Skip to main content

NFL fantasy football: Week 4 matchups

Analysis: This game could be a boon for both passing games. The Ravens secondary has been better since being torched by Peyton Manning in Week 1, but Stevie Johnson could still find room to operate. Meanwhile the C.J. Spiller-Fred Jackson conundrum is one you should try avoiding this week. Don't be afraid to roll with Torrey Smith this week or even Marlon Brown (if you need help at the WR spot). If Ray Rice plays, you're starting him. Otherwise, Bernard Pierce deserves a flex look.

Analysis: This has the makings of a defensive battle. You're starting A.J. Green, but you should temper expectations. The same goes for Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- though you could consider sitting the latter. Josh Gordon's big play ability could make him a sneaky flex option while Jordan Cameron has earned weekly starting status. Either defense could constitute a good play this weekend.

Analysis: Both defenses have played well this year, but this still has the makings of a track meet. Jay Cutler has had success in his career against Detroit and the new Bears offense under Marc Trestman is spreading the ball around nicely. You're definitely starting Reggie Bush and Joique Bell is also worth a look this week. If you're stuck with a QB on a bye, consider Matthew Stafford. Otherwise, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Analysis: This is another game that has defense written all over it. Consider putting Russell Wilson on the bench if you have a QB of similar stature with a better matchup. You're starting Marshawn Lynch, but you don't have to like it. You can say the same about Arian Foster. Meanwhile, it's best to avoid all of Seattle's receivers. Similarly, Matt Schaub and a gimpy Andre Johnson don't inspire confidence against Seattle's ferocious secondary.

Analysis: With Ahmad Bradshaw out, it will be all about Trent Richardson in the Colts running game this week. In fact, against a Jaguars defense that spends too much time on the field, it's a good week to start just about any Colts on your fantasy roster. Don't be fooled by what Indy's defense did last week against San Francisco, it's still deficient against the run. Here's a chance to squeeze some value out of Maurice Jones-Drew as a RB2 or a flex option.

Analysis: With the way the Giants offense has gone lately, it's hard to recommend any of their players as reasonable fantasy options. If you must take a chance on anyone, it's Victor Cruz. If you're resorting to starting any other Giants, you're probably in desperation mode. As for the Chiefs, Alex Smith and Donnie Avery have sleeper appeal against a struggling defense. Jamaal Charles should roll yet again in Week 4.

Analysis: The games in London generally haven't been productive from a fantasy standpoint. However, recent history suggests that Adrian Peterson could have a very nice day. Matt Cassel's starting nod makes Cordarrelle Patterson a deep sleeper this week. Le'Veon Bell could warrant flex consideration against a suspect Minnesota run defense. Beware of chasing the points with Antonio Brown this week.

Analysis: Neither offense has shown much that will make fantasy owners excited for this one. Be very cautious about starting a nicked-up Larry Fitzgerald against Darrelle Revis and the Bucs secondary this week. Mike Glennon could have some success against the Cardinals -- or he could not. Either way, it's not worth the gamble to start him. Keep an eye on Vincent Jackson. He's hard to sit as long as he's playing, but the matchup isn't a great one.

Analysis: Yet another game that could be heavy on defense. Bilal Powell is the man to lead Ground-n-Pound for the foreseeable future, but he'll face a stingy Titans team. Beware of chasing points this week with Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill -- Tennessee is no Buffalo. The same goes for Jake Locker and his merry band of pass-catchers. This might also be a week to sit Chris Johnson if you have other options.

Analysis: Finally, a game that could offer lots of scoring. Sure, the Broncos defense is tough, but you can't sit either LeSean McCoy or DeSean Jackson this week. And after Terrelle Pryor had a nice night against Denver, it's hard to make a convincing argument for sitting Michael Vick. Unless that argument is Peyton Manning, that is. There's little reason to think one of the NFL's worst defenses is going to do anything to slow the league's best offense. Start any of your Broncos.

Analysis: Here's another game that could be high in fantasy goodness. Neither team has shown any real resistance on defense. That makes just about everyone on both sides viable fantasy options. One player to watch closely is Terrelle Pryor. If he's on the field, he's a nice sleeper pick. If he's not, it could mean a little extra work for Darren McFadden against arguably the NFL's worst defense.

Analysis: This contest seems slanted toward the passing games. Tony Romo should sling the ball around the yard, to the benefit of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Don't expect DeMarco Murray to duplicate last week's performance, but he could post respectable totals. Philip Rivers should continue his quality fantasy start while Eddie Royal bounces back from a poor Week 3.

Analysis:Tom Brady is finding a rapport with his new receivers and could be getting some of his old ones back. In either case, he's back to being a fearless start every week. However, New England's RB situation is one you might want to stay away from altogether. Conversely, Jason Snelling deserves a look in many fantasy leagues. It's hard to recommend Roddy White, who's lingering injury is making him less of a fantasy factor.

Analysis: The Saints defense isn't the pushover it once was, which makes Mike Wallace and Lamar Miller cautious starts this week. In fact, it might be best to leave them aside if you can help it. The Dolphins defense isn't a cupcake, but you're not going to sit Drew Brees, Marques Colston or Jimmy Graham -- ever. But any Saints beyond that, well ... you might want to think twice.

Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarcasG