RADIO
Austin Ekeler Could See Consistent Role Right Away
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler recently signed a one-year deal with the organization. He's back with Washington after only playing two games last season due to a torn Achilles tendon. The expectation was that Ekeler would play a depth role, but he might have a bigger impact than expected right away. Fellow back Rachaad White (shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be the lead back with Kaytron Allen and Ekeler getting snaps behind him. Ekeler might be on the field more than expected during his first game back with the team.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
More Recent News
Amon-Ra St. Brown Remains a High-End WR1 Option in Week 4
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a quiet game by his lofty standards in Week 3, recording four catches for 19 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the New York Jets. However, the 26-year-old is still off to an excellent start to the season, as he's hauled in 23 receptions for 225 yards and five touchdowns on 35 targets across three games. In Week 4, St. Brown and the Lions will go on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been tough to throw on so far in 2026, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL. However, Carolina placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. Particularly if the Lions' defense continues to struggle and Detroit is forced to turn to the air, St. Brown could be well-positioned to have a big day. Even coming off the down week, St. Brown remains a must-start WR1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sione Vaki Remains Tough to Rely on in Week 4 Despite Increasing Usage
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has seen little involvement in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 75 scrimmage yards on 12 touches across three games. However, the 25-year-old had his usage scaled up in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, recording six carries for 26 yards and an 11-yard reception while playing a season-high 31% of his team's offensive snaps. As long as superstar Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs remains healthy, Vaki's production upside is limited. Still, Gibbs currently leads the NFL in touches, which may not be sustainable if Detroit hopes to keep him healthy throughout an 18-week season. If he sees another small bump in workload, Vaki could have some chances to score fantasy points in his Week 4 matchup against the Panthers. Carolina has had trouble against the run early on, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns through three games. Vaki should not yet be trusted as a starter, but he could be worth stashing in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Courtland Sutton is Struggling to Make an Impact
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has not been able to find much success early in the season. Heading into Week 4, Sutton has recorded eight receptions on 16 targets for 82 yards with zero touchdowns. The veteran wideout did finish with a team-high 46 receiving yards last week. The expectation was that the addition of Jaylen Waddle this offseason would hurt Sutton, but it wasn't supposed to make him irrelevant. Fantasy managers shouldn't give up on the veteran wideout just yet. He has posted top-15 seasons in each of the last two years, so give him some time to get going. We'll see if it gets better for Sutton against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jahmyr Gibbs Could Be Poised for Monster Week in Favorable Week 4 Matchup
Across three games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 463 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 83 touches. Gibbs has been productive on the ground, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and collecting four rushing touchdowns. He's also taken on an even larger role in the Lions' passing game this season, hauling in 18 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 21 targets. Gibbs could be poised for another high-usage day in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have had major issues defending the run so far this season, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns. Even if the Lions find themselves chasing points, Gibbs' involvement as a receiver out of the backfield should provide him with a safe production floor. Gibbs profiles as a must-start, high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff a Solid QB1 Option in Week 4
Three games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 70.6% of his pass attempts for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With the Lions' defense struggling, Goff is averaging 36.3 pass attempts per game and has led the Detroit offense to three straight 30-plus-point performances. In Week 4, Goff and the Lions could find themselves in another high-scoring affair against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has been fairly stingy against the pass so far this season, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL. However, the Panthers placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. If Carolina's offense torches Detroit's 32nd-ranked pass defense, Goff could turn to the air early and often against the Panthers' banged-up secondary. Fantasy managers should view Goff as a solid QB1 option in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Waddle Off the Injury Report, Good to Go for Week 4
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (foot) is off the injury report after practicing in full all week. Waddle was seen wearing a boot on his foot after Week 3's win over the Los Angeles Rams, but head coach Sean Payton was not concerned. He is now good to go for Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. In three games, Waddle has caught 11 of 20 targets for 150 yards and added 14 rushing yards on one carry. He's played just 68% of snaps and 74% of routes, but has been used in every alignment in the offense except the offensive line this season. He faces the 49ers in Week 4, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, including strong performances against Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Marvin Harrison Jr. While Waddle is off the injury report, he carries some risk in a tougher matchup.
