Week 4 Fantasy Football Starters and Waiver Wire Insights

Scott Engel, a seasoned Fantasy Football writer and analyst for Seahawks.com, has entered his 12th year in this role and carries the distinction of being an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association’s Hall of Fame. With four FSWA awards under his belt and 13 nominations, his expertise is undeniable. You can explore further fantasy football insights from him at The Game Day and find his lineup rankings on RotoBaller.com.

The first three weeks of the football season have showcased remarkable performances by rookie players, making waves in the world of fantasy football. One standout talent from Week 3 is Miami’s running back, De’Von Achane, who captured the spotlight. In this Fantasy Insider edition, we’ll delve into several other noteworthy first-year players, aiming to assist you in identifying the next breakout stars or hidden gems that can elevate your fantasy team’s status. While Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba may require some patience, we anticipate satisfying fantasy outputs from them in the near future. Our analysis leans toward Point-Per-Reception (PPR) formats, and we’ve prioritized players to assist with your lineup decisions.

Running Backs

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1. Josh Jacobs – Expect Jacobs to deliver his best fantasy performance of the season against the potent Chargers. Las Vegas aims to control the clock, and Jacobs will be pivotal in executing this strategy. The Chargers currently rank 21st in rushing yards allowed to running backs after three weeks.

2. Zack Moss – Now leading the Colts’ backfield, Moss is coming off a strong Week 3 performance, rushing for 122 yards and catching a 17-yard TD pass. With a relatively neutral fantasy matchup against the Rams, Moss is a solid choice as an RB2 or flex option.

3. Roschon Johnson – The Bears’ rookie could make a significant fantasy impact this week. Johnson has garnered positive attention locally in Chicago, and he faces a favorable matchup against Denver, a defense that has allowed the most rushing yards and touchdowns (seven) to opposing RBs this season.

4. Jaylen Warren – Warren, the Steelers’ RB, faces the 28th-ranked Houston defense in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs this week. His versatility could make him a regular consideration in fantasy lineups.

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1. De’Von Achane – Achane, the Miami rookie, made a stunning fantasy debut in Week 3 with 203 rushing yards and four TDs. Acquiring him will likely require a substantial portion of your Free Agent Budget (FAAB), but his potential impact justifies the investment.

2. Jerick McKinnon – In PPR formats, McKinnon, a veteran and pass-catching specialist for the Kansas City committee, offers valuable contributions.

3. Ezekiel Elliott – While instant impact RBs on the waiver wire are scarce, consider adding Elliott if available. Facing his former team in Week 4, he may serve as a viable plug-in option for future matchups, especially during bye weeks.

4. Elijah Mitchell – Mitchell’s recommendation serves as a reminder to roster the top NFL backups for your primary fantasy RBs. Injuries have already created opportunities for players like Mitchell, who is next in line behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.

Wide Receivers

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1. Tyler Lockett – Lockett remains a dependable choice for fantasy players. Despite tight lineup decisions, he should be active against the Giants, who rank 16th in FFPG allowed to WRs. Lockett benefits from Seattle’s strong rushing performance, setting up play-action opportunities.

2. Tutu Atwell – Atwell, the third-year Ram, has been consistently targeted in the first three games of the 2023 season. Facing the Colts, who rank 26th in FFPG allowed to WRs, Atwell is poised for another strong fantasy performance.

3. Nico Collins – With Tank Dell drawing attention, Collins could thrive against the Steelers, who rank 26th in FFPG allowed to WRs.

4. Jerry Jeudy – Jeudy’s season debut was promising, and he faces Chicago’s 30th-ranked pass defense this week.

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1. Tank Dell – Dell, an exciting Texan receiver, has already shown his potential with impressive performances. Expect more upside in the coming weeks as Houston’s receiving corps gains respect.

2. Adam Thielen – Defying age-related expectations, Thielen has been a consistent fantasy performer with two consecutive games featuring TD catches. Facing his former team, the Vikings, who rank 30th in FFPG allowed to WRs, Thielen is a compelling option.

3. Quentin Johnston – Drafted in the first round by the Chargers in 2023, Johnston has the potential to earn consideration as a fantasy WR3.

4. Marvin Mims Jr. – Mims, a first-year Denver speedster, has showcased his big-play ability, making him an attractive streaming option.

Quarterbacks

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1. C.J. Stroud – Stroud, the Houston QB, has displayed poise and sharpness in his first three NFL games. Facing the Steelers, who rank 22nd in NFL passing defense, makes him a strong addition and starter.

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1. Jameis Winston – In superflex leagues allowing a second QB at a flex position, Winston is a top Week 4 addition. With a well-stocked receiving corps in New Orleans, he offers valuable depth.

Tight Ends

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1. Dalton Kincaid – A shootout is expected in the Bills vs. Dolphins game, and Kincaid may deliver an impressive fantasy performance in Week 4, as Miami ranks 25th in FFPG allowed to TEs.

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1. Luke Musgrave – Musgrave, the Packers’ rookie, garnered eight targets in Week 3 and faces a Detroit defense vulnerable to TEs. Acquire him now before he becomes a hotter waiver wire target next week.

Week 4 Defenses To Stream

Consider streaming the Chiefs (vs. Jets), Seahawks (vs. Giants), or Bengals (vs. Titans) to bolster your fantasy football lineup.

For more comprehensive fantasy football analysis from Scott Engel, explore The Game Day during the 2023 fantasy football season.