Fantasy Football News

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has finally shown signs of slowing down this season, much to the surprise of fantasy managers and football fans everywhere. The star kicker clocks in as the K18 to start the season and has already missed three of his eight field goal attempts so far. Week 3 didn't do him any favors as he missed his lone field goal attempt and made four extra points. His Week 4 opponent, the Buffalo Bills, are one of the tougher teams in the early part of this season as they've allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers. The opposing kickers are only averaging 5.7 fantasy points against them right now, and if Tucker continues to miss field goals that he used to make, John Harbaugh and company may start going for it on fourth down more often. Fantasy managers will want to proceed with caution when it comes to starting Tucker this week.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is in the same boat as Mark Andrews, which sounds like it should be a good thing if it's based on last season, but in reality, it makes the lives of fantasy managers very difficult. Head coach John Harbaugh talked about Andrews and the tight end group having more of a rotational squad that will see more or less time based on matchup and game plan. That means we could see a big Likely week, such as Week 1, and then we could see a game where the two TEs get two targets and four yards combined like Week 3. The inconsistency of either tight end's targets and playing time makes them both harder to trust in Week 4 against a stout passing defense like the Buffalo Bills. After Likely's big performance in Week 1, he finished as the TE22 and TE51 the last two weeks, respectively. Likely comes in as a low-end TE2, which is more of a risky dart throw if any fantasy managers need to start him in this matchup.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been one of the most disappointing players for fantasy managers in the early goings of this season. He was once one of the set-it-and-forget-it type of tight ends, and he's now found his way on most teams' benches. To make matters worse, head coach John Harbaugh talked about how the tight ends are going to on more of a rotational type of role, and they'll all see more or less time depending on matchups and game plans. That turned into Andrews only being on the field 33% of the time in their last game against the Dallas Cowboys. Against a tougher pass defense in the Buffalo Bills, it doesn't seem to be the best-case scenario for an Andrews breakout game. At this rate, Andrews is hovering around TE2 territory until he separates himself from the rest of the Ravens' tight ends. Outside of deeper leagues, it's probably best to find a tight end that will consistently run routes and be on the field.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will square off against a tough Chicago Bears defense on the road in Week 4. Robinson will have his work cut out for him in this one, as he'll take on one of the league's better pass defenses through three weeks. LA has one of the highest pass rates in the NFL (tenth), but quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown just two touchdowns across the team's first three matchups, and it will be tough to trust any Rams wideout this week. The 30-year-old veteran is probably the best bet of the Rams' pass catchers regarding volume, as he has the second-most targets on the team (15) behind Cooper Kupp's (ankle) 27. However, he won't be a recommended option -- even with the team still without Kupp and Puka Nacua (knee). The Florida product has seen four targets in each of his last two contests but turned them into just three catches for 82 yards. Consistency could be hard to come by again, as Stafford spreads the ball around quite a bit without his superstar wideouts. Robinson is RotoBaller's PPR WR54 in this week's rankings.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is one of the most targeted pass-catchers in the NFL through three weeks, yet he clocks in as the WR31 in half-PPR formats. He has been targeted 25 times which is enough for 13th out of all pass-catchers. The issue is that his yards per target (5.9), yards per game (49.3), and catch percentage (64.0) are all lower than his totals from last year. Yes, that's a small sample size, but he's on pace to receive almost 40 more targets than he did last season. Now, he'll go up against the Buffalo Bills who have one of the better pass defenses in the league so far. They've only allowed 8.2 yards per target (third fewest), and have only given up three receiving touchdowns. In fact, the longest passing play they've given up is 24 yards. Flowers will likely continue getting targets and touches in all sorts of ways as the offense has manufactured it, but he'll have a tougher time turning that into fantasy points, which is why he's hovering around a low-end WR2 for this contest.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry looked like a man amongst boys again when he gashed the Dallas Cowboys for 151 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The King was showing off the incredible stiff arm while proving that age is just a number. Now, Henry and the Ravens shift focus to the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 who have given up the ninth-most yards per carry so far with 4.7. With that being said, they've only given up one rushing touchdown and that comes down to the fact that they have only been in one close game so far. James Conner put up 83 total yards and a score against this defense while De'Von Achane had 96 yards on the ground and Travis Etienne Jr. had 6.2 yards per carry. Henry should be considered an RB1 heading into this matchup, as his ceiling heavily depends on how the Ravens play if they go down early.

