Week 3 was fueled by crazy performances and startling upsets. This is the part of the season where the fantasy landscape starts to take shape. Fantasy managers start to really grasp who’s going to shine, and who’s going to struggle. With this in mind, fantasy managers might have to make tough decisions on players. Let’s take a dive on whether you should start ’em or sit ’em for week four.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em – Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones is the definition of a roller coaster fantasy quarterback. He was abysmal on week one and week three when he played top-tier defenses in Dallas and San Francisco, respectively. Then, in week two, when Jones faced the Cardinals he was QB1 for the week and finished with over 30 points. Danny Dimes faces off against the Seahawks this week and should be in for a good game. Seattle has given up the second most passing yards throughout this young season. Add what Jones can do with his legs and he should be in for a good week. Feel free to lock Daniel Jones as a start ’em instead of sit ’em for Week 4.

Sit ‘Em – Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett has been far from stellar this season as a fantasy quarterback. To the naked eye, the matchup against the Houston Texans looks tasty, but it’s not. The Texans have surprisingly only allowed two passing touchdowns this year. They are also coming off a Week 3 win over Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. The Texans were able to keep T-Law and this Jaguars offense in check all Sunday. In a game where the Jags threw the ball 40 times, Lawrence was still only able to muster 15 fantasy points. The Texans are no longer an easy win on the schedule and I expect Pickett to struggle in this one. There are certainly better options to start in week four than Pickett.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em – De’Von Achane

The entire Miami Dolphins offense was rolling last week putting up a ridiculous 70 points against the lowly Denver Broncos. De’Von Achane was a huge reason for the Dolphins’ success. He went absolutely nuclear last week putting up over 50 points. He has established himself as a focal point in what looks to be the best offense in the NFL. After last week, there’s no way you can leave Achane on your bench. Fire him up as either a FLEX play or RB2 in your lineup for week four.

Sit ‘Em – Breece Hall

The Jets are gonna Jet. After losing Aaron Rodgers on the fourth play of the first game, it has been downhill for Gang Green. With high hopes for 2023, there’s not a single player on this Jets offense fantasy managers are confident starting week in and week out. Breece Hall is no exception. He has yet to play 50 percent of the snaps on offense and has a combined FIVE fantasy points in the last two games. The Jets go against the Chiefs this week and I expect this game to get out of hand early. The negative game script and overall lack of performance for Hall means he should stay on your bench.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em – D.J. Moore

I can’t believe I’m even about to say this. If you are a D.J. Moore owner in fantasy, now’s the week to start ’em. All joking aside, Moore has actually produced relatively decent fantasy numbers in the young campaign. They are not glamorous, nor what a lot of drafters were hoping for from the new WR1 in Chicago, but still decent. Now he gets a date with the Denver Broncos defense that just let the Dolphins have their way with them last week. If there was ever a get-right game for the Bears this season, it’s this one. You should feel confident having Moore slide into your WR2 for this matchup.

Sit ‘Em – DeAndre Hopkins

I have feared this day for some time now. DeAndre Hopkins has been a perennial fantasy football asset for the better half of a decade. Now he finds himself on the Tennessee Titans with an offense that can barely get first downs. The 31-year-old wideout has been unable to eclipse eight points in the last two weeks and will face off against a stingy Cincy defense in week four. Cincy’s defense is top 10 in yards allowed to receivers and has only allowed one touchdown to wideouts this year. A bad offense, against a good pass defense does not mix well. Don’t overthink it and lock D-Hop in as a sit ’em for week four.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em – Darren Waller

Coming into this season there was a plethora of optimism for Darren Waller and his fantasy output. Without a doubt, he is the most talented pass catcher this New York Giants team has, but it has not reflected in fantasy success, yet. The G-Men do get a date with the Seattle Seahawks this week, who are allowing the sixth most yards to tight ends this year. Both Waller and Daniel Jones should have good days, lock them in to start.

Sit ‘Em – Kyle Pitts

Fantasy managers have no idea what to do with the uber-talented, underutilized Kyle Pitts. He was poised with an excellent matchup last week and yet again disappointed his fantasy managers. Although he posted season highs, he still could not eclipse 10 fantasy points. I’ve been out on Pitts for a long time, but now I think most other fantasy players are starting to turn on him. Unless major things change within Atlanta’s organization, we might never see how high the young man’s ceiling could be. There should be better options on your bench or waiver wire. Sit Pitts out for this week.

Making Landfall

The season is still young, but we are starting to get a firm picture of how players will shape out. We’ve seen a lot of rookies pop, veterans struggle, and guys who are on the cusp of exploding. Injuries have already decimated a lot of fantasy lineups, so playing the matchups is crucial to give yourself an advantage over your opponent. This article will help simplify your decisions on whether to start ’em or sit ’em for week four.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He gives expert advice in both Dynasty and Redraft settings, and loves finding the sleepers no one else talks about. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.