Here is a no huddle approach, toward addressing your best starts, and most advisable sits for all 30 teams that will be in action this week. That excludes the Panthers and the Packers, who will each have their byes. Game time is approaching, so we’ll immediately launch into Week 4.
49ers at Rams
San Francisco
Start: Colin Kaepernick
The results of his past two contests – 277 passing yards, no TDs, four INTs – are very sobering for owners who expected vastly different numbers. He is performing with a limited number of viable weapons, which is currently too much of him to overcome. He should achieve better numbers in St. Louis, but do not expect an enormous output.
Other Starts: Frank Gore, Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis (if healthy)
Sit: Kyle Williams
Despite receiving six targets, he only managed a grand total of 12 yards in Week 4, as no WRs beyond Boldin are even worth a roster spot
Other Sits: Kendall Hunter, Quinton Patton
St. Louis
Start: Tavon Austin
There is uncertainty associated with using any Ram. But he leads the team with 26 targets, and should be employed as a WR3
Other Starts: Sam Bradford (2 QB Leagues), Chris Givens
Sit: Jared Cook
I was premature in praising Brian Schottenheimer for his deployment of Cook after Week 1, as opponents have rendered him ineffective in two consecutive contests. Now it is incumbent upon Schottenheimer to become more creative so that Cook can be highly productive. Until that occurs, use other options if you have them
Other Sits: Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Austin Pettis, Brian Quick
Ravens at Bills
Baltimore
Start: Joe Flacco
This becomes a good week to use him in deeper leagues, or if you own Aaron Rodgers or Cam Newton. Buffalo’s pass defense has allowed two TDs in all every contest so far this season. Plus, they just surrendered 331 yards and two TDs to Geno Smith without registering a sack
Other Starts: Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Torrey Smith, Marlon Brown
Sit: Dallas Clark
Even though the Bills have increasingly struggled against the pass, they have limited the production of opposing TEs
Other Sits: None
Buffalo
Start: Steve Johnson
The Bills’ rushing attack will be stonewalled, forcing them to throw more than they would prefer. And Johnson is their only consistent weapon via the air
Other Starts: None
Sit: C. J. Spiller
It’s somewhat strange given the optimism that surrounded him until recently. But he has he been ineffective, and Fred Jackson is pilfering a large percentage of touches. Plus, Baltimore’s fourth ranked rush defense allows less than 75 YPG, and has not permitted a TD.
Other Sits: E. J. Manuel, Fred Jackson, Scott Chandler
Cardinals at Buccaneers
Arizona
Start: Larry Fitzgerald
The only Cardinal worth starting will struggle to supply respectable numbers. Because Arizona's many offensive shortcomings and Tampa Bay’s various defensive strengths do not provide a promising outlook
Other Starts: None
Sit: Carson Palmer
The offense is essentially one dimensional, and the Bucs have the ability to neutralize his potential weapons
Other Sits: Rashard Mendenhall, Andre Ellington, Andre Roberts, Michael Floyd
Tampa Bay
Start: Vincent Jackson
Even with the move to Mike Glennon, VJax will be lining up against the NFL’s 29th ranked pass defense
Other Starts: Doug Martin
Sit: Mike Williams
Even with the enticing matchup, his hamstring issue, and the presence of Glennon, should lead you elsewhere
Other Sits: None
Steelers at Vikings
Pittsburgh
Start: Antonio Brown
He just established a new career high in yardage, and generated the first multiple touchdown performance of his career, for Brown. Plus, not only is Brown clearly the Steelers’ most talented receiver, but Pittsburgh cannot rely upon their rushing attack, Even with the return of Bell
Other Starts: Ben Roethlisberger (2 QB Leagues), Le'Veon Bell, Heath Miller
Sit: Emmanuel Sanders
His targets have dropped in successive weeks (12-10-8), and it has to be a matter of time before Markus Wheaton becomes more involved in the game plan
Other Sits: Felix Jones, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer
Minnesota
Start: Adrian Peterson
He continues to be the only Viking listed here, because you just can’t employ anyone else from innesota’s offensive unit
Other Starts: None
Sit: Corradelle Patterson
He has sufficient talent to be effective. But his snap count needs to increase considerably before he can even remotely help you.
Other Sits: Greg Jennings, Jerome Simpson, Kyle Rudolph
Giants at Chiefs
New York
Start: Victor Cruz
It is difficult to have confidence in anyone from this unit, as they head into KC to face the Chiefs’ opportunistic unit.
