Week 4 Quick Grades (2022 Fantasy Football Start or Sit Advice)

Welcome to Week 4, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 4 QB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A+ Josh Allen BUF BAL
2 A Lamar Jackson BAL BUF
3 A Jalen Hurts PHI JAC
4 A Joe Burrow CIN MIA
5 A Patrick Mahomes II KC TB
6 B+ Kyler Murray ARI CAR
7 B+ Justin Herbert LAC HOU
8 B Kirk Cousins MIN NO
9 B Russell Wilson DEN LV
10 B- Derek Carr LV DEN
11 B Tua Tagovailoa MIA CIN
12 B- Aaron Rodgers GB NE
13 C+ Matthew Stafford LAR SF
14 C+ Jared Goff DET SEA
15 C Tom Brady TB KC
16 C Marcus Mariota ATL CLE
17 C- Trevor Lawrence JAC PHI
18 D+ Carson Wentz WAS DAL
19 D+ Justin Fields CHI NYG
20 D Geno Smith SEA DET
21 D Matt Ryan IND TEN
22 D Ryan Tannehill TEN IND
23 OUT Jameis Winston NO MIN
24 F Jacoby Brissett CLE ATL
25 F Daniel Jones NYG CHI
26 F Baker Mayfield CAR ARI
27 F Jimmy Garoppolo SF LAR
28 F Cooper Rush DAL WAS
29 F Mitch Trubisky PIT NYJ
30 F Davis Mills HOU LAC
31 F Zach Wilson NYJ PIT
32 F Brian Hoyer NE GB
33 F Andy Dalton NO MIN
34 F Joe Flacco NYJ PIT
35 F Mac Jones NE GB
36 F Chase Daniel LAC HOU
37 F Kenny Pickett PIT NYJ
38 F Teddy Bridgewater MIA CIN
39 F Drew Lock SEA DET

Notes

Kirk CousinsCousins might currently be the QB14 in fantasy, but he’s easily a top-12 option this week. The on-paper matchup looks difficult for Cousins at first as New Orleans has held quarterbacks to the sixth-lowest success rate and 13th-lowest EPA per dropback. When we dig deeper, this is a plus matchup for Cousins. New Orleans has converted into a zone-heavy defense, preferring to drop back and keep everything in front of them. Their starting corners have been deployed in zone coverage on 59-64% of their snaps. They have also given up on rushing the passer with extra defenders. New Orleans has the fourth-lowest blitz rate and ranks 30th in pressure rate. Cousins will have ample time to dice up the Saints’ zone. Over the last two seasons, he’s ranked top 14 (14th, seventh) in completion rate and top-ten in passer rating (third, 10th) against zone coverage.

Marcus Mariota: Despite the pace concerns, this game has sneaky shootout potential. With hapless secondaries on both sides, Mariota must keep pace with Brissett. Mariota falls into the strong streaming option bucket this week as the QB13 in fantasy points per game. His legs have remained a major benefit for his fantasy success as he ranks fourth in carries per game, sixth in rushing yards, and first in red zone carries. Mariota has been pushing the ball downfield, ranking 11th in deep attempts and third in air yards per attempt. The Browns have the eighth-highest explosive pass rate allowed. They are also 12th in EPA per dropback, passing touchdown rate, and yards per attempt given up. Mariota has seen the eighth-lowest pressure rate this year and should get clean pockets against a defense that ranks 21st in pressure rate.

Carson WentzLast week Wentz turned back into a pumpkin against the Eagles’ defense. He was the QB30 for the week with an anemic 4.9 yards per attempt and a 58.1% completion rate. This week could be more of the same. Dallas is sixth in pass defense DVOA allowing the fourth-lowest passing touchdown rate and fifth-lowest yards per attempt. The Cowboys are only 22nd in pressure rate, but Wentz has seen the ninth-highest pressure rate this season. Wentz is 27th in pressured accuracy rating and 28th in pressured catchable pass rate. Wentz is a volatile QB2 with an extremely low floor.

Zach WilsonThe Jets second-year quarterback will make his season debut after suffering an injury in the preseason. But I would temper expectations substantially if you think that the Joe Flacco offensive game plan – No.1 in the NFL in pass attempts – will carry over with Wilson at QB. Wilson’s most pass attempts in a game last season was 42. He averaged just under 30. Flacco is averaging just under 52 attempts per game. Expect the Jets to try and establish the ground game, so leave Wilson on waivers in 1QB leagues.

