Carnell Tate a Shaky Flex in Week 4, But the Rookie Continues to Look the Part 11hLink copied!

Oct 3, 2026, 7:06 AM ET

Baltimore Ravens veteran tight end Mark Andrews looks to bounce back at home against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 after a quiet showing in Brazil against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Andrews had his usual five targets but caught only three passes for 24 yards. While his target share remained at 25% and his 13 routes were the third-highest on the team, behind wide receivers Rashod Bateman (20) and Zay Flowers (15), he played just 47% of the snaps. Admittedly, we have a very small sample size three weeks in, but Andrews has, for the first time in his nine seasons in the league, a negative catch rate over expected (-2.7%), his shortest air yards per target (6.6), and has seen just one red zone target this year. For comparison, Andrews had three red zone targets and a consistent 80% snap share after the first three weeks in the 2025 season. With rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas each running eight routes against the Cowboys in Week 3, the tight end room is getting crowded for the aging Mark Andrews, who is likely to see fewer opportunities as the season progresses. For their part, the Tennessee Titans defense has been stingy against tight ends through three weeks, allowing just an average of 5.5 fantasy points to the position, the third-best in the NFL. As RotoBaller's 12th-ranked tight end this week, the veteran has been mostly relegated to the dreaded "touchdown-dependent TE1" category that plagues the position in fantasy football. In this tough matchup, managers in shallow leagues may have better options, but deep-league managers are hoping Andrews finds the end zone in Week 4 to pay off.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 7:05 AM ET

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II will step into an expanded role in Week 4, and he is definitely a deep-league fantasy option even in a tough matchup with the Vikings. Gordon stepped in last week for De'Von Achane (knee), who was lost for the season. He played 84% of snaps and took 17 carries for 41 rushing yards and a touchdown, while catching all three of his targets for 14 receiving yards. His efficiency was not impressive in the struggling offense, but he should be in a large enough role to be a touchdown-dependent play. He's only a fringe option in standard-sized leagues due to a very tough matchup against the Vikings, who have allowed zero RB touchdowns and the fourth-fewest fantasy points to the position. He will also likely share time with Jaylen Wright, who missed Week 3 with a foot injury. In a tough matchup and an uncertain timeshare, Gordon is the RB36 this week in RotoBaller's rankings, but he definitely has the opportunity to win playing time for the rest of the season in Achane's absence, so stash him on your bench in standard-sized leagues and see how the week plays out.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 3, 2026, 6:58 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon should have a bigger role in his team's offense with both wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) ruled out for their Week 4 game. The Eagles will take on the Los Angeles Rams without their WR1 and TE1, meaning Lemon, their first-round draft pick in 2026, should see a heavily expanded role. Lemon has been one of the worst WRs in football, efficiency-wise, through three games -- he's caught just seven passes for 38 yards, averaging three targets per game and under 13 receiving yards per contest. He has yet to reach the end zone, and almost impressively finished his NFL debut with negative yardage. He hasn't established much of a connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts, though film shows him getting open on multiple occasions and not getting the ball. It's difficult to predict how he might play in Week 4, as rookies tend to improve as the season goes along. He's a very risky speculative WR3 start, though in most leagues, he's better left on the bench until he shows some real upside in the pros.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:54 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hasn't found the end zone yet this season and has been targeted just six times through three games -- he hauled in three of those passes for a massive six yards. That's got him ranked as the RB33 overall in fantasy football through three games, which is a clip that seems impossible. But the Eagles offensive line has taken multiple huge steps back since Barkley's insane 2024 season. He's averaging over five yards per carry, but the lack of a receiving role and inability to score so far has made that a moot point. Week 4 might not see things get much better, as the Eagles will face the Los Angeles Rams, who have an explosive passing offense. They'll likely be able to run up the score, preventing the Eagles from relying heavily on the run game and forcing them into a pass-heavy game script. Barkley has not been start-worthy through three games, as he has just single-digit PPR fantasy points in each, though you have to think he has upside for more. He's a startable player as a low-end RB2 for now, but fantasy managers are understandably nervous about his potential to be a league-losing draft pick.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:51 AM ET

