Note: This column will be updated tomorrow at the conclusion of Week 3.

Week 4 Byes: N/A

Quarterbacks

Sam Darnold, MIN @ GB

Darnold didn’t throw for many yards (181) but lit up the Texans for 4 TDs. He’s now thrown for 8 TDs and only 2 INTs in leading the Vikings to the top of the division with a 3-0 start. Up next he gets the division rival Packers who have a tough defense, but Darnold has produced against the 49ers and Texans and currently sits as the QB5 through three weeks.

Justin Fields, PIT @ IND

Fields continues to grow, going 32-25-245-1-1 throwing while adding 6 yards rushing with a touchdown. Up next is the Colts defense that did a nice job bottling up Caleb Williams. It could still be Russell Wilson getting the start, but it’s going to be tough for Tomlin to bench Fields after starting the season 3-0.

Caleb Williams, CHI vs LAR

Williams had his best game as a pro, throwing for 363-2-2 on a whopping 52 passes against the Colts. The Bears offensive line is still struggling with protection, but Williams is starting to figure out how to make plays. Up next is a Rams team that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to QBs.

Other QBs to consider: Daniel Jones NYG (vs DAL), Taylor Heinicke LAC (vs KC)

Last week’s waiver adds:

Derek Carr, NO vs PHI: Carr came back down to earth, going 25-14-142-1-1 against the Eagles, who had struggled to contain teams through the air. Up next is another positive matchup against the Falcons, where Carr looks to rebound.

Gardner Minshew, LV vs CAR: Minshew had to play catch-up to an inspired Panthers team that came to life by switching to Andy Dalton at QB. Minshew delivered a 28-18-214-1-1 passing line and added 14 yards rushing in a loss. Up next is a stingy Browns defense.

Andy Dalton, CAR @ LV: Dalton stepped in for the benched Bryce Young and delivered with a 37-26-319-3-0 passing line. He probably won’t be able to sustain this production for the long term, but there’s no question he’s giving hope to all Panthers skill players. Up next is a tough Bengals defense.

Running Backs

Chuba Hubbard, CAR vs CIN

Hubbard looked rejuvenated thanks to the switch to Andy Dalton under center, going 21-114-0 rushing and adding 5-5-55-1 receiving. Dalton doesn’t mind checking it down the RB, making Hubbard a solid play next week against the Bengals.

Alexander Mattison, LV vs CLE

Mattison doesn’t get a lot of touches, but he’s getting high value ones in the passing game and the red zone. He went 3-7-1 rushing and 3-3-37-0 receiving, and would be an important handcuff if RB1 Zamir White went down with an injury.

Rico Dowdle, DAL @ NYG

Dowdle saw 13 opportunities, considerably more than the Ezekiel Elliott (5) in Week 3. Dowdle looks like the better back at this point, although he still hasn’t rushed for more than 32 yards in any game. There should be more opportunities against the Giants, who the Cowboys have dominated in recent years.

Kareem Hunt, KC @ LAC

Carson Steele and Samaje Perine (see below) were deployed in a committee approach against Atlanta, and Hunt was added late in the week and didn’t play. That may change in Week 4 against the Chargers, who may be playing without Justin Herbert at home. Hunt looked sluggish last year with the Browns, so betting on him taking over the backfield in KC may be too optimistic. However, if you have the bench space, he or Clyde Edwards-Helaire may be worth a flyer.

Other RBs to consider: Justice Hill BAL (vs BUF)

Last week’s waiver adds:

Carson Steele and Samaje Perine, KC @ ATL: As expected, Steele was the early-down back, garnering 17 carries for 72 yards, and chipping in a 2-yard reception. Perine was the 3rd down back, going 6-25-0 on the ground and 4-3-15-0 through the air. In terms of workload, it appears that Steele will have the edge, although Kareem Hunt could throw a wrench in those plans. Up next is a division game against the Chargers, who have had a solid defense but might be without Joey Bosa and Justin Herbert.

Braelon Allen, NYJ vs NE: Allen looked explosive, going 11-55-0 on the ground and 3-3-13-0 through the air against the Patriots, as the Jets led throughout and tried to run out the clock. He won’t be replacing Hall anytime soon, but he’s a clear handcuff that could step in and produce if Hall were to go down with an injury.

Cam Akers, HOU @ MIN: Akers saved his fantasy day by spiking a touchdown on his only reception, an 8-yarder. He also gained 21 yards on 9 carries in relief of Joe Mixon. His results should leave no doubt that when Mixon is healthy enough to return, he’ll be a workhorse back.

Antonio Gibson NE @ NYJ: Gibson went 5-29-0 rushing and 3-3-8-0 receiving (2nd on the team in receptions) in a brutal showing against the Jets. Up next is a tough 49ers defense.

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

Jauan Jennings, SF @ LAR

With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out, Jennings went absolutely nuclear against the Rams, going 12-11-175-3. Up next is a favorable matchup against the lowly Patriots, where Samuel may be forced to sit again.

Jakobi Meyers, LV vs CLE

Meyers had his best game of the season, catching 7 of 9 targets for 62 yards and a touchdown (and adding a 2-point conversion). He’s still behind Brock Bowers and Davante Adams, but if they’re forced to play from behind against the Browns, Meyers can be a solid flex play.