Other Starts: None
Sit: David Wilson
Many owners are still asking what to do with Wilson. The answer is to affix him to your bench, and hope that the second-year back will eventually help this offense rise from their debilitating funk
Other Sits: Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle, Brandon Myers, Da’Rel Scott, Brandon Jacobs
Kansas City
Start: Alex Smith
This is primarily for those of you in 2 QB Leagues. Although owners of Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton can consider Smith too. The disappointing Giants are arguably in a greater state of disarray than any other team at the moment. They failed to handle adversity on the road in Week 3, and will now have to face a revved up crowd, and an opportunistic Chief defense that will provide Smith with short fields
Other Starts: Jamaal Charles
Sit: Dwayne Bowe
While Smith should deliver a reasonably productive performance against the Giants, Bowe won’t be targeted with enough frequency to benefit. He is a potential deep threat, within an offense that has thus far disdained the vertical concept
Other Sits: Donnie Avery, Dexter McCluster, Sean McGrath,
Colts at Jaguars
Indianapolis
Start: Trent Richardson
Okay TRich owners… you endured disappointment in Weeks 1 and 2. And the lesser percentage of a time share in Week 3. Even with the presence of Ahmad Bradshaw, your first round pick should finally deliver the kind of numbers that you have been hoping for
Other Starts: Andrew Luck, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reggie Wayne, T. Y. Hilton, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Coby Fleener
Sit: None
There is no logical reason to sit any Colts against the Jaguars. Particularly with Blaine Gabbert returning to the lineup
Other Sits: None
Jacksonville
Start: Maurice Jones-Drew
If you are hurting at RB, you can use MJD against the Colts. But he does not resemble the explosive back that we watched from 2006-2011, and his line has been losing their collective battles up front.
Other Starts: Cecil Shorts
Sit: Stephen Burton
No other Jags should be in anyone’s lineups beyond MJD and Shorts
Other Sits: Blaine Gabbert, Jordan Todman, Clay Harbor
Seahawks at Texans
Seattle
Start: Russell Wilson
Hopefully, you ignored the other analysts who warned you to avoid him against Jacksonville. The recommendation from her remains the same: keep rolling with a dual threat who will generate points against Houston.
Other Starts: Marshawn Lynch
Sit: Sidney Rice
Last week’s results were encouraging. But Wilson will distribute the ball throughout his receiving options, and you should not count on seven targets again.
Other Sits: Doug Baldwin, Zach Miller
Houston
Start: DeAndre Hopkins
As mentioned previously, Hopkins simply does not play like a rookie. He can be utilized as your WR3 on a weekly basis regardless of the matchup. Just do not expect a monster outing from any Texan this week.
Other Starts: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson (if healthy)
Sit: Owen Daniels
He was targeted nine times in Baltimore, but only produced 29 yards. His output will not be favorable versus the formidable Seahawks
Other Sits: DeVier Posey, Garrett Graham
Bengals at Browns
Cincinnati
Start: Giovani Bernard
He was allotted more touches than BenJarvus Green-Ellis for the first time, and his ascension should continue. Because he provides a level of explosiveness that BJGE simply cannot.
Other Starts: A. J. Green, Andy Dalton (2 QB Leagues)
Sit: Mohamed Sanu
Do yourself a favor by not overreacting to his four catch, 68 yard performance in Week 3. He only received five targets, and the TEs will be utilized more frequently in upcoming weeks.
Other Sits: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham
Cleveland
Start: Josh Gordon
After he torched the Vikings for 10 catches, 146 yards and a TD in his 2013 debut, it is likely that you already moved him into this week’s starting lineup at the first possible moment.
Other Starts: Jordan Cameron
Sit: Brian Hoyer
If you are in a 2-QB league, do not overreact to last week’s performance by placing him into your lineup. He is not facing the Vikings this week, and Cincinnati’s capable coaching staff will have the Bengals fully prepared to force him into mistakes
Other Sits: Willis McGahee, Chris Ogbonnaya, Bobby Rainey, Davone Bess, Greg Little
Bears at Lions
Chicago
Start: Alshon Jeffery
In addition to the obvious starters, he is in position to capture 7-8 targets. That should enable him to supply adequate numbers for owners who are looking for a WR3 due to bye week concerns
Other Starts: Jay Cutler (2 QB Leagues), Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Martellus Bennett
Sit: None
This is not an indictment against the Lion defense, but all Bears on the majority of rosters should perform well
Other Sits: None
Detroit
Start: Ryan Broyles
He receives another opportunity to became heavily involved with the Lions’ second ranked passing attack, in the aftermath of Burleson’s unfortunate
car accident. Despite the formidable nature of Chicago's defense, opponents have generated 294 YPG against them through the air
Other Starts: Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush, Joique Bell
Sit: Joseph Fauria
He is inching closer to being a viable starter, but has not quite arrived at that point
Other Sits: Brandon Pettigrew
Jets at Titans
New York
Start: Bilal Powell
I really thought that Chris Ivory would thrive as a primary back for the Jets, but it is Powell who has literally and figuratively run away with that opportunity. He is seventh in rushing, with the best YPC of his career (4.3), and should be in all lineups
Other Starts: None
Sit: Santonio Holmes
Beyond Powell, no Jet should be used against a vastly improved Titan defense, that ranks 10th against the pass, and seventh overall
Other Sits: Geno Smith, Stephen Hill
Tennessee
Start: Chris Johnson
Use him, but do not expect a monster day. Johnson is sixth in rushing, but that is somewhat misleading. He has been allotted the second most attempts (69), and his YPC is just 3.7.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Nate Washington
This is going to be a daunting matchup for all skill players of the Titans, as the Jets rank third in total defense, and sixth versus the run, and seventh against the pass
Other Sits: Jake Locker, Kendall Wright
Redskins at Raiders
Washington
Start: Robert Griffin III
This really should not even be a discussion point. But enough owners have actually wondered whether they should start him, which makes this recommendation relevant. He should deliver excellent numbers against an Oakland defense that contains many deficiencies, and is immensely ineffective against the pass
Other Starts: Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon
Sit: Leonard Hankerson
Even against a flawed defense, he remains far too inconsistent
Other Sits: Fred, Davis, Jordan Reed (injury
Oakland
Start: Terrelle Pryor
If he can overcome the concussion that he suffered on Monday night, he should stockpile yardage against the NFL’s worst defense statistically. If Matt Flynn ultimately starts on Sunday, then you should sit every Raider.
