Getty Images. Pictured: Rams WR Cooper Kupp, Titans RB Derrick Henry, Raiders TE Darren Waller
Getting ready to make your fantasy start/sit decisions for Week 4?
I’ve outlined my Week 4 fantasy football rankings into tiers for each position: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends — even kickers and defenses — so that you can make the sharpest decisions for your lineups based on matchups and other factors that shift week-to-week.
The following tiers are based on my early-week rankings, so you’ll want to check back on Sunday before locking in your lineups for the main slate. But in the meantime, you can check my real-time rankings here.
Week 4 Fantasy Rankings & Tiers
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| QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF |
QUARTERBACKS
Tier 1
Josh Allen (vs. HOU)
Josh Allen returned to his 2020 form in Week 3, posting the top score of the week. Everyone who rostered him can take a sigh of relief and expect top-three production going forward.
Allen is the QB1 this week as he should have his way against the Texans, however he may not need to keep his foot on the gas for all four quarters since the Bills are massive 16.5-point favorites (check real-time NFL odds here), which lowers his ceiling slightly.
Tier 2
Patrick Mahomes (@ PHI)
Jalen Hurts (vs. KC)
Kyler Murray (@ LAR)
Justin Herbert (vs. LV)
There is no need to overthink this tier. Kyler Murray has a difficult matchup against the Rams, but he is matchup-proof at this point.
Tier 3
Tom Brady (@ NE)
Matthew Stafford (vs. ARI)
Lamar Jackson (@ DEN)
Dak Prescott (vs. CAR)
Tom Brady should be extra motivated as he makes his return to Foxborough this week. He also needs only 68 passing yards to pass Drew Brees for the most all-time, so I expect Brady to go off on Sunday Night Football.
Lamar Jackson has a tough matchup, but his dual-threat ability makes him impossible to bench. Additionally, first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman should return to action over the next couple weeks, so the needle is pointing up for Jackson’s rest-of-season value.
Tier 4
Russell Wilson (@ SF)
Aaron Rodgers (vs. PIT)
Derek Carr (@ LAC)
Ryan Tannehill (@ NYJ)
After throwing for 380+ in all three games to begin the season, it’s time to treat Carr as a low-end QB1. The Raiders rank sixth in early-down pass frequency, so it’s clear they intend to lean on Carr more heavily.
Ryan Tannehill’s final Week 4 rank will depend on the status of both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Right now, I’m ranking Tannehill with the assumption that only Jones will be able to suit up this week, with Brown sitting out.
Tier 5
Kirk Cousins (vs. CLE)
Taylor Heinicke (@ ATL)
Joe Burrow (vs. JAX)
Sam Darnold (@ DAL)
Justin Fields (vs. DET)
With Carr and Cousins already rostered in 50%+ of leagues, Taylor Heinicke is my favorite streaming option for Week 4. He has his easiest matchup to date against the Falcons, and it’s only a matter of time until he flashes his rushing upside.
Justin Fields had a debut to forget as he threw for only 68 yards and was sacked nine (!) times. He should bounce back in a much easier matchup against a Lions defense that ranks 31st in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. Fields is a high-risk, high-reward QB2 play if he ends up getting the start.
Tier 6
Baker Mayfield (@ MIN)
Matt Ryan (vs. WAS)
Teddy Bridgewater (vs. BAL)
Jacoby Brissett (vs. IND)
Daniel Jones (@ NO)
Jimmy Garoppolo (vs. SEA)
Daniel Jones seems to be without 1-3 of his pass-catchers every single week.
This Sunday, it looks like he could be without Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, which will ding Jones’ passing projections slightly. However, his rushing upside has reached elite levels as he has accounted for more than 30% of the Giants’ rush attempts in all three games so far. That sort of usage gives him a high floor, high ceiling combo for a QB2.
He may be the first (and last person) ever to do this to Grady Jarrett (from Week 3):
Did I just see Daniel Jones truck 305-pound Grady Jarrett? pic.twitter.com/D8DoFENZkj
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) September 26, 2021
Tier 7
Trevor Lawrence (@ CIN)
Mac Jones (vs. TB)
Jameis Winston (vs. NYG)
Ben Roethlisberger (@ GB)
Jared Goff (@ CHI)
I am very concerned about Trevor Lawrence’s rest-of-season value. Only 76.1% of his pass attempts have been catchable (dead-last out of 35 QBs), and his 5.9% interception rate ranks second. The one silver lining for Lawrence is the coaching staff has told him to lean on his rushing ability more. As a result, I’m viewing him on the QB2/3 fringe until I see massive improvements.