Davis Mills: The Texans quarterback has been horrible to start this season. He ranks dead last in passing EPA (-23.6). Even in 2QB-formats, I’d consider sitting him on the bench. Even against a banged-up Chargers defense. His 58.5% completion rate from a clean pocket (3rd-worst) tells you all you need to know. Even if LA isn’t generating pressure without Joey Bosa, Mills probably won’t take advantage.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 4 WR Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A+ Cooper Kupp LAR SF
2 A+ Stefon Diggs BUF BAL
3 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN NO
4 A+ Ja’Marr Chase CIN MIA
5 A+ Davante Adams LV DEN
6 A+ A.J. Brown PHI JAC
7 A Tyreek Hill MIA CIN
8 A Michael Pittman Jr. IND TEN
9 A Amon-Ra St. Brown DET SEA
10 A Deebo Samuel SF LAR
11 A Jaylen Waddle MIA CIN
12 A Mike Evans TB KC
13 A Tee Higgins CIN MIA
14 A Courtland Sutton DEN LV
15 A- CeeDee Lamb DAL WAS
16 A- Drake London ATL CLE
17 A- Marquise Brown ARI CAR
18 A- Christian Kirk JAC PHI
19 A- Mike Williams LAC HOU
20 B+ Amari Cooper CLE ATL
21 B+ Gabe Davis BUF BAL
22 B+ Diontae Johnson PIT NYJ
23 B+ Brandin Cooks HOU LAC
24 B Keenan Allen LAC HOU
25 B DeVonta Smith PHI JAC
26 B DJ Moore CAR ARI
27 B Rashod Bateman BAL BUF
28 B DK Metcalf SEA DET
29 B Terry McLaurin WAS DAL
30 B Curtis Samuel WAS DAL
31 B- Tyler Lockett SEA DET
32 B- Garrett Wilson NYJ PIT
33 B- Chris Olave NO MIN
34 B- Brandon Aiyuk SF LAR
35 C+ Jerry Jeudy DEN LV
36 C+ JuJu Smith-Schuster KC TB
37 C+ Elijah Moore NYJ PIT
38 C+ Adam Thielen MIN NO
39 C+ Romeo Doubs GB NE
40 C+ Treylon Burks TEN IND
41 C Allen Lazard GB NE
42 C Russell Gage TB KC
43 C Allen Robinson II LAR SF
44 C Jahan Dotson WAS DAL
45 C Greg Dortch ARI CAR
46 C Zay Jones JAC PHI
47 C Tyler Boyd CIN MIA
48 C Richie James Jr. NYG CHI
49 C Darnell Mooney CHI NYG
50 C- Jarvis Landry NO MIN
51 C- Chase Claypool PIT NYJ
52 C- Robert Woods TEN IND
53 C- D.J. Chark Jr. DET SEA
54 C- Isaiah McKenzie BUF BAL
55 C- Robbie Anderson CAR ARI
56 D+ Mack Hollins LV DEN
57 C- Corey Davis NYJ PIT
58 D+ Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC TB
59 D+ Joshua Palmer LAC HOU
60 D George Pickens PIT NYJ
61 D Noah Brown DAL WAS
62 D K.J. Osborn MIN NO
63 D Nico Collins HOU LAC
64 D Mecole Hardman KC TB
65 D DeVante Parker NE GB
66 D- Michael Gallup DAL WAS
67 D Marvin Jones Jr. JAC PHI
68 D Devin Duvernay BAL BUF
69 D- Josh Reynolds DET SEA
70 D- Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE ATL
71 D- Nelson Agholor NE GB
72 F Equanimeous St. Brown CHI NYG
73 F Randall Cobb GB NE
74 F Breshad Perriman TB KC
75 F Alec Pierce IND TEN
76 F Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN IND
