Fantasy football is basically a game of managing anxiety. We spend all week staring at projections that are usually wrong, only to watch a random backup tight end score two touchdowns while our "must-start" WR1 leaves in the first quarter with a hamstring tweak. It's brutal. Week 4 of the 2025 season is particularly messy. We’ve finally got enough data to see who’s real and who’s just a training camp mirage, but the injury report looks like a medical textbook.
If you're staring at your roster wondering who to start week 4 fantasy football, you're likely dealing with the fallout of the "Black Sunday" we just survived. James Conner and Najee Harris are gone for the year. CeeDee Lamb is sidelined. Malik Nabers is likely out with a serious knee injury. Honestly, it’s a lot. But this is where the season is won. You don’t win your league in the draft; you win it by being the person who realizes Trey Benson is a league-winner before the rest of your league-mates stop crying over James Conner.
The Must-Starts: Don’t Overthink These
Sometimes we get too "galaxy brain" and bench a guy because of a tough matchup. Don't. If you have Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, you play them. I don't care if Lamar is facing a Chiefs defense that just held the Lions in check; he's Lamar.
But beyond the obvious, there are a few guys who have ascended to "never bench" status this week. Rome Odunze is that guy for the Chicago Bears. He’s Caleb Williams’ clear-cut WR1. He leads the team in targets, air yards, and end-zone looks. He’s scored in every single game this year. Against a Raiders secondary that gives up yards like they’re on clearance? He’s a lock.
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Then there’s Justin Herbert. He’s currently the QB6 and playing like an MVP candidate. The Giants' secondary is basically a revolving door, and they can’t generate pressure to save their lives. Herbert is going to have all day to find Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston. If you have any piece of the Chargers' passing game, get them in there.
Running Back Chaos: The Next Man Up
The running back landscape changed forever last week. If you were lucky enough to snag Trey Benson off the waiver wire, you start him immediately. With James Conner out, Benson is the focal point of an Arizona offense that actually moves the ball. He’s averaging 6.0 yards per carry. While Emari Demercado might steal some third-down snaps, Benson is the one who’s going to get the goal-line work against Seattle.
Cam Skattebo is another name you have to consider. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. sidelined for the Giants, Skattebo is looking at a massive workload. He’s a bruising runner who fits perfectly into the "grind it out" style the Giants need to stay competitive against the Chargers.
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Who to Start Week 4 Fantasy Football: The Sleeper Picks
Let’s talk about the guys who might be sitting on your bench but should be in your Flex. Emeka Egbuka has been a revelation for Tampa Bay. With Mike Evans dealing with yet another hamstring strain, Egbuka is effectively the WR1 for Baker Mayfield. He’s already averaging 17 fantasy points per game. The Eagles' defense is tough, but the volume Egbuka is seeing makes his floor incredibly high.
- Matthew Stafford: Everyone thinks he’s "washed," but he’s still steady. Against the Colts, he’s a great streaming option if you're dealing with the Jayden Daniels injury.
- Tre Tucker: This is a deep-league special. Since Geno Smith took over in Vegas, Tucker has become a downfield monster. He’s coming off a 40-point explosion. You probably won't get 40 again, but against Chicago's shaky secondary, he's worth a look.
- Hunter Henry: Tight end is a wasteland this year. Henry is the TE3 right now and Drake Maye clearly loves him in the red zone. If you aren't starting Kelce or Andrews, you're probably starting Henry.
The "Trap" Starts: Proceed With Caution
I’m officially worried about Jerry Jeudy. He had a career year last season, but the chemistry with Joe Flacco is just... not there. He’s seeing his targets drop every week. Now he has to go to Detroit and face a Lions defense that is top-three in sacks. Flacco is 40 and can’t move; Jeudy might not even have time to finish a route before his QB is on the turf.
Another guy to be wary of is Spencer Rattler. He looks great on film—lots of "hero throws" and high accuracy—but the fantasy points aren't following. The Saints' offense is struggling, and they’re facing a Buffalo Bills defense that has allowed the fewest passing yards per game in the NFL. Rattler is a fine QB2 in Superflex, but don't expect a ceiling game here.
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Defense Wins Championships (Wait, Really?)
Stream the Denver Broncos. Seriously. They’re facing Jake Browning and the Bengals. Browning has thrown five interceptions in the last two weeks and the Bengals are giving up sacks at a top-five rate. Denver’s defense has been solid all year, and this is the week they finally put up a double-digit fantasy score.
On the flip side, get away from the Kansas City Chiefs defense. I know they’re "good," but nobody scores fantasy points against the Ravens. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a nightmare for defensive coordinators and fantasy managers alike.
Navigating the Injury Minefield
The 2025 season is proving to be a war of attrition. Jayden Daniels being out hurts, but Marcus Mariota is actually a decent pivot because of his rushing upside. We saw him put up 20 points last week in relief.
Watch the Chris Godwin and Davante Adams news closely. Both are "expected" to play, but hamstrings and ankles are fickle. If Adams is limited, Ladd McConkey becomes an even better start. If Godwin can't go, Sterling Shepard is a sneaky deep-league addition who could see 6-8 targets for the Bucs.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Lineup
- Check the 90-minute Inactive List: This is non-negotiable. With so many "questionable" tags (D'Andre Swift, Tetairoa McMillan, Chris Godwin), you have to be ready to swap players at the last second.
- Prioritize Volume Over Talent: In a week with this many injuries, the guy getting 15 touches (like Trey Benson) is always better than the "talented" guy getting 5 targets (like Xavier Worthy).
- Secure Your Handcuffs: If you own De'Von Achane, make sure Ollie Gordon II is on your roster. He's seeing red-zone work and is the clear insurance policy in Miami.
- Maximize the Raiders/Bears Matchup: This game has "fantasy goldmine" written all over it. Between Odunze, Caleb Williams, Tre Tucker, and Geno Smith, there are a lot of points to be had in a potential shootout.
Winning in week 4 isn't about having the best team on paper. It's about being the most adaptable manager in your league. Trust the volume, watch the late-breaking injury news, and don't be afraid to bench a "big name" for a hot hand.