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is in a tough road matchup this week against the Minnesota Vikings, and he'll be without star RB De'Von Achane (knee) and starting receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle). Willis has only thrown one touchdown in his three games this season, while averaging 209 passing yards per game and completing 57% of his passes. He has added some value on the ground, running for 101 yards and another touchdown in three games, but the Dolphins' offense ranks last in the NFL in points per game and sixth-worst in yards per game. Without Achane, Willis may have to run more and could carry enough value to be a fringe starter in two-QB leagues in some matchups this season. Week 4's matchup against the Vikings is a very tough one, though, so he ranks 29th in RotoBaller's QB rankings for Week 4. He should be left on the bench if possible this week and only started in desperation, even in leagues that require multiple QBs.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 3, 2026, 6:47 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks will see an expanded role with his offense in Week 4, as Eagles WR1 DeVonta Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out with a hamstring injury for the game. Smith was targeted 27 times across the team's first three contests, meaning there's a significant target vacuum to be spread around to the team's other players. Additionally, Eagles TE1 Dallas Goedert (knee) won't be able to suit up for this contest, meaning Wicks could see heavy target volume. The Rams are one of the NFL's best offenses, and could force Philly into a pass-heavy game script. The matchup is a bit tough for Wicks, though -- the former Packer will face off with cornerback Trent McDuffie on the outside, though opposite-side starting CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) has been ruled out for the game. Wicks is anything but a guaranteed high scorer, but he can be started as a low-end WR2 based on projected volume alone.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:44 AM ET

The Arizona Cardinals D/ST unit fell on hard times after its surprising showing in Week 1. Against the Chargers in the season opener, Arizona held their opponent to 14 points, registered three sacks, and collected two turnovers for a top-10 finish that week. The Cardinals gave up at least 31 points in their subsequent matchups against the Seahawks and 49ers, and had just one more sack and two turnovers in those two games. A Week 4 matchup against the New York Giants could prove lucrative. Giants quarterback Jameis Winston is known for being turnover-prone and has already taken five sacks on 55 dropbacks, and the team is averaging just 15.3 points per game. Arizona's D/ST makes for a solid streamer in Week 4 and is projected for a top-12 finish.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 6:43 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was one of the most consistent QB1s in fantasy football for four years in a row, ending with last year, as he was inside the top-8 in points per game at the position each year from 2021 until 2025. Regression may finally be hitting for the Eagles starting QB, who is without his top wideout from 2022 until last year. WR A.J. Brown (ankle) is now with the New England Patriots, and while Hurts has thrown for just over 200 passing yards per game, right around his average in recent years, his rushing production has taken a downturn. Double-digit rushing touchdowns in each season from 2021-2024 and eight rushing scores in 2025 have given way to just one in three games so far. The tush push is no longer the cheat code play it was for the Eagles in previous seasons, likely due to the Eagles offensive line losing talent at some positions and regressing heavily in others. Hurts is thus a low-end QB1 for Week 4 against the Rams, as his biggest fantasy football asset, his rushing upside, no longer appears to be enough to boost him into elite week-to-week scoring potential.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:41 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland was perfect in Week 3, nailing all three of his extra point attempts and going 3-for-3 on field goals as well. His field goals came from 26, 41, and 49 yards out. It was Ryland's second game (along with Week 1) with three or more field goals and at least two extra points. So far in 2026, Ryland is perfect on extra points and 7-for-8 on field goal tries. In Week 4, the Cardinals will face the New York Giants, who have seen the fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers so far in 2026. The Giants have seen only two field goal attempts against them, and both resulted in misses. Ryland is a safe bet to get one through the uprights against New York. He is projected as a top-10 option in Week 4.