77 F Jakobi Meyers NE GB
78 F Kendrick Bourne NE GB
79 F Ashton Dulin IND TEN
80 F Jamison Crowder BUF BAL
81 F Olamide Zaccheaus ATL CLE
82 F Kenny Golladay NYG CHI
83 F Parris Campbell IND TEN
84 F Braxton Berrios NYJ PIT
85 F Jauan Jennings SF LAR
86 F Quez Watkins PHI JAC
87 F Scotty Miller TB KC
88 F Christian Watson GB NE
89 F Justin Watson KC TB
90 F Julio Jones TB KC
91 F Cole Beasley TB KC
92 F Ben Skowronek LAR SF
93 F Skyy Moore KC TB
94 F Trent Sherfield MIA CIN
95 F David Sills V NYG CHI
96 F DeAndre Carter LAC HOU
97 F Kadarius Toney NYG CHI
98 F K.J. Hamler DEN LV
99 F Tre’Quan Smith NO MIN
100 F Chris Moore HOU LAC
101 F David Bell CLE ATL
102 F Shi Smith CAR ARI
103 F Demarcus Robinson BAL BUF
104 F A.J. Green ARI CAR
105 F Darius Slayton NYG CHI
106 F Marquez Callaway NO MIN
107 F Bryan Edwards ATL CLE
108 F Rondale Moore ARI CAR
109 F Kyle Philips TEN IND
110 F Laviska Shenault Jr. CAR ARI
111 F Hunter Renfrow LV DEN
112 F Jalen Tolbert DAL WAS
113 F Chris Godwin TB KC
114 F Marquise Goodwin SEA DET
115 F Zach Pascal PHI JAC
116 F Brandon Powell LAR SF
117 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL CLE
118 F Andy Isabella ARI CAR
119 F Jalen Reagor MIN NO
120 F Andre Baccellia ARI CAR
121 F Dante Pettis CHI NYG
122 F Dee Eskridge SEA DET
123 F Ray-Ray McCloud SF LAR
124 F Quintez Cephus DET SEA
125 F Juwann Winfree GB NE
126 F Jamal Agnew JAC PHI
127 F Rashard Higgins CAR ARI
128 F Kalif Raymond DET SEA
129 F Wan’Dale Robinson NYG CHI
130 F Anthony Schwartz CLE ATL
131 F Mike Strachan IND TEN
132 F Jake Kumerow BUF BAL
133 F Phillip Dorsett II HOU LAC
134 F Amari Rodgers GB NE
135 F Tylan Wallace BAL BUF
136 F River Cracraft MIA CIN
137 F Lil’Jordan Humphrey NE GB
138 F Keelan Cole Sr. LV DEN
139 F Danny Gray SF LAR
140 F Cam Sims WAS DAL
141 F Kendall Hinton DEN LV
142 F Montrell Washington DEN LV
143 F Josh Gordon TEN IND
144 F Dax Milne WAS DAL
145 F Simi Fehoko DAL WAS
146 F Dennis Houston DAL WAS
147 F Chris Conley HOU LAC
148 F Dyami Brown WAS DAL
149 F Tutu Atwell LAR SF
150 F Khalil Shakir BUF BAL
151 F Deonte Harty NO MIN
152 F Cody Hollister TEN IND
153 F Frank Darby ATL CLE
154 F Jeff Smith NYJ PIT
155 F Penny Hart SEA DET
156 F Ihmir Smith-Marsette CHI NYG
157 F Tyrie Cleveland DEN LV
158 F Velus Jones Jr. CHI NYG
159 F Mike Thomas CIN MIA
160 F KaVontae Turpin DAL WAS
161 F Demetric Felton Jr. CLE ATL
162 F Jared Bernhardt ATL CLE
163 F James Proche II BAL BUF
164 F Jaelon Darden TB KC
165 F Stanley Morgan Jr. CIN MIA
166 F Gunner Olszewski PIT NYJ
167 F Tim Jones JAC PHI
168 F Dezmon Patmon IND TEN
169 F Miles Boykin PIT NYJ
170 F Tyron Johnson LV DEN
171 F Chester Rogers CLE ATL
172 F Jason Moore Jr. LAC HOU