Tier 8
Carson Wentz (@ MIA)
Zach Wilson (vs. TEN)
Zach Wilson could sneak into the QB2 discussion at some point this season, but he is only an emergency QB3 play for right now.
Tier 9
Davis Mills (@ BUF)
Tier 10
Taysom Hill (vs. NYG)
Trey Lance (vs. SEA)
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RUNNING BACKS
Tier 1
Derrick Henry (@ NYJ)
King Henry takes the throne as the unquestioned RB1 for Week 4.
Dating back to last season, Henry has averaged 144 rushing yards per game in the Titans’ 13 wins and only 84 yards per game in their six losses. Considering they’re 7-point favorites, I expect them to lean on Henry heavily here. His only weakness (in fantasy) has been his lack of receiving usage. However, he is averaging 4.0 receptions through three games, and his underlying usage makes me comfortable projecting him for about three catches this week.
Henry is the unquestioned RB1 with CMC on the shelf.
Tier 2
Alvin Kamara (vs. NYG)
Aaron Jones (vs. PIT)
Najee Harris (@ GB)
Dalvin Cook (vs. CLE)
Joe Mixon (vs. JAX)
Last week I hinted that the offensive line issues could force the Steelers to use Harris in the passing game more. Sure enough, he erupted for a 14 catches and 102 receiving yards with a pedestrian 14 attempts for 40 yards on the ground.
Dalvin Cook is shaping up to be a game-time decision. I’m only ranking him here as a placeholder — we can revisit this situation later in the week when we know more. Alexander Mattison would shoot up to about Tier 4 if Cook is ruled out again.
Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Alexander MattisonTier 3
Nick Chubb (@ MIN)
Austin Ekeler (vs. LV)
Ezekiel Elliott (vs. CAR)
Ezekiel Elliott predictably struggled against the Buccaneers in Week 1, but bounced back in Weeks 2-3 to post the RB3 overall score. It was a good lesson on why it’s important not to overreact to one-game sample sizes.
Yes, Tony Pollard will eat into Zeke’s usage, but this is still Zeke’s backfield. And the Cowboys offense is potent enough for both RBs to thrive.
Tier 4
D’Andre Swift (@ CHI)
Jonathan Taylor (@ MIA)
David Montgomery (vs. DET)
Antonio Gibson (@ ATL)
Saquon Barkley (@ NO)
All signs point to Saquon Barkley being at or near 100% health after posting a top-10 finish for the first time this season. However, we need to temper expectations this week as he faces a stingy Saints defense that ranks third in DVOA against the run. Therefore, I’m treating him as a high-end RB2 for Week 4.
Tier 5
Chris Carson (@ SF)
Chuba Hubbard (@ DAL)
Miles Sanders (vs. KC)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (@ PHI)
Chuba Hubbard should provide high-end RB2 value as long as CMC remains out of the lineup (a la Mike Davis last season). It’s still unclear how long CMC will be out for, but the Panthers’ opting not to place him on the IR (yet) was encouraging news.
If forced to guess, I would estimate that we see CMC return in Week 6, making Hubbard a two-week rental. He will still be worth stashing on the bench after CMC returns, though.
Tier 6
Kareem Hunt (@ MIN)
James Robinson (@ CIN)
Chase Edmonds (@ LAR)
Zack Moss (vs. HOU)
Melvin Gordon (vs. BAL)
Mike Davis (vs. WAS)
Myles Gaskin (vs. IND)
Damien Harris (vs. TB)
Zack Moss appears to have leapfrogged Devin Singletary at just the right time. As a result, Moss should be viewed as a low-end RB2 in a smash spot against the Texans.
In a potential negative game script, Damien Harris is the type of RB I would prefer to sit against a stout Buccaneers run defense. However, with James White out for the season, we could see J.J. Taylor take over that role — this matchup would set up better for him.
