Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Caleb Williams CHI
Caleb Williams continues to look like a must-start in fantasy lineups. He torched Dallas in Week 3 with 298 passing yards and four touchdowns, finishing as the overall QB1 while avoiding a single sack for the first time in his young career. Williams is averaging 23.4 PPG this season and now draws a favorable matchup against the Raiders. Las Vegas has created pressure at one of the lowest rates in the NFL and sits in the bottom 10 in passing yards and passer rating allowed. With the Bears’ offense starting to find its rhythm and Williams’ confidence growing, fantasy managers should confidently start Williams as a top-five quarterback this week.
Geno Smith LV
Geno Smith’s underlying efficiency metrics aren’t great, but volume and matchup make him a strong start in Week 4 fantasy football. He ranks fourth in passing yards per game and eighth in attempts, and he’s coming off a 289-yard, three-touchdown performance against Washington. Now, he gets a Bears defense that has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including big games from Jared Goff and J.J. McCarthy. Chicago also allows the seventh-highest passing yards per game and the sixth-highest yards per attempt. With this matchup setting up as a shootout opposite Caleb Williams, fantasy managers should start Smith as a top-10 quarterback in all formats.
Jordan Love GB
Jordan Love had a rough Week 3 against Cleveland, but the Browns boast one of the league’s best defenses. This week is the exact opposite, as he faces a Cowboys unit that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Over the past two weeks, Dallas gave up a combined 748 passing yards and seven touchdowns to Russell Wilson and Caleb Williams. Love has a history of thriving in favorable matchups, and Sunday Night Football provides the stage for another bounce-back performance. With Dallas’ defense struggling in coverage and failing to generate consistent pressure, fantasy managers should start Love confidently as a top-10 quarterback this week.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Dak Prescott DAL
Dak Prescott has struggled to provide reliable fantasy production, with only one game above 12 points this season. He enters Week 4 with just three touchdown passes and the same number of interceptions, and now he’ll be without key weapons, including CeeDee Lamb and multiple starters along the offensive line. The matchup against Green Bay is brutal; the Packers have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks while creating pressure at an above-average rate. With limited upside and a tough defensive opponent, fantasy managers should sit Prescott in all formats this week, even in Superflex leagues.
Aaron Rodgers PIT
Despite ranking as a fringe QB1 in points per game, Aaron Rodgers’ efficiency has been alarming. He sits bottom 10 in completion percentage over expected, catchable target rate, and air yards per attempt, relying on an unsustainable touchdown rate to buoy his fantasy numbers. That inefficiency is likely to be exposed against Minnesota, a defense ranking top-10 in fewest passing yards allowed while also generating the second-highest pressure rate in the NFL. Rodgers has failed to top 12 fantasy points in two straight games, and the Vikings’ blitz-heavy scheme is a bad matchup for his declining mobility. Fantasy managers should sit Rodgers in Week 4.
Daniel Jones IND
Daniel Jones has been one of the early surprises in fantasy football, averaging 22.7 points per game through three weeks. However, this matchup against the Rams is where regression could hit. Los Angeles ranks fifth in pressure rate, and Jones has historically struggled under duress, carrying a career passer rating under 70 when pressured. The Rams held both C.J. Stroud and Cam Ward in check earlier this year, while bottling up the Eagles’ offense for most of Sunday’s game. With this game on the road, Jones profiles as more of a QB2 option. Fantasy managers should sit Jones in standard leagues and only use him in Superflex formats.
Running Backs to Start
Breece Hall NYJ
Breece Hall hasn’t had the start to the fantasy season that managers hoped for, scoring under 10 PPR points in two of three games. But Week 4 offers a prime bounce-back opportunity against the Dolphins. Miami ranks eighth in most fantasy points allowed to running backs, giving up 19+ PPR points to both Rhamondre Stevenson and James Cook in consecutive weeks. Hall himself posted 18.2 PPR points against Miami in Week 18 last year, and his explosiveness makes him less game-script dependent. The Dolphins also allow explosive runs at the fifth-highest rate, which plays directly into Hall’s skill set. With Justin Fields’ potential return to open up running lanes, Hall is a strong start as an RB2 in fantasy football this week
JK Dobbins DEN
J.K. Dobbins has quietly been one of the most consistent running backs in fantasy, scoring at least 14.8 PPR points in every game this season. He’s averaging 15 touches and nearly 79 total yards, while ranking first among all RBs in explosive run rate. In Week 4, he faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs and multiple 15+ PPR outings already. Cincinnati has also been vulnerable to yards after contact and explosive gains, which fits Dobbins’ running style perfectly. With a season-high 70% snap share last week, his workload is secure, making him a must-start RB2 across all fantasy football formats.
