Fantasy football is basically just a high-stakes game of "who’s actually healthy this morning." Honestly, if you looked at your roster after Week 3 and didn't feel like screaming, you’ve probably got better luck than most. We’re heading into a Week 4 where the landscape looks less like a gridiron and more like a triage unit. Between season-ending injuries to guys like James Conner and Najee Harris, and the bizarre quarterback carousels in Washington and Minnesota, your week 4 nfl rankings fantasy strategy needs a massive pivot.
Forget what you thought you knew during your August draft. That version of the NFL is dead. Now, we’re dealing with a world where Sam Darnold is a viable starter in Seattle and a rookie like Trey Benson is the most expensive waiver wire addition of the year.
The Brutal Truth About the Quarterback Rankings
Everyone wants to talk about Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Fine. They are the top two in almost every set of rankings for a reason. Allen is facing a Saints defense that, while solid, hasn't seen a freight train with a cannon for an arm yet. But the real story in the Week 4 rankings isn't at the top; it's the absolute chaos in the middle.
Take Jalen Hurts. He’s sitting at QB3 or QB4 for most experts, but he's heading into Tampa Bay without a fully healthy run game to lean on. He had to "step on the gas" last week just to keep the Eagles afloat. Then there’s Jayden Daniels. Or rather, there isn't Jayden Daniels. He’s out with a knee injury. That leaves Marcus Mariota to lead the Commanders. If you’re desperate, Mariota actually isn't a terrible floor play because of his legs, but he’s a massive downgrade for Terry McLaurin—who is also dealing with a quad issue.
The Drake Maye Paradox
Is Drake Maye actually good, or is the Carolina Panthers' defense just that bad? Probably both. Maye is currently ranked as a top-10 QB for Week 4 by several models, including SportsLine’s simulations. He’s coming off back-to-back games with over 230 yards and two scores. More importantly, the Patriots are finally letting him run.
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"The Panthers' defense simply does not travel. They've allowed 23 passing touchdowns and only 4 interceptions in their last 10 road games."
If you’re sitting there wondering if you should start Maye over someone like Jared Goff, the answer is probably yes. Goff is at home against a Lions defense that is currently hemorrhaging yards, but Maye's rushing floor gives him the edge in a Week 4 matchup that feels like a trap for veteran pocket passers.
Running Backs: A Total Bloodbath
If you own Christian McCaffrey, you’re fine. He’s the RB1. He’s going against Jacksonville. Life is good. For everyone else, Week 4 is a headache.
James Conner is done for the year (ankle). Najee Harris is done for the year (Achilles). This has completely shifted the week 4 nfl rankings fantasy tiers.
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The New Lead Backs
- Trey Benson (Cardinals): He’s the guy now. With Conner out, Benson is no longer a "stash." He’s a volume-based RB2 with RB1 upside if he can handle the goal-line work.
- Omarion Hampton (Chargers): The Chargers look unstoppable, and Hampton is reaping the rewards. He’s firmly in the top 10 this week.
- Jordan Mason (Vikings): Even with Aaron Jones on IR, the Vikings' ground game didn't skip a beat. Mason is a "must-start" against a Steelers defense that can be moved if you're patient.
Alvin Kamara is an interesting case. The Saints are 0-3 and look like the worst team in the league. However, Kamara is still seeing roughly 80% of the snaps. In a game against Buffalo where New Orleans will likely be trailing by 20 in the second quarter, Kamara is going to catch 10 dump-off passes. In PPR leagues, that’s gold. Don’t bench him just because the team sucks.
Wide Receivers: The Puka Nacua Show
Let’s be real: Puka Nacua is the Christian McCaffrey of wide receivers. He’s the WR1 for Week 4, and it’s not particularly close. He doesn't even need to score touchdowns to be elite because his target share is hovering near 40%.
But what about the guys who are actually available?
Sleepers and Risks
The Dallas Cowboys have a bottom-tier pass defense. Like, historically bad. This makes Dontayvion Wicks a very spicy flex play. He’s the deep threat for Green Bay, and with the way Jordan Love likes to chuck it, Wicks only needs one catch to ruin your opponent's Sunday.
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On the flip side, Jerry Jeudy is a massive "sit" for me this week. He’s facing a Detroit defense that ranks third in the league in sacks. Joe Flacco is 40 years old and has the mobility of a statue. He won’t have time to find Jeudy on those intermediate routes.
CeeDee Lamb is the biggest question mark. He’s dealing with a high-ankle sprain. Usually, that’s a two-game absence. If he tries to play, he’s a decoy. If he sits, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin become immediate starters. Tolbert had 98 yards last week and is clearly becoming the secondary look in that offense.
Tight Ends: Stop Chasing Names
Stop starting Kyle Pitts just because he was a high draft pick. Just stop. He’s a "sit" until the Falcons figure out how to use him.
Instead, look at the guys who are actually getting targets. Jake Ferguson has been a target monster. Hunter Henry is surprisingly consistent in New England. And keep an eye on Isaiah Likely. He’s expected to make his season debut for the Ravens against the Chiefs. Historically, Lamar Jackson loves a two-TE set in big games, and they don't get much bigger than KC.
Actionable Advice for Your Week 4 Roster
You can't win your league in Week 4, but you can definitely lose it by being stubborn. The week 4 nfl rankings fantasy data suggests a "youth movement" is the only way to survive the current injury wave.
- Check the Saturday reports: If Chris Godwin or Ricky Pearsall are active, you play them. If they are "limited," look for alternatives like Elic Ayomanor or Tre Tucker.
- Prioritize the Waiver Wire: If Trey Benson is somehow available, spend all your FAAB. If not, look for Ollie Gordon in Miami. He’s the direct handcuff to De'Von Achane and is seeing enough red-zone looks to be a desperation flex.
- Stream the Defense: The Vikings DST and Chargers DST are both elite options this week. The Giants and Steelers offenses are struggling to protect the ball, and both these defenses thrive on turnovers.
- Monitor the QB Concussions: If Justin Fields clears protocol, his rushing upside makes him a top-12 play against a Dolphins defense that just gave up a massive day to Josh Allen.
The 2025 season has been weird. Teams like the Saints and Jets are 0-3, while the Colts are undefeated. Don't let your preseason bias prevent you from starting the guys who are actually producing. If a rookie is getting 15 touches a game, start him. It’s that simple.