Thursday, September 27, 2018

Week 4 Fantasy Football: Quarterbacks Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Philip Rivers is listed below as a "start" for Week 4. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 47 with him as my starting quarterback.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned both Aaron Rodgers and Rivers, you should start Rodgers -- and in turn, bench Rivers.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 4 Fantasy Football QB Start'em

 

QB - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CHI)

While he threw three picks in the first half of the MNF loss, Fitzpatrick rallied the troops in the second half although the Bucs fell three points shy of a come-from-behind victory. In the process, he became the first quarterback in league history to throw for at least 400 yards in three consecutive games.

On the year, Fitzpatrick has thrown for a league-high 1,230 yards to go along with an 11-to-four TD-INT ratio. Only Patrick Mahomes, who broke Peyton Manning's record for most touchdown passes in the first three games of the season, has more touchdowns than Fitzpatrick, who has scored the most fantasy points through Week 3.

Even though former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston is eligible to play following his three-game suspension, it makes sense for the team to continue with Fitzpatrick for at least one more week. Tampa has a bye next week and have a short week in Week 4 following their MNF matchup.

QB - Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. SF)

One of my favorite quarterbacks in the preseason due to his ADP (QB16), Rivers is off to a strong start -- 906 passing yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. Heading into Week 4, Rivers has scored the seventh-most fantasy points amongst quarterbacks and he gets a favorable matchup against the 49ers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. In addition, the 49ers have allowed three consecutive top-10 weekly finishes and 20-plus fantasy points to Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford and Mahomes over the first three weeks of the season.

QB - Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (at DEN)

As noted above, it's been a record-breaking start for Mahomes. As great as Peyton Manning was for the Broncos, Mahomes if off to a hotter three-game start for the Chiefs with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions through three weeks. Only Fitzpatrick has more fantasy points than Mahomes to start the season. As a young quarterback, Mahomes is bound to experience some bumps in the road, but he's as good of a bet to score the most fantasy points in any given week as any quarterback and he has a talented group of offensive weapons at his disposal.

QB - Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CIN)

Following a slow start on the road in the season opener, Ryan has posted strong back-to-back fantasy performances with 30- and 40-point outbursts at home. With another home matchup this week, Ryan ranks as a high-end QB1 this week against the Bengals. Counting two rushing touchdowns in Week 2, Ryan has accounted for nine touchdowns -- seven passing and two rushing -- over his past two games.

 

Week 4 Fantasy Football QB Sit'em

 

QB - Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (vs. HOU)

Luck started the season with 319 passing yards and two touchdowns in the opener against the Bengals, but he has struggled in back-to-back weeks. Over his past two games, Luck has failed to reach the 200-yard mark in both games despite 71 combined pass attempts and he has just three touchdowns and two interceptions. I think better days are ahead for Luck, but for now, it makes sense to continue to take a wait-and-see approach with Luck.

QB - Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (at DAL)

The volume has been there for Stafford, who has thrown 135 pass attempts through three games. Only Ben Roethlisberger and Kirk Cousins (139 each) have thrown more often. Despite the volume, Stafford ranks only 17th in fantasy points through three games as he has thrown almost as many interceptions (five) as touchdowns (six). To be fair, four of those five interceptions occurred in Week 1 and he has finished as the weekly QB9 and QB14 over the past two weeks, respectively.

That said, the Cowboys have allowed the eighth-fewest Y/A (6.58) and only the Jaguars, Rams and Dolphins (two each) have allowed fewer passing touchdowns than the Cowboys (three). Only five teams are projected to score fewer points than the Lions based on implied totals from Vegas odds.

QB - Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. DET)

The Cowboys passing game is so bad that Prescott has become a "sit" even in 2-QB leagues as he's outside my top 24 fantasy quarterbacks. Through three weeks, he has yet to exceed 170 passing yards in a game and he's on pace for 2,656 passing yards and 10.7 touchdowns.

Through 48 NFL games this season, there are 11 instances of a quarterback throwing at least 25 pass attempts but no more than 170 yards. Prescott has three of those 11 games and Sam Bradford, benched for rookie Josh Rosen, is the only other quarterback to do that more than once this season.

