Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers. Week 4

It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 4 of the fantasy football season.

Below you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, betting totals, and implied points for every game on the slate.

Find all of our positional rankings here.

rankings and tiers

Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers – Week 4

Last updated: 12:49 pm, Sunday, October 1st. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!

Quarterback

Tier 2 – Joe Burrow	Byron Jones	Xavien Howard	Ja’Marr Chase	Tee Higgins	Burrow is a top-five option in Week 4.	Tier 2 – Kyler Murray	Marquise Brown
1	RB1	Jonathan Taylor	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	15.6
1	RB2	Saquon Barkley	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	22.6
2	RB3	Christian McCaffrey	vs ARI	43.5	-1.0	22.25	15.3
2	RB4	Nick Chubb	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	21.6
2	RB5	Austin Ekeler	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	14.3
2	RB6	Joe Mixon	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	13.2
2	RB7	Derrick Henry	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	14.0
2	RB8	Leonard Fournette	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	12.4
2	RB9	Jamaal Williams	vs SEA	48.0	-3.5	25.75	15.9
3	RB10	Aaron Jones	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	16.1
3	RB11	Najee Harris	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	12.5
3	RB12	Alvin Kamara	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	7.5
3	RB13	Khalil Herbert	at NYG	39.5	3.0	18.25	15.8
3	RB14	Cordarrelle Patterson	vs CLE	47.0	1.0	23.00	16.3
3	RB15	Javonte Williams	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	12.8
3	RB16	James Conner	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	10.8
4	RB17	Dalvin Cook	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	11.7
4	RB18	James Robinson	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	18.8
4	RB19	Antonio Gibson	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	14.4
4	RB20	Jeff Wilson Jr.	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	9.6
4	RB21	Miles Sanders	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	11.8
4	RB22	Dameon Pierce	vs LAC	45.0	6.0	19.50	10.6
4	RB23	Kareem Hunt	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	13.8
4	RB24	AJ Dillon	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	11.2
4	RB25	Ezekiel Elliott	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	8.8
4	RB26	Josh Jacobs	vs DEN	45.5	-2.5	24.00	10.7
4	RB27	Rhamondre Stevenson	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	10.3
4	RB28	Clyde Edwards-Helaire	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	17.7
4	RB29	Devin Singletary	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	12.1
4	RB30	Breece Hall	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	12.8
4	RB31	Tony Pollard	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	11.5
4	RB32	Rashaad Penny	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	6.0
5	RB33	Damien Harris	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	12.4
5	RB34	Michael Carter	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	10.9
5	RB35	Cam Akers	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	6.1
5	RB36	Melvin Gordon III	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	10.0
5	RB37	Travis Etienne Jr.	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	9.1
5	RB38	Chase Edmonds	at CIN	48.5	3.5	22.50	10.4
5	RB39	J.K. Dobbins	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	6.0
5	RB40	J.D. McKissic	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	10.4
5	RB41	Nyheim Hines	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	9.0
5	RB42	Darrell Henderson Jr.	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	8.2
5	RB43	Alexander Mattison	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	6.5
5	RB44	Raheem Mostert	at CIN	48.5	3.5	22.50	5.4
5	RB45	Jerick McKinnon	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	6.5
6	RB46	Rex Burkhead	vs LAC	45.0	6.0	19.50	7.3
6	RB47	Ken Walker III	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	4.9
6	RB48	Kenneth Gainwell	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	4.9
6	RB49	Samaje Perine	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	7.6
6	RB50	Mark Ingram II	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	5.1
6	RB51	Tyler Allgeier	vs CLE	47.0	1.0	23.00	3.5
6	RB52	Dontrell Hilliard	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	13.7
6	RB53	Craig Reynolds	vs SEA	48.0	-3.5	25.75	3.4
6	RB54	Eno Benjamin	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	7.2
6	RB55	Zack Moss	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	5.2
7	RB56	Sony Michel	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	2.7
7	RB57	James Cook	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	3.8
7	RB58	Jaylen Warren	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	2.5
7	RB59	Justice Hill	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	3.6
7	RB60	Rachaad White	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	1.4
7	RB61	Brandon Bolden	vs DEN	45.5	-2.5	24.00	7.5
7	RB62	Joshua Kelley	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	3.8
7	RB63	Darrel Williams	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	7.5
7	RB64	Isiah Pacheco	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	4.6
7	RB65	Trestan Ebner	at NYG	39.5	3.0	18.25	0.8
7	RB66	D'Onta Foreman	vs ARI	43.5	-1.0	22.25	0.7
7	RB67	Matt Breida	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	0.8
7	RB68	DeeJay Dallas	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	1.6
7	RB69	Jordan Mason	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	0.2
7	RB70	Chuba Hubbard	vs ARI	43.5	-1.0	22.25	0.3

