Welcome to Week 4! As the first month of the 2025 season comes to a close, injuries are piling up, as is often the case. One week after multiple quarterbacks went down, some big-name receivers got hurt
in Week 3, plus a few running backs that were in timeshares – opening the door for some backs to have big (and perhaps league-winning) opportunities going forward. A good example of this dynamic from last season was Chase Brown, after Zack Moss got injured.
If you’ve been hit hard by the injury bug, soldier on, use the waiver wire and trade opportunities as best you can, and try to get past these early weeks with minimal damage.
Week 3 had some dramatic finishes, and with Green Bay losing at Cleveland and Carolina smoking Atlanta, a lot of survivor pool entries were blown to smithereens. What does Week 4 have in store? Well, the loser of BAL@KC is going to be 1-3. Beyond that, I don’t know, but I’ll do my best to make some accurate predictions from a fantasy standpoint.
Stats of the Week:
- The 2024 Carolina Panthers gave up the most points in NFL history. On Sunday, the 2025 Panthers recorded the first shutout of the season.
- In the last 17 games that Jalen Hurts has started and finished (including playoffs), the Eagles are a perfect 17-0.
- Derrick Henry lost fumbles by season: 2023 – zero, 2024 – one, 2025 – two, in three games.
- A total of nine defensive and special teams TDs were scored in Week 3. On perhaps the most consequential one of them, 336-pound Eagles’ defensive tackle Jordan Davis was clocked at just over 18.5 mph as he returned a blocked field goal to the house.
- Over the past two games, the Cowboys’ defense has allowed 748 passing yards, seven passing TDs, and 11 pass plays of 25+ yards. In case you’re new to football, those aren’t good numbers.
- On the flip side, the Browns’ swarming defense is allowing a league-low average of 19 yards per possession. The QBs the Browns have faced are Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Jordan Love.
- Spencer Rattler is now 0-9 as an NFL starter. The record for consecutive losses to start a career is 15 (Deshone Kizer, who lost all 15 of his NFL starts).
- The Broncos led for the entirety of the fourth quarter in each of their last two games, other than as time expired with the game-winning field goals sailing through the uprights. You can’t make it up.
Week 4, here we go!
Bye Weeks: NONE
Week 4 Rides, Fades and Sleepers
For those who are familiar with this column, you know the drill. For everyone else: The Rides, Fades, and Sleepers is an analysis of players that I think are primed for an especially strong or poor performance, often as compared to consensus expectations. This isn’t a straight-up Start/Sit exercise. As a general rule, start your studs. I’ll rarely list the most obvious names at a position as “Rides” because those players are almost always expected to have strong performances. You don’t need me or anyone else telling you to start Josh Allen or Jahmyr Gibbs. While this analysis is intended for season-long play, it works for DFS formats too. Half PPR scoring and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) are used for the column.
Each week, I’m picking a Ride, Fade,and Sleeper of the Week. The rules: The Ride of the Week can’t be a truly elite option, the Fade can’t be someone who nobody is starting anyway, and the Sleeper must be an actual sleeper, from down in the rankings.
My Week 3 calls were pretty strong across the board, with a lot more hits than misses – my best week yet in 2025! You can check my work here: Week 3.
Ride of the Week: Jordan Love (@DAL). Love is coming off a tough outing in the 13-10 upset loss at Cleveland. He’s also down some weapons. Not great. The good news? Green Bay travels to Dallas this week, where they’ll look for the bounce-back against the NFL’s worst pass defense. On top of the stats noted above, Dallas has allowed the most yards and fantasy points per game (FPPG) to opposing quarterbacks, their secondary is banged up, and the Packers need to get right this week. One call I got very right last week was recommending that fantasy managers play whatever they could on the Bears’ passing attack vs. Dallas. It’s the gift that keeps giving. Run it back with Green Bay.