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Week 4 Fantasy Football: Running Backs Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Sony Michel is listed below as a "start" for Week 4. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 4 with him as one of my starting running backs.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned Alvin Kamara, Jordan Howard and Michel, you should start Kamara and Howard -- and in turn, bench Michel.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 4 Fantasy Football RB Start'em

 

RB - Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals (at ATL)

If Joe Mixon (knee) misses another game, Bernard would get his second consecutive start. There was a report from Jason La Canfora earlier in the week that Mixon could return this week, but that seems unlikely at this point.

Productive last December with an expanded role, Bernard had 507 yards from scrimmage, 24 receptions and two touchdowns over a five-game stretch over the final month of the 2017 season. With Mixon sidelined in Week 3, Bernard had 12 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown plus five catches for 25 yards. Gio especially has some PPR upside as no team has allowed more receptions to running backs than the Falcons (36) so far this season.

RB - Carlos Hyde, Cleveland Browns (at OAK)

With 65 touches through three games, Hyde has been the team's clear workhorse back. After all, Duke Johnson (15) and second-round rookie Nick Chubb (seven) have combined for just 22 touches. Through three games, Hyde has 61 carries -- second to only Todd Gurley (62 through Week 3) -- for 203 yards and four touchdowns plus four catches for 15 yards. Assuming that the Browns keep this game close (as 2.5-point underdogs), Hyde should once again get a massive workload.

RB - Sony Michel, New England Patriots (vs. MIA)

In two road losses, Michel has a total of 24 carries for just 84 yards (3.5 YPC) and two catches for six yards. Already getting more work than Rex Burkhead, Michel becomes the clear early-down back with Burkhead (neck) placed on Injured Reserve.

With the Patriots returning home, they are favored by a touchdown over the unbeaten Dolphins. If the Patriots establish an early lead, positive game flow could lead to a higher run-play percentage and therefore larger workload for Michel.

Surprisingly enough, the Patriots are one of five teams without a rushing touchdown so far this season and there could be some positive regression in that category for a team that usually ranks at or near the league lead in rushing scores. Based on implied totals from Vegas odds, the Patriots are projected to score the sixth-most points on this week's slate.

RB - Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Raiders (vs. CLE)

Averaging a career-low 3.5 YPC this season, Beast Mode has 55 touches, 203 YFS and three touchdowns as he has scored the 12th-most fantasy points through three games. With seven carries inside the 10-yard line, only Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara (12 each) have more than Lynch. While the Raiders are winless through three games, they are home favorites, which could lead to favorable game script for Lynch and a few more goal-line opportunities.

 

Week 4 Fantasy Football RB Sit'em

 

RB - Peyton Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CHI)

After getting 19 carries for 69 yards in Week 1, Barber has just 29 and 33 yards from scrimmage in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively. Averaging just 2.89 yards per carry this season, Barber has just one catch on four targets this season despite Ryan Fitzpatrick becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400-plus yards in three consecutive games. Given his lack of efficiency as a runner and lack of involvement as a receiver, Barber should be on your bench in Week 4.

RB - Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (vs. PHI)

The workload has been there, but the production has not. Henry has exactly 18 carries in consecutive games, but he has yet to reach 60 rushing yards in a game this season. In addition, he only has one reception for five yards on two targets through three weeks. In a tough matchup against the Eagles, the Titans are projected to score the fifth-fewest real points this week based on implied totals from Vegas odds. That makes Henry more of a flex option than a must-start RB2 this week.

RB - Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (vs. BUF)

While the Bills just pulled off a shocking upset over the Vikings, they once again find themselves as double-digit underdogs against an NFC North playoff contender. Even though positive game script could benefit Green Bay's backfield, it's hard to trust any of the team's running backs in Week 4, especially now that Aaron Jones has returned from his two-game suspension.

After getting 15-plus carries in back-to-back games with Jones suspended, Williams had just five carries for 29 yards and two receptions for 16 yards last week. In fact, Ty Montgomery led the backfield with 10 touches in Week 3. With Jones being a more effective runner, it wouldn't be a surprise if Williams finishes third in the backfield in touches in Week 4.

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Week 4 Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Tyler Lockett is listed below as a "start" for Week 4. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 4 with him as one of my starting wide receivers.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned Julio Jones, Davante Adams and Lockett, you should start Jones and Adams -- and in turn, bench Lockett.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 4 Fantasy Football WR Start'em

 

WR - JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. BAL)

Taking a big step forward in his second season, Smith-Schuster has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in all three games this season and the streak extends to four games counting Week 17 last year. On the year, Smith-Schuster has 27 catches for 356 yards, both of which are third-most amongst wide receivers, and a touchdown on 38 targets.