Tier 1 – Jonathan Taylor

Taylor is listed as questionable (toe) after missing Wednesday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

The third-year back has disappointed fantasy managers with his 15.3 points per game, but a matchup against the Titans could help him turn the corner. Tennessee has coughed up the fourth-most yards on the ground in regulation play (430) and rank sixth-worst in EPA allowed versus the run, per PFF.

The Colts are 3.5-point favorites at home, providing a close game script that should keep the ground game in play. Even if Indianapolis falls behind, Taylor has taken over the long-down-distance snaps in the passing game, keeping his route participation around 60% each game.

Player	Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
Jonathan Taylor	1	76%	86%	64%	13%	18%	82%	50%	55%	47%	27.5
	2	74%	64%	61%	4%	5%	100%	0%	83%	0%	7.3
	3	76%	81%	58%	12%	16%	88%	100%	54%	0%	12.1
	YTD	76%	80%	61%	10%	14%	86%	75%	64%	35%	15.6

Taylor’s utilization profile is as robust as ever, and his efficiency metrics remain strong per PFF data.

Jonathan Taylor’s rushing efficiency vs. three-year NFL averages:

Missed Tackles Forced %	Average Yards After Contact	Explosive Rush %
0.26 (+0.9)	3.13 (+0.2)	13% (+1.5)

Taylor still provides an elite mix of utilization and efficiency and has the right matchup to make him RB1 overall in Week 4

Tier 1 – Saquon Barkley

Barkley is finally healthy, and it shows in his 4.64 yards after contact, which is the second-highest in the NFL (minimum 20 attempts). The former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick ranks first out of all RBs in snap share (86%) and route participation (75%).

When efficiency and utilization come together, it is a beautiful thing. Barkley is your fantasy football RB1 with 22.6 points per game.

In Week 4, the Giants host the Bears as three-point favorites. Opponents have 99 attempts (No. 2) for 472 yards (No. 2) against the Bears, whose offense ranks 28th in time of possession (45%). Expect Barkley to have ample opportunities to do damage in Week 4.

Barkley is my RB2 in Week 4.

Tier 2 – Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey is questionable due to a quad injury that could keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. It is a late game, so fantasy managers need a backup plan. D’Onta Foreman is probably the No. 1 option behind CMC, but it could be a gross committee with Chuba Hubbard, who could take passing downs.

McCaffrey falls out of the top five this weekend and carries a much lower floor than usual.

Foreman and Hubbard are backup options but should be avoided.

Tier 2 – Austin Ekeler

Ekeler’s efficiency metrics are down, per PFF data. Out of 42 RBs with at least 20 rushing attempts, he ranks 36th in average yards after contact (2.41) and last in explosive-rush rate (0%) through three weeks of play.

His efficiency in the passing game remains elite, with a 31% TPRR and 1.99 YPRR, but his overall utilization profile isn’t as strong as it was in 2021. He has left the field for all six snaps inside the five-yard line, even though five have been passing attempts.

Ekeler’s TD explosion last season was enabled by a lead role close to the goal line, and that might not be the case in 2022. His role in the two-minute offense (80%) accounts for 25% of his fantasy production, protecting his floor outcomes. Still, we need stronger efficiency and TD opportunity for Ekeler to payoff as a mid-first-round fantasy pick.

The veteran back lands a plus matchup against the Texans that allowed the Bears to romp for 280 yards on the ground in Week 3. No team has donated more rushing attempts (103) and yards (591) in regulation play than Houston.

