Week 4 Takeaways – Razzball Fantasy Football
11 min read
Four weeks down, and we’re finally getting enough data to separate the fantasy football truth from the early-season nonsense. Of course, the injury bug apparently didn’t get the memo, as it continues to feast on our rosters. But through the chaos, we’re starting to see some real trends emerge. Let’s dive into my Week 4 takeaways and prepare for our first bye week.
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Quarterbacks
- Player: Bryce Young
- Game: vs. Lions
- Stats: 329 passing yards, 2 TDs
Young’s performance was even more impressive considering Jalen Coker missed the Sunday night meeting, but he still had no trouble leaning on Tetairoa McMillan, who exploded for 14 catches, 192 yards, and two touchdowns. The performance pushed Young’s season average to 317 passing yards per game, the highest mark in the league. The Panthers’ passing attack will look to keep the momentum rolling against a stout Eagles secondary in Week 6 following their Week 5 bye.
Notables:
Drake Maye bounced back against Buffalo, who entered the week allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Maye delivered his best fantasy outing of the season with three passing touchdowns while adding a season-high 54 rushing yards. The rushing production remains an underrated part of his fantasy appeal. He might be back in the circle of trust against the Raiders in Week 5.
C.J. Stroud provided virtually all the firepower for the Texans offense, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas. It was his second 300-yard passing performance of the season and his third game with at least two passing touchdowns. After three of his first four opponents ranked among the 10 most favorable defenses for opposing QBs, Stroud gets two tougher tests agaisnt the Titans in Week 5 and the Jaguars in Week 6.
Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown in Cincinnati’s loss to Jacksonville while losing Ja’Marr Chase in the first half to a concussion and playing the fourth quarter without a banged-up Tee Higgins, who finished with 11 catches for 157 yards. Despite the injuries around him, Burrow continued to sling it, and things should be easier against Miami in Week 5, which entered the week as a top-10 favorable matchup for quarterbacks.
Lamar Jackson injured his left ankle and did not return after halftime after throwing for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Jackson was seen wearing a walking boot after the game, so monitor the situation closely heading into Week 5.
Jalen Hurts failed to throw for 100 yards, completing 12 of 27 passes for just 93 yards, but salvaged his fantasy day with two passing touchdowns and 62 rushing yards against the Rams. That’s a pretty good reminder of why Hurts remains fantasy-relevant even when the passing production disappears. However, Philadelphia was without DeVonta Smith, while Saquon Barkley exited after only four snaps with a hamstring injury. The Eagles could be significantly shorthanded again against Jacksonville in Week 5,
The Cardinals have now allowed three consecutive quarterbacks to throw at least three touchdowns, with Jameis Winston becoming the latest to join the club after throwing three touchdowns against Arizona. Jared Goff and the Lions get their turn in Week 5. Rejoice, Goff shareholders.
As for Goff, he’s yet to throw an interception this season following his 412-yard, one-touchdown performance on Sunday Night Football. Sam LaPorta was his favorite target, seeing 13 targets and hauling in the Lions’ lone touchdown, while Jameson Williams topped 100 receiving yards for the first time this season. Detroit should be able to tune up the offense against the Cardinals in Week 5.
Jalon Daniels didn’t exactly take control of the helm in his first start as a Buccaneer. His four wide receivers combined for only 86 receiving yards, but Daniels flashed his rushing ability with 55 yards on the ground. Daniels and the Bucs have a favorable matchup against Dallas during the first week of byes, but I need to see more from Tampa Bay before inserting the skill players into my starting lineup.
Running Backs
- Player: Kyren Williams
- Game: vs. Philadelphia
- Stats: 16 carries, 80 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 10 receptions for 67 yards
A proven playmaker in the Rams backfield and security blanket for Matthew Stafford, Williams continues to defy his critics with his third consecutive game with at least 80 rushing yards.
His usage is beginning to tell the story. Williams played 83.3% of the Rams’ offensive snaps, while Blake Corum received only six touches. The Rams still rotated the backs early, but once Los Angeles fell behind, Williams dominated the workload, playing 56 of the final 61 snaps compared to just four for Corum. Williams has also been significantly more effective than Corum over the last two games, averaging 4.1 yards after contact per carry compared to 1.7 for Corum.
Corum is officially in handcuff territory, not a committee member for the time being. Williams is firmly back in the RB1 conversation.
