I went to Google and I put in only one phrase in the search bar.
“Hope.”
The first outcome got here from an “AI Overview” and skim like this:
“Hope is an optimistic feeling or state of thoughts that includes anticipating constructive outcomes, and can be utilized as a noun or a verb:
· As a noun
Hope can check with:
· A need that's accompanied by the expectation of achievement
· The expectation of success or achievement
· An individual or factor that one has hope for
· Something that's desired or hoped for
· As a verb
Hope can imply:
· To count on with confidence
· To cherish a need with anticipation
· To need very a lot”
As a Commander fan
Hope can solely imply one factor:
· JAYDEN EFFING DANIELS.
If you’re studying this column, you play fantasy soccer, and also you both watched or are very nicely conscious of what Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels did to the Bengals final Monday evening. Superlatives and overly-gushing adjectives are, frankly, insufficient. I imply… the dude had a 91% completion share. Not a typo. He was 21-of-23 for 254 yards with two passing touchdowns. He ran 12 instances for 39 yards and a speeding rating, as nicely. But it’s not simply the pure numbers. It’s how and when he put them up.
It’s the third-down conversions. It’s the fourth-down conversions. It’s the gutty operating. It’s the zero turnovers. It’s standing in the pocket when you understand you're going to get LIT UP, however you stand there and take the hit as a result of you could give Terry McLaurin sufficient time to get open down the discipline, after which simply as you’re getting crushed, you ship an ideal 27-yard dime to McLaurin in the nook of the finish zone to seal a recreation on the street in primetime towards a determined, winless Bengals crew.
So yeah, you understand all that from the field rating, the highlights, the previous few days of continuous TV speak, and if nothing else, you simply learn it.
The half that doesn’t present up in the field rating is the hope.
Hold that thought.
I’ve informed this half of the story earlier than however for these new at school, I used to be born in Denver, and spent two years in Atlanta, however the majority of my childhood from ages 4 to 12 have been spent in Richmond and Charlottesville, Va. My dad is a big sports activities fan and so is his father, so it was no shock that I watched sports activities at an early age.
As an NFL fan, Jack Pardee was the first Washington coach I bear in mind, and when he was fired in 1981, 11-year-old me desperately wished the crew to rent Bum Phillips, the colourful Houston Oilers coach who had simply been let go after “Luv Ya Blue” had failed in the playoffs as soon as once more. There was no web again then, and we didn’t have that new factor referred to as cable TV, so I used to be dissatisfied once they employed a Chargers assistant I had by no means heard of named Joe Gibbs.
It could be the final time Washington would disappoint me for an extended, very long time.
Gibbs, of course, turned one of the biggest coaches in NFL historical past, main Washington to an incredible run, together with 4 Super Bowl appearances, profitable three, and I used to be in, hook, line and sinker. I collected all their soccer playing cards, I watched each recreation, I learn each article I may discover and my most-prized possessions have been a Washington helmet I wore in all places and an autographed photograph of Joe Theismann. I had mailed him a fan letter, and I’ll be damned if a month or so later he didn’t ship again a signed photograph.
As is usually the case, what was essential to you as a baby turns into central and beloved to you if you’re older. And in order I grew up and moved round from metropolis to metropolis, my religion in the Burgundy and Gold stayed glued carefully to me and clearly continues to today, many a long time later.
It wasn’t all the time straightforward. In reality, it was actually rattling exhausting for, oh, about 20 years there. The Dan Snyder period was the worst possession period of any skilled sports activities crew in the historical past of the world. I'll die on that hill. I may spend 10,000 phrases on Snyder’s failings alone and nonetheless not be capable of absolutely seize it, however I promise I gained’t. I’ll simply rapidly boil it down to 2 fast factors.
First, on the discipline. Under Snyder, the crew went 164-220-2 in the common season, hardly ever making the playoffs and the few instances they did, not displaying rather a lot of success, going 2-6 in the postseason.