Ekeler is a top-five option in a sweet matchup with the Chargers as five-point favorites (third-largest) and top-six implied point total.

Tier 2 – Jamaal Williams

Williams is set to take on an every-down role with D’Andre Swift (shoulder) set to miss the Lions’ Week 4 tilt against the Seahawks. Things don’t line up better than this; the veteran back checks every box:

Utilization: should handle 65%-plus of the workload on the ground and eclipse 60% route participation
Game script: the Lions are 3.5-point favorites (fourth-best on the slate), keeping the ground game in play
Scoring environment: Detroit has the third-best implied points on the slate, offering big TD-upside
Matchup: the Seahawks have allowed the fourth-most regulation rushing attempts (96) and third-highest rushing yardage (472)

This is a rare alignment of events, making the veteran a SMASH play. Williams is a top-10 RB in my ranks.

Tier 3 – Alvin Kamara

Kamara (ribs) was limited in practice on Wednesday but played through the injury in Week 3. He suffered the injury in Week 1, which could be a factor in the efficiency dip.

The veteran is below his career average in missed tackles forced (17%), average yards after contact (2.71), and explosive rush rate (8%). However, the most concerning of all is his TPRR (21%) and YPRR (0.44), whose career averages are 29% and 2.06.

Despite the injury and efficiency woes, Kamara reached the utilization levels we have grown accustomed to with 70% of snaps, 65% of rushing attempts, and a 14% target share in Week 3. He regained the lead role in the two-minute offense (92%), which helped boost his route participation back near elite levels (61%).

The Saints don’t project to score many points against the Vikings (19 implied), but the matchup is juicy. The Vikings have allowed the ninth-most rushing yards in regulation, plus five TDs.

Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry missed practice on Wednesday, and if one should miss the game, Kamara could see a boost in target share. Andy Dalton could also make an appearance and is more willing to get his backs involved than Jameis Winston.

Kamara will move to SMASH status as a top-10 option if we hear he is healthy. For now, I have him two spots ahead of consensus as my RB12.

Tier 3 – Khalil Herbert

David Montgomery won’t play in Week 4. Herbert has RB40, RB11, RB8, RB34, and RB1 finishes in appearances without Montgomery dating back to 2021.

Herbert has RB40, RB11, RB8, RB34, and RB1 finishes in appearances without Montgomery dating back to 2021.

The Bears' offense hasn’t been pretty, but they are committed to the running game. Chicago has played 57% of their snaps with the score within three points and has run the ball 59% of the time. That is 19 percentage points above the NFL average over the last three seasons. In a game projected for a close finish, (three-point dogs) expect Herbert to see plenty of touches in Week 4 against the Giants.

Herbert is a SMASH play as a top-15 option in Week 4.

Tier 4 – Miles Sanders

The Eagles will be without Boston Scott this weekend, providing Sanders with less competition for touches.

Sanders is a low-end RB2 against a stingy Jaguars run defense.

Tier 4 – Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson doesn’t have a good matchup or game environment in Week 4 against the Packers, with Bryan Hoyer expected to lead the Patriots’ attack. However, his recent surge in utilization is enough to consider him a low-end RB2 in PPR formats.

On utilization alone, I have Stevenson four spots ahead of expert consensus.

