The Fantasy Footballers’ Starts of the Week for Week 4
In a year where every fantasy manager dreamed of record-breaking, the nightmare of first-round running backs this season is jarring. If you are one of those freaking out that Jonathan Taylor isn’t putting up big games or that Austin Ekeler seems stuck in cement shoes, your best friends should be The Fantasy Footballers. The Podcast, as well as the #Footclan, can help you navigate the questions plaguing your mind.
We got The Starts of the Week during Thursday’s episode from The Ballers. Jason was absent from the show, but of course, Andy and Mike brought plenty of analysis, as well as J. Grizz holding it down with the opinions for week 4. Check out the Full episode below, followed by a breakdown of the players lucky enough to be chosen as The Starts of the Week.
Andy’s Starts of the Week
QB- Jared Goff vs. SEA
Goff has 7 TD Passes through 3 games. Even more impressive is that 5 of those are in the red zone. He has been throwing more when the team gets inside the 20-yard line, which should continue to produce touchdown opportunities for Goff. The best argument for Goff is Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is cooking right now. Seattle is allowing the NFL’s 5th highest expected points per pass attempt and the highest yards per attempt.
RB- Khalil Herbert vs. NYG
He just ran for 157 last week and has averaged 4.9 yards per attempt in his career. Herbert has had around 22 touches and 97 yards per game in the four games when Montgomery has been out. It’s a smash play if Montgomery doesn’t play and a good flex even if he does, as the Giants are allowing the 2nd highest success rate on rushing attempts. If Herbert has decent volume, he should put up great numbers.
WR- DK Metcalf vs. DET
He got back on track last week, with five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown with 12 targets. Pete Carroll said they needed to funnel the ball to Metcalf, and they did it. This week they face the Lions, who are allowing the 6th most expected points per pass attempt and the 8th most fantasy points to opposing WRs. So feel free to turn his way and chase the volume.
TE- David Njoku vs. ATL
Last week he had ten targets which led to 9 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. He is necessary for the offense and has been on the field for 90% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps. Atlanta is giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing TEs. He is a player you should be chasing the production from last week because it should continue.
Jason’s Starts of the Week
QB- Joe Burrow vs. MIA
The Bengals are four-point home favorites against a Miami team, allowing the 3rd highest pass success rate. Add in that the Dolphins are also giving up the 2nd most expected points per pass attempt, and prime time Burrow should be cooking for in this Thursday night matchup.
RB- Alvin Kamara vs. MIN
It is time for a bounce back. Minnesota is allowing the 4th most points to opposing fantasy running backs. AJ Dillon was the RB10 against them, Jalen Hurts, and Miles Sanders totaled almost 150 rush yards, and Jamal Williams was the RB2 last week. Kamara may need to be more integral in the passing game with Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry injured. Even if Andy Dalton plays, he could check the ball down to Kamara more often than Jameis, who tends to chuck it and pray. If the receptions return toward his regular 5.1 a game, he becomes the player you hoped for when you drafted him.
Getty Images / Jonathan Bachman
WR- Gabriel Davis vs. BAL
Davis really shouldn’t be in question to be started every week. Even though we were worried he would be eased back after his injury, but ran 70 routes last week. It’s the highest over/under of the week, and the #1 pass rate over expectation of the Bills is one you want a part of in your lineup. Baltimore might have the league’s worst secondary, so get Davis in your lineup and enjoy the fireworks.
TE- TJ Hockenson vs. SEA
Turd Alert! But sometimes, a turd is necessary. The TE landscape, according to Jason, is nothing but a giant septic field of poo. So, you might as well take some points from a player whose opportunity should grow if Amon-Ra misses. He is running nearly thirty routes a game, and Seattle has given up the 8th most fantasy points to the TE. While it may not feel great, Hockenson might be a decent play this week.
Mike’s Starts of the Week
QB- Russell Wilson vs. LVR
This game will be very telling for the Denver offense in what could be the last time anyone dares to play Russ. The Raiders have given up a top 8 or higher fantasy quarterback each week this season. Wilson still hasn’t thrown a Red Zone touchdown, which should turn around at some point. The Denver team has struggled inside the 20-yard line, and this matchup against the Raiders could be a turning point.
RB- Breece Hall vs. PIT
Mike is living in the danger zone this week, but only two teams have given up top 12 productions to the RB position every week this year, and one of those teams is the Steelers. The shift seems to be starting for Michael Carter and Breece. Hall had more snaps and more targets than Carter last week. Add in that the Jets may try to protect Zach Wilson coming back from the injury and establish the run. Mix in the quality matchup, and there is a real chance Breece Hall could be a top 24 play this week
WR- Noah Brown vs. WSH
He is at it again, that wild Mike Wright, but the stats don’t lie. Brown has had a 21% target share so far on the season. The Commanders are the 3rd worst against WR so far, and Brown offers you an option if you are struggling to find someone to play and gives you consistency he is in play. In week one, Brown was 5-for-68, week 2, 5-for-91, and a TD, week 3, 5-for-54. He has seen plenty of targets from both Dak and Cooper Rush. Brown has a safe floor with a TD upside.
TE- Robert Tonyan vs. NEP
Big Bobby Tonyan. He has been recovering from the ACL injury, but his snaps have gone up every week, and the Patriots defense is the 4th best matchup for TEs. Mark Andrews will skew those numbers somewhat, but Tonyan had seven targets on a 58% snap count last week. Tonyan is also 3rd in targets-per-route-run, which is a very sticky stat. So if Tonyan continues getting more playing time, he could see even more targets.