Injuries to star players continue to challenge fantasy managers in building their weekly lineups. To make it even more challenging, byes start in week 5, which means the player pool shrinks even further. Hopefully, you took byes into consideration when drafting your team. If not, streaming may be your only option.
As mentioned last week, the three rookie starting QBs are gaining experience and confidence as evident by their improved play. All three rookie QBs led their teams to victory in week 4 although Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is the only one worth starting. He has elevated his game to the point that he can be considered a must start moving forward.
A couple of other QBs who should be considered as bye week replacements are Carolina Panthers Andy Dalton and Indianapolis Colts Joe Flacco. Both are seasoned veterans. In the two games Andy Dalton has started, the improved play and performance of the Panthers is evident. RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Diontae Johnson are viable options. If QB Anthony Richardson is out due to injury, then Joe Flacco is a streaming option. He is a gunslinger, so you’ll have to live with the potential interceptions. However, think back to last season when he elevated the Cleveland Browns offense.
The Kansas City Chiefs offense has been struggling so far this season. The loss of WR Rashee Rice doesn’t help. I would expect TE Travis Kelce to become more involved, but you need to monitor who else steps up. Kansas City will use a RB by committee approach with Isiah Pacheco out but it appears RB Kareem Hunt is the player who will get the most playing time.
QB: Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) 145 total yards, 1 TD, 0 Int
Justin Fields (Pittsburgh Steelers) 367 total yards, 3 TDs, 0 Int
RB: Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers) 4 receptions, 121 total yards, 1 TD
Sleeper – Devin Singletary (New York Giants) 1 reception, 38 total yards, 0 TDs
WR: Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens) 1 reception, 10 total yards, 0 TDs
Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders) 7 receptions, 52 total yards, 1 TD
TE: Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears) 3 receptions, 34 total yards, 0 TDs
Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals) 1 reception, -9 total yards, 0 TDs
PK: Blake Grupe (New Orleans Saints) 6 points, 3 PATs, 1 FG
Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons) 14 points, 2 PATs, 4 FGs
DF: Minnesota Vikings: 29 points against, 465 total yards allowed, 1 sack, 4 takeaways
Houston Texans: 20 points against, 313 total yards allowed, 1 sack, 0 takeaways
QB: Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Giants)
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams)
RB: Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins)
Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams)
WR: Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders)
Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts)
TE: Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns)
Sleeper: Noah Gray (Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints)
PK: Jason Myers (Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Giants)
Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys)
DF: Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)
Denver Broncos (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
New York Giants (+5.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys Final Score: Dal. 20 NYG 15
Buffalo Bills (+2.5) at Baltimore Ravens Final Score: Bal. 35 Buf. 10
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks Final Score: Det. 42 Sea. 29
Week 4 Record: 2 – 1 Season Record: 7 – 5
An early season divisional battle. The Falcons have played a tough schedule, and every game has been close. This game shouldn’t be any different. I trust QB Baker Mayfield more than QB Kirk Cousins. The Bucs take it.
Pittsburgh is a tough place to play. The Cowboys offense is one dimensional so I think the Steelers will focus on taking away WR CeeDee Lamb. Except for last week against the Giants, the Cowboys have struggled stopping a run. This is what the Steelers do best.
As discussed earlier, the Chiefs are challenged offensively due to injuries. Both teams have good defenses. The Saints have enough weapons to keep this close in what should be a low scoring game. Take the Saints with the points.
