Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Your guide to every position for Week 4

Another week of fantasy football is in the books, and Week 3 delivered plenty of surprises for managers.

Fortunately, some stars kept the momentum going. Jahmyr Gibbs

led all players with another monster performance, while Bijan Robinson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba continue to turn in big games. Brock Bowers was among the other top performers in his 2026 debut, giving fantasy managers plenty to celebrate - and plenty to think about heading into Week 4.

Unfortunately, injuries also shook up the fantasy landscape. Dolphins running back De'Von Achane suffered a season-ending torn ACL, while Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is set to miss Week 4 with an ankle injury. Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. is also dealing with a hamstring injury and will

miss time.

With roles changing and another week of unexpected performances in the books, setting your lineup is anything but easy. That's why we're here to help.

USA TODAY Sports has you covered at every position with our overall start 'em, sit 'em recommendations for Week 4.

WEEK 4 RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DST | FLEX

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 QBs

Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Murray is still getting comfortable in the Vikings' offense after missing most of the first two weeks of the season because of a concussion. The 29-year-old has a favorable matchup in Week 4 against the Dolphins that could allow him to break out, even if Justin Jefferson (ankle) is questionable for the game.

The Dolphins rank dead-last in expected points added (EPA) allowed per passing play, per the NFL's Next Gen Stats. That means they are susceptible to explosive plays, which aligns with their average of 231 passing yards surrendered per game and eight total touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks. Kevin O'Connell may view this as an opportunity to work out the kinks in Minnesota's Murray-led passing attack, so the veteran can be expected to enjoy his first multi-touchdown day of the season.

Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Mariota might not ultimately start in Week 4. There's a non-zero chance Jayden Daniels (elbow) will be able to return to action after just a one-game absence.

That said, if Daniels can't play, Mariota will be an excellent streaming option against the Colts. Indianapolis is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks and Mariota just threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns against a loaded Seahawks defense.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at Carolina Panthers)

Goff earned a "sit" designation in my early-week start 'em, sit 'em, but his outlook has changed. The Panthers placed their top two cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, on IR with injuries. That will leave Carolina both thin and young in its secondary.

Goff should be well-equipped to take advantage of Carolina's weakness at quarterback in what figures to be a high-scoring game.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (vs. Detroit Lions)

Young's fantasy outlook will also, strangely, benefit from the absence of his top-two quarterbacks. The "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the two teams figures to be a high-scoring shootout given each's defensive weakness, so that could allow Young to take advantage of a Lions defense surrendering a league-high 31.7 points per game this season.

The Lions have also allowed the most FPPG to quarterbacks this season, so this already seemed like a solid spot for Young.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 QBs

Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

Fantasy football managers may be tempted to trust Cousins after he threw three touchdowns in each of his first three games with the Raiders. However, it may be hard for Cousins to repeat his early-season success against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the fewest FPPG to quarterbacks this season.

Further complicating Cousins' upside is that the Chiefs have only allowed two total passing touchdowns across three games. The 38-year-old has a very low floor, especially since the Chiefs are, far and away, the best team the Raiders have faced thus far during the 2026 NFL season.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots (at Buffalo Bills)

Maye has posted just one touchdown and a whopping seven turnovers through three weeks. He isn't seeing the field well while his deep accuracy has declined precipitously since his MVP runner-up campaign in 2025.

The Bills have been far from pristine against quarterbacks this season, but they just held the struggling Justin Herbert to 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It's hard to imagine Maye looking much better on the road as he looks to rebuild his shaken confidence.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at Seattle Seahawks)

Speaking of Herbert, trusting him behind a porous offensive line in a tough, Seattle road environment seems far less than ideal. He has only once logged multiple touchdowns in a game this season while throwing four interceptions and fumbling three times.

Like Maye, Herbert should be treated as an automatic sit until he returns to form.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 RBs

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings vs. Dolphins

There's a lot to like about this matchup. For starters, the Dolphins have given up seven total touchdowns to running backs in three weeks. On top of that, Minnesota figures to be playing with a lead all afternoon. That would allow them to operate with a run-heavy game script, which bodes well for a player like Jones who is averaging 17.3 carries per game through three weeks.

Without any real competition for Jones in the Minnesota backfield, he should have a big day against the Dolphins.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Packers

Plenty of people were down on Irving heading into the season, but he's proven them wrong so far. The 24-year-old has a solid floor with plenty of room to grow and few players can say that at the running back spot this season. And there's reason to believe he could inch closer to that ceiling in Week 4.