Although the Ravens have been middle of the road in terms of limiting opposing fantasy wide receivers (17th), Smith-Schuster is a bonafide WR1 (top-12) fantasy option this week. Of course, he won't have 100-plus yards every week, but it's also likely that the lack of touchdown production reverses itself in the near future as well.

WR - Will Fuller, Houston Texans (at IND)

Fuller and Deshaun Watson have played in six games together over the past two seasons. Granted it's a relatively small sample size, but Fuller has scored in all six of those games. In fact, he has a total of nine touchdowns in the six games that the two have played together. Missing Week 1, Fuller has not only scored but he has exceeded 100 receiving yards in back-to-back games.

As one of the faster receivers in the league, Fuller has tons of big-play potential. Even more important to his fantasy success, however, Fuller has a total of 20 targets in two games with 29.03% and 28.95% target share in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively. With DeAndre Hopkins drawing so much defensive attention, Fuller has the potential to have productive outings even without scoring if he continues to receive that type of volume.

WR - Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams (vs. MIN)

You could argue that all three of the team's top receivers are viable starts this week. Through three weeks, Woods, Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp rank 17th, 19th and 29th in fantasy points scored amongst wide receivers (standard scoring).

Heavily-targeted on a consistent basis, Woods is one of eight players to have at least nine targets in all three games this season. While he was relatively quiet in the first two games (3/37 and 6/81), Woods exploed for 10/104/2 and the second-most fantasy points last week.

WR - Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (at ARI)

With Doug Baldwin sidelined to begin the season, Lockett has stepped up. Even though the Seahawks rank in the bottom 10 in pass attempts (95) and Lockett has yet to exceed seven targets in a game, he has scored each week and has finished with a minimum of 59 yards in each game.

In standard-scoring formats, Lockett has finished as the weekly WR21, WR26 and WR10, respectively, so far this season. If Baldwin sits one more game, Lockett is in the WR2 conversation for Week 4.

 

Week 4 Fantasy Football WR Sit'em

 

WR - Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders (vs. CLE)

Yet to score a touchdown this season, Cooper has had one productive game (10/116 in Week 2) and two duds (1/9 in Week 1 and 2/17 in Week 3). Talented enough to perform (at least) as a WR2 in any given week, it's also difficult to trust Cooper given his inconsistency. Until/unless we see more consistency from Cooper, he's more of a WR3 than a top-25 option.

WR - Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (vs. SEA)

The anemic Cardinals offense will go in a new direction as rookie Josh Rosen will make his first career start. The good news is things can't go much worse as the Cardinals have scored a league-low 20 points through three games. In fact, the Cowboys rank 31st in scoring offense and have more than twice as many points as the Cardinals. Through three games, Fitzgerald has 7/76 (WR40), 3/28 (WR85) and 2/9 (WR100), respectively.

WR - Chris Hogan, New England Patriots (vs. MIA)

Even though Hogan scored a pair of touchdowns against the Jags in Week 2, he has yet to exceed three receptions or 42 yards in a game this season. Teammate Julian Edelman will serve the final game of his four-game suspension this week and perhaps Josh Gordon will be inactive once again. That said, it's a difficult matchup for Hogan as Xavien Howard has developed into one of the better young corners in the league.

WR - Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers (at LAC)

After sitting out Week 2, Goodwin returned to post a 3/30/1 stat line in Week 3 against the Chiefs. Given the injury to Jimmy Garoppolo (ACL), it downgrades the outlook for all of the offensive options in the 49ers offense. In addition to the downgrade with C.J. Beathard at quarterback, the matchup against Casey Heyward isn't a good one either.

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Week 4 Fantasy Football TE Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Jared Cook is listed below as a "start" for Week 4. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 4 with him as my starting tight end.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned both Travis Kelce and Cook, you should start Kelce -- and in turn, bench Cook.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 4 Fantasy Football TE Start'em

 

TE - Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders (vs. CLE)

Through three weeks, Cook has a total of 18 receptions for a TE-leading 260 yards on 22 targets. Scoring the fifth-most fantasy points amongst tight ends in standard-scoring formats, only Kansas City's Travis Kelce has more PPR points than Cook and only Philadelphia's Zach Ertz has more receptions than the Raider tight end.

