TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 4 Monday Night (MNF) Matchups Analysis: Start/Sit for Fantasy Football

What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find our Week 4 NFL Monday Night matchups analysis & fantasy football start/sit recommendations for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the Week 4 Monday Night matchup between the Giants and the Vikings to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Campus (@pfunk00) and part two of this week's matchups by yours truly (@Ben_Ruppert_21).

Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL match-ups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

 

Giants @ Vikings - Monday 10/3 @ 8:30 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, NYG)

Let me preface this by saying you start Beckham no matter who he is playing. He is one of the top receivers in the league and has been absolutely dominant in his first two seasons. This week he is going up against the Vikings defense, which has been the top unit in the league through three weeks. Last week the Vikings completely took Kelvin Benjamin out of the game, limiting him to zero catches on one target. A far cry from his dominant Weeks 1 and 2. Hopefully the Giants take note of this; the Panthers under-utilization of Benjamin limited their offense to just 10 points. Manning should be looking the way of Beckham no matter who is covering him given his game-breaking ability. Even with the tough matchup, I love OBJ this week. Look for Manning to give Beckham around 10 targets again this week.

Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)

The New York Giants have not done so well against the pass this season. Over the past two weeks, the Giants have allowed an average six catches for 82 yards to opposing WR1s (DeSean Jackson and Brandin Cooks). This week Stefon Diggs takes on this defense as his connection with Sam Bradford continues to grow. He was held to only four receptions for 40 yards last week, but that was after he posted two straight games over 100 yards receiving. This Giants defense is much less stingy than the Panthers defense he faced last week, so he should be able to put up some nice numbers in Week 4. He is a safe play in all formats with huge upside.

Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)

Kyle Rudolph has been the biggest benefactor of Sam Bradford coming to town. The long time TD-dependent TE has had a nice stretch of games to begin the season, averaging five catches for 55 yards with TDs in two of three games played. Bradford clearly loves his new weapon at TE, and while the Giants have been good at defending TEs so far this season there will still be room for Rudolph to operate. In Week 1 Jason Witten was able to haul in nine passes for 66 yards, and while Jordan Reed was held to four catches for 56 yards last week, the Redskins offense has many more weapons to spread the ball out to than the Vikings do. I expect another solid game from Rudolph with a TD thrown in for good measure. Play him with confidence against the Giants.
Matchups We Hate:

Eli Manning (QB, NYG)

This Vikings defense keeps getting better and better as the weeks roll on. In Week 2 they held Aaron Rodgers in check, limiting him to 213 passing yards with one TD and an INT, sacking him five times. Last week they gave the NFL the formula to stopping Cam Newton, limiting him to 262 yards passing, no TDs, three INTs, while sacking him a whopping eight times. Eli Manning does not have the escapability factor that Newton and Rodgers possess, so I cannot see him being able to avoid the pressure the Vikings put on. This game will the Manning’s most difficult test, one that I do not think he will pass. This is a matchup to sit Manning in.
Notable Players:

Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG)

While the Vikings defense keys in on O’Dell Beckham, Sterling Shepard will be there to pick up what’s available from Eli Manning. Last week while shutting down Kelvin Benjamin, Ted Ginn was able to rack up 62 receiving yards with some chunk gains. Shepard is a very solid rookie with nice hands that can get things done in the open field. This will be a tough test for him, but I think he comes out of this one with a decent game. If you have similar options you can play I would start them, but if you have to start Shepard this week he will be an OK play.

Jerick McKinnon/ Matt Asiata (RB, MIN)

Matt Asiata started the game last week, but was out-snapped by McKinnon 65%/35%. The Giants have had an underrated run defense this year; they have allowed the second to last amount of points to the RB position so far only behind the Green Bay Packers. Asiata will likely be the TD vulture, but McKinnon would be the one to play for fantasy purposes since he gets more snaps and will catch more passes out of the backfield. With the Vikings likely to throw more given the weak secondary of the Giants, these backs will see limited work. They are both OK plays, but their upsides are limited by the defense they’re up against.

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Teddy Bridgewater

Returning to Detroit as Backup QB
Bobby Portis

is Ruled Out on Tuesday
Jacoby Brissett

Cardinals Haven't Told Jacoby Brissett he's the Starting QB
Justin Thomas

Continues Competitive Return at The Players Championship
Michael Porter Jr.

is Returning on Tuesday
Payton Pritchard

Won't Play on Tuesday
Scottie Scheffler

Looking to Win Third Players Championship in Four Years
Tyler Herro

is Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game
Tyrese Maxey

to be Evaluated in Three Weeks
Collin Morikawa

a Smash Play at This Week's Players Championship
Shane Lowry

Looking for Bounce-Back Week at TPC Sawgrass
VJ Edgecombe

Active Tuesday
Colton Parayko

Rejoins Blues Lineup
Russell Henley

Needs His Whole Game to Show Up at The Players Championship
Nahshon Wright

Jets Sign Nahshon Wright to One-Year Deal
Jonathan Kuminga

to Miss Third Straight Game
Shayne Gostisbehere

Unavailable Against Penguins
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Not Interested in Trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Marcus Johansson

Returns From Two-Game Absence
Chris Gotterup

Hopes to Continue Impressive Season at The Players
A.J. Brown

New Receiver Addition Doesn't End Patriots Interest in A.J. Brown
Moses Moody

Out Against Bulls
Darren Raddysh

Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons to Have "Open" QB Competition Between Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.
Sam Reinhart

Out Tuesday
John Gibson

Available Tuesday
Dylan Larkin

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Tyquan Thornton

More Snaps, Opportunities Coming for Tyquan Thornton?
Kyle Anderson

Good to Go on Tuesday
Greg Dulcich

to Have Significant Role in Dolphins Offense in 2026?
David Moore

Panthers Re-Sign Receiver David Moore
Trent Williams

Vederian Lowe isn't a Replacement for Trent Williams in San Francisco
Will Richard

Available on Tuesday
Al Horford

Active Against Bulls
Brian Robinson Jr.