Baker Mayfield is out with a dislocated thumb, meaning undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is getting his first career start. The odds of Tampa letting him sling it all day seem slim so we should see plenty of opportunities for the running backs. Tampa does have some offensive line concerns, but Daniels' mobility is a way to neutralize the pass rush and keep the defense honest. After what Bijan Robinson did to the Packers last week, we're taking a flier on Irving in Week 4.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers vs. Lions

Points aren't expected to be in short supply this week when the Panthers host their first "Sunday Night Football" game since 2015. With that in mind, we'll want a piece of the Carolina offense, which could look to lean on the run game to keep an explosive Lions unit off the field. That is especially true when you consider the Panthers will be without some key pieces in the secondary.

Hubbard has been a factor as a runner and receiver for Dave Canales this season. Without Jonathon Brooks around to siphon work away from Hubbard, there is nothing to stop the RB1 from having a good night at the office.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 RBs

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers at Seahawks

The Chargers are a mess. A complete mess. Despite forcing five turnovers in Week 3, L.A. only managed to score 16 points. That's no recipe for success against a stingy Seahawks run defense.

Hampton now has Keaton Mitchell to worry about behind him on the depth chart. Given Mitchell's speed, it remains a possibility that Mike McDaniel could lean on the backup as he tries to get the Chargers moving in the right direction. You likely drafted Hampton early, so you may not be able to sit him in Week 4. If there are options on the bench though, he is a candidate to consider keeping out of your lineup.

Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks vs. Chargers

From bad to worse. Price fumbled in Week 3, which glued him to the sidelines for an extended period of time against the Commanders. Seattle has still shown no willingness to trust the first-round rookie, which is baffling considering the team's struggles running around the goal line.

Price is going to be a player that has to remain on the bench until the Seahawks give you a reason to start him. This is a backfield committee at best and one we want no part of.

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins at Vikings

You just picked him up off the waiver wire, but let's pump the brakes. The Dolphins offense is overmatched against a Vikings team that will crowd the line and bring pressure. While Gordon should see plenty of opportunity, most of that will likely come while Miami trails.

It shifts the game script to a pass-heavy situation, where Gordon remains in to pass protect. In that case, he wouldn't benefit from the garbage-time points that can make or break your week. Given the reality of facing a tough Vikings run defense, we can't in good faith trust Gordon to get the job done.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 wide receivers

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts ("at" Washington Commanders in London)

With Alec Pierce on injured reserve with a heel injury, Downs has stepped up to become the clear-cut WR1 in Indianapolis. He led all Colts pass-catchers with 11 targets last week against the Texans, and he caught five passes for 77 yards against a tough defense.

This week, Downs and Colts receivers have a juicy matchup. The Commanders have allowed more average points against to wide receivers than any team in the NFL through three weeks, and they rank in the bottom five of EPA and success rate allowed on dropbacks. Both Downs and teammate Keenan Allen should be worth consideration for a start in Week 4.

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (at New York Giants)

Tight end Trey McBride is still the featured pass-catcher in Arizona's offense, but wide receiver Michael Wilson is the clear No. 1 receiver. He's second on the team in targets (31), receptions (18), receiving yards (163) and receiving first downs (11) – all just behind McBride.

The Giants have struggled to stop opponents' passing attacks so far this year. What's worse – for them, better for Wilson – they've been dealt a rough hand with injuries. Cornerback Deonte Banks and safety Tyler Nubin are both still working their way back from calf injuries. Star pass-rusher Brian Burns is out for the year with a torn ACL suffered in Week 3. Brissett and Wilson will have a shot for a big day together in Week 4.

Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders (vs. Indianapolis Colts in London)

The first London game of the year may feature plenty of firepower from both teams' passing offenses. Regardless of quarterback Jayden Daniels' status (backup Marcus Mariota just beat the Seattle Seahawks), Diggs is set up for a good outing early on Sunday. For one, he's tied for the team lead in targets (22), and he has the sole team lead in receptions (13), touchdowns (3), receiving first downs (10) and yards per route run (1.80, 37th in NFL).

For another, the Colts' defense has been bad at stopping big days from top pass-catchers. Ravens receiver Zay Flowers had 150 yards and a touchdown on five catches in the first half of Week 1. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce tallied 101 yards and a touchdown on nine catches in Week 2. Both Diggs and fellow Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin could be worthy starts this weekend.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 wide receivers

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (at Carolina Panthers)

Williams has been one of the most disappointing receivers in fantasy to start the 2026 season. After two straight 1,000-yard seasons – including a career-high 1,117 yards last year as the offense generally struggled – he has zero games with more than 50 yards through three weeks. Williams also has yet to score.