Wide Receiver

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	PPG
1	WR1	Stefon Diggs	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	28.5
1	WR2	Cooper Kupp	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	26.7
1	WR3	Justin Jefferson	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	18.2
1	WR4	Ja'Marr Chase	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	17.5
2	WR5	Davante Adams	vs DEN	45.5	-2.5	24.00	17.8
2	WR6	Tyreek Hill	at CIN	48.5	3.5	22.50	21.8
2	WR7	A.J. Brown	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	19.0
2	WR8	Michael Pittman Jr.	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	21.2
2	WR9	Jaylen Waddle	at CIN	48.5	3.5	22.50	24.3
2	WR10	Mike Evans	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	13.6
2	WR11	Tee Higgins	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	12.7
3	WR12	Deebo Samuel	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	13.4
3	WR13	CeeDee Lamb	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	14.2
3	WR14	Courtland Sutton	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	16.2
3	WR15	Christian Kirk	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	20.9
3	WR16	Marquise Brown	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	18.4
3	WR17	Drake London	vs CLE	47.0	1.0	23.00	17.1
3	WR18	Mike Williams	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	12.3
3	WR19	Diontae Johnson	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	14.2
3	WR20	Amari Cooper	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	17.6
3	WR21	DK Metcalf	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	11.2
3	WR22	Chris Olave	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	14.6
3	WR23	DeVonta Smith	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	15.3
4	WR24	Brandin Cooks	vs LAC	45.0	6.0	19.50	9.6
4	WR25	Rashod Bateman	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	13.5
4	WR26	Gabe Davis	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	12.8
4	WR27	Terry McLaurin	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	14.1
4	WR28	Curtis Samuel	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	18.4
4	WR29	Tyler Lockett	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	14.0
4	WR30	DJ Moore	vs ARI	43.5	-1.0	22.25	7.9
4	WR31	Garrett Wilson	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	17.1
4	WR32	Joshua Palmer	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	10.9
4	WR33	JuJu Smith-Schuster	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	9.9
4	WR34	Brandon Aiyuk	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	10.3
4	WR35	Elijah Moore	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	8.4
4	WR36	Adam Thielen	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	11.3
4	WR37	Jerry Jeudy	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	8.7
5	WR38	Romeo Doubs	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	11.6
5	WR39	Treylon Burks	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	6.8
5	WR40	Allen Lazard	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	11.9
5	WR41	Greg Dortch	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	15.3
5	WR42	Russell Gage	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	11.9
5	WR43	Allen Robinson II	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	7.3
5	WR44	Jahan Dotson	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	13.0
5	WR45	Zay Jones	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	14.1
5	WR46	Robert Woods	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	7.6
5	WR47	Jarvis Landry	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	9.7
5	WR48	Tyler Boyd	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	13.2
5	WR49	Chase Claypool	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	7.9
5	WR50	D.J. Chark Jr.	vs SEA	48.0	-3.5	25.75	7.6
5	WR51	Mack Hollins	vs DEN	45.5	-2.5	24.00	14.7
5	WR52	Darnell Mooney	at NYG	39.5	3.0	18.25	2.2
6	WR53	Robbie Anderson	vs ARI	43.5	-1.0	22.25	9.3
6	WR54	Isaiah McKenzie	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	12.3
6	WR56	Richie James Jr.	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	9.7
6	WR57	Josh Reynolds	vs SEA	48.0	-3.5	25.75	10.7
6	WR58	Noah Brown	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	14.1
6	WR59	Julio Jones	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	11.6
6	WR60	George Pickens	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	3.8
6	WR61	Corey Davis	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	11.6
6	WR62	Marvin Jones Jr.	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	9.1
6	WR63	Nico Collins	vs LAC	45.0	6.0	19.50	6.8
6	WR64	Marquez Valdes-Scantling	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	6.7
6	WR65	Rondale Moore	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	0.0
6	WR66	Michael Gallup	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	0.0
6	WR67	K.J. Osborn	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	9.1
6	WR68	DeVante Parker	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	7.5
6	WR69	Chris Godwin	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	6.5
7	WR70	Devin Duvernay	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	14.6
7	WR71	Mecole Hardman	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	6.4
7	WR72	Donovan Peoples-Jones	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	4.7
7	WR73	Nelson Agholor	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	10.3
7	WR74	Equanimeous St. Brown	at NYG	39.5	3.0	18.25	7.3
7	WR75	Alec Pierce	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	4.6
7	WR76	Randall Cobb	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	5.9
7	WR77	Kenny Golladay	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	2.1
7	WR78	Jamison Crowder	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	3.4
7	WR79	Olamide Zaccheaus	vs CLE	47.0	1.0	23.00	8.0
7	WR80	Ben Skowronek	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	6.9
7	WR81	Nick Westbrook-Ikhine	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	3.9
7	WR82	Christian Watson	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	5.0
7	WR83	Chris Moore	vs LAC	45.0	6.0	19.50	6.3
7	WR84	Parris Campbell	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	3.2
7	WR85	Kendrick Bourne	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	6.2
7	WR86	DeAndre Carter	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	9.8
7	WR87	Braxton Berrios	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	3.6
7	WR88	K.J. Hamler	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	0.0
7	WR89	Quez Watkins	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	5.0
7	WR90	Ashton Dulin	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	7.5
7	WR91	Jauan Jennings	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	4.4
7	WR92	Marquise Goodwin	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	3.1
7	WR93	David Sills V	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	5.4
7	WR94	Skyy Moore	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	0.7
7	WR95	Scotty Miller	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	4.3
7	WR96	Demarcus Robinson	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	4.0
7	WR97	David Bell	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	1.6
7	WR98	Marquez Callaway	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	7.4
7	WR99	Kyle Philips	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	5.1