Then, even worse than that, was off the discipline. I’ll simply sum it up like this. For over 20 years, if you have been a Washington fan, individuals would come as much as you and say, “Did you see the Snyder story?” And you’d sigh and should legitimately ask, “Which one?”
For so lengthy, each downside the crew had (and there have been so, so many) have been totally self-inflicted. And I wished to bail on the crew. I attempted. I actually did. But I couldn’t. That was my childhood. That was my old flame. It’s ingrained in me in a deep-rooted approach that can by no means depart me.
I'm good and skilled to know that profitable at the highest stage is difficult, man. And that each crew in each sport goes by ebbs and flows. Any goal sports activities fan is aware of that, generally, even with a ton of analysis from the smartest individuals in the recreation, there are gamers, coaches, and seasons that simply don’t work out. And let’s be actual. My crew has gained three Super Bowls. They have been an extended, very long time in the past once I was a child, however nonetheless. Three rings. Loads of persons are followers of groups which have by no means performed for a championship, not to mention gained one. So yeah, I’m not asking you to really feel sorry for me. I didn’t prefer it however, although irritating, I may dwell with the shedding.
The half I couldn’t dwell with out? Hope.
I all the time need hope. We all do. No matter how small, how infinitesimal, we simply need a glimmer of hope. It’s the well-known scene from Dumb & Dumber, proper?
Lloyd: What do you assume the likelihood is of a man such as you and a woman like me ending up collectively?
Mary: Well, Lloyd, that’s tough to say. I imply, we don’t really–
Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I got here a great distance simply to see you, Mary. The least you are able to do is stage with me. What are my probabilities?
Mary: Not good.
Lloyd: You imply, not good like one out of 100?
Mary: I’d say extra like one out of 1,000,000.
[pause]
Lloyd: So you’re telling me there’s an opportunity? *YEAH!*
It’s why I like having gamers occurring Monday evening. No matter how badly I received crushed on Sunday, like going through Jauan Jennings, Saquon Barkley and Kyren Williams on one crew… there’s nonetheless perhaps an opportunity. An opportunity for a #MondayNightMiracle. Some epic efficiency that brings my fantasy crew again from the lifeless and into an unbelievable victory, like, ahem, Jayden Daniels gave us on Monday evening.
I need that hope. I would like that hope. I crave and dwell for that glimmer of hope. I've hope for my youngsters. For my profession. For my household, mates, and the world at giant. I've hope for my fantasy groups and sure, dammit, tons of hope for my beloved Washington Commanders.
It began with Snyder promoting the crew to an expert, skilled possession group led by Josh Harris. But the group took over simply earlier than the 2023 season began and there wasn’t a lot they might do final yr. But this yr, that they had the time to place their imprint on the crew, together with hiring common supervisor Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
And the collective of them, and others, drafted none apart from Jayden Effing Daniels.
Yeah.
Now, let’s be clear.
We nonetheless want rather a lot of assistance on protection. We wanted Daniels to actually play an ideal recreation and to place up 38 factors on Monday to win that recreation. Things like that gained’t occur each week.
Winning in the NFL is difficult and Washington’s upcoming schedule, which incorporates video games towards the relaxation of the AFC North (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland) and the NFC South (New Orleans, Atlanta and a suddenly-resurgent Carolina) gained’t be straightforward. Not to say, we nonetheless have two remaining matchups towards each Philly and Dallas.
So the soccer analyst half of me is aware of that is doubtless not a playoff crew this yr.
That’s the logical half of me, however hope feeds on emotion and I’ll be damned if I’m not consuming it up.
Because final Monday evening, as Terry McLaurin made an unimaginable catch in the finish zone, I jumped up and pumped my fist in the air, and as I turned, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. And I noticed Jayden, Terry and the Commanders had simply given me one thing that I hadn’t seen in a very long time.
An enormous smile throughout a recreation.