Notes

Brandin CooksDavis Mills‘ struggles have had a trickle-down effect on Brandin Cooks‘ fantasy production. Because even though the Texans No. 1 wide receiver is seeing a high-end 28% target share, he ranks outside the top-50 in half-point scoring. In fact, no WR has performed worse versus expectation than Cooks (-17.8) as his efficiency numbers have suffered to open the year. But I’d expect somewhat of a bounce-back effort from the savvy veteran versus a reeling Chargers defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to WRs this season.

D.J. MooreD.J. Moore has run a route on 100% of Baker Mayfield‘s dropbacks this season, but ranks outside the top-40 in routes run. He has 88 receiving yards and seven catches on 18 targets (six per game). Sooner or later, Moore is going to produce but his fantasy ceiling remains low in a Panthers offense that ranks second-to-last in plays per game (54.3). Their sluggish pace has made it tough for Moore to take advantage of his team-leading 23% target share. But this matchup against a fast-paced Cardinals offense (second in plays per game) figures to provide the exact push Moore back into starting lineups. Their poor pass defense – last in adjusted yards allowed per pass attempt – lends itself to rolling the dice with Moore in Week 4. I guarantee you no waiver wire WR will be on the field more in a plus-matchup than Moore. Keep the faith.

Diontae Johnson: Diontae Johnson owns a 33% target share (5th) through the first 3 weeks of the season. No other Steelers WR has higher than an 18% target share (Chase Claypool). He has a super-high floor every week, but no ceiling attached to Mitchell Trubisky. It does work in Johnson’s favor that the Jets are tied for the league-lead in TDs allowed to WRs (2/game) and overall passing TD percentage. As the team’s target hog he has a solid chance of hitting paydirt.

Rashod BatemanBateman was extraordinarily efficient through the first two weeks of the season, making big plays despite not having an every-down role on offense. The production was not sustainable based on how much he was playing and it finally caught up with him in Week 3. He played 62% of the snaps – but didn’t score and saw just four targets. But he was still super efficient – two catches for 59 yards. And his 79% route participation was actually an increase from Weeks 1-2 (72%). Anytime you can buy low on a WR attached to Lamar Jackson, you do it very willingly. Bateman currently ranks third in the NFL in yards per route run (3.11) among WRs with at least 15 targets. Start him as fantasy WR3 against the Bills defense that has allowed two different WRs to surpass 100 receiving yards this season .

Robert Woods: Among Titans pass catchers, Woods is No. 1 with 78 pass play snaps, 71 routes, 16 targets, nine receptions and 137 yards. In a bad pass offense, someone needs to be the No. 1 receiver, and right now that guy is Woods. With zero touchdowns and even zero red zone targets, Woods has zero upside, especially since the Colts are No. 27 in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers (22.8 per game). Woods is desperate WR4/flex play.

Darnell MooneyDarnell Mooney led all WRs in Week 3 with a 38% target share. It still didn’t matter with Mooney finishing the week as the WR78 catching 2 passes for 23 yards. Mooney’s alpha usage won’t matter till the Bears extend an effort to throw more. And that doesn’t seem likely based on the success they have had rushing the football at the league’s highest rate. The Giants have also been stingy versus opposing WRs allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position this season.

Christian KirkA change of scenery has done absolute wonders for Christian Kirk, who leads the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 25% target share through the first three weeks. He’s emerged as Lawrence’s go-to target, running 77% of his routes from the slot. He ran a route on 98% of Lawrence’s dropbacks in Week 3, which is the exact usage we want from our WRs because it provides a super-high floor. The matchup versus cornerback Avonte Maddox in the slot isn’t a cakewalk – PFF’s 8th-highest graded cornerback this season – but it’s the volume you are chasing with Kirk. Maddox has allowed the most catches among the Eagles elite trio of cornerbacks.

Zay JonesJones was a popular waiver wire pickup this week, after an 11-target outing in Week 3 that turned into 10 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. He ran a route on 80% of dropbacks splitting time both out wide and in the slot. However, I am concerned about the matchup here when Jones is tasked with winning on the outside. As previously noted, the Eagles boast three top-tier cornerbacks with their best two – James Bradberry and Darius Slay – defending the perimeter. They rank fourth and third respectively in the lowest passer rating generated when targeted in coverage this season. Therefore I’d be bearish on thrusting Jones into my Week 4 starting lineup. We are just one week removed from a 3 catches for 23 yards outing for Jones in Week 2.