Notables:
Jonathan Taylor gave our friends across the pond a show with another monster performance, continuing his impressive start to the season with 90-plus rushing yards and two touchdowns for the third time this season. Pittsburgh is next for Taylor after the Steelers just allowed Quinshon Judkins to produce 90-plus yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
Javonte Williams posted a hat trick against Houston, giving him six touchdowns through four games. That’s the good news. The usage tells a slightly different story. Williams played a season-low 65% of Dallas’ early-down snaps after sitting between 73% and 77% during the first three weeks. I’m not selling Javonte after three touchdowns, but I’d be hesitant to assume the workload is completely bulletproof. He’ll look for another trip to the end zone against Tampa Bay, which has allowed just one RB touchdown this season
Kyle Monangai, 30-146-2, took over the Bears backfield after D’Andre Swift fumbled his touches away or suffered a flair up to his pre-exisitng knee injury. Monangai also sustained his own thumb injury. If Swift were to miss time Monangai could be in for top 10 RB finish in Week 5 against the Packers who allow the second-most points to RBs.
Kyle Monangai went absolutely nuclear, rushing 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns after D’Andre Swift lost a fumble. Swift handled 64.7% of the Bears’ snaps entering Week 4 compared to 35.7% for Monangai, so I wouldn’t declare a changing of the guard just yet. However, Monangai played 50 snaps compared to Swift’s 33. Another Swift fumble could turn Monangai into a weekly must-start. Monitor his thumb injury, too.
After anointing Jeremiyah Love as the RB1 in Arizona, Tyler Allgeier outsnapped him, received 10 touches and scored the lone Cardinals RB touchdown. Before we panic, Love remained the clear leader in normal early-down situations. We’re not back to a true committee just yet.
Chase Brown had no room to run against Jacksonville, rushing for just 10 yards on nine attempts, but he salvaged his fantasy day by catching 11 passes for 71 yards. Brown’s 78.9% snap share was a season high, and his expanded role should continue with Cincinnati dealing with injuries at wide receiver. I should mention he lined up in the slot against the Jags. He’ll face Miami in Week 5, which entered the week allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
The popular waiver-wire add, Ollie Gordon II, may have finally separated himself from Jaylen Wright going over the century mark with a score on just nine touches, while Jaylen Wright saw five touches. Gordon’s 53-yard run helped inflate the fantasy line. This is a backfield to monitor rather than blindly trust, but Gordon is the player I’d prefer heading into Week 5. Unfortunately, the bye-week blues are around the corner. Brace yourselves.
Who needs Kenneth Walker III when Seattle can plug in a bell-cow Emanuel Wilson? Wilson rushed for 81 yards on 21 carries with one touchdown znd added three receptions for 39 yards and another score. With Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet out, Wilson has handled at least 21 carries in two games and has emerged as the Seahawks’ workhorse. Hope you were able to scoop him.
Not to say his name too many times like Candyman… but yes, Walker rushed for a new season-high 177 yards and two touchdowns after racking up 173 yards in Week 1. He now has 170-plus rushing yards in two of his four games. Heading into Week 4, the Raiders had yet to allow a running back to eclipse 100 rushing yards. The Chiefs are on bye in Week 5, so his next divisional test will have to wait. Will it be another 170-plus-yard performance?
Wide Receivers
- Player: CeeDee Lamb
- Game: at Houston
- Stats: 17 receptions, 189 receiving yards, 1 TD on 21 targets
A historic performance by Lamb, who set career highs with 17 receptions and 189 receiving yards while scoring the game-winning touchdown. The 17-catch performance puts him in rare company, but the more important takeaway for me is the 21 targets. Lamb also played a season-high 85.9% of Dallas’ offensive snaps.
His teammate George Pickens saw only three targets, catching two for 75 yards. It’s hard to envision that massive target discrepancy becoming the norm, especially with Dallas throwing 45 passes, but Lamb has clearly established himself as the primary target in this offense. Tampa Bay could prove to be a tougher matchup for the WRs after Green Bay’s receivers combined for just 68 yards and one touchdown.
Notables:
Welcome back, Nico Collins. The fantasy community and C.J. Stroud are both glad to see him back. Collins returned from his hamstring injury and immediately made his presence felt against Dallas. The matchup is neutral in Week 5 against Tennessee, but the bigger development is the Texans’ WR rotation. With Collins back, Kayshon Boutte and Jaylin Noel have emerged as the other primary receivers, while Xavier Hutchinson’s role has taken a hit.