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Chase Brown's Lack of Receiving is Holding Him Back in 2026
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has gotten off to a slow start to the 2026 season despite heavy usage. In three games, Brown has 49 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown, plus 10 receptions for 32 yards, averaging 11.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Brown has played 70% of the snaps so far this season, which ranks among the best among NFL running backs. However, his receiving role hasn't been as much of a factor, averaging just 10.7 yards per game through the air. He's relying more on his rushing ability, but that could be hard to come by in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which allowed the fewest fantasy points in 2025 and has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards so far this season. While Brown is likely to bounce back, his receiving role will need to improve for him to be the low-end RB1 fantasy managers drafted him to be.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Listed as Questionable to Play in Week 4
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) is listed as questionable for Week 4's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Parkinson was unable to practice all week but has not been ruled out despite knee and shoulder injuries. The seven-year tight end has struggled to start the season, hauling in three of five targets for just 21 yards in three games. With the Rams' crowded tight end room, which includes Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson (who's on injured reserve), Davis Allen, and rookie Max Klare, it's difficult for any player to stand out. If Parkinson can't play against the Eagles, Higbee and Allen offer the most value in this room, but none should be considered fantasy starters against Philadelphia.
Source: Sarah Bishop
Source: Sarah Bishop
Ladd McConkey Listed as Questionable to Play in Week 4
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 4's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. After downgrading from limited to non-participant Thursday, McConkey was limited in practice Friday and remains questionable for Week 4. In the first three weeks of the season, McConkey has hauled in 12 of 15 targets for 183 yards and a touchdown. Despite being very efficient, McConkey hasn't lived up to expectations so far this season amid the Chargers' offensive struggles. If he plays against Seattle, fantasy managers should temper expectations given the Chargers' offensive issues and Seattle's elite defense. If he's inactive, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are likely to see more playing time, but neither is a guaranteed starter in fantasy this week.
Source: Taylor Biscotti
Source: Taylor Biscotti
Terrance Ferguson Placed on Injured Reserve
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four weeks. After an ankle injury in Week 3's loss to the Denver Broncos, Ferguson couldn't practice this week, prompting the team to place him on IR. In three games, Ferguson caught seven of 12 targets for 63 yards and a touchdown, playing 54% of snaps and running 56% of routes before the injury. With the second-year tight end heading to IR, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and second-round pick Max Klare will each play a slightly larger role. Ferguson's next chance to return will be in Week 8, when the Rams host the Los Angeles Chargers, but his return timeline remains unclear.
Source: Gary Klein
Source: Gary Klein
Mike Evans Questionable for Week 4
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (ribs) is listed as questionable for Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Evans suffered a rib injury in Week 3's 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals and did not return. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and worked on the side field Friday, with head coach Kyle Shanahan calling him a game-time decision. Evans spoke to the media Friday, describing the injury as "being stabbed in the chest," but added he's played through painful rib injuries before and has worked to put himself in position to do so again this Sunday. In his first three games with the 49ers, Evans has caught 12 of 16 targets for 137 yards and two touchdowns. However, with uncertainty about his status and a tough matchup against Pat Surtain and the Broncos, Evans is a risky WR3 in Week 4.
