The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap: Week 4 (Fantasy Football)
As we head into Week 4, Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the news and advice you need to make rational decisions! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 3 Studs & Duds + Injury Reactions, Trade Talk
News
The New York Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round pick. Andy thinks “nine” will be better for the Giants than Jameis Winston has been. Baker Mayfield dislocated his thumb on his right hand and is expected to miss at least three weeks. De’Von Achane tore his ACL and is out for the season. Ollie Gordon II served as the backup in Week 3 as Jaylen Wright was inactive with a stinger and foot injury. Puka Nacua’s mysterious groin/hip injury has affected his explosiveness, and surgery is still on the table. Breece Hall left with a quad injury and is considered week-to-week. Justin Jefferson suffered an ankle injury and did not return to the game. Monitor his week-to-week status, as he has a Week 6 bye. Mike Evans is dealing with a day-to-day rib injury. Jalen Coker is dealing with a minor quad strain after dealing with an ankle injury heading into the week. The Panthers have a Week 5 bye week.
Studs
QBs
Andy’s start of the week Brock Purdy continued his early-season MVP campaign in Week 3 and led all QBs in fantasy scoring. Mike’s full-stream ahead QB Sam Darnold finished as the QB2 in his return from a glute injury. Geno Smith and Jacoby Brissett surprisingly finished as top-five QBs, along with Bo Nix in his Sunday night performance.
RBs
This week was another typical week for the top scorers at RB, with all the elites leading the pack. Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson had the best games of the week. Gibbs recorded 164 all-purpose yards and scored three total TDs. Bijan ran all over the Green Bay Packers’ Swiss cheese defense and ran 29 times for 194 yards and two TDs. Derrick Henry, Kenneth Walker III, and Christian McCaffrey rounded out the top five. The Ballers made sure to emphasize Jeremiyah Love’s involvement in the offense. Andy suggests trading for Love, and Jason projects him as a bell cow RB going forward.
WRs
Jaxon Smith-Njigba led WRs in scoring for the second consecutive week. JSN is the second WR with 400+ receiving yards and six TDs through the first three games of a season (Marvin Harrison Sr.). Drake London, Garrett Wilson, and Ja’Marr Chase all finished within the top five. Michael Wilson returned to his 2025 end-of-season form, earning 17 targets and finishing with an 11/89/1 stat line.
TEs
George Kittle finished Week 3 as the TE1 on his bobblehead day at Levi Stadium. Brock Bowers finished as the TE2 in his return from his preseason knee surgery. Harold Fannin Jr., Kenyon Sadiq, and Juwan Johnson rounded out the top five.
There were 20 TD catches by tight ends today for the most in any day in NFL history.
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) September 28, 2026
Duds
QBs
Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, and Baker Mayfield are all in the bottom five in EPA/play (50+ dropbacks). Baker’s thumb injury gives fantasy managers an excuse to wipe their hands clean with him, but the decision on what to do with Maye is more difficult. The draft capital you spent on Maye makes it tough to drop him, but Andy and Mike are fine with dropping him. Jason has higher hopes for Maye once A.J. Brown comes back, but you should find streaming options until then.
Was Drake Maye crying on the sideline?? pic.twitter.com/52bIiYa9Nk
— Underdog (@Underdog) September 27, 2026
RBs
Omarion Hampton saw a 21% decrease in snap counts from Week 2 to Week 3 and was less efficient on the ground than Keaton Mitchell. Hampton has only seen three targets so far this season, making him a tough start should the Chargers continue to lose games, with Seattle, Denver, and Kansas City coming up next on their schedule. David Montgomery’s inefficiencies have continued, and he is 17/44 over the past two weeks. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson both finished as Week 3 duds,
WRs
Malik Nabers’s production took a dip with Jameis Winston, as he recorded 26 receiving yards on six targets. Tetairoa McMillan was the second option behind Jalen Coker in Week 3, only catching two passes for 17 yards. Both Jaylen Waddle and Coutland Sutton struggled against the Rams, combining for five total receptions and 56 receiving yards. The Chargers and Buccaneers’ WRs both struggled due to poor QB play.
TEs
Dalton Kincaid saw a decreased role in the Bills’ offense this week, only seeing three targets. Kyle Pitts continued his 2026 struggles after ending the 2025 fantasy season as the TE2, catching one pass for five yards. Tucker Kraft caught four passes for 26 yards, but his eight targets are a sign of encouragement.