That doesn't bode well for the Lions' No. 2 receiver in a matchup against the Panthers, the team that has allowed the fewest average fantasy points to wideouts entering Week 4. Carolina appears to be getting healthy again with safety Nick Scott and linebacker Devin Lloyd listed as full participants in practice on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Denver Broncos)

Samuel had one of the wackiest stat lines in NFL history in Week 3: 80 receiving yards and a caught touchdown on zero catches, thanks to a hook-and-ladder play. The flipside of that uniqueness is the fact that Samuel didn't have a single target against the Cardinals last week. After seven targets in Week 1, his target share and touches have gradually decreased, with four targets (three catches) in Week 2 before zero targets and catches last week.

Even with injuries to the wide receivers around him – Mike Evans is dealing with a rib injury, KhaDarel Hodge has a knee injury, and Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson and Ricky Pearsall are all on IR – Samuel's contributions haven't increased. Instead, more targets have gone to running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle. This week, if Evans and Hodge remain out, Denver's cornerbacks will focus on stopping Samuel on the outside while safeties and linebackers key in on McCaffrey and Kittle. In a battle between Broncos CB/former DPOY Patrick Surtain and Samuel, Surtain has the advantage.

Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Green Bay Packers)

This one primarily boils down to the thumb injury Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered last week. The Green Bay Packers have not been particularly good at stopping opponents' passers – they've actually been quite bad so far this year – but Egbuka will have to rely on a 2026 UDFA rookie throwing him the ball.

Maybe Kansas product Jalon Daniels balls out, but the more likely outcome is a shaky debut in a simplified offense. Egbuka should be considered a "wait-and-see" case with Daniels throwing him the ball for now.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 TEs

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers at Buccaneers

It's now been three disappointing games for the 25-year-old but don't give up on Kraft just yet. His underlying usage suggests keeping him in lineups. His route rate jumped from 48% in Week 1 to an impressive 84% in Week 2 and that stayed true in Week 3 at 76% on a short week. That kind of opportunity is encouraging, particularly in a matchup against Tampa Bay. Wide receiver Jayden Reed is out for the year, so even more looks could go Kraft's way.

Before tearing his ACL last season, Kraft averaged 16.2 PPR points per game and ranked second among tight ends in yards per route run. Green Bay has little to no run game behind a beaten-up offensive line, so expect Jordan Love to have plenty of passing volume. The Buccaneers have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game (22.1) to opposing tight ends through three weeks. You can count on Kraft this Sunday.

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings vs Dolphins

Hockenson has yet to make a major fantasy impact through the first three weeks of the 2026 season, but Week 4 could give the veteran tight end a chance to get more involved. Hockenson has three catches for 18 yards on 5 targets so far with Kyler Murray in one full game and one possession, leaving plenty of room for improvement.

The biggest factor to watch is Justin Jefferson's health. Jefferson avoided a serious ankle injury, but if he can't play or is limited against the Dolphins, Hockenson could see a big jump in targets. Even if Jefferson suits up, the injury could give Hockenson a bigger role in Minnesota's passing game.

During his time in Arizona, Murray frequently relied on McBride as a security blanket and underneath option. Hockenson could eventually fill a similar role in Minnesota, particularly against a Dolphins defense that has allowed production to opposing tight ends. George Kittle finished as TE7 and Travis Kelce just posted a TE11 finish against the Dolphins. Hockenson is among the top streaming options in Week 4.

Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers vs Lions

It's tough to fathom the unretired Waller as a viable fantasy option, but that's the position's landscape. This is the riskiest of starts most fantasy managers will make this week, but with Jalen Coker dealing with a quad injury and Xavier Leggette dealing with a knee injury, Waller steps into a high-volume opportunity alongside Tetairoa McMillan. The 34-year-old returnee is coming off a five-catch, 51-yard performance leading Carolina with eight targets.

The Sunday matchup against the Lions is also appealing, as they rank dead last in defensive EPA. Waller is a key red zone target for Bryce Young right now. Detroit has allowed multiple touchdowns to tight ends in each game this season. In Week 1, New Orleans Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant each caught a touchdown pass. In Week 2, Buffalo Bills tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox both scored. Last week, Jets tight ends Kenyon Sadiq and Jeremy Ruckert combined for 13 catches, 164 yards and two touchdowns. Waller is the top streaming option in leagues with 12 or more teams.

Isaiah Likely, New York Giants vs Cardinals

The Giants host the Cardinals on Sunday and Likely should continue to be a key cog for "Big Blue." The 26-year-old will be a focal point in the passing game after following head coach John Harbaugh from Baltimore and signing a $40 million contract. Yes, Jameis Winston is his quarterback but let's not panic. Likely had a team-high 10 targets in Week 2 after Jaxson Dart left with an injury.

