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Week 4 Rankings Analysis - Pierre Camus vs. Industry Consensus

Pierre Camus' Week 4 fantasy football rankings analysis for the 2017 NFL season. He compares his rankings to industry consensus for QB, RB, WR, TE.

We're now starting to get a feel for what 2017 is bringing to the table. It isn't always appetizing, but at the very least it's always interesting. The highly vaunted RB rookie class is delivering in spades and reshaping the fantasy fortunes of many teams. In other words, it's time to throw those ADP lists out the window (not literally, that's littering and you'll get a ticket for that). Let's use our knowledge of defensive matchups and player trends to make some projections that might buck the industry standard. That's how RotoBallers do!

As an expert ranker for RotoBaller and FantasyPros, I'll put my own personal rankings out on the table for you here and show you how they stack up against the consensus of the other 100+ experts at FantasyPros. Each week, I'll list my Top 10 per position, plus a few notable players that have risen or fallen in my rankings more than the expert consensus this week.

Note: all rankings are for standard leagues and all opinions are my own. If you have questions, comments, or nothing better to do in the last five minutes of your lunch break, hit me up on Twitter @pfunk00 to continue the weekly rankings conversation.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 4 Quarterbacks - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

What's Andy Dalton doing in there again? I'm really not a Bengals fan by any means, but this matchup can't be ignored. When the Browns are in town, the opposing team's offensive coordinator must grin from ear-to-ear (that goes the same for games played in Cleveland, by the way). While I'm not playing him over those top eight QBs, I think he could be a substitute for Derek Carr or Philip Rivers this week.

I also like Carson Wentz to jump back up to QB1 status this week against a depleted Chargers secondary without Jason Verrett. The loss of Darren Sproles and absence of any reliable pass-catcher in the backfield could force Wentz to look downfield more often.

I'm banking on repeats from Russell Wilson and Carson Palmer, although I can't say I'm completely confident in it happening from such unreliable pass offenses with horrible offensive lines.

I can't bring myself to rank Derek Carr quite so low, although I know it's Denver on the road. Although they've limited yardage big time, they did allow Philip Rivers to toss three scores in Week 1. I wouldn't put Carr as my QB1 if I had a better option, but I don't think he's an absolute must-bench either. They will have to fall back on the passing game at some point and he is not a turnover machine, despite how he looked last week.

I am not trying to hate on Marcus Mariota, but on a team that has two quality running backs who are apparently back at full health, the ceiling isn't quite there for a big passing day and Houston still presents a tough matchup. You can throw last week aside - Tom Brady will make any secondary look foolish. As you'll see later on in my rankings, I think the Cowboys-Rams game is a lot closer than people think. It won't be a shootout, so Prescott's ceiling also gives me pause.

 

Week 4 Running Backs - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

I came oh so close to making Kareem Hunt my No. 1 RB this week, but couldn't do it. It's all because of @rotobuzzguy so blame him. Zeke looks just fine and faces a Rams D-line that knows how to rush the QB, but not how to stop the run. They've allowed the most rushing touchdowns this season (six) and fourth-most rushing yards (417). Todd Gurley isn't too far behind in what could be a showdown between workhorse backs. Melvin Gordon's #10 ranking is based on health - he'll play this week but it's not certain if he's 100% and knee injuries are always tough to swallow for a running back.

I've been higher on Jordan Howard than most experts ever since 2016 ended. I even went at length to defend his RB1 status against @MitchellRenz365 in the preseason RB Risers and Fallers podcast. If his shoulder is fine, which it appears to be, he'll be in my top 10 nearly every week.

I'm not the only one picking Joe Mixon to come up big against the Browns this week, but apparently I'm expecting more of a breakout than others. He totaled 100 yards in his first taste of a RB1 role last week, so he should smash that in Week 4.

Someone that isn't expected to produce good numbers by anybody is Mr. Obese Kelley a.k.a. Fat Rob a.k.a. Washington's lead RB. The coaches have come out and said that Chris Thompson will not see a rise in carries, as he's needed for passing downs. Samaje Perine may not ever leave the doghouse after another fumble and poor performance. Mack Brown isn't a threat to take the starting job, so as long as Kelley is healthy, he's got great upside. The Redskins rank sixth in rushing yards per game and the Chiefs have given up some big plays on the ground. That's a recipe for victory if you sneak Kelley into your flex spot.

For the same reasons I'm high on Howard, I'm a bit lower on Cohen. Keep in mind, these rankings are based on standard league scoring, but in PPR I have him about 10 spots higher and so should you. I may be second-guessing Lamar Miller this low, but I don't like gravitating toward low-ceiling players. LeGarrette Blount has a much greater chance of reaching the end zone than Miller, even if he sees a dozen less touches per game.

 

Week 4 Wide Receivers - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

This will possibly be the last time I have A.J. Green as my top overall WR as well, but it's a no-brainer that he has the best matchup of all these receivers. I think Michael Thomas puts himself in the same tier as the other elites at the position with a huge game overseas. The Dolphins' duo of Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard are highly toastable on any given play.

