Sit ‘Em for Week 4 Fantasy Football: Who Should I Start With Instead? (2024)

Week 4 of the fantasy football season is underway, and while we’ve drafted certain players at a high price, it’s okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase “start your stallions” and it is a tried and true method, especially early in the season. However, we must adapt as new information, injuries, difficult matchups and/or questionable team situations arise. In this issue I’ll be covering Jordan Love, Javonte Williams and Michael Pittman Jr.

The fantasy football season has been brutal so far with injuries and disappointing cleats. There are better days ahead, but for now, precautions are needed until busts like Javonte Williams and Michael Pittman Jr. show signs of life.

Here’s a look at some fantasy football players who have shown red flags recently and you should think twice about adding them to your lineup in Week 4. If you have any issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon at X.

Be sure to check out all of our 2024 fantasy football rankings:

Quarterback Concerns – Sit ‘Em for Week 4?

Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Love is back as QB1 for the Packers after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. Malik Willis has performed admirably in his absence, but the former first-round pick is ready to play again. While Love has been training since last week, we shouldn’t rely entirely on his knee and mobility in his first game back. Love will reportedly carry a double-header, which will likely limit his fantasy potential as his rushing upside will be limited.

Additionally, Minnesota’s defense ranks first in total defensive DVOA for three weeks (via FTN). They are first against the run and second against the pass. The Vikings aren’t at full strength on defense, but that’s mitigated by a smart DC like Brian Flores. Love has the advantage of healthy weapons and protection, but in all likelihood you won’t ask too much of her in this game.

Who should you start instead?

Justin Fields – Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Justin Fields doesn’t score like Chicago’s Justin Fields, but that’s because he plays an efficient, game-controlling style of football. Fields is currently tied with Bo Nix as QB20 in fantasy football, but that should change in Week 4. Pittsburgh hasn’t forced Fields to come loose often, but that could change this weekend against the Colts in Indianapolis as Anthony Richardson is a formidable opponent.

The Colts are 16th in defensive DVOA so far and will be without star DT DeForest Buckner. Meanwhile, the Steelers will play RB Jaylen Warren, which could emphasize the performance of Justin Fields.

Running Back Concerns – Sit ‘Em for Week 4?

Javonte Williams – Denver Broncos at New York Jets

Javonte Williams remains the Denver Broncos’ starter as he has played no less than 51% of the snaps so far but is averaging 2.2 yards per carry on 24 attempts. The Broncos are not committed to him beyond this season and will need results sooner rather than later given the younger RBs on their depth chart, like Jalel, who could deserve more work.

The Jets’ defense hasn’t been elite through three games, but they still have enough talent to figure it out. Denver surprised the weakened Buccaneers team last week, but it’s unlikely they’ll have similar success in New York.

Who should you start instead?

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Carolina Panthers offense looks competent with Andy Dalton at center. This is important not only for the pass catchers, but also for Chuba Hubbard and the backfield. Hubbard leads the RB room on a weekly basis and totaled 26 touches in the last game against Las Vegas. Carolina’s offensive line is better than its 2023 version and is evident in Hubbard’s career-high 5.2 average.

Cincinnati’s defense has lost key interior pieces on its line and ranks 24th overall and 17th against the rush. If Andy Dalton plays half as well as he did last week, Hubbard should be in for another big game.

Wide Receiver Concerns – Sit ‘Em for Week 4?

Michael Pittman Jr. – Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. has rushed for 88 yards on 20 targets in three weeks. He’s a much better receiver than this production suggests, but Anthony Richardson’s growing pains this season will wear on him until their chemistry – and Richardson’s accuracy – corrects.

The Colts face a strong Steelers defense this week that ranks fifth against the pass. Indianapolis has had plenty of ground success thanks to the talents of Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line, but several OL players are injured this week. It makes sense to bench Pittman Jr. with Josh Downs back, Alec Pierce performing and Richardson struggling.

Who should you start instead?

Jakobi Meyers – Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns

Davante Adams is out this week with a hamstring injury, making Jakobi Meyers a good starting option across all formats. Meyers is a talented receiver, but his presence on offense is overshadowed by elite talents like Adams and Brock Bowers. If the Raiders had a better QB than Gardner Minshew, Meyers could produce regardless of the players around him. However, offenses with limited quarterback play tend to consolidate.

The Browns defense is talented, but Myles Garrett is banged up and they were average early in the season. Meyers had 9 targets last week against the Panthers and has seen an increase on a weekly basis. Unless the Raiders’ rushing attack miraculously revives, Meyers will be a crucial part of the game plan.

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