Tuesday – Week 4 Waivers + Tough Drop Decisions
News
New York Giants HC John Harbaugh confirmed Jameis Winston remains the team’s starting QB after the J.J. McCarthy trade. Jayden Daniels (elbow) traveled with the Washington Commanders to London and will practice this week. Justin Jefferson’s injury is not considered to be a long-term injury, and he has not been ruled out for Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. Travis Etienne Jr. and Breece Hall are both considered week-to-week with lower-body injuries and are both expected to miss Week 4. Mike Evans is day-to-day after suffering a rib injury against the Arizona Cardinals, and his practice participation will be managed throughout the week.
Waiver Wire
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
RBs
The biggest debate of the week came from what to do with the Miami Dolphins‘ RB room. Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright were both widely available in most leagues. Mike showed concern over both RBs cannibalizing each other’s potential to become a breakout candidate. Braelon Allen is a must-add and start until Breece Hall returns from a quad injury.
WRs
Andy’s WR1 off waivers this week was Chris Bell. He showed flashes of potential in Caleb Douglas‘ absence. He recorded four receptions for 67 yards. His eight targets could be sticky with Douglas missing Week 4 and Achane’s rest-of-season absence. Devonta Smith‘s hamstring injury makes Makai Lemon an interesting add this week as well.
TEs
Kenyon Sadiq is a clear priority add if he is still available on waivers. Tyler Higbee could be a plug-and-play guy off waivers this week, but only if he is the Rams’ second passing option. This would take Puka Nacua, Terrance Ferguson, and Colby Parkinson all missing this week.
Full Stream Ahead
Andy – Bryce Young vs DET
The Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions face off on Sunday Night Football with the second-highest over/under of the week (50.5). Andy is confident that Bryce Young will perform in primetime, as he leads the league in passing yards (939) despite seeing the highest pressure rate in the NFL. The Lions’ defense ranks last in the NFL in total points allowed and fantasy points allowed to QBs after allowing 31.4 ppg to Tyler Shough, Josh Allen, and Geno Smith.
Mike – Marcus Mariota vs IND (London)
Marcus Mariota turned back the clock to his time in Eugene in 2014 on Sunday and scored 20 fantasy points against the Seattle Seahawks. He threw three TDs, something that Seattle’s defense only allowed once last season. Both the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts rank in the bottom three in points allowed, paving the way for a potential shootout in London. The Colts’ defense, specifically, ranks last in yards per play, 31st in EPA/play, and bottom ten in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to QBs.
Jason – Geno Smith @ CHI
Jason’s strange obsession with pushing Geno Smith propaganda in 2026 continues. Geno has a 76% completion rate and ranks sixth in passer rating so far this season. The Bears defense, much like the Lions, has allowed QBs to eat on their watch this season. Chicago ranks 25th in EPA/dropback and bottom five in pressure rate. Geno should be a great streaming candidate, especially in deeper leagues, as he is available on many waiver wires.
Wednesday – Players to Trade For & Trade Away
News
Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson refuses to let his opponent know his next move and is keeping their Week 4 starting QB a secret. Jayden Reed was placed on IR due to his neck injury and could miss the rest of the season. Jalen McMillan was placed on IR due to a sprained PCL and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Rachaad White was absent from practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Jaylen Waddle was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot following Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams, but was a full participant in practice
Let’s Talk Trades
This is the time of year when trade talks ramp up in most redraft leagues. Winless teams are panicking, managers of De’Von Achane are trying to find ways to replace his production at RB, and undefeated teams are looking to make long-term moves to boost their championship odds.
Trade For Candidates
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Andy – Jeremiyah Love
Ballers praised Jeremiyah Love this week and begged Mike LaFleur to give him even more opportunity in the receiving game, as Tyler Allgeier ran as many routes as Love last week. Love played a season-high 64% of snaps in Week 3 and saw just one less opportunity than the previous two weeks combined. Love is the second rookie RB over the last 40 years with a game of 90+ rushing yards, 5+ receptions, and a receiving TD within their first three NFL games (Kareem Hunt). Tyler Allgeier’s decreasing role in the Cardinals’ offense might be the most encouraging sign for Love, as he has seen fewer opportunities in each game this season.