Tier 1 – Stefon Diggs

No one needs me to tell them to start Diggs in their season-long leagues or DFS, so I won’t call him a smash play. However, this weekend, the fantasy football WR1 (28.5 points per game) is in a choice spot.

Game Environment: The No. 1 implied points and the No. 1 game total
Matchup: The Ravens have allowed the most receiving yards in regulation (1,099) and seven TDs

The underlying coverage grade for Baltimore is better than the yardage allowed, but Diggs and Josh Allen are on a heater on an offense averaging the third-most dropbacks per game (51) in regulation play.

Tier 2 – Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman is the No. 6 receiver in points per game (21.2), and he has the target shares to back it up in his two starts (28% and 26%).

The Colts face off against the Titans in Week 4, who allow the seventh-best EPA on passing plays. Opponents have gouged the Tennessee secondary for a whopping 812 yards and eight TDs in the passing game.

On a reasonably tame slate, the Colts offer a top-10 implied point total despite the low game total. This is a funnel passing attack, and the Colts are passing more than they did in 2021 in neutral game scripts, which provides Pittman with a buffer should the game turn into a blowout.

Tier 3 – CeeDee Lamb

Lamb had a good first two seasons in the NFL. Still, his inability to demand an elite target share (18%) or TPRR (22%) in Year 2 left many wondering if he was overpriced as a mid-second round pick in fantasy drafts this summer.

He has answered those questions in the first three games by delivering target shares of 26%, 34%, and 41%. His 33% target share ranks fourth in the NFL. He is averaging 14.2 points per game, but that number should rise given his utilization and an offense that should open things up a bit more once Dak Prescott returns.

Aug 13, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) warms up before the preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Some might argue that Lambs' opportunities will wither in the face of target competition once Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz return to health. A 33% share isn’t sustainable anyway, but let’s avoid falling into the same trap many did with Amon-Ra St. Brown, citing a lack of weapons at the end of 2021 as the primary reason for his big boom.

Targets are earned, and Lamb checks a lot of breakout boxes as a third-year WR with significant draft capital.

In Week 4, the Cowboys matchup against the Commanders, who provide the sixth-best coverage matchup per PFF grades (53.3). Washington has allowed the third-most receiving yards (871) and six TDs through three games.

The game total and implied points keep Lamb out of smash territory, with the Cowboys trying to stay in game-manager mode so far with Cooper Rush. However, we have seen the Commanders score points in 2022, which opens up some sneaky upside for this game to outperform Vegas expectations.

Tier 3 – Marquise Brown

Brown is questionable with a foot injury, and Moore (hamstring) has a shot at returning after three limited practices.

If Brown and Moore are out, Dortch moves into low-end WR3 territory.

If Brown and Moore are active, he is a WR5.

Rondale Moore is a boom-bust WR4 if he plays.

Tier 3 – Drake London

London is the WR14 in fantasy football with 17.1 points per game, and it isn’t a fluke. The rookie ranks No. 5 in target share (32%), and the Falcons' heavy usage of play-action passing is helping him overcome a low-volume attack.

Over the last three seasons, play-action targets are worth 18% more than non-play-action for WRs. On average, WRs see 23% of their targets on play action, but London is at 42%.

