstanding, primarily their secondary. This will be a run-first game for both sides, and we project that Dak does not do great in terms of points.
2. TUA TAGOVAILOA
MATCHUP: MIAMI @ BUFFALO
SLEEPER PROJ: 19.56
OUR PROJ: 17.0 // 16.5
REASONING:
Look. Tua might be the MVP front-runner, but that does not mean he can’t have average games. Playing in Buffalo is tough, but their secondary is very good. Tua could go off again, but I would not bet on it.
3. JUSTIN FIELDS
MATCHUP: DENVER @ CHICAGO
SLEEPER PROJ: 17.86
OUR PROJ: 13.5
REASONING:
17 points for Justin Fields is not realistic. Why? He does not throw the ball! He has not had one game yet above 220 yards throwing, and last week, he threw for 99 yards. He has one more interception than touchdown thrown and has only scored one touchdown on the run. Just bench him.
RUNNING BACK
STARTS:
1. RHAMONDRE STEVENSON
MATCHUP: NEW ENGLAND vs DALLAS
SLEEPER PROJ: 11.79
OUR PROJ: 16.5
REASONING:
The Cowboys’ defense is excellent, but not versus running backs. In week one, despite them getting killed, Giants back Saquon Barkley ran right through the Cowboys on his first drive, and last week, James Conner did the same all game. This game will be a defensive battle relying on quarterbacks making mistakes when throwing because both backs will be great.
2. MILES SANDERS
MATCHUP: MINNESOTA @ CAROLINA
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.32
OUR PROJ: 19.4
REASONING:
Miles Sanders has not lived up to his contract this season, given the opportunity to show he can be great without an elite offensive line. But he still hasn’t been that bad. He has excellent burst and above-average receiving stats. A game versus a terrible run defense in Minnesota at home is the perfect chance for Sanders to go for 16+ points.
3. JAMES COOK
MATCHUP: MIAMI @ BUFFALO
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.85
OUR PROJ: 27.3
REASONING:
The Dolphins do have a good defense, and versus the run, they aren’t that bad. But we think this game will be high-scoring, or at least for Buffalo, and Cook will have a great game—no need to bench him.
SITS:
1. BREECE HALL
MATCHUP: KANSAS CITY @ NEW YORK JETS
SLEEPER PROJ: 9.95
OUR PROJ: 7
REASONING:
It just is a tragedy. The hype around the Jets and Breece Hall didn’t work out after Rodgers went down. Breece is not efficient in fantasy anymore, and his upside in explosive games has lowered every week. A tough matchup for Kansas City won’t help him either.
2. ALEXANDER MATTISON
MATCHUP: MINNESOTA @ CAROLINA
SLEEPER PROJ: 10.56
OUR PROJ: 8/9
REASONING:
Even though he is the running back on his team, he still isn't that great. Last week, he was excellent, but Carolina does have a great run defense, and with all the passes coming to Jordan Addison and JJettas versus the Panthers' terrible pass defense, Mattison doesn't have tremendous upside this week.
3. JAMES CONNER
MATCHUP: ARIZONA @ SAN FRANCISCO
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.45
OUR PROJ: 6.5
REASONING:
Conner has proved everyone wrong this year by scoring at a high rate for a surprisingly decent Cardinals team. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Niners have an elite defense and a great front four. Dobbs will be receiving tons of pressure, and the offensive line will have to step up for Conner even to have over 10 points—just too much of a risk.
WIDE RECEIVER
STARTS:
1. JOSH PALMER
MATCHUP: LAS VEGAS vs LOS ANGELES
SLEEPER PROJ: 10.91
OUR PROJ: 15.3
REASONING:
This really shouldn’t be a shocker. With Mike Williams going down and Palmer having a great week three, week four versus a terrible secondary should be excellent.
2. NICO COLLINS
MATCHUP: PITTSBURGH @ HOUSTON
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.8
OUR PROJ: 17.4
REASONING:
Nico Collins is that guy. He has been super efficient and gets tons of targets. He is one of their main red zone threats and has good YAC. Versus a below-average defense in Pittsburgh and a bad secondary, Collins could go off this week.