Fade of the Week: Tee Higgins (@DEN). Higgins is tough to sit, and he and Jake Browning did connect on a long TD in Week 2, after Burrow left the game. In week 3, he managed one catch for 15 yards, on just two targets. The Bengals struggled mightily on the road against a strong and opportunistic Vikings’ defense in Week 3, and it doesn’t get easier in Week 4, at Denver. The Broncos are allowing the sixth-fewest FPPG to opposing WRs and have yielded just one TD to the position on the season. It obviously depends on who else you have, but benching Higgins is on the table this week.
Sleeper of the Week: Justin Fields (@MIA). The Jets and Dolphins don’t play until Monday night, which gives Fields extra time to clear the concussion protocol. He’s currently ranked outside the Top-20 quarterbacks this week and that’s way too low (and probably reflects the uncertainty of him playing). If word comes out that he’s good to go, he makes for a nice start against Miami’s generous defense. Not only have the Dolphins allowed the second most FPPG to opposing QBs, but they’ve also allowed a league-high three rushing TDs to the position, and that’s where Fields butters his bread. Sorry for all the cliches. This game should be a high-scoring affair, so play what you can (within reason).
Quarterback:
Elite options this week – Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels (if he plays); the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Justin Herbert (@NYG) is playing as well as any quarterback, and the Giants shouldn’t offer too much resistance. Their pass rush is strong, but their secondary isn’t, and Herbert should have another QB1 outing this week. Jaxson Dart is getting his first career start for the Giants, and the Chargers’ active defense should be able to give Herbert some short fields.
Other QBs ranked inside the Top-15 this week who I think can beat their weekly ranking include Patrick Mahomes (vs. BAL, in what could be a shootout), Caleb Williams (@LV), Bo Nix (vs. CIN), and Brock Purdy (vs. JAC).
Sleepers:
If you need a second quarterback in a Superflex, there are some decent choices in Week 4. Geno Smith (vs. CHI), Matthew Stafford (vs. IND), Tua Tagovailoa (vs. NYJ), Bryce Young (@NE), and if Fields can’t go, Tyrod Taylor (@MIA) all have favorable matchups and a realistic shot to finish as fringe QB1s for the week (i.e., Top-15 plays).
Fades:
I can see Dak Prescott (vs. GB) struggling some against a tough Green Bay defense, and without CeeDee Lamb at his disposal. The Packers have allowed the third fewest FPPG to opposing QBs, and you know Micah Parsons is going to be fired up in his return to Jerry-world, in prime time. Dak is outside my Top-15 for the week.
Drake Maye (vs. CAR) sounds great on paper, but the Panthers have been a surprisingly bad matchup early in the season. Last week’s whitewashing of the Falcons skews the stats, but still, they’re allowing the fewest FPPG to opposing QBs on the young season, and they’ve tallied four INTs to just two TD passes allowed. Maye has been mistake-prone so far in his career, and he’s by no means an auto-start this week.
Kyler Murray (vs. SEA) is off to a slow start, and the numbers (both standard and advanced metrics) aren’t encouraging, so far. He can blow up at any time, but I don’t expect it against this defense (Seattle has allowed the eighth fewest FPPG allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and just 30 QB rushing yards in three games).
I’m also a bit scared to fire up the rejuvenated Daniel Jones (@LAR) this week. Should we start calling him Danny Dollars? He’s been fantastic through three games, but I’ve watched an awful lot of him since 2019 and I’m still skeptical of his early success with Shane Steichen. He hasn’t faced a good defense (or pass rush) on the road yet this season, and he will this week, so this is a great test. He’s ranked inside the Top-10 and I don’t think he’ll get there this week.
Others: Lower-ranked quarterbacks that you might be considering, but who I’d try to avoid in Superflex this week, include C.J. Stroud (vs. TEN), Trevor Lawrence (@SF), and Jake Browning (@DEN). And if you’re thinking of slotting in Jaxson Dart (vs. LAC), I get the appeal of his dual-threat upside, but I’d wait a week (the Giants play the Saints in Week 5).