Atlanta faces a Browns defense that has yielded 770 yards and five TDs passing through the first three games – an above-average matchup. The contest offers the No. 2 game total at BetMGM, and the Falcons have a top-eight implied scoring total.

The rookie WR comes in above industry consensus in my ranks and is a SMASH play.

Tier 3 – D.K. Metcalf

The Seahawks and Lions will battle in a matchup with the third-highest game total on the slate, offering an opportunity for fireworks.

Last week we saw the Seattle attack morph from one of the lowest-volume offenses in the league (48 plays per game) into a 69-play squadron. Pete Carroll said this adjustment would be made, and he followed through. This development, paired with Geno Smith’s respectable 71.7 PFF passing grade – eighth-best in the NFL – makes the Seattle WRs much better options moving forward.

Detroit is the No. 1 man coverage team (45%) per PFF data. The Lions limited Justin Jefferson, shadowing him with Jeff Okudah and playing a safety over the top.

However, Metcalf has been targeted on an eye-popping 41% of routes against man looks since 2021. Expect the Seahawks to attack this matchup.

Metcalf could see plenty of attention this weekend, but he has a tendency to come through in these spots, making him a SMASH play in Week 4.

Tier 3 - Mike Williams

After a setback in practice, Keenan Allen won’t play on Sunday. The Chargers' offense struggled in Week 3 with a banged-up Justin Herbert, but the QB got in two full practices to finish this week and appears to be in better shape.

Williams posted 25.3 points in Week 2 without Allen and is a mid-range WR2 this weekend against the Texans.

Tier 3 – Chris Olave

Olave likely won’t have Jameis Winston tossing him deep balls, but Michael Thomas won’t play. What the rookie loses in air yards, he picks up in reduced target competition. He already has back-to-back 30%-plus target shares.

Olave is a low-end WR2 against the Vikings in London on Sunday morning.

Tier 4 – Joshua Palmer

Palmer has averaged 15.5 points with a 21% target share in three games without Keenan Allen dating back to last season.

Palmer moves into mid-range WR3 territory this weekend against Houston.

Tier 5 – D.J. Chark

Amon-Ra St. Brown won’t play this weekend, opening the door for Chark or Josh Reynolds to earn more looks. However, both are questionable due to ankle injuries. Both have one top-24 finish on the books this season.

If active, Chark and Reynolds are boom-bust WR4 options against a generous Seahawks secondary.

Tier 5 – Mack Hollins

Hollins surprised fantasy managers with a 30-point outing in Week 3 without Hunter Renfrow (concussion) in the lineup. With Renfrow and Foster Moreau out for Week 4, Hollins is in a prime position again. He has 20% and 23% target shares in his last two games.

Hollins is a low-end WR4 option against a tough Broncos secondary.

Tier 6 – Richie James

The Giants lost Sterling Shepard for the season, and Wan’Dale Robinson and Kadarius Toney won’t play. James has never been a great target earner in his career (11%, 10% and 14% TPRR). However, this season he has been decent with a 19% TPRR.

James could come through on Sunday, but his talent profile is lacking, and the game environment between the Giants and Bears isn’t stimulating – especially if the weather becomes a factor. If he steams in DFS, he is an easy fade.

James is a WR5 option in Week 4.

