Fantasy Football Start 'Em Or Sit 'Em: Week 4 Edition
Bob Donnan, USATSI

The fantasy football landscape has changes on the horizon as we break down who starts and sits in week four.

Week three of fantasy football certainly had it’s fair share of surprises. Upsets, breakout performances, and new starters ruled the week.

Trevor Siemian showed he’s for real, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns on the road against a solid Cincinnati defense. Carson Wentz also showed that the hype is well deserved, in an annihilation of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The young guns were only part of Sunday’s story lines, though.

One week after rushing for 100 yards, Fozzy Whitaker did not play nearly as much as Cameron Artis-Payne. The Dolphins backfield still looks like a toss up, while Todd Gurley finally showed up.

Week three had its fair share of surprises, but how does it affect who starts and sits in week four?

Start ‘Em

Giovanni Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

The versatile tailback has had a rough start on the ground in 2016, having rushed for just 50 yards over three games. However, he’s found success through the air, nabbing 16 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.

He remains the secondary option behind Jeremy Hill, but possesses good value heading into Thursday night’s affair with the Dolphins. Miami has allowed the 30th most total yards in the NFL thus far, making Bernard a good start as a FLEX option, especially in PPR leagues.

Sit ‘Em

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets

Coming off the worst professional game of his career, Fitzpatrick returns home to face the “Legion of Boom” and the Seattle Seahawks. If six interceptions against Kansas City was bad, it’s not fun thinking about the potential against arguably the league’s best secondary.

Fitzpatrick is coming off a career best season, and possesses one of the deepest receiving cores in the NFL. However, you’re better off rolling with a different option at QB this week.

Start ‘Em

Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins

After being granted the starting job, Jones has disappointed fantasy football owners over the first three weeks. He hasn’t cracked the 70 yards rushing plateau in any game this season, but his fortunes could be turning positive in week four.

Last week, Jones ran the ball a season high 17 times for 65 yards. While it wasn’t pretty, it was the most action he’s seen this season. Facing a Cleveland defense ranking 27th in yards allowed, he’s worth a start in week four.

Sit ‘Em

Tajae Sharp, WR, Tennessee Titans

The rookie wideout is off to a nice start (14 catches for 157 yards) but faces a daunting task on the road against the best pass defense in the league in the Houston Texans (151.3 ypg allowed).

Marcus Mariota‘s favorite receiver (no other Titans receiver has more catches) is one to watch, but better off on your bench this week.

Start ‘Em

Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers backfield is so unpredictable. One week after rushing 16 times for 100 yards, Fozzy Whittaker rushed just 5 times for 22 yards. Cameron Artis-Payne received his first action of the season carrying the rock 12 times for 47 yards. It’s a tough call between the two, but we like Artis-Payne in week four.

The Panthers trailed the Vikings for most of the game in week three, thus forcing Cam Newton to take to the skies. Facing a Falcons defense ranking in the bottom half of the league against the run, gambling with Artis-Payne is worth the risk in week four as long as Jonathan Stewart‘s hamstring keeps him out of action.

Sit ‘Em

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

After missing almost two years of football, Cruz has made a successful return to the NFL (11 catches for 195 yards, 1 touchdown). However, week four’s matchup with Minnesota doesn’t have a positive outlook.

Minnesota allows the ninth fewest pass yards per game. Cruz hasn’t caught more than four passes in a game thus far, and looks to be the the third option for the Giants. After facing three mediocre defenses to start, Cruz will have a much tougher time on the road against one of the league’s best defenses.

Start ‘Em

Minnesota Vikings Defense

We just mentioned how the Giants have faced three unimpressive defenses to start the season. On the road in a hostile environment, the task becomes much tougher in Minnesota.

The Giants have had no problems moving the ball this season, but carry a -6 turnover ratio into week four. Their offensive line hasn’t seen a defensive front as talented as the Vikings, and could be in for a long night. Although the Giants have several explosive playmakers on offense, trust the Vikings D to keep them at bay.

Sit ‘Em

Jacob Tamme, TE, Atlanta Falcons

The veteran tight end has found a nice home in Atlanta, and is enjoying a solid start to his 2016 campaign. However, you should look elsewhere for a tight end in week four.

The Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers, who rank fifth in the NFL in pass yards per game allowed. Additionally, Tamme will be tracked by all pro Luke Kuechly. He’s one of the most agile linebackers in the game, and should be able to stick with Tamme. We’d recommend finding another option for your TE1.