TreVeyon Henderson NE
TreVeyon Henderson is one of the riskier plays at running back in fantasy, but the matchup makes him worth the risk. After multiple fumbles from Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in Week 3, Henderson earned an 88% snap share and handled 14 touches, his most of the season. He also showed passing-game involvement from day one that has given him a bit of a floor in PPR leagues. The rookie now draws the Panthers, who have allowed the third-most rushing yards to running backs while giving up 5.7 yards per carry and multiple explosive plays. Carolina has also surrendered 12+ PPR points to three different RBs in just three weeks. With his role expanding, Henderson is a high-end flex and a viable option in deeper fantasy football leagues..
Running Backs to Sit
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery is coming off a monster Week 3 performance (164 total yards and two TDs), but this is the wrong week to chase points. He faces a brutal Browns defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards to RBs and just one touchdown all season. Cleveland has yet to surrender a single run of 10+ yards to a back and is holding rushers to negative yards before contact on average. They just held Josh Jacobs to 30 yards and Derrick Henry to 23. Montgomery has seen 13 or fewer touches in two of his three games, and without reliable receiving work, his floor is dangerous in this matchup. Fantasy managers should not trust Montgomery in Week 4 unless desperate, using him only as a low-end flex.
Isiah Pacheco KC
Isiah Pacheco has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football so far. He hasn’t topped 6 PPR points in a single game this season and is losing valuable touches to Kareem Hunt, who has already claimed goal-line opportunities. Despite a strong matchup against the Giants, Pacheco could not capitalize on being more efficient. Pacheco is averaging just 9.6 touches per game and has yet to record an explosive run, ranking near the bottom of the league in efficiency metrics. Now he faces the Ravens, who have been strong against RBs despite high rushing yardage allowed, ranking top three in limiting yards before contact. With declining snaps and little passing-game involvement, Pacheco is an easy fade heading into Week 4.
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift continues to frustrate fantasy football managers. Despite ranking 10th in opportunity share, the veteran only has a 12% missed tackle rate and sits at RB24 right now. Despite a strong matchup last week, he produced only 78 total yards despite 16 touches. Swift now draws the Raiders, who have been quietly stingy against the run. Outside of one long TD by Jeremy McNichols, they’ve limited backfields to under 55 rushing yards in two of three games. Swift’s lack of dominance in the Bears’ backfield, paired with a difficult matchup, makes him more of a desperation flex than a reliable fantasy starter. Fantasy managers should not trust Swift in Week 4 if possible.
Wide Receivers to Start
Emeka Egbuka TB
Emeka Egbuka should be locked into fantasy lineups this week with Mike Evans sidelined and Chris Godwin’s status in question. The rookie has been a model of consistency, scoring at least 12.9 PPR points in every game and finding the end zone three times through three weeks. He now leads Tampa Bay in receiving yards, touchdowns, and passer rating when targeted. The matchup also works in his favor. Philadelphia has already allowed four receivers to score 13.9+ PPR points, and Baker Mayfield threw for 347 yards and two TDs against them last year. With his growing target share and ability to separate both inside and outside, Egbuka is a lineup lock heading into Week 4.
Jakobi Meyers LV
Jakobi Meyers had a down week last week, finishing with 9.3 points, but has failed to go under 63 receiving yards in a game this year. He leads the Raiders in targets and owns a 22.6% target share with nearly 2.0 yards per route run. Chicago’s defense sets up perfectly for Meyers’ role, as they run two-high shells at the third-highest rate, a look where Meyers’ target share jumps to 27% to 39%. The Bears have also given up the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including some big-time performances from the slot. Coming off a down Week 3, Meyers is in line for a bounce-back and should be locked into lineups this week.