My telephone and social media mentions have been blowing up. My mates and I have been texting one another backwards and forwards the similar factor: “I’ll be damned. We have a quarterback. Legit. We HAVE A QUARTERBACK.”
We have an extended option to go, however man, for the first time in a very long time, I've actual hope. Pure hope that this season, and lots of extra in the future, the good will outweigh the dangerous, that issues that appear darkish will rapidly flip to gentle, that whereas we gained’t win each recreation, we now have an opportunity in each single one, and that’s all you need. Something to consider in.
So you’re telling me there’s an opportunity?
You’re rattling proper I'm.
Hail to the Commanders. Hail victory!
Let’s get to it. As all the time, because of my producer Damian Dabrowski for his assist at numerous factors on this column. And a reminder to please try Fantasy Football Happy Hour day-after-day on the NFL on NBC YouTube page, on Peacock and wherever you get your podcasts. And Sunday morning be sure you try Fantasy Football Pregame from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Peacock and the NFL on NBC YouTube page the place we reply extra questions than every other pregame present.
Finally, should you want greater than hope that will help you win your fantasy league, try (*4*) the place we now have instruments like waiver assistant, commerce rater, and league sync, plus personalized weekly ranks for your scoring system, DFS, Pick’em and sports activities betting instruments as nicely. It’s actually a terrific product.
Here we go.
Quarterbacks I Love in Week 4
Kyler Murray vs. Washington
This Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET, I'll rework from “Matthew Berry, fantasy analyst” to “Matthew Berry, human embodiment of the grinning heart-eyes emoji.” Because it's then that Cardinals and Commanders will kick off, and I'll get to observe a head-to-head battle between my 2024 “Ride Or Die” Kyler Murray and my 2024-2050 (Or So) “Greatest Quarterback In The World And Savior Of My Washington Commanders” Jayden Daniels. Daniels, in his infinite knowledge, has determined that scoring on each drive – or at the least by no means punting – is the option to go as a result of the Commanders protection is, nicely … a piece in progress.
Washington has the second-worst cross protection this season, permitting the most passing touchdowns and giving up a league-high 24.4 PPG to quarterbacks. Plus, each quarterback to face Washington up to now has completed in the high seven at the place in fantasy for the week. It’s why the Cardinals have the highest implied crew whole this week. It’s additionally why I've Kyler Murray as my QB2, who I've little question will lead the Cards to 50 whole factors in a heartbreaking 1-point loss to my beloved Commanders. A man can dream, proper?
Jayden Daniels at Arizona
While Murray is QB2, Jayden Daniels is QB1 (in my coronary heart) and QB3 for Week 4. Daniels is one of solely three quarterbacks with a number of 25-point video games already this season, becoming a member of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Not dangerous firm. Daniels has additionally carried the ball 10-plus instances in each recreation and leads all quarterbacks with six goal-line rushes. And now he will get an Arizona protection that's permitting the third-highest passer ranking to opposing quarterbacks and going through them in a recreation with the highest Over/Under (50) in Week 4. Lots to like once more this week with Daniels in fantasy soccer and in actual soccer. By the approach, can I be sincere for a second? It simply blows my thoughts that some of you need to spend each week rooting for a crew that doesn’t have a younger, famous person quarterback operating the present. I can’t even comprehend what that should be like. Has to be terrible. I wager your quarterback has at the least one recreation with lower than a 91% completion share. You poor depressing bastards.
C.J. Stroud vs. Jacksonville
The Jaguars rank third worst in cross protection this season and have allowed the second-most fantasy factors to quarterbacks. Maybe Jacksonville’s protection is why Trevor Lawrence is struggling a lot. Think about it: going from going through the Jaguars in follow to enjoying an actual protection on Sundays should be like abruptly switching from Rookie to All-Madden mode. Either approach, C.J. Stroud has an amazing matchup right here in a recreation during which the Texans have the second-highest implied whole of the week. Trevor Lawrence simply appears to be like damaged to me and I don’t assume it will get higher anytime quickly. So I count on rather a lot of three-and-outs and good discipline place for the Texans at residence. Those final two phrases are essential. Remember, Stroud is very good at residence. For his profession, he averages 21.0 PPG and 305 passing yards in the pleasant confines of NRG Stadium. He’s QB4 for me this week.