Tight End

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	PPG
1	TE1	Mark Andrews	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	21.6
1	TE2	Travis Kelce	at TB	45.5	1.0	22.25	18.0
2	TE3	Darren Waller	vs DEN	45.5	-2.5	24.00	11.4
2	TE4	Kyle Pitts	vs CLE	47.0	1.0	23.00	7.2
2	TE5	George Kittle	vs LAR	42.5	-1.5	22.00	6.8
2	TE6	Dallas Goedert	vs JAC	45.5	-6.5	26.00	11.3
2	TE7	Zach Ertz	at CAR	43.5	1.0	21.25	12.5
2	TE8	T.J. Hockenson	vs SEA	48.0	-3.5	25.75	8.1
3	TE9	Tyler Higbee	at SF	42.5	1.5	20.50	11.0
3	TE10	Pat Freiermuth	vs NYJ	41.5	-3.5	22.50	10.3
3	TE11	Gerald Everett	at HOU	45.0	-6.0	25.50	10.7
3	TE12	David Njoku	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	10.6
3	TE13	Tyler Conklin	at PIT	41.5	3.5	19.00	12.7
3	TE14	Dalton Schultz	vs WAS	41.5	-3.0	22.25	7.5
3	TE15	Evan Engram	at PHI	45.5	6.5	19.50	7.4
3	TE16	Dawson Knox	at BAL	51.0	-3.0	27.00	5.4
3	TE17	Hayden Hurst	vs MIA	48.5	-3.5	26.00	6.2
4	TE18	Logan Thomas	at DAL	41.5	3.0	19.25	7.6
4	TE19	Irv Smith Jr.	at NO	41.5	-3.5	22.50	6.6
4	TE20	Robert Tonyan	vs NE	40.0	-9.5	24.75	6.5
4	TE21	Mike Gesicki	at CIN	48.5	3.5	22.50	5.6
4	TE22	Cole Kmet	at NYG	39.5	3.0	18.25	2.0
4	TE23	Hunter Henry	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	1.9
4	TE24	Albert Okwuegbunam	at LV	45.5	2.5	21.50	3.5
4	TE25	Juwan Johnson	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	4.8
4	TE26	Austin Hooper	at IND	43.0	3.5	19.75	2.8
5	TE27	Isaiah Likely	vs BUF	51.0	3.0	24.00	3.4
4	TE28	Cameron Brate	vs KC	45.5	-1.0	23.25	4.6
5	TE29	Noah Fant	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	4.8
5	TE30	Will Dissly	at DET	48.0	3.5	22.25	9.2
5	TE31	Jonnu Smith	at GB	40.0	9.5	15.25	4.3
5	TE32	Harrison Bryant	at ATL	47.0	-1.0	24.00	5.7
5	TE33	Mo Alie-Cox	vs TEN	43.0	-3.5	23.25	2.8
5	TE34	Taysom Hill	vs MIN	41.5	3.5	19.00	8.4
5	TE35	Daniel Bellinger	vs CHI	39.5	-3.0	21.25	8.3

Tier 3 – David Njoku

Njoku was likely on the bench or waiver wire in most fantasy leagues last week when he erupted for 23.9 points in Week 3. However, it could be more than just a blip on the radar.

Njoku’s underlying route participation is at a career-high level over the last two games (82%). In 2018, the former first-round pick finished as the TE9 with a 78% route participation.

So much of TE production traces back to route participation over the years. When TEs hit or eclipse 80%, they are a top-12 option 88% of the time since 2011. However, Njoku is a plus-athlete, and the Browns prioritized keeping him with a new contract. It can take TEs time to mature, and Njoku carries top-six upside the rest of the way.

That all starts this weekend against the Falcons, where things line up perfectly:

Utilization: 80%-plus route participation
Game environment: top-six implied points
Matchup: fourth-most receiving yards allowed in regulation (866) and seven TDs

Njoku is an absolute SMASH play in Week 4 versus Atlanta.

Tier 2 – T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson has started the year quietly with Amon-Ra St. Brown bogarting a third of the Lions' passing targets. However, with the Sun God and D’Andre Swift out in Week 4, Hockenson could shine. His 76% route participation and 20% targets per route run are both TE1-worthy.

Hockenson is a mid-range TE1 with upside in Week 4 against a poor Seattle defensive unit.

Key

Total = Game total per BetMGM
Implied points = Team expected points based on game total and spread
Route participation = routes divided by team pass plays per PFF
LDD = long down and distance – third and fourth down with three or more yards to go per PFF
SDD = short down and distance – second, third and fourth down with two or fewer yards to go per PFF
TPRR = targets per route run
YPRR = yards per route run
Explosive rush rate = percentage of runs that go for 10-plus yards per PFF
Explosive target rate = percentage of targets that go for 15-plus yards per PFF
Regulation = excludes overtime
Injuries: Q = Questionable; D = Doubtful (typically removed from ranks on Saturday); GTD = game-time decision