49ers Have Interest in Re-Signing Brian Robinson Jr.
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Likely to Take a Running Back Early in the Draft?
Kristaps Porzingis

Set to Suit Up Tuesday
Cooper Kupp

Demotion Coming in Seattle for Cooper Kupp?
Jahan Dotson

Can Jahan Dotson Handle WR2 Role in Atlanta?
Braden Smith

Signs With Texans on Two-Year Deal
A.J. Brown

Patriots Conversations on A.J. Brown "Aren't Dead Yet"
Kenny Clark

Cowboys Restructure Kenny Clark's Contract
Bobby Portis

Uncertain to Play on Tuesday
Simone Fontecchio

Will Be Available Tuesday Against the Wizards
Trey Hendrickson

Bills Have Reached Out to Trey Hendrickson
Kel'el Ware

Ruled Out for Tuesday Against Washington
Corbin Carroll

Set to Play in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Tyler Herro

Downgraded to Questionable Tuesday Against Washington
Trae Young

Will Not Play Tuesday Against the Heat
Franz Wagner

Remains Without a Timeline To Return
Anthony Black

Is Without a Timetable to Return
Mac Jones

' Price on Trade Market Described as "Astronomical"
Daniel Jones

Colts, Daniel Jones Making Progress on Long-Term Deal
Romeo Doubs

Patriots Signing Former Packers Wideout Romeo Doubs
Kyle Stowers

to Make Grapefruit League Debut on Saturday
Hunter Greene

to be Sidelined Through July
Kyle Anderson

May Miss Second Straight Game
Jordan Goodwin

Nearing Return From Calf Injury
James Reimer

Posts Shutout With Seventh Franchise
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Stretches Point Streak to 13 Games
Justin Sourdif

Amasses Three Points In Monday's Win
Connor Bedard

Sets Up Two Goals in Overtime Win
Erik Gudbranson

to Miss Three-Game Road Trip
Evander Kane

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury
Max Greyserman

Gradually Improving Each Week in Florida
Oliver Moore

Expected to Miss "Significant Time"
PGA

The Nico Echavarria Roller Coaster Heads to The Players Championship
Ludvig Aberg

a Threat to Contend at The Players Championship
Anton Forsberg

Escapes With Overtime Victory
Artemi Panarin

Collects Two Points Against Former Team
Adrian Kempe

Scores Two Goals in Victory
Igor Shesterkin

Stifles the Flyers on Monday
Mika Zibanejad

Scores Twice Versus Philadelphia
Harris English

Hopes to Find Any Sort of Success at TPC Sawgrass
Pierceson Coody

Looks to Get Back on Track in First Players Appearance
Daniel Berger

Presses On at The Players Championship
Min Woo Lee

an Intriguing Option at the Players
Sahith Theegala

Looks to Continue Strong Form at the Players
Jason Day

Needs to Find Form Again at Players Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Hasn't Found Consistency This Season
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo, Phillies Agree on Five-Year Extension
Corbin Carroll

Could Make Spring Debut This Week
James Reimer

Starting Monday Night
Joel Hanley

Returns to Action Against Capitals
Max Holloway

Drops Decision At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Becomes The New BMF Champion
Caio Borralho

Bounces Back
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Rob Font

Gets Dominated
Raul Rosas Jr.

Extends His Win Streak
Michael Johnson

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Drew Dober

Knocks Out Michael Johnson
Rafael Devers

Back in Cactus League Lineup on Monday
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Consecutive Phoenix Cup Series Win
Christopher Bell

Falls Short of Victory Despite Dominating at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Earns Hard-Fought Finish of Third at Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Quietly Gains Another Top-Five Finish at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Crashes out at Phoenix Despite Strong Run
Tarik Skubal

Could Make Another Start in World Baseball Classic
Jackson Chourio

Should Return to WBC Lineup on Monday
Byron Buxton

"Fine" After Being Hit by Pitch
Ryan Blaney

is Always A Top Favorite to Compete for the Win At Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Phoenix?
Christopher Bell

is Likely to have Another Solid Phoenix Run
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Could Dominate at Phoenix This Weekend
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Phoenix
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Ross Chastain

Has Found Speed Again at Phoenix
Josh Berry

a Solid Sleeper at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Skips Qualifying After Practice Crash at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Spins in Practice at Phoenix
William Byron

Should Be a Contender at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Is Always a Threat at Phoenix
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be Playable for Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Anthony Alfredo

Is A Favorable DFS Option In A Substitution Role At Phoenix
Brandon Woodruff

Making Cactus League Debut on Saturday
Byron Buxton

Leaves WBC Game After Being Hit by a Pitch on his Elbow
Jackson Chourio

"Fine" After Suffering Hand Contusion
Max Holloway

A Favorite At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Set For BMF Title Fight
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Looks To Bounce Back
Caio Borralho

Set For UFC 326 Co-Main Event
Rob Font

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Raul Rosas Jr.

Looks For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Drew Dober

Returns At UFC 326
Michael Johnson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Rafael Devers

Could Return to Game Action Next Week
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Hopes to be Ready for Opening Day
Jackson Chourio

Won't Play in WBC on Friday
Carlos Correa

Scratched With Neck Injury
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena has Finger Fracture, to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF