FIRST LOOK AT FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 5: RECAP OF WEEKS 1-4

By: Jake Weiner

The Swish

What a week. There were lots of exciting matchups this past week, which included the Bengal's terrible fall to the Titans, the Commanders almost beating the undefeated Eagles in Philadelphia, the Rams taking down the Colts in overtime despite blowing a 23-0 lead in the third quarter, De'Von Achane scoring twice to continue his streak in a loss to the Bills, and so much more to cover. Our predictions from last week told you to start Texans wideout Nico Collins, who went for 30+ points, and to start Russell Wilson to beat the odds, which he did, despite us being wrong about Justin Fields and Rhamondre Stevenson. Want to find out who to start and sit with this week? Read below.

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. ANTHONY RICHARDSON

• MATCHUP: TENNESSEE @ INDIANAPOLIS

• SLEEPER PROJ: 17.66

• OUR PROJ: 25.4

• REASONING:

  • From the start, Anthony Richardson is what fantasy owners expected Justin Fields to do. He can run and has improved his throwing, and the Colts have managed to put up 21 or more points in every game this season, making Richardson a consistent fantasy starter.

2. TUA TAGOVAILOA

• MATCHUP: NEW YORK GIANTS @ MIAMI

• SLEEPER PROJ: 20.16

• OUR PROJ: 24.5

• REASONING:

  • Tua is currently the quarterback 6 in Fantasy Football, dropping from the top three after putting up a decent, but not great, 14.98 points versus the Bills. A matchup with a now-known, not-great Giants defense with an explosive Dolphins offense is making it bound for Tua to have a great game returning home to Miami this week.

3. SAM HOWELL

• MATCHUP: CHICAGO @ WASHINGTON

• SLEEPER PROJ: 14.25

• OUR PROJ: 21.3

• REASONING:

  • We know Sam Howell is not exceptional, but he plays excellent when facing bad defenses against quarterbacks, or in other words, high-scoring matchups, or at least for Washington. And this should be the perfect situation. The Bears are awful this season, and Washington plays very well at home. Howell is confident, coming off an excellent performance in Philadelphia, and should torch this terrible Bears defense.

SITS:

1. TREVOR LAWRENCE

• MATCHUP: JACKSONVILLE @ BUFFALO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 17.85

• OUR PROJ: 14.3

• REASONING:

  • This is just the wrong matchup for T-Law. The Bills have an exceptionally talented defense, especially when facing quarterbacks in fantasy, and Lawrence has been very inconsistent so far this season. He might throw a touchdown or two, but look out for interceptions, turnovers, and a Bills blowout at home.

2. DAK PRESCOTT

• MATCHUP: DALLAS @ SAN FRANCISCO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 15.37

• OUR PROJ: 15

• REASONING:

  • To say it simply, Dak is just not a great fantasy quarterback. Of course, Dak might be the face of the Cowboys' offense alongside Ceedee Lamb and is still a top 12, if 10, quarterback in the NFL. But this matchup does not benefit him since he will be pressured nonstop by the 49ers defensive line with star pass rusher Nick Bosa being all over him, and a couple of costly turnovers will cause Dak to underperform. The Cowboys might win, but Prescott will not perform well in fantasy football.

3. BROCK PURDY

• MATCHUP: DALLAS @ SAN FRANCISCO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 16.36

• OUR PROJ: 15.5/16

• REASONING:

  • It's another game where both teams are super talented, but it won’t benefit the quarterback in fantasy. Both teams have insane defense, whether their secondary (Cowboys) or defensive line/pass rush (49ers). The Cowboys are very good versus quarterbacks in fantasy, and although this game may be high-scoring, we expect a Christian McCaffrey high-scoring game and a couple of turnovers from Purdy.

RUNNING BACK

STARTS:

1. AARON JONES

• MATCHUP: GREEN BAY @ LAS VEGAS

• SLEEPER PROJ: 13.03

• OUR PROJ: 20.2

• REASONING:

  • In week one, Aaron Jones looked like a top-eight fantasy running back. Last week he struggled but was also limited in snaps and receiving upside due to him coming back from injury. We believe that Jones versus the Beras defense is a great start, and he could explode for 1+ touchdowns and 80+ yards.

2. BRIAN ROBINSON

• MATCHUP: CHICAGO vs WASHINGTON

• SLEEPER PROJ: 10.31

• OUR PROJ: 17.3

• REASONING:

  • A home matchup versus a terrible run defense and lousy defense in general (Chicago) is the perfect opportunity for Robinson to have 1 to 2 touchdowns and 100+ scrimmage yards. Start him.

3. DE’VON ACHANE

• MATCHUP: NEW YORK GIANTS @ MIAMI

• SLEEPER PROJ: 12.84

• OUR PROJ: 17.2

• REASONING:

  • I love the Giants with all my heart, but we are in a severe struggle. We have failed to stop the run in the past two weeks and struggle when playing high-scoring teams like the 49ers, Cowboys, and now the Dolphins. Good luck stopping Achane to Wink Martindale.

SITS:

1. ALEXANDER MATTISON

• MATCHUP: KANSAS CITY @ MINNESOTA

• SLEEPER PROJ: 11.05

• OUR PROJ: 8

• REASONING:

  • We loved Mattison. But playing Kansas City and having Cam Akers start to regain a more significant role is not ideal for Mattison. This is a tough matchup, and Kirk will be throwing the ball a lot versus the Chief's subpar secondary and not attempting to pound the run through Chris Jones and the Chief's defensive line.

2. RHAMONDRE STEVENSON

• MATCHUP: NEW ORLEANS @ NEW ENGLAND

• SLEEPER PROJ: 11.2

• OUR PROJ: 8/9

• REASONING:

  • Another tough matchup. The Saint's defensive line has been elite at stopping the run, and Mac Jones is starting to regain confidence in his throwing. This could be a defensive game and more throwing then passing for the Pats.

3. KYREN WILLIAMS

• MATCHUP: PHILADELPHIA @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

• SLEEPER PROJ: 12.18

• OUR PROJ: 10/11

• REASONING:

  • This is a risky choice to make. My co-host Jake loves Kyren, and honestly, so do I, but the Eagles defensive line has been great versus the line, and Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis might be too much for Williams and the Rams offensive line. I could see him scoring and having a 13+ point game, but not expecting it. It could be a great bench if you dare to do it.

WIDE RECEIVER

STARTS:

1. DJ MOORE

• MATCHUP: CHICAGO vs WASHINGTON

• SLEEPER PROJ: 13.13

• OUR PROJ: 19.2

• REASONING:

  • This really shouldn’t be a shocker. Coming off another great week, the DJ Moore we knew from last year has vanished, and the old DJ Moore has returned. Although we are not fans of Justin Fields, even after last week's performance, DJ Moore should explode for another big week with a touchdown and 60+ yards. Start him.

2. ROMEO DOUBS

• MATCHUP: GREEN BAY @ LAS VEGAS

• SLEEPER PROJ: 9.84

• OUR PROJ: 16.5

• REASONING:

  • No brainer. Doubs has been on fire, and Christian Watson is just getting back to his receiver one usage. Doubs has been one of the most targeted receivers in the NFL this season and has had many 25+ yard catches. Please do not leave him on your bench.

3. ZAY FLOWERS

• MATCHUP: BALTIMORE @ PITTSBURGH

• SLEEPER PROJ: 8.98

• OUR PROJ: 14.3

• REASONING:

  • Do not underestimate Flowers. The Pittsburgh secondary has been struggling severely, and there is a reason that Zay was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Lamar loves him, and so does Coach Harbaugh. He is excellent at creating space and catches a lot of balls. Start him as well.

SITS:

1. DRAKE LONDON

• MATCHUP: HOUSTON @ ATLANTA

• SLEEPER PROJ: 10.59

• OUR PROJ: 7.6

• REASONING:

  • I do not see London scoring again like he did last week. He has been inconsistent and relies heavily on red zone action to get fantasy points. The Texan's secondary has been off the charts, and Bijan takes up so much usage in the Falcon's offense. Do not start him.

2. JERRY JEUDY

• MATCHUP: JETS @ DENEVR

• SLEEPER PROJ: 10.57

• OUR PROJ: 8

• REASONING:

  • Please do not make this mistake. Jeudy is not a consistent fantasy start, and the Jets' secondary is maybe the best in the NFL. Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed will be locking him down all game, and the Jets could very well demolish the Broncos, even with Zach Wilson at quarterback.

3. BRANDON AIYUK

• MATCHUP: DALLAS @ SAN FRANCISCO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 13.2

• OUR PROJ: 10.1

• REASONING:

  • Once again, please do not fall for it. We know Aiyuk has been a shocking top receiver in fantasy, but this game has Christian McCaffrey written all over it. The Cowboys are not excellent at stopping the run, and their secondary is very good. With Stephon Gilmore and Daron Bland guarding Aiyuk, we do not see him going for 11+ points. I would bench him, and so should you.

TIGHT END

STARTS:

1. ZACH ERTZ

• MATCHUP: PHILADELPHIA @ ARIZONA

• SLEEPER PROJ: 8.71

• OUR PROJ: 13.3

• REASONING:

  • Do not sleep on Zach Ertz. Dobbs likes to target him in the passing game, and the Eagles struggle at guarding the tight end. I see Ertz having high usage in this game and could likely have one of the few Cardinals touchdowns.

2. TYLER HIGBEE

• MATCHUP: CINCINNATI @ RAMS

• SLEEPER PROJ: 7.29

• OUR PROJ: 12

• REASONING:

  • Do not sleep on the Rams' passing game. Nacua, Atwell, and who? Tyler Higbee. He may be older and not as good as he used to be, but his quarterback still loves him, and he has a high upside in every game. He has tallied three or more receptions in every game and over 45 yards in three out of four games. Please start him.

3. JAKE FERGUSON

• MATCHUP: DALLAS @ SAN FRANCISCO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 9.11

• OUR PROJ: 11 - 15

• REASONING:

  • It's time to hop on the Ferguson train. He is going to have a massive week. Honestly, the 49ers are not even bad at defending the tight end, but Dak Prescott has used Ferguson more and more every week, and that will not stop. He has touchdown upside in every game, and when in the red zone, watch out.

SITS:

1. COLE KMET

• MATCHUP: BALTIMORE vs CLEVELAND

• SLEEPER PROJ: 7.39

• OUR PROJ: 5.25

• REASONING:

  • Not happening again. Sorry. The Commanders specialize in stopping the tight end and have let up the least amount of fantasy points and receptions to tight ends so far this season.

2. EVAN ENGRAM

• MATCHUP: JACKSONVILLE @ BUFFALO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 10.57

• OUR PROJ: 7.5

• REASONING:

  • 7.5 points is not bad at all, but it is not ideal for the way Engram has been playing recently. The Bills have a great defense, especially against the tight end so that this matchup could be bad for Engram. I would not start him, but will you?

3. GEORGE KITTLE

• MATCHUP: DALLAS @ SAN FRANCISCO

• SLEEPER PROJ: 9.57

• OUR PROJ: 5

• REASONING:

  • Please do not fall for it. We know it’s George Kittle, but the Cowboys can defend the tight end to perfection, and Kittle has been struggling recently. The Niners will use CMC as much as possible, so do not be surprised if Kittle is mainly used in the blocking game.

Week 4 Points Rankings

QB:

1. JOSH ALLEN VS JACKSONVILLE

2. TUA TAGOVAILOA VS NEW YORK GIANTS

3. LAMAR JACKSON @ PITTSBURGH

4. ANTHONY RICHARDSON VS TENNESSEE

5. JALEN HURTS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

6. PATRICK MAHOMES @ MINNESOTA

7. JORDAN LOVE @ LAS VEGAS

8. JOE BURROW @ ARIZONA

9. KIRK COUSINS VS KANSAS CITY

10. SAM HOWELL VS CHICAGO

11. JARED GOFF VS CAROLINA

12. CJ STROUD @ ATLANTA

13. MATTHEW STAFFORD VS PHILADELPHIA

14. BROCK PURDY VS DALLAS

15. JUSTIN FIELDS @ WASHINGTON

16. DEREK CARR @ NEW ENGLAND

17. DAK PRESCOTT @ SAN FRANCISCO

18. TREVOR LAWRENCE @ BUFFALO

19. RUSSELL WILSON VS NEW YORK JETS

20. MATTHEW STAFFORD @ INDIANAPOLIS

RB:

1. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY VS DALLAS

2. AARON JONES @ LAS VEGAS

3. BIJAN ROBINSON @ HOUSTON

4. BRIAN ROBINSON VS CHICAGO

5. SAQUON BARKLEY VS SEATTLE

6. DEVON A’CHANE VS NEW YORK GIANTS

7. DERRICK HENRY @ INDIANAPOLIS

8. TONY POLLARD @ SAN FRANCISCO

9. JOSH JACOBS VS GREEN BAY

10. ALVIN KAMARA @ NEW ENGLAND

11. D’ANDRE SWIFT @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

12. JOE MIXON @ ARIZONA

13. JAMES CONNER VS CINCINATTI

14. ISAIAH PACHECO @ MINNESOTA

15. RAHEEM MOSTERT VS NEW YORK GIANTS

16. JAHMYR GIBBS VS CAROLINA

17. KYREN WILLIAMS VS PHILADELPHIA

18. NAJEE HARRIS VS BALTIMORE

19. MILES SANDERS @ DETROIT

20. RHAMONDRE STEVENSON @ NEW ORLEANS

WR:

1. JUSTIN JEFFERSON VS KANSAS CITY

2. TYREEK HILL VS NEW YORK GIANTS

3. DJ MOORE @ WASHINGTON

4. PUKA NACUA VS PHILADELPHIA

5. STEFON DIGGS VS JACKSONVILLE

6. ROMEO DOUBS @ LAS VEGAS

7. JAMARR CHASE @ ARIZONA

8. DAVANTE ADAMS VS GREEN BAY

9. ZAY FLOWERS @ PITTSBURGH

10. DEVONTA SMITH VS LOS ANGELES RAMS

11. AJ BROWN VS LOS ANGELES RAMS

12. CEEDEE LAMB @ SAN FRANCISCO

13. TEE HIGGINS @ ARIZONA

14. AMON-RA ST. BROWN VS CAROLINA

15. MICHAEL PITTMAN VS TENNESSEE

16. TERRY McLAURIN VS CHICAGO

17. JAYLEN WADDLE VS NEW YORK GIANTS

18. NICO COLLINS @ ATLANTA

19. TANK DELL @ ATLANTA

20. GEORGE PICKENS VS BALTIMORE

TE:

1. TRAVIS KELCE @ MINNESOTA

2. TJ HOCKENSON VS KANSAS CITY

3. JAKE FERGUSON @ SAN FRANCISCO

4. TYLER HIGBEE VS PHILADELPHIA

5. MARK ANDREWS @ PITTSBURGH

6. ZACH ERTZ VS CINCINNATTI

7. HUNTER HENRY @ NEW ORLEANS

8. DARREN WALLER @ MIAMI

9. DALLAS GOEDERT @ ARIZONA

10. GEORGE KITTLE VS DALLAS

WAIVER WIRE TARGETS

QB:

1. SAM HOWELL || QUARTERBACK || WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

2. JOSHUA DOBBS || QUARTERBACK || ARIZONA CARDINALS

3. MATTHEW STAFFORD || QUARTERBACK || LOS ANGELES RAMS

RB:

1. JALEEL McLAUGHLIN || RUNNING BACK || DENVER BRONCOS

2. MATT BREIDA || RUNNING BACK || NEW YORK GIANTS

3. RONNIE RIVERS || RUNNING BACK || LOS ANGELES RAMS

WR:

1. TANK DELL || WIDE RECEIVER || HOUSTON TEXANS

2. RASHID SHAHEED || WIDE RECEIVER || NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

3. MICHAEL WILSON || WIDE RECEIVER || ARIZONA CARDINALS

TE:

1. JAKE FERGUSON || TIGHT END || DALLAS COWBOYS

2. LUKE MUSGRAVE || TIGHT END || GREEN BAY PACKERS

3. TYLER HIGBEE || TIGHT END || LOS ANGELES RAMS