Week 4 RB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A+ Jonathan Taylor IND TEN
2 A+ Saquon Barkley NYG CHI
3 A+ Christian McCaffrey CAR ARI
4 A Nick Chubb CLE ATL
5 A Derrick Henry TEN IND
6 A Joe Mixon CIN MIA
7 A Austin Ekeler LAC HOU
8 A Leonard Fournette TB KC
9 OUT Alvin Kamara NO MIN
10 A Najee Harris PIT NYJ
11 A- Jamaal Williams DET SEA
12 A- Khalil Herbert CHI NYG
13 A- Aaron Jones GB NE
14 A- Dalvin Cook MIN NO
15 B+ Javonte Williams DEN LV
16 B+ James Robinson JAC PHI
17 B Cordarrelle Patterson ATL CLE
18 B James Conner ARI CAR
19 B Dameon Pierce HOU LAC
20 B Kareem Hunt CLE ATL
21 B AJ Dillon GB NE
22 B- Miles Sanders PHI JAC
23 B- Jeff Wilson Jr. SF LAR
24 B- Antonio Gibson WAS DAL
25 B- Josh Jacobs LV DEN
26 C+ Devin Singletary BUF BAL
27 C+ Breece Hall NYJ PIT
28 C+ Ezekiel Elliott DAL WAS
29 C+ Rashaad Penny SEA DET
30 C Rhamondre Stevenson NE GB
31 C Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC TB
32 C Tony Pollard DAL WAS
33 C Travis Etienne Jr. JAC PHI
34 C Damien Harris NE GB
35 C Cam Akers LAR SF
36 C Melvin Gordon III DEN LV
37 C- Michael Carter NYJ PIT
38 C- J.K. Dobbins BAL BUF
39 C- Darrell Henderson Jr. LAR SF
40 D+ Chase Edmonds MIA CIN
41 D+ Alexander Mattison MIN NO
42 D Raheem Mostert MIA CIN
43 D J.D. McKissic WAS DAL
44 D Nyheim Hines IND TEN
45 D- Ken Walker III SEA DET
46 D- Mark Ingram II NO MIN
47 D- Kenneth Gainwell PHI JAC
48 F Jerick McKinnon KC TB
49 F Tyler Allgeier ATL CLE
50 F Rex Burkhead HOU LAC
51 F Samaje Perine CIN MIA
52 F Craig Reynolds DET SEA
53 F Eno Benjamin ARI CAR
54 F Jaylen Warren PIT NYJ
55 F Zack Moss BUF BAL
56 F Justice Hill BAL BUF
57 F Sony Michel LAC HOU
58 F James Cook BUF BAL
59 F Joshua Kelley LAC HOU
60 F Rachaad White TB KC
61 F Trestan Ebner CHI NYG
62 F Isiah Pacheco KC TB
63 F Darrel Williams ARI CAR
64 F Dontrell Hilliard TEN IND
65 F Brandon Bolden LV DEN
66 F D’Onta Foreman CAR ARI
67 F Boston Scott PHI JAC
68 F Jordan Mason SF LAR
69 F Matt Breida NYG CHI
70 F DeeJay Dallas SEA DET
71 F Kyle Juszczyk SF LAR
72 F Hassan Haskins TEN IND
73 F Chuba Hubbard CAR ARI
74 F Mike Boone DEN LV
75 F Ameer Abdullah LV DEN
76 F Zamir White LV DEN
77 F David Montgomery CHI NYG
78 F Mike Davis BAL BUF
79 F Chris Evans CIN MIA
80 F C.J. Ham MIN NO
81 F Avery Williams ATL CLE
82 F Justin Jackson DET SEA
83 F Ty Johnson NYJ PIT
84 F Jerome Ford CLE ATL
85 F D’Andre Swift DET SEA
86 F Jonathan Williams WAS DAL
87 F Trey Sermon PHI JAC
88 F Marlon Mack SF LAR
89 F Benny Snell Jr. PIT NYJ
90 F Zander Horvath LAC HOU
91 F Alec Ingold MIA CIN
92 F Darrynton Evans CHI NYG
93 F Pierre Strong Jr. NE GB
94 F Rico Dowdle DAL WAS
95 F Reggie Gilliam BUF BAL
96 F Dwayne Washington NO MIN
97 F D’Ernest Johnson CLE ATL
98 F Patrick Ricard BAL BUF
99 F Kene Nwangwu MIN NO
100 F Keaontay Ingram ARI CAR
101 F Deon Jackson IND TEN
102 F Ke’Shawn Vaughn TB KC
103 F Tyler Badie BAL BUF
104 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU LAC
105 F Keith Smith ATL CLE
106 F Khari Blasingame CHI NYG
107 F Gary Brightwell NYG CHI
108 F Michael Burton KC TB
109 F Derek Watt PIT NYJ
110 F Jakob Johnson LV DEN
111 F Adam Prentice NO MIN
112 F Tory Carter TEN IND
113 F JaMycal Hasty JAC PHI
114 F Ronald Jones II KC TB
115 F Salvon Ahmed MIA CIN
116 F Jake Funk LAR SF
117 F Patrick Taylor Jr. GB NE

Notes

Rashaad Penny: This backfield is an utter mess. Over the last two games, Penny has averaged 10.5 touches and 42 total yards. He’s played 69% of the snaps in two of three games, with at least 12 carries and 60 rushing yards in each of those contests. Penny sees the bulk of the work and nearly all of the red zone work. While he has the highest route run rate, he’s mediocre at earning targets. He’s been effective with his workload ranking 23rd in yards after contact per attempt and 24th in PFF’s elusive rating, but not nearly as explosive as last year. The Lions are a nice matchup for him on the ground. Detroit allows the highest rushing success rate, seventh-highest rushing EPA, and eighth-highest explosive run rate. Penny is a decent RB3/flex play. If he gets 15 carries and can take one to the house, he may sneak into RB2 territory this week.