Running back:
Elite options this week – Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Omarion Hampton (@NYG). Did you see what Hampton (and Jordan Mason) did last week? It’s amazing what happens when a running back in a timeshare loses his running mate and has the bulk of the work to himself. Najee Harris’s torn achilles has opened the door for Hampton to blossom, and his first start without Harris is a very favorable matchup. Big Blue has allowed the fourth most rushing yards and FPPG to opposing RBs. Hampton has Top-5 upside this week, in a game the Chargers should control.
Keep riding James Cook (vs. NO). One more big week and he joins the elite group. He’s scored 22 TDs over his last 19 games, and that’s not a misprint. The only risk here is a blowout that’s so big, he barely plays in the second half. Still, he’s a smash.
Others ranked inside the Top-25 this week who I think have a good chance to outperform their rankings are Josh Jacobs (@DAL), Jordan Mason (@PIT), Ashton Jeanty (vs. CHI, and I think this is the week he starts to find some running room, against a Bears’ defense that’s been struggling against the run), Trey Benson (vs. SEA, and this is another case of massive opportunity following an injury to a running mate), and J.K. Dobbins (vs. CIN).
Sleepers:
This could be the last week that Tony Pollard (@HOU) has the backfield to himself, and I think the Titans will struggle to throw the ball but might find some success on the ground. Is TreVeyon Henderson (vs. CAR) happening anytime soon? Rhamondre Stevenson’s ball security issues were on full display last week, so maybe that finally opens the door. Henderson is a sneaky breakout Flex play this week if you want to take a swing.
Other RBs ranked outside the Top-25 who I think are potential Flexes or low-end RB2s if you need them this week: D’Andre Swift (@LV), Quinshon Judkins (@DET), Braelon Allen (@MIA), Bhayshul Tuten (@SF), and Woody Marks (vs. TEN, and just a hunch as I think they need to try to get him more involved to help out their struggling QB).
Fades:
Javonte Williams (vs. GB) has been a very pleasant surprise so far this season. I’m not suggesting benching him, but I don’t like the matchup against Green Bay’s stout defense. The Packers have allowed the third fewest rushing yards, fourth fewest FPPG, and just one total TD to opposing running backs so far this season.
It’s coming at some point, and this is a great matchup, but I think R.J. Harvey (vs. CIN) needs to stay on the bench until he shows he can be in lineups.
A year after they fielded the NFL’s top run defense, the Ravens are getting gashed on the ground. They’ve allowed the most FPPG to opposing RBs, although a lot of that is what the Lions’ very talented duo did to them last week. The Chiefs have no such horses. Despite the matchup, Isiah Pacheco is a Fade for me. He and Kareem Hunt both look slow, and the Chiefs just aren’t running the ball effectively (yet).
The Commanders RBs (@ATL) are a game of roulette right now, and given the usage uncertainty I’d stay away from all three of them at Atlanta, which sports a Top-10 run defense.
Wide receiver:
Elite options this week – Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Malik Nabers. The analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (@ARI). He’s a must-start each week, and probably should be listed in the elite options. I especially like the matchup for him this week.
Rome Odunze (@LV) made me look good the last two weeks, so let’s run it back. He’s emerging as the WR1 in Chicago, and it’s a favorable matchup against a Bottom-5 defense in terms of FPPG allowed to wide receivers.
Tyreek Hill (vs. NYJ) has had some big games against the Jets, and Gang Green’s defense has been a major disappointment so far this season (and they just put linebacker Quincy Williams on IR). Tyreek found the end zone in Week 3 and I’ll go ahead and predict his first really big game of the season on Monday night, in what could be a shootout between winless AFC East rivals.
Other receivers ranked from 12-30 that I think should outperform their ranking this week include: A.J. Brown (@TB), and in the same game, Emeka Egbuka (vs. PHI), Tet McMillan (@NE), Jakobi Meyers (vs. CHI), Courtland Sutton (vs. CIN), Keenan Allen (@NYG), and Deebo Samuel Sr. (@ATL). Allen and McMillan are both earning about nine targets per game and that’s the kind of usage you love to see.
