Look, the "honeymoon phase" of the fantasy season is officially over. We’ve hit Week 4, and by now, your roster either looks like a genius-level work of art or a total dumpster fire. Injuries are starting to pile up like a multi-car pileup on the 405. Christian McCaffrey is still the gold standard, but for most of us, the real headache isn't the RB1 spot—it’s that final flex spot where you’re choosing between a WR3 with a "good matchup" and a backup running back who might see 12 carries if the starter's ankle holds up.
Setting your week 4 flex rankings is basically an exercise in risk management. Honestly, if you’re still just starting whoever you drafted in the 5th round because "he’s a starter," you’re probably 1-2 and heading for a long October.
The Chaos of the Week 4 Flex Rankings
This week is weird. We have the Vikings and Steelers playing in Dublin, which always throws a wrench into the routine. Traveling across the pond is a nightmare for recovery, yet we’ve got Justin Jefferson and Jordan Mason ranked high because, well, they're elite. But can you trust Mason to repeat his early-season heroics against a Steelers defense that looks like a brick wall?
Then there’s the Giants. They finally pulled the trigger on rookie Jaxson Dart at quarterback. That changes everything for Malik Nabers and the rest of that offense. If Dart lives up to the preseason hype, Nabers isn't just a WR2; he’s a fringe WR1. But for flex purposes, people are overlooking Bo Skattebo. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. expected to miss significant time, Skattebo is going to get fed. He’s the kind of gritty, "I'll run through your face" back that thrives in the flex.
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Running Backs or Wide Receivers for the Flex?
It’s the age-old debate. Usually, in PPR, you want the volume of a receiver. But look at someone like Bucky Irving in Tampa. The kid is out-rushing Rachaad White every single week. Against an Eagles defense that has been hit-or-miss, Bucky is a legitimate flex play that could end up as an RB1 by Sunday night.
On the flip side, the Chargers are leaning on Omarion Hampton way more than anyone expected. If you’re playing in a standard league, you almost have to lean toward these heavy-volume backs. Hampton’s matchup against the Giants is juicy. Like, "start him with confidence" juicy.
The Sleepers That Nobody Is Talking About
Everyone is busy staring at the top of the week 4 flex rankings, but the real money is made in the mid-tier. Take Dontayvion Wicks in Green Bay. With Jordan Love back and facing a Dallas defense that basically lets everyone score, Wicks is a massive "boom" candidate. He leads the team in targets per route run. If he catches one deep ball, your week is won.
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- Rashod Bateman (BAL): People gave up on him years ago, but he finally looks healthy. He’s catching touchdowns and Lamar actually looks his way in the red zone. Against the Chiefs, in what should be a shootout, Bateman is a sneaky play.
- Ollie Gordon (MIA): The Dolphins are a mess, but Gordon is the spark they need. He’s fresh, he’s explosive, and the Jets' defense—while good—has shown they can be run on if you're patient.
- KaVontae Turpin (DAL): CeeDee Lamb is banged up. Even if Lamb plays, he won't be 100%. Turpin is the lightning bolt this offense uses when they need a quick strike.
The "Stay Away" List
I’m going to be honest with you: stop starting Michael Pittman Jr. until the Colts figure out how to throw a forward pass accurately. He has the targets, sure, but the quality of those targets is garbage. He’s a flex trap. You see the name, you see the "WR1" status on the depth chart, and you start him. Then you end up with 4 catches for 38 yards. No thanks.
Same goes for Travis Etienne. I know, I know. You spent a high pick on him. But the Jaguars' offensive line is a sieve, and Liam Coen’s system hasn't fully clicked yet. He’s a risky flex this week against a Niners defense that is still terrifying even without Bosa.
Making the Final Call
When you're staring at your lineup ten minutes before kickoff, don't overthink the "projected points." Those numbers are just guesses made by an algorithm that doesn't know Jaxon Smith-Njigba is about to have a revenge game on Thursday night.
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Trust the volume. In Week 4, we have enough data to know who the coaches actually trust. Look at the red zone touches. Look at the snap counts. If a guy is on the field for 80% of the plays, eventually, the ball is going to find him.
Actionable Strategy for Your Lineup
Check the late-round injury reports on players like Davante Adams and Tetairoa McMillan. If McMillan is out, Emeka Egbuka becomes a must-start top-10 WR. If you have shares of Jordan Love, pair him with Wicks for the stack.
Don't be afraid to bench a "big name" for a surging rookie like Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders are going to run him until his legs fall off against the Bears. He’s the definition of a high-floor flex play.
Go verify your kicker and defense haven't been affected by the Dublin travel or the Monday night doubleheaders. Once that's set, lock in your flex based on guaranteed touches, not "potential" breakout games that haven't happened in three weeks.