Derrick Henry: With just 3.6 yards per carry, Henry is not quite his former self, but he has had 20-plus carries in two of three games, and last week he saw surprising usage as a pass catcher, getting a career-high six targets, which he converted into 5-58-0 receiving. All totaled, he has 250 yards and two touchdowns through three games, which makes him the No. 12 fantasy running back with 13.2 points per game. He hasn’t had a full-blown “King Henry” game yet, but it’s hard to be huffy with a guy averaging 20.3 opportunities per game. Still, the Colts’ defense is No. 2 in rush DVOA (-40.9%) and might get back All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard (back) this week. Henry is a low-end RB1.

Saquon BarkleySaquon Barkley played 91% of the snaps on Monday night, totaling 18 touches for 126 yards and a rushing TD. Barkley’s 95% backfield opportunity share ranked second to only Leonard Fournette in Week 3. Top-3 fantasy RB ROS and a dark horse to finish as the RB1 overall in Week 4. The Bears defense ranks second-to-last in rushing yards per game allowed this season (157.0).

Khalil HerbertDavid Montgomery left Week 3 with an injury, opening the door for one of my favorite RBs, Khalil Herbert, to absolutely smash. The second-year RB rushed for 157 yards on 20 carries with two TDs. Also added two catches for 12 yards, while running a route on 56% of dropbacks. Including Week 3, Herbert has never rushed for fewer than 75 yards in a game he has played at least 50% of the snaps. His average output in those games is just over 100 rushing yards per game (5-game sample size). Montgomery has rushed for 75 yards-plus 5 times since the start of 2021. He’s an auto start and a fringe fantasy RB1 if Monty’s injury forces him to miss Week 4. The Giants’ run defense ranks third in rushing yards allowed per game to RBs (126.3) at 5.6 yards per carry.

Miles SandersSanders’ ceiling is always going to be limited by his lack of work at the goal line and as a receiver. Sub-50% route participation with a mobile QB isn’t going to cut it, even with his effectiveness and workload as a rusher. I’d be slightly concerned that this could be a disappointing day for the Eagles running back versus a Jaguars run defense that hasn’t allowed more than 60 rushing yards to a running back this season. Back-end RB2 for Week 4.

James RobinsonJames Robinson put together another RB1 performance in Week 3: 20 touches for 116 yards and 1 TD (58% snap share, 53% route participation). He’s strung together three straight top-8 finishes in half-point scoring with back-to-back 20-plus touch workloads. There’s no denying he’s the Jags featured back and he has excelled in his recovery from the Achilles injury in late December. Fantasy managers should expect the production for Robinson to continue on the ground versus the Philadelphia defense, who is more vulnerable versus the run than the pass. Their defense ranks 29th in run defense EPA. Admittedly, it is a slightly inflated number due to D’Andre Swift‘s massive Week 1, so the matchup is more neutral than a “smash spot” for JRob. Besides, fantasy points for RBs are driven by volume and that is what Robinson has been getting the last two weeks.

Travis Etienne Jr.Don’t overlook the usage by second-year RB Travis Etienne Jr. who saw steady work with 16 touches for 75 yards on a 43% snap share in Week 3. Simply put, you want to acquire pieces of this ascending Jags offense and ETN’s perception as the No.2 back makes him attainable. As for Week 4, you’d like to see Etienne further progress as part of the team’s passing game, assuming they find themselves in a negative game script. But because the route participation continues to favor Robinson over Etienne (56% to 35%), it’s tough to start Etienne as an RB2 until he actually takes on the receiver role. He’s in the RB3 range as he has been all season, but he’s far from a must-start FLEX option.

 