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 6:39 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had nine receptions for 75 yards on 11 targets in Week 3. Arizona's passing attack is built around getting McBride the ball. The tight end has a 32.5% first-read target share, and his 5.9 aDOT is suited to Jacoby Brissett's tendency to favor quick, short passes. McBride has hit double digits in targets and at least eight receptions in each game of 2026. Through the first three games of 2026, he is one reception and three targets from being tied for the lead in the NFL in both categories. In Week 4, the Cardinals travel to New York to face the Giants. McBride can safely be expected to have another productive day and should be in starting lineups everywhere on Sunday.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 6:28 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones averages just over 200 passing yards per game, with three passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and two fumbles lost through three games. His return from an Achilles tendon tear hasn't gone according to plan, and he's lucky his team recovered a third fumble he had in Week 3, else they'd potentially be staring down the barrel of 0-3. But he should get better as the weeks go on, and the Colts have faced three tough defenses to start the season. In Week 4, they'll go on the road to face the Washington Commanders, who have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. They were shredded through the air by opposing quarterbacks last season, and are allowing a whopping 8.2 yards per pass attempt to opposing quarterbacks this season, a clip that's fifth-worst in the NFL. Ironically, Indianapolis is one of the few teams allowing more. This game could be a pass-heavy shootout, in which case Jones would be worth starting in 2QB and superflex leagues. He's better off left on the bench in 1QB leagues, though, as the rushing upside he has a season ago has evaporated.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:26 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had his most productive game of the young season in Week 3. Given his minimal usage to start 2026, all it took was three catches for 40 yards on five targets. Harrison's use as a deep target is antithetical to quarterback Jacoby Brissett's tendency to throw quick, short passes, which does not bode well for the receiver's ongoing fantasy value. There is some hope for a turnaround against the Giants in Week 4, though. In Week 2, Davante Adams beat New York for eight catches, 195 yards, and two touchdowns, with an aDOT of 19.8 yards. If Brissett can be bothered to let Harrison's routes develop, the former phenom would be in for a big day. Given Brissett's focus on Michael Wilson and Trey McBride, it seems like a long shot, however. Harrison is projected as a WR5 and a risky bet better suited for deep leagues.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 6:21 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has settled into a larger role in his team's offense after the injury to Colts WR1, Alec Pierce (heel). Pierce will miss at least three more weeks after re-aggravating the heel injury in the leg he had surgery on in the offseason. Downs was targeted a season-high 11 times in Week 3, which was his most volume in a game since 2024. He caught five of those passes for 77 yards. The Commanders have a soft pass defense, which should be a good matchup for Downs on paper, though they tend to be leakier against outside receivers than those in the slot. His diminutive size keeps him in the slot mostly, but he's been one of the NFL's best separators and has averaged 13.3 yards per catch, a healthy clip considering his best capability is his short-area route running. Downs is in WR3/flex territory for this matchup, and is worth a start in 12-team full-PPR leagues for Week 4.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:15 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren caught nine of his 10 targets for 55 yards and carried the ball one time for two yards in his team's narrow win over the Houston Texans in Week 3. With the Colts' top wide receiver, Alec Pierce (heel), out with a heel injury, Warren is the team's top target in the passing game. The Texans presented a tougher defensive challenge than do the Washington Commanders, who have been one of the NFL's worst defenses against tight ends last season and through this year so far. Warren has faced tough defenses in each of his first three games and still maintained fantasy football relevance, so he appears to be on the verge of a breakout game here. Warren and wide receiver Josh Downs will split the lion's share of the team's targets. The Commanders appear to have an improved offense under quarterback Marcus Mariota, who will start in Week 4, and Indy's defense hasn't been playing exceptionally well, so a game with high passing volume could be on the table for the Colts. Warren is firmly in TE1 territory in fantasy football this week and should be started in all leagues.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 6:08 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson cemented his role as the team's WR1 with his performance in Week 3. In Arizona's 36-30 loss to the 49ers, Wilson came away with 11 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Through three weeks, Wilson now has a 24.8% team target share and a whopping 42.6% air yard share. Wilson also ranks sixth among wide receivers in first-read rate (35.1%). Wilson's use in Arizona's pass-happy offense should translate into more productive games in the weeks ahead, especially in PPR settings. In Week 4, the Cardinals will face the New York Giants, who allowed Wan'Dale Robinson seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown last week, good for WR17 overall. Wilson is projected as a WR2/3 for this week. His potential volume raises his ceiling and makes him worth a start.