Week 4 has arrived, and the quarterback room feels different than it did just seven days ago. Some names are climbing the charts while others are falling fast. You need to know who to trust before you set your lineup on Sunday.
Per RotoBaller NFL, Bryce Young is the clear play this week. He has thrown for 939 yards and seven touchdowns through three games. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged a league-high 33.5 fantasy points per game against the Detroit Lions defense, which the Carolina Panthers now confront. That number is brutal for Detroit and a gift for fantasy owners.
Why Young Is a Must-Start
The Lions secondary is missing key players like Avonte Maddox, who is out for the season. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are likewise anticipated to be sidelined for a period. Young showed his poise by leading a late scoring drive even after Jalen Coker left with a quad injury. He averaged 23.7 fantasy points per game, which ranks fourth among all quarterbacks.
Even if Coker cannot play, Young has the upside to be a top-12 starter. He faces a team that allowed Buffalo to score 41 points in Week 2. The matchup is too good to ignore for your fantasy roster.
The Jameis Winston Situation
Per Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh confirmed once more that Jameis Winston remains the starter. But the situation is shaky. Harbaugh noted that Winston did everything needed to win the Week 3 game, “but that doesn’t mean that’s where we stand,” Harbaugh said.
The Giants traded a fifth-round pick to get J.J. McCarthy, and Jaxson Dart is done for the season. Winston threw for 118 yards with zero touchdowns in the ugly 12-7 win over the Titans. He is a turnover-prone gunslinger who might win games, but he could also cost you your fantasy matchup. If he struggles, the team might not hesitate to give McCarthy a chance.
Who to Sit and Who to Watch
Do not start Bo Nix this week. He gets one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses. With an offense still lacking a clear identity, Jordan Love represents a risky option as well. Although a backup quarterback recently embarrassed the Seattle unit, Justin Herbert still faces significant risk in this matchup.
On the injury front, Baker Mayfield is out for Weeks 4 through 6 due to a dislocated right thumb. The MRI showed no fracture or ligament damage, but he will battle swelling for a couple of weeks. Jalon Daniels will be under center for the Buccaneers in the meantime.
De’Von Achane’s season is over after he suffered a torn left ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. Breece Hall has a quad strain and is out for Week 4. These injuries change how you view the offenses around them.
Right now, the best move is to ride the hot hand of Bryce Young. Avoid the uncertainty in New York until we see if the Giants stick with Winston.