Tyquan Thornton was having a career day after Rashee Rice exited early, catching five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, before suffering a gruesome ankle injury late in the game that could end his season. Rice also left with a hamstring injury. With Rice also dealing with an injury, Kansas City’s WR room could look dramatically different in the coming weeks. Cyrus Allen may get his chance.
Puka Nacua is back. Nacua returned from his hip injury and immediately commanded 12 targets for 125 yards. The Rams’ tight-end injuries forced them away from their heavy 13-personnel usage, allowing Nacua and Davante Adams to play much more like traditional starting receivers. Nacua was not on a snap count, which is the most important takeaway heading into a favorable matchup against Buffalo in Week 5.
Romeo Doubs benefited from Drake Maye’s bounce-back performance, securing two touchdowns. The touchdowns are encouraging, but the matchup gets tougher against Las Vegas, which has been among the league’s stingier defenses against wide receivers. I’d temper expectations for the Patriots’ passing game.
DJ Moore left with another shoulder issue, which opened the door for Khalil Shakir (7-82) and Keon Coleman (6-116-1). Shakir’s role is already secure, while Coleman’s opportunity could rise significantly if Moore is sidelined.
Shoutout to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Brian Thomas Jr. shareholders who started them in Week 4. Both responded to the negative coverage by finding the end zone. It’s fun to imagine we’re back in 2024. BTJ’s snap share jumped from 37.1% in Week 3 to 62.3% in Week 4. Harrison’s snap share actually fell to a season-low 65.2%.
Not to pat myself on the back for the Carnell Tate breakout from my WR Slot vs. Wide – Week 4 article, but a 9-145 receiving line should get your attention. The matchup schedule ahead only adds to the appeal.
Ladd McConkey left the game with a foot injury and did not return after finishing with two targets. That’s a brutal blow for Justin Herbert and the struggling Chargers offense. Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston are the obvious beneficiaries, but Oronde Gadsden II is the player I’m most interested in
Tight Ends
- Player: TJ Hockenson
- Game: vs. Dolphins
- Stats: 13 receptions, 119 yards on 13 targets
Hockenson showed he still has plenty left in the tank, becoming the focal point of Minnesota’s passing game with Justin Jefferson sidelined. He finished with 13 receptions for 119 yards on 13 targets, leading all Vikings pass catchers. We’ll overlook Hock kneeling at the one.
The important part wasn’t simply the production. Hockenson’s playing time increased dramatically with Josh Oliver on injured reserve. He played 88.1% of Minnesota’s snaps in single-TE sets on early downs. His route participation also jumped to 79.1%.
The Jefferson absence certainly helped the target volume, but the increased playing time should stick around. Hockenson has become one of my favorite TE buy/waiver targets heading into Week 5.
Notables:
Brenton Strange had his best game of the season, setting season highs with seven receptions and 95 yards while playing a season-high 86.9% of Jacksonville’s snaps. The Bengals have been extremely generous to opposing tight ends, so I’m not ready to call this a breakout. Still, the snap share is encouraging. Greg Dulcich makes for an interesting steam in Week 5, who faces the Bengals.
We finally got the Tucker Kraft breakout we’ve been patiently waiting for. Kraft caught six passes for 42 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay. The production is encouraging, but the bigger reason to buy is the upcoming schedule. After Chicago in Week 5, Green Bay gets Dallas and Detroit. The buy-low window may finally be closing.
The Raiders continued to lean heavily on their tight ends, with Brock Bowers (6-86-1) and Michael Mayer (8-82) both seeing significant involvement against Kansas City. The Vegas offense has made 12 personnel its base look, so both tight ends remain relevant, although the upcoming schedule doesn’t provide the same matchup advantage we’ve seen recently.
Isaiah Likely’s usage finally paid off, as the Giants tight end caught 7-of-12 targets for 66 yards against Arizona. The 12 targets were a season high and led the Giants in both targets and receptions, giving Likely a 23% target share. His upcoming schedule is promising.
George Kittle can still be counted on when San Francisco needs a big play. He’s now scored in three consecutive games, and the upcoming schedule offers several favorable TE matchups. As long as he stays healthy, Kittle remains one of the safest weekly TE plays in fantasy.
Tyler Higbee benefited from the Rams’ tight-end injuries, catching five passes for 67 yards. He’s still behind Nacua and Adams in the target hierarchy, but his role should remain useful while the Rams are short-handed at tight end. He’s a legitimate streamer with a steady TE2 floor.
Kenyon Sadiq may have laid a goose egg, but saw 68.8% snap share and a 25% target rate. The talent and usage are there, so exercise patience with the rookie.
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