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 6:06 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has three touchdown catches in as many games to start the 2026 NFL season. He's 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, and has the trust of his quarterback, Dak Prescott, in crucial areas of the field. Ferguson had 15 touchdowns in his NFL career and eight scoring grabs last season, and he's on pace to crush his career-high and add a significant amount to his total. He has just nine catches for 72 yards on his 11 targets, so he's made them count. A lost fumble in Week 3 put a damper on his fantasy score. And his volume isn't anything special, which makes him heavily touchdown-dependent. Houston's defense gave up 9.8 PPR fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in 2025, slightly less than league average, so the matchup isn't terrible. But Ferguson's two-catch, six-yard performance in Week 1 against a soft New York Giants defense is indicative of his low floor. Ferguson is a high-end TE2 with upside for Week 4 in fantasy football.--John Johnson
Source: ESPN

Oct 3, 2026, 5:58 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier spent the first two weeks of 2026 on the strong side of a 60-40 snap share with rookie Jeremiyah Love. In Week 3, Love took over as the team's lead back, and Allgeier saw 31 snaps to Love's 55. Allgeier finished last week's game with just two carries for -1 yard, and had four catches for 10 receiving yards. After Arizona selected Love with the third pick of the NFL draft, Allgeier was fated for another timeshare after escaping one in Atlanta. As with the Falcons, Allgeier now appears to be the second-stringer, sinking his fantasy value. Allgeier was still involved on goal-line snaps and in two-minute drills, but it is hard to see him providing consistent fantasy returns. He is projected as an RB4 for Arizona's Week 4 meeting with the New York Giants. Fantasy managers may want to hold him as a handcuff but should find another option to start this weekend.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 5:43 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love handled 21 carries for 90 rushing yards and caught all five of his targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Week 3. After spending Weeks 1 and 2 on the short side of a 60-40 split in snaps with Tyler Allgeier, Love was the unquestioned featured back last week, soaking up nearly two-thirds of the snaps in the backfield and out-touching Allgeier 26-6. Looking ahead to Sunday, Love will face a New York Giants defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry and 2.6 rushing yards before contact. Last week, Tony Pollard found 74 yards on 17 attempts against the Giants, and in Week 2, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 24 carries and 164 rushing yards. Now in the driver's seat of the Cardinals' backfield, Love is projected as an RB1 with a favorable matchup in Week 4 and can be trusted in starting lineups.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 5:21 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 38 of his 52 pass attempts in Week 3, finishing with 280 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Brissett added a rushing touchdown on a goal-line sneak in the 36-30 loss to the 49ers. Brissett is averaging 39 passes per game and 27.3 completions, good for second-most in the league, and has a 70.1% completion rate through three weeks. Brissett has found success by getting rid of the ball quickly and hitting receivers on short routes, which has given him the third-lowest aDOT and time to throw among starting quarterbacks. In Week 4, Arizona faces the New York Giants, who have been susceptible to such passes, offering opponents the third-highest completion rate and fourth-highest EPA per dropback on short routes. Arizona's high passing volume makes Brissett a dark horse streamer and a qualified starter in two-QB setups for Week 4.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3, 2026, 4:54 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers' D/ST had back-to-back top-10 finishes to open 2026 but took a step back in Week 3. The 49ers came away with the win against the Cardinals last week but gave up 30 points in the process. In Week 4, the 49ers' defensive line and linebacker corps have been dealt multiple injuries that will tarnish the unit's outlook against the Broncos. Nick Bosa (knee/calf) is out, and three other linemen are listed as out or questionable. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps) and Jaden Duggar (shoulder) are both questionable. When not facing pressure, Bo Nix's EPA per dropback goes from the second-lowest in the NFL to the ninth-highest. With San Francisco's D/ST at risk of getting tied up in a high-scoring affair, fantasy managers might be better served by seeking another unit better suited to sniff out sacks and turnovers in Week 4.--Dan Stephens
Source: 49ers.com