Others receiving votes: I imply, it’s no Jayden Daniels finishing an NFL rookie document 91.3% of passes in a single recreation, however it’s nonetheless spectacular that Geno Smith has accomplished greater than 70% of his passes in each recreation this season. Seattle can also be airing it out extra this season. In reality, they’re tied for the highest cross price over anticipated. Smith additionally has some constructive latest historical past at Detroit, his Week 4 opponent. Last season in Week 2, he threw for 328 yards and two scores on the option to 23.1 fantasy factors at Ford Field. … Look for Justin Fields to do some harm together with his legs towards the Colts on Sunday. Jaylen Warren is banged up for Pittsburgh and Indianapolis has allowed the third-most rushes of 10-plus yards this season. The Colts additionally simply noticed Malik Willis run for 41 yards towards them in Week 2 and the Steelers are displaying growing belief in Fields operating their offense, particularly close to the objective line. He has 50% of Pittsburgh’s goal-line rushes this season. … Last yr, Joe Flacco got here out of nowhere, now it’s Andy Dalton. Apparently enjoying AFC North franchise quarterbacks from over a decade in the past is the new market inefficiency. (Some groups could need to take into account kicking the tires on Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer. Where’s Tim Couch if you want him?) Anyway, Dalton has an excellent matchup this week towards his outdated Bengals crew that's touring on a brief week. Cincinnati is permitting landing passes at the seventh-highest price this season and Carolina will doubtless have to throw as a 4-point underdog on this matchup. Dalton, by the approach, now has 300-plus yards and at the least two landing passes in each of his profession begins with Carolina.
Quarterbacks I Hate in Week 4
Anthony Richardson vs. Pittsburgh
I’m not saying Joe Flacco shall be beginning quickly for the Colts, however it’s been a tough begin to 2024 for Anthony Richardson. And now he has his hardest matchup but. Pittsburgh is first in scoring protection and ranks high 5 in each rush and cross protection. The Steelers even have but to permit a quarterback to publish double-digit fantasy factors on them. The Steelers’ protection shall be seeking to make performs on Sunday towards Richardson, who has but to have a recreation this season with a completion price above 50%. In reality, his 17.8% off-target price is second-highest amongst quarterbacks this season. The solely quarterback who has been worse in that division? Bryce Young. Ooof. But, hey … take a look at the shiny facet: Richardson could get sacked a bunch this week, stopping him from throwing astray. Hooray! Things will get higher for A-Rich, however not earlier than they worsen. Richardson is outdoors my high 15 in Week 4.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Denver
Aaron Rodgers went for 21.0 factors in Week 3, marking the first time he’s put up 20-plus fantasy factors since Week 17 of the 2021-22 season. True story. Running, slinging it, man he regarded nice. But whereas it was good to see Rodgers be part of quarterbacking legends like Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco as late-career fantasy producers, I’m undecided I see it persevering with in Week 4. The Broncos this season rank second in cross protection and sixth in scoring protection, completely shutting down Baker Mayfield final week. (Heading into the recreation, Baker was one of the high three QBs in fantasy). Denver additionally permits the third-fewest yards per cross try (5.8). This matchup is slated to be each low scoring (Over/Under of 39.5) and managed by the Jets, that are 7.5-point favorites. That doubtless means a run-heavy recreation script. And all of which means I've Rodgers outdoors my high 15 quarterbacks this week.
