Entering the quarter-pole of the season, fantasy football managers are making moves to continue leading the race for the playoffs while others are trying to get into the playoff race after a rough start.
Each week, we will be detailing some of the best starts and matchups for fantasy football managers. These starts of the week don’t necessarily mean each player will finish as the top scorer at their respective positions, but the recipe for high-end success should be there.
Here are my starts of the week for Week 4 in fantasy football:
QB Philip Rivers at Miami Dolphins
Anytime a quarterback is taking on the Dolphins this season, there is a good bet he will be among the candidates for the start of the week. While the days of Rivers being an exciting play in fantasy football are no longer, he’s primed for some strong production in Week 4.
The Dolphins have already allowed 10 passing touchdowns through three games while allowing 29.2 fantasy points per game to the quarterback position. They are allowing 10.3 yards per attempt (31st), a 139.1 passer rating (32nd) and a completion rate of 72.1% (28th) to opposing quarterbacks.
Rivers also has shown a penchant for big plays this season. His 16 completions of 20 or more yards are tied for second-most in the NFL with Lamar Jackson and only two behind that of the leader in Patrick Mahomes.
The Dolphins don’t have safety Minkah Fitzpatrick anymore, which is just another reason why Rivers has a chance to put up a monster fantasy day.
RB LeSean McCoy at Detriot Lions
Despite an ankle injury, McCoy suited up to lead the Chiefs backfield in Week 3 and gifted fantasy managers with 21.5 fantasy points (half-PPR). With Damien Williams ruled out yet again, McCoy is in line to lead the Chiefs backfield in what is a strong matchup.
Most of the matchups favor the Chiefs offense, but McCoy is truly in line for a big day. The Lions are allowing 4.4 yards per carry to the running back position and have allowed a rushing touchdown in each of the last two weeks. McCoy was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday, which means he’s potentially able to take on a bigger workload.
Shady will also be utilized in the passing game—evident by his three receptions in each of the last two weeks. Darrel Williams will also get some work, but McCoy is primed to lead a Chiefs backfield that should see plenty of success.
WR Tyler Boyd at Pittsburgh Steelers
On Monday night, the football world will be privileged to watch Mason Rudolph and Andy Dalton square off in primetime. While that will be fun to watch, Boyd is in line to have another strong performance, as he’s done consistently this season.
The Steelers have been bad against wide receivers in general this season, but they have particularly struggled against slot wide receivers. The numbers are truly astounding when teams are targeting the slot against the Steelers.
The addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick could change the outlook a little bit, but Boyd has been as consistent as any fantasy player this season. Boyd has a strong target share in the Bengals passing offense and is averaging 12.4 fantasy points per game to open the season.
The Bengals don’t have much confidence when it comes to the offense, but Boyd should still be in line for a big day.
TE Eric Ebron vs. Oakland Raiders
The regression for Ebron has been real to open up the 2019 season, but there is a lot going for him in Week 4 when the Colts host the Raiders—a defense that is currently ranked 20th against fantasy tight ends through the first three weeks.
While Ebron will always be touchdown-dependent, there is a high chance he sees some increased volume on Sunday. With T.Y. Hilton listed as doubtful and unlikely to play, Ebron is the next in line to see a target increase. Though his target share is just under 12%, that’s the second-highest on the Colts offense behind Hilton.
The Raiders have also struggled against tight ends as they are allowing 15.9 yards per reception to the position this season. There is some risk with Ebron, but he’s in line for a strong outing—especially if Hilton is eventually ruled out.