Week 4 TE Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A+ Travis Kelce KC TB
2 A Mark Andrews BAL BUF
3 A- Kyle Pitts ATL CLE
4 A- Darren Waller LV DEN
5 B+ George Kittle SF LAR
6 B- Dallas Goedert PHI JAC
7 B Zach Ertz ARI CAR
8 C+ T.J. Hockenson DET SEA
9 C Pat Freiermuth PIT NYJ
10 C David Njoku CLE ATL
11 C- Tyler Higbee LAR SF
12 C- Gerald Everett LAC HOU
13 D+ Dawson Knox BUF BAL
14 D Tyler Conklin NYJ PIT
15 D Evan Engram JAC PHI
16 D Hayden Hurst CIN MIA
17 D Irv Smith Jr. MIN NO
18 D Robert Tonyan GB NE
19 D Logan Thomas WAS DAL
20 D- Dalton Schultz DAL WAS
21 D Juwan Johnson NO MIN
22 F Cole Kmet CHI NYG
23 F Hunter Henry NE GB
24 F Albert Okwuegbunam DEN LV
25 F Mike Gesicki MIA CIN
26 F Noah Fant SEA DET
27 F Jonnu Smith NE GB
28 F Cameron Brate TB KC
29 F Harrison Bryant CLE ATL
30 F Taysom Hill NO MIN
31 F Isaiah Likely BAL BUF
32 F Foster Moreau LV DEN
33 F Will Dissly SEA DET
34 F Austin Hooper TEN IND
35 F Mo Alie-Cox IND TEN
36 F Durham Smythe MIA CIN
37 F Daniel Bellinger NYG CHI
38 F Kylen Granson IND TEN
39 F Jelani Woods IND TEN
40 F Ian Thomas CAR ARI
41 F Geoff Swaim TEN IND
42 F O.J. Howard HOU LAC
43 F Tommy Tremble CAR ARI
44 F Jake Ferguson DAL WAS
45 F John Bates WAS DAL
46 F Dan Arnold JAC PHI
47 F Trey McBride ARI CAR
48 F Peyton Hendershot DAL WAS
49 F Brevin Jordan HOU LAC
50 F Adam Trautman NO MIN
51 F Colby Parkinson SEA DET
52 F Pharaoh Brown HOU LAC
53 F Noah Gray KC TB
54 F Johnny Mundt MIN NO
55 F Mitchell Wilcox CIN MIA
56 F Kyle Rudolph TB KC
57 F Eric Saubert DEN LV
58 F Tre’ McKitty LAC HOU
59 F Tyler Davis GB NE
60 F Jody Fortson KC TB
61 F C.J. Uzomah NYJ PIT
62 F Donald Parham Jr. LAC HOU
63 F Jordan Akins HOU LAC
64 F Anthony Firkser ATL CLE
65 F Josiah Deguara GB NE
66 F Quintin Morris BUF BAL
67 F Ryan Griffin CHI NYG
68 F Zach Gentry PIT NYJ
69 F Parker Hesse ATL CLE
70 F Kendall Blanton LAR SF
71 F Tanner Hudson NYG CHI
72 F Josh Oliver BAL BUF
73 F Marcedes Lewis GB NE
74 F Brock Wright DET SEA
75 F Tanner Conner MIA CIN
76 F Jack Stoll PHI JAC
77 F Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN IND
78 F Andrew Beck DEN LV
79 F Ross Dwelley SF LAR
80 F Grant Calcaterra PHI JAC
81 F Stephen Anderson ARI CAR
82 F Jeremy Ruckert NYJ PIT
83 F Chris Myarick NYG CHI
84 F Devin Asiasi CIN MIA
85 F Eric Tomlinson DEN LV
86 F Maxx Williams ARI CAR
87 F Charlie Woerner SF LAR
88 F Cade Otton TB KC
89 F Ben Ellefson MIN NO
90 F Nick Vannett NO MIN
91 F Giovanni Ricci CAR ARI
92 F Armani Rogers WAS DAL
93 F Tommy Sweeney BUF BAL
94 F Miller Forristall CLE ATL
95 F Chris Manhertz JAC PHI
96 F Nick Boyle BAL BUF
97 F Trevon Wesco CHI NYG
98 F Luke Farrell JAC PHI
99 F Stephen Sullivan CAR ARI
100 F Ko Kieft TB KC
101 F Connor Heyward PIT NYJ
102 F Richard Rodgers LAC HOU
103 F Kevin Rader TEN IND
104 F Shane Zylstra DET SEA
105 F Jesper Horsted LV DEN
106 F Jake Tonges CHI NYG
107 F Noah Togiai PHI JAC
108 F Jacob Harris LAR SF
109 F Cole Turner WAS DAL

Notes

Hunter Henry: After finishing as the TE9 in half-PPR fantasy scoring in 2021, Henry has been a nonfactor for the first three weeks of 2022, drawing only five targets and producing 3-28-0. Henry has played 14 more snaps than Jonnu Smith this season, but Smith has six more targets and four more receptions. Henry simply isn’t playable in any fantasy format right now.

Albert Okwuegbunam: A hyped late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts, Okwuegbunam has disappointed this year. He’s No. 2 on the Broncos with 78 routes — but No. 4 with 10 targets, which he has “leveraged” into 6-45-0 receiving. The Raiders are No. 6 in most fantasy points allowed to tight ends (13.8 per game), so he has some theoretical upside, but Okwuegbunam is impossible to trust as anything more than a grasping TE2.