Keenan Allen LAC
Keenan Allen remains the engine of the Chargers’ passing attack and is an automatic fantasy football start in Week 4. He has posted at least 17.1 PPR points in every game so far while averaging over nine targets per outing. The Giants have been shredded by wide receivers, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position and five different players to top 15.3 PPR points already. Allen’s route volume and efficiency give him both floor and ceiling, while Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston also carry upside in this matchup. Fantasy managers should continue to feel confident in the Chargers’ receivers this week.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Tee Higgins CIN
Tee Higgins has become a frustrating fantasy football option with Joe Burrow sidelined, and Week 4 doesn’t look much better. Outside of a 42-yard touchdown in Week 2, Higgins has just six catches for 62 yards on the year, averaging fewer than three receptions and 35 yards per game. Backup QB Jake Browning has struggled, throwing five interceptions in under two full games while failing to support his receivers’ fantasy production. Denver’s secondary has also been stingy, allowing just one WR touchdown and holding opposing wideouts to a 56% catch rate. Higgins is best left on the bench and should not be started outside of deep three-WR fantasy football formats.
Calvin Ridley TEN
Calvin Ridley’s struggles have made him one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football. He has just eight catches on 21 targets through three weeks, averaging 37 yards per game and scoring fewer than 9 PPR points each outing. His efficiency metrics are alarming, ranking bottom five in separation and route win rate, showing he isn’t consistently creating space. The matchup doesn’t help either, as Houston has allowed the eighth-fewest points per target to perimeter receivers. Until Ridley shows signs of life with rookie QB Cam Ward, he’s a must-sit in fantasy football lineups, and managers should only keep him rostered for upside potential later in the season.
DK Metcalf PIT
D.K. Metcalf has scored in back-to-back games, but his underlying production has been shaky, averaging just 45 receiving yards per contest with a 19% target share. His per-route efficiency is even more concerning, ranking last among qualifying WRs in separation and outside the top 50 in route win rate. This week, he faces a nightmare matchup against Minnesota, who allow the third-fewest fantasy points to perimeter receivers and has shut down names like Ja’Marr Chase and Drake London. Another note, without a lack of playmakers at receiver around Metcalf, Minnesota will gameplan about slowing Metcalf down. Managers should sit Metcalf in Week 4 fantasy football lineups, with his value capped as a low-end WR3.
Tight Ends to Start
Juwan Johnson NO
Juwan Johnson has quickly emerged as one of the most reliable fantasy tight ends this season. He ranks second in the position in targets, receptions, and red zone looks, while also sitting fifth in yards with 176. His 23.1% target share is second on the Saints behind Chris Olave, making him a consistent part of this passing attack that has been trailing for a significant amount of time to start the season. Johnson has scored at least 11.1 PPR points in all three games, bringing a safe floor with untapped upside with his current usage. While Buffalo has been tough against tight ends, they have yet to face a TE as involved as Johnson in the game plan. Juwan Johnson is a TE1 this week despite the tough matchup.
Jake Ferguson DAL
Jake Ferguson continues to be one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football at tight end. Dak Prescott has leaned on him heavily, with Ferguson hauling in 13 receptions last week, the second-most by any Cowboys tight end in franchise history. Over the first three weeks, he’s already seen 32 total targets, making him one of the most involved players at his position. The crazy part is, despite the volume, Ferguson has yet to score a touchdown this year. The Packers have allowed the third-most yards to tight ends, so Ferguson is in another strong spot to produce. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, expect Ferguson to remain Prescott’s top option, making him a must-start in Week 4.
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry cashed in on his must-start status last week with an 11-target, 90-yard, two-touchdown performance against Pittsburgh. He looks like Drake Maye’s most trusted target, leading the Patriots in consistency and red zone usage dating back to last season when Maye took over as the starter. Carolina has allowed the most receiving yards to tight ends this year, and opposing players at the position have consistently found success against them. With Henry scoring at least 10.6 PPR points in two of three games, he’s a lock as a top-10 tight end play this week.
Tight Ends to Sit
David Njoku CLE
David Njoku has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments at tight end this season, ranking just TE22 in points per game. Despite running plenty of routes, he has only a 13.2% target share and no red zone looks, while rookie Harold Fannin Jr is stealing some of those looks. Njoku is averaging just 39 yards per game with fewer than 1.2 yards per route run, and he has yet to hit double-digit PPR points in any week. The Lions are a tricky matchup as they’ve consistently limited tight ends dating back to last season. Matching up against Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph is never a pleasant sight when streaming tight ends. Avoid Njoku in Week 4 to avoid another dud.
Zach Ertz WAS
Zach Ertz has been steady but lacks the upside fantasy football managers want from a starting tight end. He caught just three passes for 38 yards last week and has under 4 receptions now in two of three games despite a favorable schedule to open the year. This week, it will get much tougher against the Falcons, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, holding Cade Otton, T.J. Hockenson, and Ja’Tavion Sanders to just 23 total yards combined. At this stage of his career, Ertz offers more of a floor than a ceiling, and in a matchup this difficult, that floor is too low. Sit him if you have other options.
Mark Andrews BAL
Mark Andrews showed his ceiling in Week 3 with 91 yards and two scores, but that’s been the exception rather than the rule so far this season. In his other two games, he’s combined for just two catches for seven yards. The Chiefs are one of the league’s stingiest defenses against tight ends, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to the position. Historically, Andrews has also struggled against Kansas City, with just 108 yards and no touchdowns over his last five regular-season meetings. His route and target share are middling, making him a risky play in Week 4. For most leagues, Andrews is better left on the sit side of the start/sit decision this week.
DEF to Start
Houston Texans
The Texans’ defense is a strong fantasy start this week against Tennessee. Rookie QB Cam Ward has been under heavy fire behind a struggling offensive line that has allowed the second-highest pressure rate and the third-most sacks. Houston has already shown the ability to generate pressure, ranking top 10 in sacks, and every defense to face the Titans has scored at least eight fantasy points. With 15 sacks and four giveaways surrendered by Tennessee, Houston is in an excellent spot to post double-digit fantasy production.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo hasn’t been a consistent fantasy football defense so far, but this week sets up well against the Saints. Spencer Rattler has led New Orleans to just 15.7 points per game, and their special teams miscues included a punt-return touchdown allowed last week. Defenses facing the Saints are averaging nearly 10 fantasy points per contest, and the Bills excel at punishing weaker offenses. Buffalo is a strong streaming option in Week 4.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ranked inside the top five defenses this week, the Chargers are a must-start this week. They rank eighth in the league in total yards allowed and have surrendered only four touchdowns in three games. Rookie Jaxson Dart is making his first start for the Giants only increases the upside, as he’ll face pressure from a unit with playmakers at all three levels. Expect hurried throws, turnovers, and sacks that give the Chargers one of the highest ceilings on the slate.
DEF to Sit
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are an easy sit this week with a brutal matchup against the Colts. Daniel Jones has powered an offense averaging 34.3 points and 418.7 yards per game while committing zero turnovers and taking just two sacks. No defense has scored more than zero fantasy points against Indy this season, and even elite units have been shut down. With the Colts protecting the football and scoring at will, the Rams should be avoided, even if they have a good defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s defense has been one of the worst fantasy football options to start the year, ranking bottom three overall. They’ve managed just three sacks and two takeaways across three games and now face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City has committed only one turnover all season and has kept Mahomes well-protected with just six sacks allowed. Given the matchup and the Ravens’ lack of production, they belong firmly on the sit list.
Kickers to Start
Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU
Ka’imi Fairbairn is a strong start in fantasy this week against the Titans. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games versus Tennessee, and the Titans defense is once again a kicker-friendly matchup, allowing nearly 10 fantasy points per game to the position. In a game where Houston’s offense should consistently move the ball, Fairbairn is in line for plenty of scoring opportunities.
Spencer Shrader IND
Spencer Shrader has been automatic for fantasy managers to start the season, racking up 44 points in three weeks and scoring double digits in every game. This week, he faces a Rams defense that has given up seven field goals already and ranks fifth in most fantasy points allowed to kickers. With the Colts’ offense moving efficiently, Shrader remains one of the top kicker options in Week 4.
Kickers to Sit
Cam Little JAC
Cam Little opened the season hot with back-to-back strong outings, but came back to earth in Week 3 with just five fantasy points. He now faces a tough road matchup against the 49ers, who have held opposing kickers to fewer than seven points in every game this year. With San Francisco limiting scoring chances and allowing only four field goals all season, Little should not be trusted this week.
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson has been one of the biggest fantasy football kicking disappointments this season. He hasn’t topped seven points in a game and has only three field-goal attempts total through three weeks. The Bengals’ offense has stalled without Joe Burrow, leaving McPherson with limited opportunities. Even with a decent matchup against Denver, his usage is too low to trust; keep him on the bench in Week 4.
