Fantasy Football Warning Signals for Week 4: Jordan Love, Javonte Williams, Michael Pittman Jr.

September 28, 2024

Kev's fantasy football warning signals and lineup sit 'ems for Week 4 (2024). Who should I start instead of these players worth benching, sitting, and avoiding?

Week 4 of the fantasy football season is underway, and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. However, we must adjust when new information, injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise. I will cover Jordan Love, Javonte Williams, and Michael Pittman Jr. in this edition.

The fantasy football season thus far has been cruel, with injuries and disappointing studs. Better days are ahead, but for now, precautions are necessary until busts like Javonte Williams and Michael Pittman Jr. show signs of life.

Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 4. For any issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on X.

Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 4?

Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Love is back as QB1 for the Packers after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. Malik Willis served admirably in his absence but the former first-round pick is ready to play again.

While Love has been practicing since last week, we should not be completely confident in that knee and mobility in his first game back. Love will reportedly sport a brace that will likely limit his fantasy potential as his rushing upside will be capped.

Moreover, Minnesota's defense ranks first in overall defensive DVOA (via FTN) through three weeks. They are first against the run and second against the pass. The Vikings are not at full strength on defense, but that is mitigated by a savvy DC like Brian Flores. Love has the benefit of healthy weapons and protection, but in all likelihood, he will not be asked to do too much in this game.

Who To Start Instead?

Justin Fields - Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Justin Fields is not scoring like the Fields of Chicago, but that is due to playing an efficient, game-managing style of football. Fields is currently tied with Bo Nix as QB20 in fantasy football thus far, but that should change in Week 4. Pittsburgh has not required Fields to break loose often, but that could change against the Colts in Indianapolis this weekend, as Anthony Richardson is a formidable opponent.

The Colts rank 16th in defensive DVOA thus far and are without star DT DeForest Buckner. Meanwhile, the Steelers will be playing with RB Jaylen Warren, which could emphasize Fields' legs for rushing production.

Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 4?

Javonte Williams - Denver Broncos at New York Jets

Javonte Williams remains the Denver Broncos' starter, as he has not played fewer than 51% of the snaps thus far but is averaging 2.2 yards per carry on 24 attempts. The Broncos are not committed to him beyond this season and will require results sooner rather than later, given the younger RBs on their depth chart, like Jaleel McLaughlin, who could earn more work.

The Jets' defense is not ranking as elite through three games, but they still have enough talent to figure it out. Denver shocked a depleted Buccaneers team last week, but they are unlikely to have similar success in New York.

Who To Start Instead?

Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Carolina Panthers' offense looks competent with Andy Dalton under center. This is significant not just for the pass-catchers, but also, for Chuba Hubbard and the backfield. Hubbard leads the RB room weekly and totaled 26 touches this past game against Las Vegas. The Carolina offensive line is better than their 2023 iteration and it is showing in Hubbard's career-high 5.2 rushing average.

Cincinnati's defense is down key interior pieces on their line and ranks 24th overall and 17th against the rush. If Dalton plays half as well as he played last week, Hubbard should be in for another big game.

Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 4?

Michael Pittman Jr. - Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. has 88 receiving yards on 20 targets through three weeks. He is a much better receiver than this production suggests, but the growing pains of Richardson this season will afflict him until their chemistry--and Richardson's accuracy--corrects itself.

The Colts face a stout Steelers defense this week that ranks fifth against the pass. Indianapolis has found plenty of success on the ground thanks to the talents of Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line, but multiple pieces of the OL have been injured this week. Benching Pittman is logical, with Josh Downs back, Alec Pierce producing, and Richardson struggling.

Who To Start Instead?

Jakobi Meyers - Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns

Davante Adams has been ruled out this week due to a hamstring injury making Jakobi Meyers a fine starting option for all formats. Meyers is a talented receiver, but his presence is overshadowed on an offense with elite talents like Adams and Brock Bowers.

If the Raiders had a better QB than Gardner Minshew II, Meyers could produce regardless of the surrounding players. However, offenses with limited quarterback play tend to consolidate.

The Browns' defense is talented but Myles Garrett is ailing and they have been average to start the season. Meyers had 9 targets last week against the Panthers and has seen an increase weekly. Unless the Raiders' rushing attack miraculously revitalizes itself, Meyers will be a crucial part of the gameplan.

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