Tier 7
Jamaal Williams (@ CHI)
Devin Singletary (vs. HOU)
Cordarrelle Patterson (vs. WAS)
Trey Sermon (vs. SEA)
Nyheim Hines (@ MIA)
Sony Michel (vs. ARI)
Javonte Williams (vs. BAL)
Darrell Henderson (vs. ARI)
Leonard Fournette (@ NE)
Trey Sermon was underwhelming in his Week 3 start, bailing out his 10/31/1 rushing line with a late touchdown. Elijah Mitchell could return to action this week, making the 49ers’ RB situation murky (again) heading into Week 4.
Check my updated tiers on Saturday before making any sit/start decisions once we have a better handle on this situation. The same goes for the Rams.
Tier 8
Elijah Mitchell (vs. SEA)
Josh Jacobs (@ LAC)
Ty’Son Williams (@ DEN)
Michael Carter (vs. TEN)
The Raiders’ RB situation will also depend on Josh Jacobs’ status this week. I’m worried that even once Jacobs can return to action, this could turn into a three-way committee with him, Kenyan Drake and Peyton Barber. Therefore, Jacobs is the rare player I would recommend potentially “selling low” on while you can.
Bobby Ellis/Getty Images. Pictured: Josh JacobsTier 9
Kenyan Drake (@ LAC)
J.D. McKissic (@ ATL)
Latavius Murray (@ DEN)
Tony Pollard (vs. CAR)
James Conner (@ LAR)
James Conner will see a boost whenever the Cardinals provide a positive game script, which is why we need to temper expectations against the Rams with the Cardinals positioned as 4-point underdogs. This is a better matchup for Chase Edmonds.
Tier 10
Kenneth Gainwell (vs. KC)
Ronald Jones II (@ NE)
A.J. Dillon (vs. PIT)
Mark Ingram (@ BUF)
Carlos Hyde (@ CIN)
Royce Freeman (@ DAL)
Kyle Juszczyk (vs. SEA)
Alexander Mattison (vs. CLE)
Ty Johnson (vs. TEN)
J.J. Taylor (vs. TB)
Darrel Williams (@ PHI)
Like I mentioned earlier, Mattison would jump to about Tier 4 if Cook is ruled out again this week.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Tier 1
Davante Adams (vs. PIT)
Cooper Kupp (vs. ARI)
Cooper Kupp’s rise to Tier 1 status has been fast, but he deserves it.
Tier 2
Tyreek Hill (@ PHI)
Tyreek Hill has now posted back-to-back duds, which means he carries a lower weekly floor than we would like. However, a patented eruption game from him is imminent.
Tier 3
D.K. Metcalf (@ SF)
Tyler Lockett (@ SF)
D.J. Moore (@ DAL)
Calvin Ridley (vs. WAS)
Stefon Diggs (vs. HOU)
CeeDee Lamb (vs. CAR)
Keenan Allen (vs. LV)
Justin Jefferson (vs. CLE)
Mike Williams (vs. LV)
Terry McLaurin (@ ATL)
I was pounding the table for Mike Williams all offseason as a steal in the WR45-50 range of drafts, and he is going to crush his ADP if he can stay healthy. However, it’s clear by now that we need to view him as a low-end WR1 until further notice.
Harry How/Getty Images. Pictured: Mike WilliamsTier 4
Deebo Samuel (vs. SEA)
Chris Godwin (@ NE)
Amari Cooper (vs. CAR)
DeAndre Hopkins (@ LAR)
Ja’Marr Chase (vs. JAX)
Adam Thielen (vs. CLE)
Courtland Sutton (vs. BAL)
Julio Jones (@ NYJ)
I voiced my concern about DeAndre Hopkins heading into Week 3, and now his rank has plummeted to WR17 due to the tough matchup this week. However, if he struggles again, that would be the time to buy low from an impatient manager as I expect him to return low-end WR1 value from Week 5 on.
The Titans’ WR situation is too murky right now. Refer to my updated tiers this Sunday before making any sit/start decisions involving any Titans player not named Derrick Henry.
Tier 5
Robert Woods (vs. ARI)
Brandin Cooks (@ BUF)
Tyler Boyd (vs. JAX)
Marvin Jones (@ CIN)
Jakobi Meyers (vs. TB)
Mike Evans (@ NE)
Allen Robinson (vs. DET)
Odell Beckham Jr. (@ MIN)
Chase Claypool (@ GB)
Marquise Brown (@ DEN)
The Bears offense is completely broken right now, making it challenging to trust Allen Robinson. It seems unthinkable to sit ARob against the Lions, but there is a chance you have 2-3 WRs ranked above him this week, and you should leave him out of your starting lineup.
Tier 6
Devonta Smith (vs. KC)
Cole Beasley (vs. HOU)
Diontae Johnson (@ GB)
Michael Pittman Jr. (@ MIA)
Antonio Brown (@ NE)
Robby Anderson (@ DAL)
Robby Anderson has been invisible this season — aside from his 57-yard touchdown catch in Week 1 — and we can’t trust him in our starting lineups right now. However, his lack of usage could be due to the Panthers’ 3-0 start, so it’s possible we could see his production go up in trailing game scripts. Therefore, I wouldn’t drop him quite yet.
Tier 7
Kenny Golladay (@ NO)
Juju Smith-Schuster (@ GB)
Jaylen Waddle (vs. IND)
Terrace Marshall (@ DAL)
Jalen Reagor (vs. KC)
Corey Davis (vs. TEN)
D.J. Chark (@ CIN)
Henry Ruggs (@ LAC)
Tim Patrick (vs. BAL)
Sammy Watkins (@ DEN)
Bryan Edwards (@ LAC)
Brandon Aiyuk (vs. SEA)
Hunter Renfrow (@ LAC)
Emmanuel Sanders (vs. HOU)
Laviska Shenault (@ CIN)
A.J. Green (@ LAR)
Darnell Mooney (vs. DET)
Christian Kirk (@ LAR)
Terrance Marshall’s breakout could be imminent. CMC’s absence should result in a few extra targets to go around, along with the loss of Dan Arnold (via trade).
Marshall ran a season-high 70% routes run last week, and I expect that trend to continue. Like I mentioned above, the Panthers are off to a 3-0 start but will inevitably have negative game scripts in the future, meaning we should see an uptick in passing volume.
I viewed Marshall as a first-round talent heading into the 2021 draft and he could enter the WR3 discussion before the season’s over.
Tier 8
Nelson Agholor (vs. TB)
DeVante Parker (vs. IND)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (vs. PIT)
Mecole Hardman (@ PHI)
Rondale Moore (@ LAR)
K.J. Osborn (vs. CLE)
Sterling Shepard (@ NO)*
Will Fuller (vs. IND)
Zach Pascal (@ MIA)
Quintez Cephus (@ CHI)
Marquez Callaway (vs. NYG)
- * = High floor/low ceiling: Lean toward these types of players if you’re a large favorite this week
- ** = High ceiling/low floor: Lean toward these types of players if you’re a large underdog this week
Tier 9
Adam Humphries (@ ATL)*
Desean Jackson (vs. ARI)**
Kendrick Bourne (vs. TB)
Van Jefferson (vs. ARI)
- * = High floor/low ceiling: Lean toward these types of players if you’re a large favorite this week
- ** = High ceiling/low floor: Lean toward these types of players if you’re a large underdog this week
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TIGHT ENDS
Tier 1
Travis Kelce (@ PHI)
There was a chance Travis Kelce would slow down enough in his age 32 season that he wouldn’t be the consensus TE1 in 2022. However, I don’t see that happening anymore, as he doesn’t look like he will slow down anytime soon.
Tier 2
Darren Waller (@ LAC)
It’s fascinating that Carr has thrown for 768 yards over the past two weeks, yet Darren Waller has only been the TE11 over that stretch.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images. Pictured: Darren Waller.Tier 3
George Kittle (vs. SEA)
Tier 4
T.J. Hockenson (@ CHI)
Kyle Pitts (vs. WAS)
Rob Gronkowski (@ NE)
Mark Andrews (@ DEN)
Logan Thomas (@ ATL)
Tyler Higbee (vs. ARI)
Kyle Pitts is off to a frustrating start because his underlying usage has been elite, averaging 81% routes run, but it’s resulted in only the TE15 score through three games. We have to be patient with him for now because TEs who see an 80%+ routes run rate, are the No. 2 target in their offense and as talented as Pitts can only be held in check for so long.
Tier 5
Noah Fant (vs. BAL)
Noah Fant finds himself as the dividing line between elite TE1s and the waiver wire. There is a chance that with both Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler now on IR, Fant will sneak into Tier 4, but I’ll need to see it first.
Tier 6
Mike Gesicki (vs. IND)
Jared Cook (vs. LV)
Dawson Knox (vs. HOU)
Robert Tonyan Jr. (vs. PIT)
Hunter Henry (vs. TB)
Dalton Schultz (vs. CAR)
Tyler Conklin (vs. CLE)
Dallas Goedert (vs. KC)
Jared Cook has been churning out 3/30/0 stat lines, but he is due to have a big game soon (see: his routes run rate climbing every week: 63%, 64% and 78%). He’s the No. 4 target in a potent offense, which means he will be volatile week-to-week, but carries a higher ceiling than your average TE2.
Tier 7
Austin Hooper (@ MIN)
Cole Kmet (vs. DET)
Jonnu Smith (vs. TB)
Gerald Everett (@ SF)
Maxx Williams (@ LAR)
Jack Doyle (@ MIA)
Evan Engram (@ NO)
Zach Ertz (vs. KC)
C.J. Uzomah (vs. JAX)
Blake Jarwin (vs. CAR)
David Njoku (@ MIN)
Gerald Everett was placed on the COVID list, so his Week 4 status is in serious doubt. Will Dissly will shoot up toward the bottom of this tier if Everett cannot be cleared in time to play.
Tier 8
Anthony Firkser (@ NYJ)
Albert Okwuegbunam (vs. BAL)
Juwan Johnson (vs. NYG)
Adam Trautman (vs. NYG)
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KICKERS
Tier 1
Harrison Butker (@ PHI)
Tyler Bass (vs. HOU)
Matt Gay (vs. ARI)
Tier 2
Tristan Vizcaino (vs. LV)
Evan McPherson (vs. JAX)
Greg Zuerlein (vs. CAR)
Ryan Succop (@ NE)
Robbie Gould (vs. SEA)
Daniel Carlson (@ LAC)
Younghoe Koo (vs. WAS)
Tier 3
Chase McLaughlin (@ MIN)
Dustin Hopkins (@ ATL)
Matt Prater (@ LAR)
Brandon McManus (vs. BAL)
Jason Sanders (vs. IND)
Jason Myers (@ SF)
Mason Crosby (vs. PIT)
Zane Gonzalez (@ DAL)
Aldrick Rosas (vs. NYG)
Justin Tucker (@ DEN)
Randy Bullock (@ NYJ)
Tier 4
Greg Joseph (vs. CLE)
Jake Elliott (vs. KC)
Nick Folk (vs. TB)
Cairo Santos (vs. DET)
Josh Lambo (@ CIN)
Rodrigo Blankenship (@ MIA)
Matt Ammendola (vs. TEN)
Graham Gano (@ NO)
Ryan Santoso (@ CHI)
Chris Boswell (@ GB)
Tier 5
Joey Slye (@ BUF)
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DEFENSES
Tier 1
Buffalo Bills (vs. HOU)
Tennessee Titans (@ NYJ)
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. JAX)
New Orleans Saints (vs. NYG)
Chicago Bears (vs. DET)
Tier 2
Miami Dolphins (vs. IND)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ NE)
Green Bay Packers (vs. PIT)
Detroit Lions (@ CHI)
Indianapolis Colts (@ MIA)
Dallas Cowboys (vs. CAR)
Washington Football Team (@ ATL)
Tier 3
New York Giants (@ NO)
Denver Broncos (vs. BAL)
Atlanta Falcons (vs. WAS)
Kansas City Chiefs (@ PHI)
Los Angeles Rams (vs. ARI)
San Francisco 49ers (vs. SEA)
Cleveland Browns (@ MIN)
Baltimore Ravens (@ DEN)
Minnesota Vikings (vs. CLE)
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV)
Tier 4
New York Jets (vs. TEN)
Carolina Panthers (@ DAL)
New England Patriots (vs. TB)
Jacksonville Jaguars (@ CIN)
Tier 5
Seattle Seahawks (@ SF)
Las Vegas Raiders (@ LAC)
Pittsburgh Steelers (@ GB)
Arizona Cardinals (@ LAR)
Tier 6
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. KC)
Houston Texans (@ BUF)
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