Last week, the weather dictated what the offense could do as the Giants attempted just 22 passes to 33 rushing attempts. Likely still finished second on the team in targets behind only Malik Nabers.

The Cardinals allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025, and have currently allowed the fifth-most in 2026. Likely is one of the most overlooked tight ends after Dart's injury but don't doubt his role and breakout potential. Start him with confidence.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 TEs

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals vs Jaguars

One of the most popular waiver wire recommendations after Week 1 is a recommended sit in Week 4. The 30-year-old is off to a solid start in 2026, currently at TE15 through three games, but that includes a goose egg in Week 2. Unfortunately, a similar outcome to Week 2 is on the table for Gesicki this week, in a poor matchup.

The Bengals host the Jaguars, who have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position. Week 1 was clearly an outlier for Gesicki, who failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in all but two games last season. After Ja'Marr Chase's and Tee Higgins' slow start, Joe Burrow has gotten them more involved in Weeks 2 and 3. This leaves the veteran tight end as a touchdown-dependent option with limited upside.

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys at Texans

Ferguson’s two-touchdown performance in Week 2 followed by a decent top-20 finish in Week 3 makes him tempting, but the matchup with Houston this week is a major concern. Ferguson is the clear third or fourth option in Dallas’ passing game behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and the numbers don't lie: Lamb (25) and Pickens (25) are tied for the team lead in targets while Ferguson (11) trails both and even running back Javonte Williams (12) and third wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (18) despite finding the end zone three times this season.

That lack of volume becomes especially problematic against the Texans. In Week 1, Kincaid surprised against Houston, but don't expect that trend to continue. With Azeez Al-Shaair patrolling the middle of the field, most tight ends will struggle to have big days against this Texans defense.

Ferguson’s current target share makes him a risky start.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 defense/special teams

Minnesota Vikings (vs. Miami Dolphins)

The Vikings welcome the winless Dolphins to town in Week 4 and it's hard to find a path to victory for Miami that doesn't involve a higher power.

Malik Willis will be under siege all day long, especially without De'Von Achane around. It's no secret that Brian Flores likes to dial up the blitz and the Dolphins just aren't equipped to handle that kind of pressure. Keep it simple and make sure this unit is in your lineup.

Baltimore Ravens (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Similar to the Vikings, the Ravens are just far more talented. The Titans offense has been anemic all season without showing signs of improvement. You can point to the travel schedule with the Ravens coming back from Brazil, but that shouldn't mean anything against this Tennessee club.

Baltimore remembers what happened the last time it played in front of the home crowd – a fourth quarter collapse against the Saints. To rectify that, the Ravens will be eager to have a better showing and the path to points is far too difficult for Brian Daboll's Titans offense right now.

Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)

What happened to Drake Maye? The MVP runner-up last season suddenly forgot how to play quarterback this season, marking one of the more bizarre twists in recent memory. Seven turnovers through three weeks isn't going to get the job done, unless you're starting the opposing team's defense in fantasy.

The Bills have been far from a dominate unit, but if Maye is giving away the ball like candy on Halloween, we have to start Buffalo in Week 4.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 D/STs

Chicago Bears (vs. New York Jets)

The Bears make a living on forcing turnovers. Unfortunately for them, these aren't the same old Jets. New York has just one turnover through the first three games, which was a lost fumble. And that is thanks in large part to Geno Smith, who hasn't been putting the ball in harm's way this season.

Without the turnovers, Chicago's defense doesn't have as high of a ceiling. Even though the offense is battered and bruised, the Jets continue to show an ability to get up-and-down the field to score points.

Green Bay Packers (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

It might be a hot take, but the Packers could be in trouble against Jalon Daniels. Yes, the same Jalon Daniels that is an undrafted rookie out of Kansas making his first career start. While you can lean into the narrative of Daniels being undrafted and a rookie, we are choosing to believe the contrarian point of view.

Case Keenum just dominated the Eagles in Week 3 and that was his first start in over 1,000 days. Philly didn't have film, or at least relevant film, on Keenum with the Bears. That is true for the Packers this week. We also can't discount Daniels' mobility, which lessens the impact of the Bucs' horrific offensive line play so far this season. Tampa should be able to move the ball if they use Daniels' legs and the Packers have struggled defensively in 2026.

Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Things change fast. Last week, the Bengals looked like a dominate defense ready to pounce on 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Now they are the team that got picked apart by the 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Yikes.

Now the Bengals have to slow down an electric Jaguars offense that can score at will. This game figures to be a high-scoring affair and we want no part of the defenses on either side in Week 4.