Before the season started, these five players were ranked as the top players. Next to them are their current points and rank: Ja’Marr Chase (57.3, No. 51), Bijan Robinson (88, No. 9), Justin Jefferson (61, No. 45), Saquon Barkley (62.7, No. 400) and Jahmyr Gibbs (79, No. 17).
Running back James Cook was ranked No. 33 overall in ESPN fantasy football expert Mike Clay’s preseason rankings. Four weeks later, Cook is the No. 6 fantasy football player who is not a quarterback. Josh Allen was ranked No. 28 and is currently the No. 2 fantasy football player, just behind Puka Nacua, who was ranked as the fifth-best wide receiver and is now No. 1 overall in fantasy football.
The NFL changes week to week. Players get hurt, coaches get fired. You never truly know who is going to score a lot or who is a hidden gem. There is a process and a lot of week-to-week team watching.
Five players to pick up in week four you may not know about:
Rachaad White of the Buccaneers is the RB2, but Bucky Irving, the RB1, was seen wearing a boot at practice and on crutches. While he is listed as day-to-day, it’s unlikely he will play. White had 10-plus touches last week, and with Irving out he is slated to get more touches and be more involved in the passing game. The Bucs face a top-three defense in the Seahawks, who give up fewer than 90 rushing yards a game. While they are elite, there is some room for catches out of the backfield, which in a points-per-reception league is a gold mine.
Derrick Henry has scored fewer than 11 points in each of the last three games, and his trade value has never been lower. The star running back has struggled with fumbles and saw Justice Hill take some of his carries. With Lamar Jackson sidelined for the next three to four weeks, the Ravens will likely lean more heavily on Henry, who is eager to redeem himself. They face the Texans, one of the league’s better defenses, but that has never stopped him before.
Jaylen Waddle becomes the Dolphins’ clear No. 1 target after Tyreek Hill dislocated his knee last week and was ruled out for the season. Waddle’s production has dropped since Miami traded for Hill a couple of seasons ago, but he is averaging 11.9 points per game this year and has topped 15 points in two of four games. This week, the Dolphins face the Panthers, who give up an average of 12.5 points to opposing teams’ top receivers. Waddle is a strong flex option with major touchdown upside.
Breece Hall is set to benefit after Braelon Allen, who was taking red-zone carries, was ruled out eight to 12 weeks with an MCL injury. Hall has scored more than 15 points in two of four games this season and is thriving with Justin Fields healthy. Fields averages 7.9 yards per pass and has a 15% checkdown rate, making Hall a strong PPR option.
Quinshon Judkins has been one of the Browns’ few bright spots, especially with Dillon Gabriel announced as QB1. Against two tough defensive lines, he posted 16.5 and 21.5 points in back-to-back weeks. He has scored touchdowns in consecutive games and has been targeted nine times in the passing game, dropping only one. The Browns face the Vikings, who rank 24th in run defense and give up 130 rushing yards a game.
Five players you should not start:
Tee Higgins spent the offseason in contract talks with the Bengals but has not played up to expectations. The loss of Joe Burrow has not helped, though he has been targeted more than Ja’Marr Chase and failed to capitalize. Higgins has scored fewer than 6.4 points in three of four games, catching only 10 of 20 targets. Until he improves his efficiency and finds the end zone, he belongs on the bench unless depth forces a start.
Jakobi Meyers opened the season strong with 17.7 and 12.8 points but has scored fewer than 10 in his last two games. Quarterback Geno Smith has been turnover-prone, and Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly are looking to get Ashton Jeanty more touches. Against the Colts’ top-11 pass defense, Meyers is a fringe flex play at best.
Willie Marks drew attention with 27.9 points against the Titans, leading some to believe he will overtake Nick Chubb as the primary back. But Houston’s offensive line exploited a weak Titans defense, and it’s unlikely to repeat against the Ravens. While Baltimore has struggled against the run, the absence of Lamar Jackson should elevate their urgency and performance.
Brian Thomas Jr. continues to struggle with drops and faces the Chiefs’ top-10 pass defense this week. Cornerback Jaylen Watson has locked down most of his matchups, and Thomas has yet to score a touchdown this season or surpass 11 fantasy points in a game. Clay had him ranked as the eighth-best wide receiver entering the season, but he has since fallen to 43rd.
J.K. Dobbins faces an Eagles defense that ranks top 15 against the run. Though he has been steady, scoring 10 to 16 points per week, the Broncos will likely rely more on Courtland Sutton and the passing game if they want to win. With Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and linebacker Zach Baun leading Philadelphia’s front, Dobbins’ impact may be limited. He is a fringe flex starter who is best left on the bench if possible this week.
