We’re officially getting into the thick of the fantasy football season, where every roster decision starts to feel just a little more critical. The early-season rust is shaking off, injuries are piling up, and bye weeks are starting to test our bench depth. This is the time when savvy managers separate themselves; spotting breakouts before they boom and cutting bait before it’s too late. Here, we will be mentioning just some headlines that will change the fantasy outlook of Week 4 and beyond.
Silence of the Dallas Lamb
While many owners may be perturbed about Lamb‘s 0-point outing, the bigger picture is the one we need to keep in mind. The high ankle sprain diagnosis is typically not one that you want to hear as a fantasy owner. However, in this case, the fans are being told that it is “not as bad as it could be”, but many still believe this will be a 2-4 week absence from Lamb.
This is not good for a Dallas team that has a 1-2 record and is struggling to stop anyone on the defensive side of the ball. George Pickens is in line to see a massive uptick in targets, leading to more receptions and higher TD chances. Pickens currently boasts a statement line of 13 receptions for 166 yards and 2 TDs. Jake Ferguson will also benefit greatly from Lamb’s absence, as he piled up 13 receptions in this past Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Now, as far as Dak is concerned, he has already been a disappointment to the offseason projections, as he only has a QBR of 57, 800 yards passing, 3 TDs, and 3 interceptions.
In all, very many owners will not benefit from the loss of Lamb for a few weeks. However, if you are an owner with only Dallas stock being George Pickens and Jake Ferguson, it looks like you should see a boost in productivity for the next few weeks, and could even continue after the return of Lamb to the lineup.
Back-up QBs worth a start?
After a Week 2 filled with injuries to starting QBs, we had some back-ups starting in Week 3. Jake Browning, Carson Wentz, and Tyrod Taylor all started for their respective teams on this past Sunday. Not all of them lived up to the expectations of their teams. In this case, Wentz and Browning were going head-to-head, both of them having offensive minded head coaches, but neither of them had the same success. In Minnesota, the Vikings put on a masterclass in defense as Browning struggled to move the Bengals ‘ high-powered offense. Tee Higgins was almost unnoticeable as he had one catch on the day, and the dip for Ja’marr Chase was extremely noticeable as Joe Burrow is sidelined.
Carson Wentz, on the other hand, did exactly what was asked of him and spread the ball to his playmakers (14-20 173 yards 2 TDs) and leaned on Jordan Mason and the running game (116 rushing yards, 2 TDs). The Vikings’ defense also gave the offense the comfort to be able to run the ball effectively to keep the pressure off of Wentz, which was not the case for Browning, as the Bengals struggled to move the ball on the ground (53 yards on 21 rushes). I do believe that HC Kevin O’Connell is showing the world he is a masterclass QB whisperer as he can take a displaced QB and elevate their strengths and hide their weaknesses, to the benefit of the team.
Tyrod Taylor was in a tough spot starting for a 0-2 Jets team going on the road to a 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. The Jets were given little chance when analysts talked about this game prior to kickoff, and I am sure this was heard by the Jets as they put forth a great fight led by Taylor at QB (197 yards, 2TDs 1 INT). This strong effort for a backup QB was all for not, due to Baker Mayfield once again leading his team to a victory on the last drive of the game.
Chargers Backfield Clarity
The Chargers have not gotten good news about Najee Harris, once again… It started in July when Harris had reported a Non-football injury involving fireworks, and a Fourth of July holiday accident. Missing most of camp was a concern to many analysts and fans of the Chargers, not that Najee’s reps started to increase and he seemed to be finding his place on the roster, his achilles ruptured during Sunday’s game against Denver. This is the first time Najee has had a significant injury and will miss a game or multiple games in his NFL career.
However, this does provide some clarity for fantasy owners in the Chargers backfield as now Omarion Hampton is the clear number one back in that room, and should see little competition for touches as he showed recieving prowess (9 catches on 11 targets) during the first 3 weeks of the season. Obviously, at this point, Najee is drop able and Hampton is most likely untouchable, as he is projected to be a low-end RB 1 for the rest of the season.
To Najee Harris owners, I say this: it is early in the season, pivot and make a plan you see fit, and execute it. To Hampton owners, I say, buckle up, as you are about to get your money’s worth out of Hampton behind the Chargers’ Offensive line.
Indiana Jones and the Soaring Colts
Daniel Jones has been a wonderful story to start the 2025 season. The Colts have made the most of Jones’ accuracy and mobility. The Colts being 3-0 with Jones as the starter was not on anyone’s bingo card, but they have been so impressive that they are still yet to commit their first turn over. Jones currently has 816 passing yards, with a passer rating of 111.7 and, as previously mentioned, zero interceptions. Not to mention the threat of Jones has given Jonathan Taylor the ability to go wild tgrough the first three weeks of the fantasy season and go into Week 4 as the RB 1. The team as a whole has seemed to improve with the addition of Jones, as the Colts have only punted once in the first three games, which is a record for the post-Super Bowl Era.
Jones has not only improved the Colts, but he has vastly improved his value in the world of fantasy football. He is widely ranked in the top 15 of QBs on a week-to-week basis. Jones also ranks as a top 5 QB, averaging 22+ points heading into Week 4. I believe Shane Steichen and Jones can keep this trending up, and the Colts’ weapons, such as Michael Pittman (15.7 points/game), Tyler Warren (11.2 points/game), and Jonathan Taylor (25 points/game), will benefit from the efficiency this offense is currently operating. I would look to see if you could acquire any of these players, as they are shown to have a decent floor, and the possibility to go nuclear if Steichen can get this offense running on all cylinders.
Time to Lock In
As we push deeper into the heart of the fantasy football season, every week becomes more crucial and every roster move more impactful. The difference between a playoff run and a mid-season collapse often comes down to identifying the right players at the right time. Whether you’re riding high at the top of your league or clawing your way back from a rough start, staying ahead of the trends is key. Keep an eye on emerging talent, monitor injury reports, and don’t be afraid to make bold moves, because the players you trust now could be the ones who carry your team to a championship.