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is in another smash spot this Sunday when his team travels to Chicago to square off against the Bears. The third-year back is fresh off his best game of the season, when he totaled 116 yards and three touchdowns on 26 touches. Fantasy managers can again expect a massive workload for the former fifth-round pick with quarterback Matthew Stafford down his top two receiving options -- wideouts Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle). The Bears' defense has been no slouch against the run this year, ranking just outside the league's top half regarding yardage allowed. However, they've let up the fourth-most touchdowns on the ground (4) and the eighth-most rushing first downs (22). Additionally, Williams is in no danger of ceding work to his backups, as he has handily out-snapped the combination of Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers 164-to-24 through three games. He'll be the engine that drives the LA offense once again this week and ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB5 in Week 4's rankings.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the QB4 on the season through three weeks and is on track for just shy of 4,000 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards if he can maintain his averages for 17 games. He even boasts his lowest interception percentage yet, but unfortunately has the lowest touchdown-throwing percentage as well in this sample size. In Week 4, he draws a bit of a tougher test as the Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills who only allow 5.1 yards per pass attempt and have only given up three touchdowns through the air versus four interceptions. However, they give up the ninth-most yards per carry, which would keep Jackson in the QB1 conversation. It's unlikely that this game would turn into a blowout and keep the ball in Derrick Henry and Justice Hill's hands, so Jackson should get more opportunities through the air. Fantasy managers can still consider him a must start, even in a tougher matchup.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't project as a viable fantasy option this Sunday in the team's road tilt against the Chicago Bears. The veteran signal-caller was able to eclipse the 300-yard mark in Week 1 when he tossed 317 and a score against the Lions in Detroit, but he hasn't produced much since. It isn't shocking, though, considering he's been sans Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) -- his top two options. Since the matchup against Detroit, the 36-year-old has combined for 437 yards and one touchdown -- failing to throw multiple scores in a game or surpass 221 yards. Additionally, Chicago's defense has been one of the better against the pass this season, allowing just 495 yards and two passing touchdowns through the first three weeks. Expect LA to rely heavily on running back Kyren Williams again, with tight end Colby Parkinson and wide receivers Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson supplementing in the passing game. Despite Los Angeles ranking in the top ten in team pass percentage, the former first-overall pick will be a low-end QB2 for the contest.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo could see his usage tick up in Week 4 when the team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals. Mingo was already set for a more significant role, with wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) heading to injured reserve. Now, the second-year wideout could be an even more prominent target, with Diontae Johnson (groin) turning up on the team's injury report after missing Thursday's practice. Johnson did log a limited session on Friday, but he's listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup. Fellow wideout Xavier Legette is also projected to pick up some slack in the Panthers' passing attack. Even before Thielen's injury, Mingo was the next man up, as he had the third-most WR snaps on the team after Week 2. It remains to be seen if quarterback Andy Dalton will attempt nearly 40 passes again (37), but if he does and Johnson is not at 100%, Mingo would have the opportunity to post a productive line. Cincinnati's defense hasn't let up a ton of yardage through the air thus far, but they have been quite porous on the ground -- allowing the eighth-most rush yards in the league. Mingo projects as a low-end FLEX with upside for the affair.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was listed as limited in the team's Friday practice. It's the second practice in a row he's been designated as such. While the news that he has been able to participate in some fashion is at least encouraging, reports out of Thursday's practice were not exactly glowing. Thompson was seen with a brace under his pads and did not take many throws. Additionally, head coach Mike McDaniel has yet to be inclined to name a starter for Miami's Week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. His lack of a decision is partly due to his desire to gain a competitive edge, but maybe he is holding off to see if the 27-year-old can make enough progress to suit up. Perhaps this is a pain management issue for the former seventh-round pick. Regardless, he'll have one more chance to positively affect his status ahead of this week's contest in the team's final practice on Saturday. If he cannot play, either Tyler Huntley or Tim Boyle will get the start for the Fins. It is believed Huntley will be named the starter. However, fantasy managers will want to monitor this situation for a few more days.