3. TERRY McLAURIN
MATCHUP: WASHINGTON @ PHILADELPHIA
SLEEPER PROJ: 11.7
OUR PROJ: 18
REASONING:
Philly is going to dominate this game. Period. Making Sam Howell throw the ball a hundred times, especially to his number-one target. Although Howell might suck, and the Eagles might win by thirty, McLaurin could still have a couple of catches and a touchdown.
SITS:
1. ZAY FLOWERS
MATCHUP: BALTIMORE vs CLEVELAND
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.03
OUR PROJ: 9.5
REASONING:
Honestly, Zay Flowers looked like he was the best receiver in the draft class until Tank Dell even showed up. But during weeks 2 and 3, Zay wasn’t the best. Cleveland has a great secondary and defense in general and Lamar has finally decided to put matters into his own hands by running the ball more. Bench Zay for this week.
2. GARRETT WILSON
MATCHUP: KANSAS CITY @ NEW YORK JETS
SLEEPER PROJ: 12.07
OUR PROJ: 10.1
REASONING:
As long as Zach Wilson is playing quarterback, bench all Jets. Period.
3. GEORGE PICKENS
MATCHUP: PITTSBURGH @ HOUSTON
SLEEPER PROJ: 11.41
OUR PROJ: 7.3
REASONING:
Pickens has insane potential; with Diontae out, he should be insane. But that is not the case. Pickett hasn’t been insane, the Steelers offense is a dumpster fire, and the Texans secondary has been off the charts. I would not start George Pickens if I had the choice.
TIGHT END
STARTS:
1. LUKE MUSGRAVE
MATCHUP: DETROIT @ GREEN BAY
SLEEPER PROJ: 6.39
OUR PROJ: 13.6
REASONING:
This is going to be the Luke Musgrave show. Mark my words. The Lions can’t guard the Tight End, and Jordan Love recently fell in love with giving Luke Musgrave targets in last week's game. Eight targets is not only a lot, it was the top two on the Packers. Start him.
2. SAM LaPORTA
MATCHUP: DETROIT @ GREEN BAY
SLEEPER PROJ: 10.58
OUR PROJ: 16.5
REASONING:
He broke out last week, and the streak will continue. Goff loves his tight ends, and the Packers linebackers have struggled with guarding them. Start LaPorta if you can.
3. EVAN ENGRAM
MATCHUP: ATLANTA @ JACKSONVILLE
SLEEPER PROJ: 9.75
OUR PROJ: 17.3
REASONING:
The Falcons’ linebackers are terrible. Period. Engram is going to explode.
SITS:
1. DAVID NJOKU
MATCHUP: BALTIMORE vs CLEVELAND
SLEEPER PROJ: 7.39
OUR PROJ: 5.25
REASONING:
The Ravens know how to guard the tight end. Njoku is super inconsistent and relies heavily on big plays to secure points and this game could very well be a defensive game. I would not bet on Njoku going for 8+ points.
2. DALTON SCHULTZ
MATCHUP: PITTSBURGH @ HOUSTON
SLEEPER PROJ: 6.28
OUR PROJ: 5.75
REASONING:
The Steelers linebackers are surprisingly not terrible. The Texans don’t utilize Dalton in the passing game, either. He isn’t a starting-caliber tight end anyway, but keep him on your bench.
3. TYLER HIGBEE
MATCHUP: LOS ANGELES @ INDIANAPOLIS
SLEEPER PROJ: 7.26
OUR PROJ: 5.3
REASONING:
They do not use their tight end for a pass-first offense with two receivers in Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua exploding out of nowhere. Stafford has become allergic to Higbee, and the Colts have a top-five inside linebacker currently in Zaire Franklin. Bench Higbee.