Michael Wilson, ARI vs WAS

Wilson had a solid day against the porous Lions secondary, delivering a 9-8-64-0 line at home in a losing effort. He finished 2nd on the team in targets behind alpha WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Up next is another terrible secondary when the Cardinals face the Commanders.

Jahan Dotson / Parris Campbell, PHI @ TB

Rather than a shootout, the matchup against the Saints was a defensive clinic. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert dominated targets (21 of 38), so Covey was left with 1 catch for 11 yards and Dotson produced 8 yards on 2 catches. However, Smith appeared to sustain a concussion in the victory, Covey has a chest, shoulder injury and A.J. Brown may be out again. Dotson and Parris Campbell should pace pass catchers if both Brown and Smith sit.

Rome Odunze, CHI vs LAR

Odunze had a breakout game against the Colts, going 11-6-112-1 as he had a strong connection with fellow rookie Caleb Williams. It will be interesting to see if he can sustain this when Keenan Allen (heel) comes back, but for now, Odunze makes a nice complement to D.J. Moore. Up next is another winnable matchup against the Rams.

Calvin Austin, PIT @ IND

Austin had a nice day against a tough Chargers secondary, going 5-4-95-1. Up next is a great opportunity against a struggling Colts defense, although the Steelers are still a run-first team.

TE Brenton Strange, JAX @ BUF, then @ HOU (Wk4)

The Jaguars have yet to play on Monday Night Football, but Evan Engram (hamstring) has already been ruled out. Strange had a solid 6-3-65-0 line against the Browns in Week 2, and should see more opportunities against a Bills defense that is bottom 10 against TEs. He could also be a potential option in Week 4 against the Texans.

TE Cole Kmet, CHI vs LAR

Kmet exploded by going 11-10-97-1 against the Colts as Caleb Williams threw the ball 52 times. Up next is a great matchup against the Rams that have had a tough time defending TEs.

Other WRs/TEs to consider: Demario Douglas NE (@ SF), Tucker Kraft GB (vs MIN), Tyler Conklin NYJ (vs DEN)

Last week’s waiver adds:

Quentin Johnston, LAC @ PIT: Johnston scored another TD against the Steelers, grabbing both of his targets for 44 yards. Up next is a tougher matchup against the Chiefs who do a good job of taking away the opposing team’s WR1.

Jalen Nailor, MIN vs HOU: Nailor did it again, scoring for the 3rd straight game, going 4-3-31-1 against the Texans. He might be going back to the bench if Jordan Addison returns in Week 4 against the Packers.

Tutu Atwell/Jordan Whittington/Demarcus Robinson/Tyler Johnson, LAR vs SF: WIth Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp on the shelf, we’re still waiting to see who will be the alpha in LA. Unfortunately, all of them had between 3 and 5 targets, meaning Stafford is spreading the ball around. Tutu had the best night, going 5-4-93-0, but it’s clear nobody will be the target hog until Kupp/Nacua return.

Josh Reynolds, DEN @ TB: Reynolds took a back seat to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, going 2-2-36-0 against the Buccaneers. The Broncos were well ahead for most of the game, so Bo Nix didn’t have to do too much through the air. Reynolds will probably be called on more against the Jets in Week 4.

Alec Pierce, IND vs CHI: Pierce caught one long pass for 44 yards and that was it against the tough Bears defense. This was also Josh Downs’ first game of 2024 as he had been sidelined with injury, and Downs tied with Pittman with the target lead (5). Up next is another tough assignment on the road versus the Steelers.

Darnell Mooney, ATL vs KC: Mooney went 8-8-66-0 against the Chiefs, and was second on the team in targets behind Drake London. Up next is a favorable game against the Saints secondary.

Mike Gesicki, CIN vs WAS: TBD on Monday Night Football.

Hunter Henry, NE @ NYJ: Henry was largely bottled up by the stifling Jets defense, going 3-2-9-0 on Thursday Night Football. He will have better nights, but the next four weeks are brutal opponents against TEs.

Defense/ Special Teams

Miami’s offense struggled on the road against the Seahawks, but the Dolphins D still managed 3 sacks and 2 INTs. Up next is a juicy matchup against the turnover-prone Will Levis.

Vikings @ GB

The Vikings have been dominant on defense, most recently holding the Texans to 7 points while having their 3rd straight game with at least 5 sacks and 2 turnovers. If Jordan Love is still out, Malik Willis should make for a good target for the 3-0 Vikings defense.

Saints @ ATL

New Orleans has held the Cowboys and Eagles below 20 points in back-to-back games, creating multiple turnovers and 3+ sacks. Up next is the division rival Falcons.

Other D/ST to consider: Packers vs MIN

Last week’s waiver adds:

Raiders @ CAR: The Raiders got torched for 36 points by the hapless Panthers deciding (correctly) to bench Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. With Dalton at the helm, picking on the Panthers offense may not be an option.

Packers @ TEN: Will Levis did it again, allowing 8 sacks, a fumble, and 2 INTs (one returned for a touchdown) to the Packers. Up next is a tough division matchup against the Vikings who have started 3-0 under Sam Darnold.

Buccaneers vs DEN: Tampa Bay was beat down by the Broncos and rookie Bo Nix at home, only creating 1 turnover. Up next is a much tougher matchup against the Eagles.