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein has made two of his three field-goal attempts and all seven of his extra points through the first three games of the season. He will look for more chances to kick in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been stingy against kickers this season, allowing just the 25th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Zuerlein hasn't been getting enough field-goal attempts to trust in fantasy this season, leaving him outside of the top 15 at the position for Week 4.

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin had his best game of the season in Week 3, catching five passes for 93 yards in a win over the New England Patriots. Conklin will look to stay hot in a home game against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have been vulnerable against tight ends this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. On the other hand, Denver has been extremely tough on wide receivers, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game. As such, the Jets could look to lean on Conklin when they take to the air in Week 4, making him an interesting option as an upside TE2 for fantasy managers.

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been revitalized in his second year with the team, having caught three touchdowns through three games. He will look to stay hot in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been tough on fantasy wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game thus far. That being said, No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson should draw most of the coverage from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Sunday, leaving Lazard to enjoy an easier matchup. Lazard is a boom/bust play in Week 4 but he's worth considering as a flex option, especially for fantasy gamers dealing with injuries to key players.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Friday for the second day in a row. Mostert suffered a chest injury in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed the last two games. However, with two limited showings this week, he could be on his way to returning for a Week 4 tilt on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Pain tolerance is the issue for the 32-year-old veteran, but he is optimistic he'll have a chance to play on Monday. Even if Mostert manages to be active against the Titans, he'll most likely be the No. 2 behind explosive back De'Von Achane, limiting his flex appeal in fantasy lineups, especially if he's eased back in. In the season opener, Mostert played 44% of the snaps (Achane had 52%) and produced just nine yards on six carries while catching two passes for 10 yards. Mostert is shaping up as an extremely volatile flex option in Week 4.

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams has shown moderate improvement in each of his three games this season as he gets further and further removed from a torn ACL that he suffered in 2023. Williams will look to continue his upward trajectory at home in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Denver has been tough on opposing wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position through three games. That being said, Garrett Wilson should occupy most of lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II's attention in Week 4, which would free Williams up for a larger target share. Williams is by no means a safe fantasy play but he's on the board as a boom/bust flex option heading into Week 4.

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has run for at least 55 yards or a touchdown in each of his past two games as he looks to carve out a meaningful role in the running game behind Breece Hall. The rookie running back will look to continue to ascend when he takes on the Denver Broncos at home in Week 4. The Broncos have been mediocre against running backs in 2024, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. Allen remains behind Hall but he is getting enough work to merit consideration as a flex option in fantasy moving forward. The Broncos have done an excellent job shutting down opponents' passing attacks this season, so the Jets could skew a bit more run-heavy than usual in Week 4. Treat Allen as an RB3/ flex option this weekend.

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023 but has been off to a slow start in 2024. Last week was a defensive back-and-forth between the Eagles and Saints, leaving Elliott with one failed field goal attempt and only one extra-point conversion. Things should be better this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Eagles offense could struggle to move the ball with DeVonta Smith (concussion) out and A.J. Brown (hamstring) questionable. Elliott is shaping up to be a boom-or-bust streaming option in Week 4.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) put in a second straight day with a limited practice on Friday. Walker has missed the last two games with an oblique injury but has an extra day of rest this week heading into a Week 4 contest on Monday Night Football versus the Detroit Lions on the road. As things stand now, the 23-year-old appears to be on track to return, barring a setback, but he could also go down as questionable on the team's final injury report on Saturday. A questionable tag would make Walker a difficult fantasy decision with his game being on Monday night, unless managers have backfield mate Zach Charbonnet handcuffed to him. Walker is Seattle's clear lead back when healthy. Charbonnet is a plug-and-play option in fantasy without Walker. In the last two games that Walker missed, Charbonnet had a total of 32 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns while adding eight receptions for 47 yards. Check back Saturday for Walker's official Week 4 designation.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best receiving performance of his career last weekend, nabbing 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards. The Eagles were without A.J. Brown (hamstring) and lost DeVonta Smith (concussion) later in the contest, leaving the door wide open for Goedert to have a massive performance. The same could happen this week, as Smith was ruled out and Brown is currently listed as questionable. If both miss, the veteran tight end becomes the immediate top target for quarterback Jalen Hurts against a stiff Tampa Bay defense. While the matchup is not favorable, fantasy managers should continue to start Goedert this week with all of the injuries along the Eagles receiving corps.