Tyler Higbee: The season is off to a good start for Higbee. His 24 targets rank second on the Rams and third among all TEs. He’s averaging 57 yards per game and 7.1 yards per target. He’s currently the TE10. But the 49ers are a tough matchup. They’re giving up a league-low 1.6 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, who have thus far combined for five receptions and 23 yards. The 49ers were also stingy to TEs last season, although Higbee managed to score three touchdowns against them in two regular-season games. Consider Higbee a low-end TE1.

Mike GesickiGesicki isn’t playable with his current snap rate. In Week 3, he only handled a 5% target share with a 31.8% route run rate. Sadly this isn’t far off his full season marks of 5% and 50%. Bench him until these rates climb (if they do).

Irv Smith Jr.: While Smith has seen his route run rate climb to 60.4% over the last two weeks with a 17.1% target share, with this matchup against the Saints, he’s nothing more than a TE2. New Orleans has been tough against tight ends for multiple seasons, and 2022 isn’t any different. They are third in DVOA against the position with the fourth-fewest receptions and second-lowest receiving yards allowed.

Juwan JohnsonJohnson is a deep league streamer only. The matchup is amazing, and he gets a bump with Thomas out. Minnesota is 28th in DVOA against the position giving up the tenth-most receptions and ninth-most receiving yards. Johnson has seen his route run rate decrease each week from 82.1% down to 57.1% last game. With his 11.6% target share, he is more of a trap than a treasure if the routes are taking a hit.

Week 4 D/ST Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A+ Green Bay Packers GB NE
2 A Dallas Cowboys DAL WAS
3 A Pittsburgh Steelers PIT NYJ
4 A- San Francisco 49ers SF LAR
5 B+ Philadelphia Eagles PHI JAC
6 B+ Los Angeles Rams LAR SF
7 B Los Angeles Chargers LAC HOU
8 B Buffalo Bills BUF BAL
9 B- New Orleans Saints NO MIN
10 B- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB KC
11 C+ Chicago Bears CHI NYG
12 C+ New York Giants NYG CHI
13 C+ Cleveland Browns CLE ATL
14 C Miami Dolphins MIA CIN
15 C Cincinnati Bengals CIN MIA
16 C- Minnesota Vikings MIN NO
17 C- Denver Broncos DEN LV
18 C Carolina Panthers CAR ARI
19 D+ Baltimore Ravens BAL BUF
20 D Indianapolis Colts IND TEN
21 D Arizona Cardinals ARI CAR
22 D- Kansas City Chiefs KC TB
23 D- Detroit Lions DET SEA
24 F New York Jets NYJ PIT
25 F Washington Commanders WAS DAL
26 F Tennessee Titans TEN IND
27 F Atlanta Falcons ATL CLE
28 F Jacksonville Jaguars JAC PHI
29 F New England Patriots NE GB
30 F Las Vegas Raiders LV DEN
31 F Seattle Seahawks SEA DET
32 F Houston Texans HOU LAC

 

Week 4 K Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 4
1 A Justin Tucker BAL BUF
2 B Tyler Bass BUF BAL
3 B Evan McPherson CIN MIA
4 B Daniel Carlson LV DEN
5 B- Jake Elliott PHI JAC
6 C+ Ryan Succop TB KC
7 C+ Younghoe Koo ATL CLE
8 C+ Dustin Hopkins LAC HOU
9 C+ Austin Seibert DET SEA
10 C Greg Joseph MIN NO
11 C Jason Sanders MIA CIN
12 C Brandon McManus DEN LV
13 C Robbie Gould SF LAR
14 C Mason Crosby GB NE
15 C Matt Prater ARI CAR
16 C Cade York CLE ATL
17 C Matt Gay LAR SF
18 C- Chris Boswell PIT NYJ
19 C- Riley Patterson JAC PHI
20 C- Graham Gano NYG CHI
21 D+ Chase McLaughlin IND TEN
22 D+ Brett Maher DAL WAS
23 D+ Wil Lutz NO MIN
24 D Harrison Butker KC TB
25 D Eddy Pineiro CAR ARI
27 D Jason Myers SEA DET
28 D- Randy Bullock TEN IND
29 F Greg Zuerlein NYJ PIT
30 D- Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU LAC
31 F Joey Slye WAS DAL
32 F Cairo Santos CHI NYG
33 F Nick Folk NE GB

 

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