Sleepers:
Quentin Johnston (@NYG) is ranked as the WR30 this week. What am I missing? The Giants have given up some big plays to speedy receivers and have allowed the third most FPPG to opposing WRs. Johnston is a Top-10 WR on the young season and should keep it going this week against the Giants’ overmatched D-backs.
Other WRs ranked outside the top-30 this week that I think you can go with if you’re in need include: Romeo Doubs (@DAL), Jaylen Waddle (vs. NYJ), D.J. Moore (@LV), Sterling Shepard (vs. PHI), Tre Tucker (vs. CHI), and in his first game back from suspension, Jordan Addison (@PIT). If you’ve been waiting to put Matthew Golden (@DAL) back in your lineup, this could be the week. He had a modest day on Sunday at Cleveland, but there were encouraging signs as he established season highs in snaps, route participation, and targets (plus he got three carries), and he actually led the Green Bay receivers in air yards. And again…and I can’t emphasize this enough…it’s the Cowboys.
Fades:
I’ll keep fading Brian Thomas, Jr. (@SF). Something just isn’t right, and it’s worth noting that his biggest fantasy performances last season came with Mac Jones under center. Can he thrive with Trevor Lawrence? Maybe. But we just aren’t seeing it yet, and he has yet to crack 10 fantasy points in a week. I don’t see that changing at the 49ers, who have been stingy, allowing the fifth fewest FPPG to wide receivers.
Jameson Williams (vs. CLE) is somewhat big-play dependent and his deep speed always makes him tempting, but the Browns have been keeping everything in front of them and I don’t like Jamo’s chances to break a big one against them. He’s a risky start this week.
I’ll fade the New England receivers. None have been consistent, and the Panthers have been tough on opposing WRs (fourth fewest FPPG and just one TD allowed to the position, so far).
Other wide receivers ranked inside the Top-35 who I’m lower than consensus on this week include Marvin Harrison, Jr. (vs. SEA), and DeVonta Smith (@TB).
Tight end:
Elite options this week – Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and Tucker Kraft; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Jake Ferguson (vs. GB) was the biggest beneficiary of the CeeDee Lamb injury last week, and I think he’ll continue to see elite volume while Lamb is out. He secured all 12 of his targets against the Bears. I have him and Dalton Kincaid (vs. NO) in one league and it’s an easy call, although I also like Kincaid this week.
T.J. Hockenson (@PIT) had his first good game of the season, with Carson Wentz stepping in (5-49-1 on six targets), and now he gets the defense that’s allowing the most FPPG to opposing tight ends on the season. Fire him up with confidence.
Other TEs in the Top-15 who I think have a good shot to outperform their weekly ranking this week: Travis Kelce (vs. BAL), Hunter Henry (vs. CAR), and Kyle Pitts (vs. WAS).
Sleepers:
Most fantasy managers have no need to reach for TE sleepers in Week 4. Still, if you’re stuck, I think Mason Taylor (@MIA), Brenton Strange (@SF), and Jake Tonges (vs. JAC) are longshots that can be considered.
Fades:
Sam LaPorta (vs. CLE) is ranked as the TE6 this week. That feels to me like a name-reputation ranking, as he has yet to top eight fantasy points in a game this season. We saw this with him last season – the Lions run the ball a lot, and the passing game mostly goes through Amon-Ra St. Brown and the running backs. LaPorta will have his spike weeks (which are impossible to predict), but the production isn’t going to be consistent and the weekly rankings continue to reflect something that isn’t there.
Other higher-ranked tight ends that I’m lower on this week are Zach Ertz (@ATL, who have allowed just 48 yards and the fewest FPPG to opposing TEs) and Juwan Johnson (@BUF, whose FPPG allowed to the position trails only the Falcons).
PK and D/ST Streamers (ranked outside the top-15 for the week): See my Week 4 Waiver Wire column.
That’s it. Good luck in Week 4!
***This column appears each Thursday right here at Big Blue View. Each Monday, my Waiver Wire column appears here, and on Fridays you can find my weekly Prop bets of the week for the Giants, also right here. ***