DeVante Parker may still be underrated at this point in the season. He currently ranks ninth in total air yards, even though he's only played two games! 19 targets in two games is also a great sign. I don't care how high Ken Crawley graded out last week against Carolina's poor receiving corps, give me Parker versus the Saints any day. I also think Maclin is getting slept on after grabbing a touchdown in each of his first two weeks. It was a disastrous week all around for the Ravens, which included a head injury for Maclin, but the team will be passing a lot to keep up with Pittsburgh and I anticipate a high target total.

Tyreek Hill scored on a big play last week and Travis Kelce was quiet, so they're bound to flip-flop this week, right? I'm not giving up on Dez Bryant, but I'll wait until the schedule (in terms of pass defense at least) softens before considering him in the top 20 again. Likewise with Amari Cooper - Denver isn't the time or the place.

 

Week 4 Tight Ends - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

I like Jordan Reed this week... if he actually plays. If you own him and he's in the starting lineup, you have to play him. Although this isn't a DFS article, I'll put my two cents in to say that he could a strong play in cash games if he goes as expected. I'm also holding out hope for a Hunter Henry bounce back, although I don't foresee much success for the Chargers this Sunday in general. At the tight end position, you're mainly looking for touchdown potential anyway, especially in standard leagues, and he'll always have it.

I probably should have Clay and Graham higher, but there's a trust factor missing here. I don't trust the offense in Buffalo to put up points away from home and I don't trust Graham's health enough to make him a TE1. By the time this article goes live, Martellus Bennett will undoubtedly have disappointed us all with another lackluster performance. Can't say I didn't warn you, even if it is after the fact.

 

More Week 4 Lineup Prep


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Wednesday Evening
Lamar Jackson

Removed From Injury Report, Will Return on Thursday
Daniel Gafford

Unlikely to Suit Up Versus Indiana
Tyler Shough

to Start at QB the Rest of the Season
Dante Exum

Out of Action Against Pacers
Jakob Poeltl

Sidelined on Wednesday
Terry McLaurin

Re-Injures Quad, Out for Week 9
Brock Bowers

Practicing in Full, "Looking Great"
Myles Garrett

"No Chance" Myles Garrett Gets Traded
Rico Dowdle

to Become Panthers Featured Back in Week 9?
Aidan Hutchinson

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Lions
Joe Flacco

Week 9 Status in Doubt With AC Joint Sprain
Ziaire Williams

Uncertain for Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Out on Wednesday
Santi Aldama

Iffy for Wednesday's Action
Gabe Vincent

Out for Several Weeks
Marcus Smart

in Danger of Missing Another Contest Wednesday
Cam Skattebo

Facing 4-6-Month Recovery Timetable
CFB

Jordyn Tyson Questionable for Iowa State Matchup with Hamstring Injury
Cameron Johnson

Considered Questionable for Wednesday
Jakob Poeltl

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Ausar Thompson

Battling Illness, Questionable for Wednesday
Jake Oettinger

Collects First Shutout of the Season
Chuba Hubbard

Panthers Don't Want To Move Chuba Hubbard
Connor Bedard

Produces First Career Hat Trick
Victor Olofsson

Has Career Night With Five Points
Thomas Harley

Signs Eight-Year Extension With Stars
Shayne Gostisbehere

Suffers New Injury Tuesday
Conor Garland

Joins Canucks' Growing Injury List
Mikael Granlund

to Miss 2-3 Weeks
Obi Toppin

Expected to Miss One Month
Andrew Nembhard

to Miss Third Straight Game Wednesday
Bennedict Mathurin

Out Week-to-Week
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Iffy for Wednesday
Zaccharie Risacher

Listed as Probable Against Nets
Jalen Johnson

Considered Probable for Wednesday
Dillon Brooks

to Remain Out Wednesday
Jalen Green

Could Make His Suns Debut Wednesday
Anthony Davis

Expected to Play Wednesday
Adam Gaudette

Could Miss Time
John Klingberg

Ready for Action Tuesday
Warren Foegele

to Miss "Some Time"
George Springer

Not in the Lineup for Game 4 of World Series
Brett Pesce

Expected to Be Out for One Month
Jake Neighbours

to Miss at Least Five Weeks
Hampus Lindholm

Expected to Return Tuesday
Jacob Markstrom

Returns to Devils Crease Tuesday
Quinn Hughes

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Malik Nabers

Should be Ready for Start of Next Season
Lamar Jackson

Says he's "Ready to Go Now"
Isiah Pacheco

Week-to-Week With MCL Sprain
Tyler Shough

Named Saints' Starting Quarterback
Drake Batherson

Picks Up Three Points in Monday's Win
Sidney Crosby

Becomes Ninth NHL Player With 1,700 Points
Michael Kesselring

Expected to Make Season Debut Tuesday
Shayne Gostisbehere

Could Return Tuesday
K'Andre Miller

Expected to Remain Out Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Close to Returning
Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery

RANKINGS

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RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP