It’s Week 4, folks! It’s time to put together fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the definitive look at the best and worst matchups for a given week in fantasy football leagues. I won’t be talking about elite receivers like CeeDee Lamb or Justin Jefferson, because you already know how to start them! Instead, I’ll be examining other receivers who may exceed or fall short of expectations based on their weekly opponent… like Jaylen Waddle in Week 3!
For your final lineup decisions, check out my fantasy player rankings. I update them daily! Also make sure to Subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast With Lindsey Rhodes and me, we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
All Positions: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Slammers & Defensive/Forward Linebackers
1. CD Lamb at Giants (Thursday)
2. Chase Jamar in Panthers
3. Justin Jefferson to Packers
4. Rashee Rice at Chargers
5. Amon Ra St. Brown vs. Seahawks (Monday)
6. Nico Collins vs. Jaguars
7. Malik Naberez vs. Cowboys (Thursday)
8. Chris Godwin vs Eagles
9. Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Commanders
10. Mike Evans vs. Eagles
Full Week 4 Wide Receiver Rankings
beginning of the week
Chris Godwin vs. Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Fox)Goodwin has started the season in a stellar fashion, averaging 21.4 fantasy points on 25 targets and 21 receptions. He should be in the starting lineup this week as well, as the veteran faces an Eagles defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to receivers this season. Furthermore, no defense in the NFL has allowed more points to inside receivers since the start of last season.
Start with them
DJ Moore vs. Rams (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Moore, who was listed as a starter last week, averaged 15.2 fantasy points against the Colts. I’d keep him active this week as well, as the veteran faces an extra game against the Rams. Their defense has allowed three goals and 40+ fantasy points to Juwan Jennings. Overall, their defense has allowed the most PPR points to the perimeter. With or without Keenan Allen, Moore should be in fantasy lineups.
George Pickens at Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pickens has been in the middle of the season so far, averaging just 9.7 fantasy points in his first three games. But I’m going to keep my faith in him this week, as Pickens faces an extra game against the Colts. Their defense has already allowed three players to outscore them by 17+ points, including rookie Rome Odunze, who outscored them by 23.4 points last week. Pickens is a good flex option.
Jackson Smith-Nigba vs. Lions (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+)Smith-Negba hasn’t scored in two of his first three games, but he’s a good option for what should be a positive matchup against Detroit. Their defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to players, including big plays from Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin. Smith-Negba, who ran 77.7 percent of his routes from the inside, should be a hit in what could be a real matchup.
Khalil Shakir at Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Shakir has emerged as the top option on offense for Josh Allen, averaging 14.3 fantasy points after the first three weeks. He’ll be a good flex option this week, facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Furthermore, five wide receivers, including Jalen Tolbert and Cavonte Turpin, have scored at least 13.2 points against them.
Wide receivers with good tackles.
Session of the week
Jay-Len Waddle vs. Titans (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)This has nothing to do with Waddle and everything to do with Tua Tagovailoa’s absence (concussion). Skylar Thompson was playing poorly last week before he got injured, leaving the Dolphins with Tim Boyle at quarterback. At this point, it’s impossible to trust any of Miami’s receivers, and that includes Tyreek Hill and Waddle. The Titans have been tough on their perimeter receivers as well.
sit with them
Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)Pittman Jr. has averaged just 6.6 fantasy points in his first three games, much of that due to Anthony Richardson’s performance. He ranks last in the NFL in completion percentage above expectation, and he’s completing 49.3 percent of his passes this season. That kills Pittman’s value. And facing a tough Steelers defense won’t help matters this week either.
Diontae Johnson vs. Bengals (1 p.m. ET, Fox)Johnson finally woke up last week, with the help of Andy Dalton, catching eight passes for 122 yards, a score and 26.2 points. But I won’t chase points, against a Bengals defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest points to a quarterback this season. Furthermore, Johnson has failed to score more than 12.5 points in three of his last four games against Cincinnati.
Courtland Sutton at New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS)Sutton is producing his best stats of the year, scoring 13.8 fantasy points in the win over the Buccaneers. However, he has only scored 11.4 points in his previous two games. Going up against CB Sauce Gardner and the Jets makes him a tough sell this week. Since the start of last season, no defense in the league has surrendered fewer fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
DeAndre Hopkins at Dolphins (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)Hopkins woke up last week, scoring a goal and averaging 19.3 fantasy points in a loss to the Packers. Of course, he had scored a combined 3.7 points in his first two games, so this performance doesn’t suddenly make him a must-play starter. In fact, I wouldn’t chase points in a game against the Dolphins, who opened with 37 total points. He’s still best left on the sidelines.
Wide receivers face bad competition.
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