Granted, Cook went off for 9/180 on 12 targets in Week 1, but he has four and five receptions, respectively, over the past two weeks. With the rash of injuries -- Delanie Walker, Greg Olsen and Evan Engram -- this season decimating an already-weak position, Cook has top-six upside this week.

TE - Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts (vs. HOU)

Missing last week and practice on Wednesday, Jack Doyle could be held out another week. If so, Ebron stands to receive another heavy dose of targets. Ebron missed practice himself on Wednesday, but he returned as a full practice participant on Thursday. While he only had five catches for 33 yards in Week 3, the 11 targets with Doyle sidelined is very encouraging for his Week 4 outlook.

TE - O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CHI)

With Jameis Winston suspended for the first three weeks, Ryan Fitzpatrick became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in three consecutive games. Given their Week 5 bye and short week (after playing on Monday Night Football), it's likely that Fitzpatrick starts at least one more week even if the team is not yet willing to declare a starter.

Going into the season, most expected Howard to take a step forward in his sophomore campaign and he has. Setting season highs last week with six receptions on eight targets, Howard finished with 72 yards and now has more than 50 yards in three consecutive games. Heading into Week 4, Howard has 11/222/1 on 14 targets and the second-most fantasy points (fourth in PPR).

 

Week 4 Fantasy Football TE Sit'em

 

As noted above, there have been several key injuries at tight ends. With three top-10 tight ends (based on ADP) suffering multi-week or even season-ending injuries, it made a weak position weaker. With bye weeks beginning this week, fantasy owners have to deal with Jordan Reed not playing this week as well.

That said, the majority of the tight ends that sit outside of top 12 feel somewhat obvious as tight ends you'd prefer to sit.

TE - Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. BAL)

With eight catches for 198 yards and a touchdown in his first two games, James was targeted only once against the Bucs. Meanwhile, Vance McDonald went off for 4/112/1, which included a 75-yard touchdown. With both tight ends healthy, I would expect McDonald to outproduce James as a receiving option and it could be another quiet outing for James. In addition, the Ravens have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.

TE - Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks (at ARI)

As expected, Dissly's Week 1 performance (3/105/1) remains his best performance of the season up to this point although he followed that up with a touchdown in Week 2 as well. Against the Cowboys in Week 3, Dissly had just one catch for four yards on three targets. Except for weeks where he scores, which I suppose is the case for most tight ends, he's unlikely to have a top-12 fantasy performance.

TE - Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills (at GB)

Once a borderline TE1, Clay has a total of four catches for 47 yards on eight targets this season. Perhaps he becomes more of a safety valve for a rookie quarterback on a WR-deficient squad as the season progresses, but he should remain on benches (and more precisely, waiver wires) in standard-sized leagues.

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Monday, September 24, 2018

2018 Fantasy Football QB Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

Week 4 begins bye season as both Carolina (Cam Newton) and Washington (Alex Smith) have byes this week.

Fortunately for owners who need a bye-week replacement or those that stream, there are several quarterbacks likely to be on your league's free-agent pool with plus matchups. In fact, the five best matchups for Week 4 are for quarterbacks currently owned in less than half of Yahoo! leagues.

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With that said, here are some quarterback waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Eli Manning, New York Giants (18 percent)

Manning had his best game of the season on Sunday as he completed 25-of-29 for nearly 300 yards (297) and two touchdowns. (In his first two games, Manning had just one touchdown and one interception.) Hosting his hometown team in Week 4, Eli and the Giants will have a chance to build upon their momentum.

Through Sunday's games, no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than the Saints, who have allowed a pair of five-TD performances from Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1 and Matt Ryan in Week 3. In fact, there have been three 40-point fantasy performances this season and the Saints have allowed two of them; their own Drew Brees has the other.

2. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins ( percent)

Yet to throw more than 28 pass attempts in a game, Tannehill and the Dolphins extended their unbeaten streak to 3-0 as they sit atop the AFC East. Facing Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 4, it's likely that Tannehill airs it out more than 28 times this upcoming week as road underdogs.

Despite the relatively low volume, Tannehill has thrown multiple touchdowns in all three games this season. Through Sunday's games, Tannehill has the 12th-most fantasy points amongst quarterbacks and he's a solid streaming option this week.

3. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals ( percent)

Bad news first, Dalton threw four picks in Cincinnati's loss to Carolina on Sunday. That said, he has thrown multiple touchdowns in every game this season with a season-high 352 yards this past week. In addition, the volume has been there with 42-plus pass attempts in back-to-back weeks. With a road matchup against the Falcons, it's possible that his Week 4 matchup develops into a shootout.

4. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens ( percent)

Through three weeks, Flacco has a total of 129 pass attempts including 40-plus in back-to-back games. And if it weren't for a 44-point blowout of the Bills featuring Lamar Jackson in the second half, it'd likely be three consecutive games.

Going into Monday Night Football, the Steelers (Flacco's Week 4 opponent) have their share of problems, but the defense is the team's biggest concern at the moment. In their first two games, they allowed Tyrod Taylor (QB6) and Patrick Mahomes (QB1) to both finish as top-six weekly performers. A high-volume week in a plus matchup could be enough to make Flacco a viable Week 4 streamer.

5. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (12 percent)

With Tyrod Taylor concussed on Thursday night, Mayfield came in to complete 17-of-23 pass attempts for 201 yards as he led the Browns to come-from-behind victory, their first in more than 600 days. Not surprising (but now official), the Browns have announced that Mayfield will start Week 4 against the Raiders. Far from a weekly starter in fantasy for now, this year's No. 1 overall draft pick could be a fringe QB1 weeks when he has a plus matchup.

6. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (three percent)

Leading the Bills to a surprising win over the Vikings, Allen threw for 196 yards and a touchdown to go along with 10 carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns. The big, strong-armed rookie quarterback has the physical tools for some big -- yet uneven -- fantasy performances even if he isn't surrounded by a ton of talent. Facing another NFC North team, Allen and the Bills will head to Lambeau to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in Week 4.

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2018 Fantasy Football RB Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some running back waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Javorius Allen, Baltimore Ravens (26 percent)

Going into Week 3, Alex Collins and Allen had an identical 20 touches. Collins (21 touches) dominated the Week 3 workload, but Allen (nine touches) extended his touchdown streak to three games and now has four scores on the season. With 13 receptions through three games, Allen is better in PPR formats and has finished as a top-20 weekly PPR back in each of the first three weeks of the season.

2. Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills (six percent)

It was a surprising outcome for the Bills as they handedly beat the Vikings at home this week. Given the favorable game script, Ivory had 20 carries for 56 yards and added three catches for 70 yards on four targets. We shouldn't count on 55-yard receptions from Ivory, but if LeSean McCoy (ribs) misses another game, Ivory could become a volume-based flex play.

3. Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions (29 percent)

Rookie Kerryon Johnson just ended the Lions 100-yard rushing drought, but Riddick has failed to get a carry in either of the previous two games. That said, he gets plenty of opportunities as a receiver. Through three weeks, he has 17 receptions for 98 yards on 22 targets, the sixth-most amongst running backs heading into Monday Night Football. Riddick should be owned in all leagues with full PPR scoring settings.

4. Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers (16 percent)

Part of a three-back committee with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, who returned from suspension in Week 3, Montgomery led the group with 10 touches -- six receptions and four carries -- for 64 yards. Montgomery has seen his touches increase each week although he's more of a deep league option for now.

5. Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles (one percent)

With Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles both out, it was Corey Clement (19 touches) and Smallwood (13) splitting the workload against the Colts. While he got fewer touches, Smallwood (91) had more scrimmage yards than Clement (75) and he was the one to score the touchdown. If both Ajayi and Sproles miss another game, Smallwood could be a useful fantasy asset in Week 4.

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2018 Fantasy Football WR Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some wide receiver waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons (43 percent)

Beginning his NFL career with a goose egg in Week 1, Ridley has made his presence felt over the past two weeks. Recording a 4/64/1 line on five targets in Week 2, the first-round rookie exploded for seven catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3. Due to his monster performance on Sunday, only Tyreek Hill and Michael Thomas have more fantasy points scored than Ridley in standard-scoring formats through Sunday night. (He's seventh in PPR formats.)

2. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals (15 percent)

Once again, Boyd had another big performance. Of course, A.J. Green, who left Sunday's game with a groin injury, is the team's clear WR1 when healthy, but Boyd has led the team in receiving in consecutive games -- 6/91/1 and 6/132/1 in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, on a combined 16 targets. Especially in PPR formats and with bye weeks beginning in Week 4, Boyd is moving into the WR3 conversation. At a minimum, he's a better fantasy option than teammate John Ross.

3. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41 percent)

Productive when given an opportunity in the second half of his rookie season, Godwin continued to generate plenty of buzz in the offseason. Heading into Monday Night Football, Godwin has had two good games -- 3/41/1 and 5/56/1 -- to start the 2018 season. Of course, Ryan Fitzpatrick (or Jameis Winston) won't keep going off with 400/4 type games, but Godwin has the talent for his role in the offense to continue to expand as the season progresses.

4. Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers (34 percent)

Allison set season lows with two catches and four targets in Week 3, but the team's No. 3 receiver now has 64-plus yards in all three games this season. Going into MNF, Allison is one of just eight receivers (including the only on his team) with at least 64 yards in three straight games. A top-30 performer in both PPR and standard-scoring formats going into Monday night, Allison has 13 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

5. Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns (33 percent)

Although he had a more productive fantasy outing (3/81/1) in Week 2, Callaway had the type of volume (10 targets) that is really encouraging for his outlook going forward. With Josh Gordon traded to the Patriots, he may not get double-digit targets every week but 6-8 in a typical week would seem reasonable.

6. Ted Ginn Jr., New Orleans Saints (36 percent)

Targeted at least six times in each of the team's first three games, Ginn set season lows with three catches and 12 yards in the team's Week 3 overtime shootout with the Falcons, but he scored his second touchdown of the season. On the year, Ginn has 12 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Playing in the high-powered, Drew Brees-led offense, Ginn always has the potential for a big game.

7. Jakeem Grant, Miami Dolphins (3 percent)

Grant turned three targets into two touchdown receptions for 70 yards in Sunday's win over Oakland. While the big plays are great and Grant finished with 19.0 fantasy points, the (lack of) volume could limit the amount of useful fantasy performances in the future, especially with the return of DeVante Parker. While Parker has been a disappointment, Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Danny Amendola and Parker are all better or equal fantasy options within Miami's receiving corps.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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2018 Fantasy Football TE Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some tight end waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals (51 percent)

Yet to score a touchdown this season, Eifert has the potential in any given week to score a touchdown or two. At the same time, durability has always been the concern as he played just 24 games over the previous four seasons combined. Healthy now, Eifert had his best game (6/74 on eight targets) in Week 3.

While A.J. Green left Sunday's game early and appears likely to play in Week 4, his absence would help Eifert's short-term cause. In a year where tight end is weaker than usual and made worse by some serious injuries to Delanie Walker and Greg Olsen, Eifert has the potential to be a helpful fantasy asset that should be owned in more than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

[Eifert was at 50 percent Monday morning so I'm violating my own self-imposed rule by including him here now that his ownership level has crept up by one percent.]

2. Ben Watson, New Orleans Saints (44 percent)

In Sunday's overtime win against the Falcons, Watson had five catches for 71 yards on six targets, all of which were season highs. In an offense bound to score lots of points in any given week, Watson naturally has some built-in weekly upside. Historically, the Giants, Watson's Week 4 opponent, have been a fantasy-friendly defense to opposing tight ends even if they have limited their TE-deficient opponents early this season.

3. Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers (11 percent)

With 10/112 on a team-high 16 targets in their playoff loss to the Jaguars last year, there was some early offseason buzz that McDonald's momentum would carry over into the 2018 season although he missed the season opener. Returning in Week 2, McDonald had three catches for 26 yards on five targets. At the time of this post (halftime of MNF), McDonald already has a productive Week 3 with a 75-yard touchdown. Going forward, I'd expect McDonald to outscore teammate Jesse James assuming both tight ends are healthy.

4. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (two percent)

Goedert goes into MNF with the most fantasy points at tight end so far this week as the rookie tight end had seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown against the Colts on Sunday. Before Sunday's game, however, he had just one catch for four yards in his two previous games. Rookie tight ends struggle to make a consistent impact and that may continue to be the case when the offense is back to full health.