Week 4 Points Rankings
QB:
PATRICK MAHOMES @ NEW YORK JETS
JALEN HURTS VS WASHINGTON
GENO SMITH @ NEW YORK GIANTS
JORDAN LOVE VS DETROIT
RUSSELL WILSON @ CHICAGO
JARED GOFF @ GREEN BAY
KIRK COUSINS @ CAROLINA
BROCK PURDY VS ARIZONA
JUSTIN HERBERT VS LAS VEGAS
TREVOR LAWRENCE VS ATLANTA
TUA TAGOVAILOA @ BUFFALO
LAMAR JACKSON @ CLEVELAND
JOE BURROW @ TENNESSEE
DANIEL JONES VS SEATTLE
BAKER MAYFIELD VS NEW ORLEANS
CJ STROUD VS PITTSBURGH
DESHAUN WATSON VS BALTIMORE
JUSTIN FIELDS VS DENVER
MATTHEW STAFFORD @ INDIANAPOLIS
DAK PRESCOTT VS NEW ENGLAND
RB:
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY VS ARIZONA
BIJAN ROBINSON @ JACKSONVILLE
MILES SANDERS VS MINNESOTA
KENNETH WALKER @ NEW YORK GIANTS
JAMES COOK VS MIAMI
AARON JONES VS DETROIT
SAQUON BARKLEY VS SEATTLE
TONY POLLARD VS NEW ENGLAND
RHAMONDRE STEVENSON @ DALLAS
JOSH JACOBS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
JAHMYR GIBBS @ GREEN BAY
RACHAAD WHITE @ NEW ORLEANS
ROSCHON JOHNSON VS DENVER
KYREN WILLIAMS @ INDIANAPOLIS
RAHEEM MOSTERT @ BUFFALO
JOE MIXON @ TENNESSEE
JEROME FORD VS BALTIMORE
D’ANDRE SWIFT VS WASHINGTON
BRIAN ROBINSON @ PHILADELPHIA
JAMES CONNER @ SAN FRANCISCO
WR:
DAVANTE ADAMS VS LAS VEGAS
STEFON DIGGS VS MIAMI
JUSTIN JEFFERSON
JA’MARR CHASE
DK METCALF @ NEW YORK GIANTS
TYREEK HILL @ BUFFALO
KEENAN ALLEN @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
PUKA NACUA @ INDIANAPOLIS
AJ BROWN VS WASHINGTON
TERRY McLAURIN @ PHILADELPHIA
TYLER LOCKETT @ NEW YORK GIANTS
NICO COLLINS VS PITTSBURGH
JOSH PALMER VS LAS VEGAS
DEVONTE SMITH VS WASHINGTON
CALVIN RIDLEY VS ATLANTA
COURTLAND SUTTON @ CHICAGO
ROMEO DOUBS VS DETROIT
ADAM THIELEN VS MINNESOTA
TUTU ATWELL @ INDIANAPOLIS
GABE DAVIS VS MIAMI
TE:
TRAVIS KELCE @ NEW YORK JETS
TJ HOCKENSON @ CAROLINA
LUKE MUSGRAVE VS DETROIT
SAM LaPORTA @ GREEN BAY
EVAN ENGRAM VS ATLANTA
GEIRGE KITTLE VS ARIZONA
DARREN WALLER VS SEATTLE
HUNTER HENRY @ DALLAS
MARK ANDREWS @ CLEVELAND
JAKE FERGUSON VS NEW ENGLAND
WAIVER WIRE TARGETS
QB:
CJ STROUD || QUARTERBACK || HOUSTON TEXANS
DANIEL JONES || QUARTERBACK || NEW YORK GIANTS
KIRK COUSINS || QUARTERBACK || MINNESOTA VIKINGS (IF HE IS AVAILABLE)
RB:
DE’VON ACHANE || RUNNING BACK || MIAMI DOLPHINS
ROSCHON JOHNSON || RUNNING BACK || CHICAGO BEARS
RICO DOWDLE || RUNNING BACK || DALLAS COWBOYS
WR:
JOSH PALMER || WIDE RECEIVER || LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
ROMEO DOUBS || WIDE RECEIVER || GREEN BAY PACKERS
TANK DELL || WIDE RECEIVER || HOUSTON TEXANS
TE:
SAM LaPORTA || TIGHT END || DETROIT LIONS
LUKE MUSGRAVE || TIGHT END || GREEN BAY PACKERS
JAKE FERGUSON || TIGHT END || DALLAS COWBOYS
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