Source: David Lombardi - SF Standard
Source: David Lombardi - SF Standard
Cade Otton Remains on TE2 Radar for Week 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Otton hauled in three of his six targets for 56 yards in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. His value seemed to be on the rise, but it'll now take a hit with quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) heading to the sideline for at least the next three weeks. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will be making his first career start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Most of the offensive skilled players will take a hit with Daniels under center. Fantasy managers should keep Otton on the TE2 radar for this upcoming matchup.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ted Hurst III is Too Risky To Start in Week 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III caught his first career touchdown during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. That was his only catch of the game, but it looks like Hurst is gaining more trust in the offensive scheme. He should have a starting role going forward with Jalen McMillan (knee) landing on the Injured Reserve earlier this week. The rookie should see more playing time, but that doesn't mean he'll be a startable fantasy option right now. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will be taking over under center for at least the next three weeks. Hurst only saw three targets during last week's game. He's probably not worth starting in most formats, and at best, he'll be a touchdown-dependent option.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chris Godwin Jr. Offers Low-End Flex Appeal
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The veteran wideout is good to go, but his fantasy value remains shaky for this weekend. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will be making his first career start on Sunday. The expectation is that most of the offensive-skilled players will take a hit with Daniels under center. Godwin wasn't a great option before Baker Mayfield (thumb) went down, but now he'll be a shaky flex option for this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Emeka Egbuka Falls into WR3 Range
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has not lived up to expectations during the first three weeks of the season. It's unlikely to get better with Baker Mayfield (thumb) going down for at least three weeks. Now, the Bucs turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels to lead this offensive unit. Fantasy managers should expect most of the offensive-skilled players to take a hit with Daniels under center. Egbuka saw a season-high nine targets last week, but we'll see if the Bucs continue throwing his way as frequently this weekend. Given the downgrade at QB, fantasy managers should consider Egbuka a WR3 for the upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Las Vegas Raiders Defense a Risky Bet Against Tough Week 4 Opponent
The Las Vegas Raiders' defense has been surprisingly stout to start 2026, but will face an uphill battle against a hot Kansas City Chiefs offense in Week 4. Vegas ranks 10th in the NFL with just 316.7 total average yards allowed through Week 3. However, their first three opponents in 2026 also have a combined 1-8 record. Kansas City visits Sin City with a 3-0 record and the second-most total offensive yards per game (416.3). History isn't on the Raiders' side either, since the Chiefs starters haven't lost on the road to the Silver and Black since the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020. (Last season's 14-12 Raiders win at Allegiant Stadium was against Kansas City's second-stringers.) Fantasy managers are better off streaming a different defense in Week 4.
Source: FOX Sports
Source: FOX Sports
Braelon Allen Set to Lead Jets Backfield in Week 4
Three games into the 2026 season, New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has recorded 19 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown while hauling in four receptions for 11 yards on five targets. Allen's workload has been limited by the presence of star Jets running back Breece Hall (quad). However, Hall has been ruled out for New York's Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears due to a quad injury. As a result, Allen could be poised to play a workhorse role in the Jets' backfield on Sunday. The third-year back has shown off a three-down skill set in limited opportunities to this point in his career, and he has the size (235 lbs.) to be a weapon in the red zone. Allen also has a favorable matchup on paper against Chicago, whose defense currently ranks 30th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (5.1). With Hall sidelined, Allen profiles as a low-end RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer Unlikely to Move the Needle in Week 4
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is still getting targeted by Kirk Cousins, but Brock Bowers' return will cap his production against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense in Week 4. Mayer was still on the field for over 70% of passing plays in Week 3 and caught a touchdown, but had just three receptions for 32 yards. Even with wide receiver Jack Bech (forearm) out for at least four games, Klint Kubiak's air attack will run through Bowers against a Chiefs passing defense that is allowing just 178.3 yards per game. Unless Bowers is sidelined again, Mayer doesn't produce enough week to week to move the needle in redraft fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rebound Potential For Kyler Murray Against Dolphins
After a mostly lackluster first full game with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Kyler Murray faces an excellent matchup against the struggling Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The former Arizona Cardinal looked jittery and didn't provide much of an immediate upgrade to a Minnesota passing game that has thrown for fewer yards than any other team, but he'll step into friendlier circumstances against the Dolphins this week. Miami is 30th in the NFL in pressure percentage, still doesn't have a sack this season, and has allowed points on 50% of their opponents' possessions. Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is out again after missing the majority of last week's game, but the matchup is good enough that Murray is worth considering in most formats against the Dolphins. He's RotoBaller's QB13 for Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker Unlikely to Make a Big Impact in Week 4
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker should get more involved in Week 4, but should fantasy managers play him against the Kansas City Chiefs? Tucker's target share could tick up since fellow receiver Jack Bech (forearm) is sidelined for at least four games. However, the return of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers has already significantly cut into Tucker's opportunities, and he was held to just four receptions for 43 yards in Week 3. Additionally, the Chiefs' passing defense is allowing just 178.3 yards per game to start the season. Tucker's diminished usage is unlikely to tick up very much with Bech out, especially going up against a tough opponent. He may be a solid deep-league stash or flex option in other matchups, but Tucker is a sit candidate in redraft leagues in Week 4.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
More News About Austin Ekeler