Mike – George Pickens
Mike’s early-season buy-low candidate is George Pickens. “George” has a higher target share, targets per route run, and yards per route run in comparison to the first three weeks of the season. The biggest difference for Pickens this season has been TDs. Pickens has the second-biggest discrepancy between fantasy points scored vs. expected fantasy PPG so far. Dak Prescott and Pickens simply have not connected for a big play so far this season, but his two targets inside the five-yard line last week should encourage fantasy managers. Dallas WRs gave the third-easiest rest-of-season schedule for WRs, and Pickens will begin to realize some of his expected production in the coming weeks.
Jason – Chase Brown
Chase Brown’s role in the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense provides a high floor for season-long success. Brown has run the seventh most routes among RBs, ranks eighth in targets, and ninth in total opportunities. A peculiar point for the Cincinnati offense in Weeks 2 and 3 is that they saw just six total snaps in the red zone. Brown was negatively affected by this outlier field positioning for the Bengals, but he should see more golden opportunities to find himself in the end zone.
Trade Away Candidates
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Andy – Christian Watson
The Green Bay Packers ran 48 rushing plays through the first three games of the season, the second fewest of any team over the last decade. Christian Watson scored four TDs in three weeks, and a dip in TDs would be detrimental to Watson’s fantasy production. Over 40% of his routes are corners, posts, and go routes, volatile routes that cannot guarantee weekly fantasy production.
Mike – Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy has performed at an unsustainably high level so far this season. He is one of four QBs since 2010 with a 10+% TD rate and 9+ yards per attempt through the first three weeks of a season. QB-needy rosters may value Purdy higher than his true value, so target the teams that drafted Drake Maye and Justin Herbert to try and move on from Purdy.
Jason – Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel has quietly finished as a top-18 WR in two of the first three weeks to start the season. An 80-yard hook-and-ladder play was his only “receiving” work in Week 3, propelling him to WR18. Deebo has a 14% target share and an aDOT of 3.4 so far. Like Purdy, the bet against Deebo is a bet against his efficiency to continue, especially at his age.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 4 Games, Cat Fight!
Starts of the Week
Thursdays are when the Ballers give their weekly picks for starts of the week. The Ballers’ picks are meant to give you confidence in players you might have hesitancy to plug into your lineup for a multitude of reasons. Click here to read more about Week 4’s best starts at each position.
Fantasy Forecast
IND @ WAS (IND -3.5, O/U 47.5)
Both the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders rank in the bottom five in points allowed, yards per play, and EPA per dropback on defense. Mariota was Mike’s full-stream ahead QB this week and projects well as a lower-rostered QB option this week. Andy’s start-of-the-week Josh Downs is a beneficiary of Alec Pierce’s absence, and Jason’s start-of-the-week Tyler Warren ranks as the Ballers’ consensus TE3 this week. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Terry McLaurin ran as borderline FLEX plays this week.
NE @ BUF (BUF -6.5, O/U 48.5)
The notes for this game are pretty simple, but the Ballers want to ensure confidence in your decisions. Start all of your typical Buffalo Bills this week in fantasy. Dalton Kincaid is the only Bill who could disappoint and leave you questioning your decision to start him, but follow Buffalo’s projected point total and Kincaid’s PrizePicks projection of 53.5 receiving yards. You can comfortably sit all of your New England Patriots until any of them give you a reason to return them to your lineup.
NYJ @ CHI (CHI -3.5, O/U 43.5)
Ben Johnson said Caleb Williams is progressing well, but he was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday. Bears pass-catchers are sketchy starts without Williams, but Luther Burden III is the best option this week. He leads the team with 27% targets per route run and posted 7/61/1 with Case Keenum last week. D’Andre Swift is a must-start, averaging 107 scrimmage yards per game this season. Mike’s start-of-the-week Braelon Allen projects well as the lead back with Breece Hall dealing with a quad injury. Garrett Wilson is an easy start at WR after finishing as the WR3 last week against Detroit.
JAX @ CIN (CIN -2.5, O/U 51.5)
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals meet in Week 4 in a battle to see who is the league’s most ferocious cat. This game might have the most startable fantasy players, with a high over/under and two starts-of-the-week. Chase Brown was a trade-for candidate for Jason this week, and Joe Burrow and his pass-catchers are always locks in your lineup. Mike’s start-of-the-week Trevor Lawrence projects well against Cincinnati’s defense that allows almost 20 fantasy PPG to QBs so far this season. Jason’s start-of-the-week Bhayshul Tuten has established himself as the clear RB1 for Jacksonville after months of debate between him and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the offseason. Parker Washington’s breakout season should continue, and he ranks as the Ballers’ consensus WR11 this week.
Unnecessary Stat:
This is the 1st week in NFL History we've had all 4 feline football teams face each other. pic.twitter.com/uh3M1E50cU
— Kyle Borgognoni (@kyle_borg) October 2, 2026
DAL @ HOU (HOU -3, O/U 48.5)
Texas’s football teams have both disappointed relative to expectations so far this season, with one combined win so far. Nico Collins has been a limited participant in practice this week and is expected to see the field for the first time since injuring his hamstring in Week 1. David Montgomery needs to return to David “Mopportunity” to be a quality starter this week, as his efficiency on the ground has taken a dip this season. Javonte Williams saw 22 total opportunities last week. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are easy starts, and George is Mike’s start of the week.
Friday – Week 4 Matchups + Starts/Sits, Wheel of Shame!
News
Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for Week 4 against the Colts. D’Andre Swift was added to the injury report Thursday with a knee injury and was a DNP on Thursday. Nico Collins, Bucky Irving, and Puka Nacua remained limited in practice on Thursday, and their status should be monitored throughout the weekend. The Cleveland Browns defended The Dawg Pound and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to improve to 3-1 on the season.
Fantasy Forecast
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
MIA @MIN
The Miami Dolphins skill position players were among the worst for fantasy football this season prior to De’Von Achane’s injury, and now it could be rough sledding. However, we get our first glance at whether Ollie Gordon II or Jaylen Wright can be a consistent option at RB2/FLEX rest of season. The Ballers have Gordon II ranked at RB35, and Jaylen Wright at RB56 ROS. Aaron Jones ranks as a low-end RB1 this week against Miami, and Kyler Murray ranks as a QB1 for Mike and Jason.
LAC @ SEA
The Los Angeles Chargers’ struggles so far this season make most of their players shaky starts this week. You should drop Justin Herbert if he is still on your roster and find a streaming option, such as Marcus Mariota or Geno Smith from Tuesday’s full-stream ahead segment. Ladd McConkey and Omarion Hampton are low-end FLEX plays against the Seattle Seahawks this week. Jaxon Smith-Njigba ranks as each of the Ballers’ WR1 this week, and Sam Darnold can be played in a pickle if you project the Seahawks to hit their implied team total of 25 points. Jadarian Price’s status should be monitored throughout the weekend, as he was a DNP on Thursday with a chest injury.
DET @ CAR
The Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers have the second-highest over/under of the week, and the fantasy production should be relatively condensed throughout the game. Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta should be played in this plus matchup, and Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs all project well in a potential Sunday night shootout. Jalen Coker is questionable with a quad injury, and his absence would make Tetairoa McMillan a WR1 this week. Chuba Hubbard should continue dominating with the absence of Jonathan Brooks. Bryce Young and Darren Waller are great starts for teams who drafted them late or picked them up off waivers.
ATL @ NO
The Atlanta Falcons’ offense showed signs of life with Michael Penix Jr.’s return to the lineup on Thursday Night Football. Bijan Robinson and Drake London are easy starts, but it is time to put Kyle Pitts back on your bench (or potentially waivers) until he becomes involved in the Falcons’ offense. Travis Etienne Jr.’s move to IR creates a path for an even faster pace of play for New Orleans. Alvin Kamara ranks as a low-end FLEX play, higher than Kendre Miller. Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson are must-starts along with Tyler Shough.
Fantasy Faceoff
Andy
QB: Bryce Young more than 179.5 passing yards
RB: Aaron Jones more than 66.5 rushing yards
WR: Quentin Johnston less than 3 receptions
TE: Tyler Warren 45.5 receiving yards
Mike
QB: C.J. Stroud more than 242.5 passing yards
RB: Aaron Jones more than 66.5 rushing yards
WR: Michael Wilson more than 57.5 receiving yards
TE: Tyler Warren more than 3.5 receptions
Jason
QB: Lamar Jackson less than 27.5 passing yards
RB: Jeremiyah Love more than 39.5 rushing yards
WR: DJ Moore more than 46.5 receiving yards
TE: Darren Waller more than 27.5 receiving yards