5. Jake Butt, Denver Broncos (five percent)

Butt had just two catches for eight yards on three targets against the Ravens in Week 3. Through three games, he has eight catches for 85 yards on 13 targets. Those numbers aren't necessarily anything to write home about, but Butt has perhaps the best possible matchup of the week against the Chiefs in Week 4, especially if Eric Berry misses another game. Going into MNF, no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends than the Chiefs.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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Saturday, September 22, 2018

Week 3 Fantasy Football: Quarterbacks Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Ryan Fitzpatrick is listed below as a "start" for Week 3. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 37 with him as my starting quarterback.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned both Drew Brees and Fitzpatrick, you should start Brees -- and in turn, bench Fitzpatrick.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 3 Fantasy Football QB Start'em

 

QB - Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. SF)

It would be difficult for things to go much better for Mahomes so far in 2017. Throwing six touchdowns against the Steelers in Week 2, the second-year quarterback has started the season with 10 passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. Here's the list of quarterbacks (in NFL history) that have thrown at least 10 touchdowns in the first two games of a season: Mahomes. End of list.

Going into the season as a high-upside, fringe top-12 quarterback, Mahomes is now the QB1 in my Week 3 rankings. If you own Mahomes as a backup with Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or another elite quarterback, I'd sit Brady, Rodgers or any other high-end quarterback in favor of Mahomes. In what should be one of the highest-scoring matchups of the week, Mahomes and the Chiefs have the highest implied total of the week based on Week 3 Vegas odds.

QB - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. PIT)

Just as we all expected, Fitzpatrick leads all quarterbacks in fantasy points through two games as the Bucs head into Week 3 looking to close out the Jameis Winston suspension with a 3-0 record. Not only has he vastly exceeded expectations, but Fitzpatrick has done something only two other NFL quarterbacks (Dan Marino and Billy Volek) have ever done -- thrown for 400-plus yards with four-plus touchdowns in back-to-back games.

As inconsistent as Fitzpatrick has been over his career, it wouldn't be a shocker if Fitzpatrick laid an egg this week. At the same time, I'd be comfortable to start him against the Steelers, who just allowed Mahomes to throw six touchdowns last week. Although the season is young, only the Chiefs have allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than the Steelers.

QB - Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (vs. NO)

Scoring four total touchdowns -- two passing and two rushing -- last week against the Panthers, Ryan bounced back with a 30.68-point fantasy performance (QB5) in Week 2. After peppering Julio Jones with 19 targets in Week 1, Ryan spread the ball around in Week 2 with more of offense involved.

Even though second-year cornerback Marshon Lattimore has struggled early in the season, he's a talented corner so keeping the rest of the offense involved would be helpful for Ryan's Week 3 outlook. Early this season, the Saints have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and only three teams -- Chiefs (31.0), Patriots (30.5) and Vikings (28.5) -- have a higher implied total than the Falcons (28.25) for the week.

 

Week 3 Fantasy Football QB Sit'em

 

QB - Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers (at LAR)

Throwing three touchdowns and finishing with 22-plus fantasy points in each of his first two games, Rivers gets a more difficult matchup this week against their cross-town rival. In fact, no team has allowed fewer fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through two weeks. Part of that has to do with the fact that they faced the Raiders and Cardinals, but they have an elite secondary and dominant defensive line so it won't be easy for Rivers to scrape together a useful fantasy outing in Week 3.

QB - Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (at PHI)

Over his three previous full seasons, Luck has finished as a top-four fantasy quarterback in each of those seasons. After missing all of last season, Luck has completed 60-of-84 pass attempts (71.43%) for 498 yards (5.93 Y/A), four touchdowns and three interceptions so far in 2018 with only nine rushing yards. In a difficult matchup against the Eagles, it's possible that Luck continues to perform more like a QB2 than a QB1 and he's ranked outside of my top 12 for the week.

QB - Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. IND)

While the matchup isn't too difficult for Wentz, I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with him as he returns from his torn ACL. Especially considering some top weapons (Alshon Jeffery, Jay Ajayi, etc.) will also be out, it's possible that he gets off to a slow'ish start in his return. While not a terrible option, Wentz is ranked just outside my top 12.

- More Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em for Week 3

Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings:
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