One word I ought to point out, nonetheless, is that Aaron Rodgers and his man Nathaniel Hackett hate Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Like, with a fiery ardour. So whereas I count on the Jets to be up large and never need to danger Rodgers’ well being in a recreation they’re profitable large, I additionally wouldn’t put it previous Rodgers to completely attempt to pad stats to embarrass Payton. So perceive it is a danger/reward “Hate.”
Running Backs I Love in Week 4
Saquon Barkley at Tampa Bay
Okay, so an excellent, tremendous apparent identify right here however I’m placing him right here simply to make some extent. It’s not that he’s my No. 1 total RB this week. Oh no. He’s right here as a result of he’s my No. 1 RB total and the first decide it is best to make should you did a draft for the relaxation of the season at present. Which, by the approach, you possibly can, at GuillotineLeagues.com the place you possibly can draft any week you need with no matter dimension league you need. It’s additionally 100% free to play, if you wish to attempt it out. And should you do and have the No. 1 decide and need to take Saquon, I’m on board with that. He’s wholesome, he leads all backs in touches this season at 24.3 per recreation and he may develop into a good greater half of Philadelphia’s recreation plan contemplating receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Britain Covey are all numerous levels of injured. Then there’s the proven fact that Barkley has an amazing matchup this week towards a Bucs crew that's permitting the third-most fantasy factors to operating backs. Tampa additionally ranks backside 10 in success price towards run performs. Barkley is No. 1 total in fantasy proper now, averaging 28.1 PPG, and I've each motive to consider he’ll keep there.
Aaron Jones at Green Bay
So Aaron Jones is averaging 18 touches and 108 scrimmage yards per recreation. He is Minnesota’s go-to choice at the objective line, a lot in order that he has the second-most goal-line rushes in the league this season, in addition to a number of goal-line carries in each recreation. Plus, he’s being utilized in the passing recreation with the second-highest goal share (19.4%) amongst all backs. I’ve solely mentioned it for what looks like perpetually. These are the sort of issues that occur if you #FREEAARONJONES. Getting objective line work and big passing recreation work in a matchup towards his former crew that simply occurs to have given up the fifth-most receiving yards to operating backs? Revenge recreation? You’re rattling proper revenge recreation. Hand me a purple sombrero as a result of I've Jones as a high 10 fantasy again this week.
James Conner vs. Washington
James Conner has 19-plus touches in two of his three video games this season. Yes, he solely had 10 final week, however Arizona solely possessed the ball for 23 minutes towards the Lions. That feels extra like an aberration than the norm. Conner must also be capable of do some harm towards a Commanders protection that's permitting 5.2 YPC to operating backs this season, which is fifth-highest in the league. Running backs who've obtained 17-plus touches versus Washington this season are averaging 17.3 PPG. Yes, the Commanders’ protection is horrible towards each the run AND the cross. Can I please simply get pleasure from Jayden Daniels for a minute with out you specializing in Washington’s protection? Yeesh. Anyway, I've Conner ranked as RB10 this week.
Zack Moss at Carolina
Who is admittedly accountable for Cincinnati’s 0-3 begin? Sure, you possibly can blame future Hall-of-Famer and future Super Bowl Champion Jayden Daniels for one of them, however what about the different two losses? Well, whoever you level the finger at, don’t level it at Zack Moss. He’s on tempo for greater than 1,100 whole yards and 11 touchdowns and is at the moment RB20 in fantasy. His touches have elevated each week and his 75% snap price is sixth amongst backs. He has 100% of Cincinnati’s goal-line rushes and 11 of their 12 RB crimson zone touches. Moss can also be being utilized in the passing recreation, with a double-digit goal share in two of the three video games thus far this season. Oh yeah, I’m all about that Zack’tion. This week he faces a Carolina protection that ranks backside 5 in speeding yards and speeding touchdowns allowed to backs. I've Moss as my RB16 in Week 4. If you need a constant RB2 choice, it is best to significantly take into account getting Moss’d.
Others receiving votes: In a stunning improvement, the Cowboys are off to a foul begin to a soccer season. Most are blaming their run protection, however Jerry Jones is blaming himself. Which makes me assume: Is Jerry Jones on Dallas’ line of defense? How else to elucidate Dallas being ranked final in run protection and giving up the most fantasy factors to backs? The Cowboys are clearly enjoying an 81-year-old man on their D-line! It all is smart now! It additionally is smart to play Devin Singletary towards the Cowboys this week. Singletary is averaging 17 touches per recreation and dealing with 77% of the Giants’ RB touches. That workload will do nicely towards this Dallas protection. … Sometimes, a lot to my chagrin, the Commanders should have somebody apart from Jayden Daniels contact the ball. Oftentimes, close to the objective line, that has been Brian Robinson Jr. He’s high 5 amongst RBs in goal-line carries this season and, with Austin Ekeler in concussion protocol, that utilization gained’t drop. Robinson Jr. additionally has a constructive matchup in Week 4 towards a Cardinals crew that ranks backside 10 in fantasy factors allowed to backs. … Jaylen Warren’s injury-riddled begin to the season has been good for Najee Harris managers. Harris is averaging 20.7 touches per recreation and this week faces a Colts protection that has allowed the most speeding yards to operating backs. … Assuming Jerry Jones doesn’t transfer himself from DT to RB, you need to like the utilization tendencies for Rico Dowdle. He now has consecutive video games with 10-plus touches and a double-digit goal share. I've him ranked inside my high 30 this week towards a Giants protection permitting 5.3 YPC to backs, the third-highest in the league.
Running Backs I Hate in Week 4
De’Von Achane vs. Tennessee
A season after averaging 7.8 YPC, De’Von Achane has been held below 3.0 YPC in two of his three video games. Now he faces a Tennessee protection that permits the sixth-lowest YPC to operating backs this season at 3.7. Oh, and Achane shall be going through that protection with both Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley enjoying quarterback in entrance of him. (Yes, Tyreek Hill as the “Bugatti parked by a mobile home” meme ought to get rather a lot of use this week.) None of these QBs will stretch the discipline a lot, permitting Tennessee to key on the run recreation. The Dolphins have the fourth-lowest implied crew whole of Week 4 for a motive. You’re nonetheless beginning Achane, of course, however decrease expectations. I've Achane outdoors my high 10 for the week.
J.Okay. Dobbins vs. Kansas City
The Chargers have the second-lowest implied crew whole this week. Some of that has to do with Justin Herbert presumably being out, positive. But even when he performs, the Chargers will nonetheless be heavy underdogs. That’s not an amazing recreation script for Dobbins. Also not nice for Dobbins? So far this season, the Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest speeding yards to operating backs. That contains holding Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson below 50 yards. I've Dobbins as a low-end RB2 this week. He’s my RB26.
Rhamondre Stevenson at San Francisco
The Patriots have the lowest implied crew whole in Week 4 AND they’re the greatest underdog of the week (+10). That’s not only a dangerous recreation script for Rhamondre Stevenson, that’s the sort of script the place you learn by it and uncover you haven't any talking strains and are killed off in the opening scene, so that you hearth your agent for getting you crappy elements. By the approach, when the Patriots performed tight video games in Weeks 1 and a pair of, Stevenson noticed 20-plus touches. Last week, in a 21-point loss to the Jets, he received simply six touches. And don’t plan for work in the passing recreation to avoid wasting you, Stevenson managers. So far this season, New England ranks nineteenth in RB goal share and Stevenson has simply 15 whole receiving yards.
Pass Catchers I Love in Week 4
Marvin Harrison, Jr. vs. Washington
Well, good factor the Cardinals didn’t lower Marvin Harrison, Jr. after his Week 1 debut, huh? Since his 1-4-0 line in the opener, on simply three targets, Harrison has been WR5 in fantasy over the previous two weeks. He has a 34.5% goal share in these two video games and leads all gamers with 5 finish zone targets over that very same span. Now, he will get a Washington protection that has allowed the most touchdowns to vast receivers this season with 9. That’s three greater than every other crew. The Commanders have additionally allowed 22-plus factors to at the least one WR in each recreation thus far this season. In reality the solely unfavorable factor I can say about going through the Commanders secondary is it doesn’t appear honest that Jayden Daniels doesn’t get to face them in a recreation this yr. Anyways, hearth up Harrison, Jr. on Sunday and say your prayers should you’re going through him. He’s my WR6.
Nico Collins vs. Jacksonville
C.J. Stroud says Tank Dell is his finest good friend, however Nico Collins appears to be Stroud’s good friend with advantages. And by that, of course, I imply the advantages of goal share. Collins leads the Texans in goal share (26%) and is seeing 67% of Houston’s finish zone targets. Stroud and Collins even have a particular connection at residence with Collins averaging 21.8 PPG in his 10 profession residence video games with Stroud below middle. This week Collins will get a Jacksonville protection that has given up the fourth-most yards on deep passes, fifth-most fantasy factors to perimeter vast receivers, and watched the third most tape on at the moment obtainable defensive backs. Give me Collins as a high 10 WR this week.
Diontae Johnson vs. Cincinnati
It seems the key to unlocking Diontae Johnson’s fantasy manufacturing in Carolina was having footballs thrown considerably close to his physique. Magic! Last week, in Andy Dalton’s first begin of the 2024 season, Johnson went for a career-high 122 receiving yards and 26.2 fantasy factors – the most he’s posted since Week 13 of 2021. Johnson received a 38% goal share from Dalton and now, with Adam Thielen positioned on IR, he may even see extra targets. Add to it that Cincinnati is permitting the fourth-highest catch price to vast receivers, and I've Johnson ranked all the approach up at WR11. I’m all about that Diontackion. Hmm. Feels like that one could be an excessive amount of of a stretch. Hmm. Gimme a second. OK, on Sunday you’ll say, “Hey, Hey Diontae!” No? Hmm. You’re proper. Let me get again to you. In the meantime, begin Johnson.
Chris Godwin vs. Philadelphia
Through three video games, the Eagles have allowed the sixth-most yards and are tied for the most touchdowns allowed to the slot. That’s nice information for Chris “My Middle Name Is Slot” Godwin. (Editor’s Note: Godwin’s center identify is definitely Christopher and his first identify is Rod.) Godwin’s 30.9% goal share ranks seventh amongst vast receivers this season and he has seen a goal share of at the least 26% in all three of his video games. Have to like that consistency. That’s why this week Godwin is altering his identify to Chris “Matthew Berry’s WR12” Godwin. (Editor’s Note: Still no.)
Dalton Kincaid at Baltimore
Only 5 tight ends have performed all three video games this season and averaged greater than 10.0 fantasy factors per recreation. And no tight ends in that group are averaging greater than 13.6 fantasy factors. It’s exhausting on the market on the tight finish streets. Tight End University may lose accreditation. But maybe a savior will seem in a single Dalton Kincaid. In that high-powered Buffalo offense, it’s Kincaid who leads the Bills in each crimson zone and finish zone targets. He additionally occurs to have a constructive matchup this week towards a Ravens crew that has allowed the second-most receptions, yards, and fantasy factors to the tight finish place. Both Brock Bowers and Jake Ferguson completed as high three TEs once they performed the Ravens this season. I've Kincaid as a TE4 this week.
Others receiving votes: We preferred Jauan Jennings final week, however we didn’t know for positive what we might get out of him with a full-time workload. Now we do: a team-high 40% goal share and two finish zone targets. With Brandon Aiyuk more likely to get the Christian Gonzalez shadow, Jennings’ goal share ought to keep excessive in Week 4. New England, by the approach, has allowed the seventh-most fantasy factors to vast receivers. … As the outdated saying goes: “Rome wasn’t built in a day and Rome Odunze’s fantasy impact wasn’t built in a week.” After a Marvin Harrison, Jr.-esque NFL debut with only one catch, Odunze has three finish zone targets in his previous two video games, in addition to a season-high 23% goal share in Week 3. He additionally has seen 45% of his targets over the previous two weeks come on deep balls. I like Odunze this week towards a Rams protection that has been abysmal defending vertically, permitting the most yards and touchdowns on deep passes. … Baltimore has allowed the eighth-most yards to the slot this season, which is much more motive to assume Khalil Shakir will proceed to emerge in Week 4. Shakir has double-digit fantasy factors in each recreation this season and a team-high 19.7% goal share. … Over the previous two weeks, Darnell Mooney has a 28.6% goal share and is averaging 16.2 PPG. He additionally has a route participation of 99% thus far this season. He deserves related fantasy beginning lineup participation in Week 4. … The 49ers have allowed the most yards to the slot this season, so deeper leagues which are scrounging a bit may wanna take a look at Patriots WR Demario Douglas. In Week 3, Douglas had a goal of 37.5%. … The Rams have allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors to tight ends. That signifies that Cole Kmet has a constructive matchup in Week 4. Kmet has seen his route participation and snap price enhance each week. … Zach Ertz is definitely tied for the Washington crew lead in receptions thus far this season and has a 17% goal share. That alone is motive to be constructive on this bleak 2024 fantasy tight finish panorama. But perhaps the Commanders goal him even a bit of further this week towards his outdated crew, the Arizona Cardinals. Revenge recreation? Sure, why not. Revenge recreation! And sure, if you're holding observe, I like each Andy Dalton and Zach Ertz in fantasy this week. What yr is it once more?
Pass Catchers I Hate in Week 4
Garrett Wilson vs. Denver
Denver has allowed the fewest fantasy factors to vast receivers this season and – not surprisingly – receivers getting shadowed by Patrick Surtain II have particularly struggled. In Week 1, DK Metcalf went for 3-29-0 and 5.9 fantasy factors. In Week 2, George Pickens additionally put up 29 yards, however on simply two catches. And in Week 3, Mike Evans had two catches, however solely for 17 yards. In what ought to be a low-scoring recreation (Over/Under of 39.5), it’s exhausting to see a state of affairs during which Garrett Wilson bucks the development. But hey, who is aware of. Maybe Wilson will put up the finest fantasy recreation of the season towards Surtain and … break the lofty six-point barrier. I've Wilson outdoors my high 20 WRs this week.
Courtland Sutton at New York Jets
Among all 77 gamers with 10-plus targets this season, Courtland Sutton’s 44% catch price is fourth-lowest. And he’s seventy fifth out of that group of 77 in fantasy factors per goal. This week, Sutton will face Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed and a Jets protection that has allowed the seventh-fewest yards to vast receivers. I've Sutton ranked as WR37 this week, and even that feels a bit beneficiant.
Michael Pittman vs. Pittsburgh
Michael Pittman has lower than 40 receiving yards in all three video games this season and a catch price of simply 55%. Now, Pittman faces Pittsburgh, which has allowed the fewest receptions to vast receivers, and he'll doubtless draw protection from Joey Porter, Jr. On the constructive facet, courting again to final season, Pittman has now put up 5 consecutive single-digit fantasy performances. Gotta love the consistency?
Mark Andrews vs. Buffalo
I usually don’t advise panicking on a participant after three weeks, however should you drafted Mark Andrews early, it is best to positively be lined in a chilly sweat and respiration right into a paper bag at this level. I imply, Andrews is TE30 in PPG proper now (4.2). And he’s not essentially in line for constructive regression both. Andrews is at the moment fifth on the Ravens in targets, behind the likes of Rashod Bateman and Justice Hill, and final week had a season-low snap price (33%), operating simply six whole routes. Panic, panic, panic. Andrews is down at TE14 this week.