Other Starts: Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, Rod Streater (all only if Pryor starts for Oakland)
Sit: None
Again, all decisions are predicated on Pryor’s availability. If he cannot perform, the word “none” immediately evolves to “all”
Other Sits: None
Eagles at Broncos
Philadelphia
Start: DeSean Jackson
The Chiefs were successful in neutralizing him during Week 3's encounter, but that won't occur on a routine basis.
Other Starts: Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy
Sit: Jason Avant:
He was the beneficiary of KC's efforts to force Vick into employing other options. But he has never produced more than three TDs in eight full seasons, and is not suddenly an every week starter.
Other Sits: Bryce Brown, Riley Cooper, Brent Celek
Denver
Start: Demaryius Thomas
Any one of Peyton Manning’s primary targets could have been featured here, as Thomas will be among a handful of Broncos that should feast upon the Eagles’ 29th ranked pass defense.
Other Starts: Peyton Manning, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas
Sit: Montee Ball
The convoluted usage of Ball, Moreno and Hillman essentially neutralizes the value of all three. But for the moment, Ball seems most negatively impacted.
Other Sits: Knowshon, Moreno, Ronnie Hillman
Cowboys at Chargers
Dallas
Start: Tony Romo
If you own two viable starting QBs, and are wondering whether Romo is the better option, you should know that San Diego ranks dead last in pass defense, and is allowing 341 YPG
Other Starts: DeMarco Murray Dez Bryant, Jason Witten
Sit: Miles Austin
The disappointment continues after an encouraging opener, as his hamstring issue prohibits you from using him
Other Sits: Terrance Williams
San Diego
Start: Danny Woodhead
Woodhead’s value has edged upward ever so slowly, in correspondence with his increased touches since opening day. His has been allotted the most snaps among the team’s trio of RBs, and his versatility should entrench him even further into the Chargers’ game plan
Other Starts: Antonio Gates
Sit: Philip Rivers
His resurgence has been commendable, but the opportunistic Cowboy defense already has 13 sacks, and present a problematic matchup for Rivers
Other Sits: Ryan Mathews, Ronnie Brown, Eddie Royal
Patriots at Falcons
New England
Start: Rob Gronkowski
Owners should still monitor his status, and have a Plan B firmly in place. But it appears that he will return, and should have a highly productive 2013 debut
Other Starts: Tom Brady, Kenbrell Thompkins, Julian Edleman
Sit: Stevan Ridley
Not only has he been ineffective, but the fifth ranked Atlanta run defense is sturdy. Conversely, their 25th ranked pass defense is not, making it clear how the Patriots will attack their unit. The only back who could accumulate numbers will be Brandon Bolden, since he will be deployed as a receiver
Other Sits: LeGarrette Blount, Aaron Dobson
Atlanta
Start: Jason Snelling
Both RBs can be utilized against New England’s 24th ranked run defense. But Snelling has done more with his opportunities, and is more likely to score
Other Starts: Matt Ryan, Jacquizz Rodgers, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez
Sit: None
All of the Falcons that comprise most rosters can be started
Other Sits: None
Dolphins at Saints
Miami
Start: Brian Hartline
He is the most targeted Dolphin, and should receive enough looks from Ryan Tannehill to use him against a stout pass defense.
Other Starts: Ryan Tannehill (2 QB Leagues), Mike Wallace, Lamar Miller
Sit: Daniel Thomas
The decision makers in Miami might believe that platooning him with Miller makes sense. But no fantasy owner should be using him period.
Other Sits: Brandon Gibson, Charles Clay
New Orleans
Start: Darren Sproles
He is overdue for a long TD. Or a TD of any kind. He has a great chance to make it happen in this matchup.
Other Starts: Drew Brees, Marques Colston
Sit: Pierre Thomas
His stock has risen without the perpetually struggling Mark Ingram to contend with. But he needs to produce better than the 2.5 YPC that he delivered in Week 3 before you should use him.
Other Sits: Kenny Stills
