Each week, the Fantasy Cheat Sheet will combine Fantasy analysis and game predictions with a confidence scale to help owners get a definitive answer on who to start in their leagues.
What do those awesome numbers mean? That's our confidence scale. It slides from 10.0 for a legendary start to 5.0 for an average start to a 1.0 for an atrocious start. The lower the number, the worse the confidence.
Is the confidence scale based on a specific scoring system? It is based on standard leagues but is (mostly) applicable to PPR leagues. You should probably consult our PPR-specific rankings for more detail.
Who is listed below? Everyone that matters, but anyone already starting in 90 percent or more of CBSSports.com leagues is considered an obvious must-start. We're not going to waste your time trying to convince you to start Aaron Rodgers.
What if someone isn't listed below? If someone's missing, it's not an accident. Anyone missing is a definitive must sit, if not a must-cut player. Or they're on bye.
What's the best way to find a specific player on this page? Use your personal search function -- CTRL-F on PCs and Command-F on MACs. If neither of those are options, or if you're on a mobile device, you can search by game. Games are listed by starting times.
What if I am still unsure who to start or sit after reading this? Ask me! Shoot me a note on Twitter (@daverichard) (use #CBSFCS). You can always get your answers faster by consulting our rankings, too.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight ...
Jets vs. Dolphins (in London), Sun., 9:30 a.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick (5.3): A stat that is so Fitzpatrick: He has two touchdowns in each of three games and under 20 Fantasy points in all three. That's tough to do. The Dolphins might be what he needs to get over that hump -- Blake Bortles and Tyrod Taylor have delivered at least 24 Fantasy points against the Fins over the last two weeks.
Ryan Tannehill (4.0): No quarterback has posted more than 10 Fantasy points in a game against the Jets this season, and Tannehill has one game out of six against the Jets with more than one touchdown. That includes two last year when Darrelle Revis wasn't on the Jets.
Running backs
Chris Ivory (5.6): This one's tricky. Ivory has to be healthy and practicing all week in order to have any confidence in him after delivering a donut in Week 3. He might wind up splitting evenly with Powell. The Dolphins are allowing 4.0 yards per carry on the year with one rushing score to running backs.
Bilal Powell (4.2): He dominated snaps last week, but if Ivory's back, he could end up in a passing downs role only. The Dolphins haven't really been tested by running backs catching passes, but it's not like Powell is a huge challenge.
Lamar Miller (5.0): Miller doesn't have a touchdown, doesn't have a game this year with over 15 touches and hasn't delivered a single week of even nine Fantasy points in a PPR league. It's hard to have faith in him against the Jets.
Wide receivers
Brandon Marshall (8.1): Practically a must-start at this point. Miami's allowed five receiving touchdowns over its past two games, but Brent Grimes has allowed none of them. Wonder if Grimes will follow Marshall.
Jarvis Landry (5.8): Landry hasn't turned the corner past being a good slot receiver, but so long as he's not covered by Darrelle Revis, he has a chance. One of the two receiver scores the Jets have allowed came out of the slot, and both were allowed by Antonio Cromartie.
Rishard Matthews (4.5): Matthews has been the Dolphins most reliable receiver, but Darrelle Revis figures to be assigned to him plenty. Consider other options before expecting a fourth straight game with a touchdown.
Tight ends
Jordan Cameron (4.8): Cameron's been a disappointment so far and now matches up against a Jets defense that has stifled average tight ends . Cameron's not necessarily above average.
Defense/Special Teams
Dolphins (3.9): They haven't put together a strong game in two weeks but face a Jets team that has scored 20 points or less two straight weeks. Maybe there's hope for a resurgence.
Jets (6.6): Two of the three DSTs to play the Dolphins have posted at least 11 Fantasy points, and the third is Jacksonville. The Jets have gone for 11-plus points in two of three games, and it's easy to see them making it three of four.
Eagles at Redskins, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford (4.6): The Eagles have seen three quarterbacks fare very well against the Redskins in four games under Chip Kelly's tutelage. However, Washington has been all right against the pass, phased last week by two long touchdown throws from Eli Manning. Bradford's not as bad as his numbers have been, but no one should expect a big game.
Kirk Cousins (3.0): The only way Cousins should be a consideration is if DeSean Jackson is active. In that case, Cousins has two-touchdown potential as Jackson has played well against his former team. The Eagles have been efficient against the pass .
Running backs
Darren Sproles (5.8): Sproles played just seven fewer snaps than Mathews last week, and the score dictated a lot of that. Washington has allowed 7.4 yards per catch to opposing running backs and haven't dealt with a pure speed rusher like Sproles yet. I like Sproles better than any Eagles running back, especially since his role won't be affected much by Murray's return.
DeMarco Murray (5.25): The feeling is that Murray would waltz back into his role of being the main back. Mathews will get in on some of his reps, especially in his first game back. In this series, it's usually Chip Kelly's primary back who does the most damage. However, not a single running back has posted even nine Fantasy points on the Redskins this season, and no team has delivered 100 rush yards against them. This isn't a good week to run back to Murray.
Ryan Mathews (4.15): Last week was great, and it might have bought him 10 touches, but I wouldn't expect more. Keep him benched if you can.
Alfred Morris (6.4): After Jones' fumble last week, you have to figure Morris will take back to lead rushing job (for now). But how many touches will that entail? Morris has 9 or more Fantasy points in three of his last four against Philly, but he also has at least 21 carries in each of his last three. If anything, he should get the nod at the goal line before Jones, but the Eagles haven't allowed a score to a running back yet this year.
Matt Jones (4.9): Figure Jones faces an uphill battle for work after fumbling the ball at the goal line last Thursday. I wouldn't expect more than 10 or 11 touches.
Wide receivers
Jordan Matthews (8.3): The Redskins secondary played mostly well until last week. Matthews has a nice matchup advantage playing out of the slot.
Nelson Agholor (4.9): Fine, don't use Agholor this week, but it'll be the first time all season he won't see a good-to-great cornerback in his face. I wouldn't be in a hurry to cut him just in case he produces against weaker competition.
Pierre Garcon (6.7): If DeSean Jackson is indeed out, Garcon would serve as the No. 1 receiver. The No. 1 receiver for each of the Eagles' first three opponents has at least 80 yards and a touchdown against them. Garcon might not do that well but 40 yards and a score wouldn't be a surprise.
Tight ends
Jordan Reed (7.3): Reed will be a big test for the Eagles pass defense -- they've held the likes of Jason Witten and Jeff Cumberland in check so far. Reed's a different story.
Defense/Special Teams
Eagles (6.7): A sleeper for the week, partially because of their always-threatening special teams, but also because Washington shouldn't be a threat for much more than 21 points.
Redskins (5.1): The Eagles aren't as productive as they've been in the past but they should be able to put up some numbers without many turnovers. The Redskins DST is a low-end choice at best.
Jaguars at Colts, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Blake Bortles (4.8): Bortles had his chance to put up big stats against a bad secondary last week and blew it. The Colts have allowed consecutive passers to throw two touchdowns but only one had over 20 Fantasy points.
Andrew Luck (7.4 if he plays): The Colts seem to think Luck will play. If that's the case, expect a conservative game plan that involves a big dose of the run. Expect the run game to be a bigger factor if Luck doesn't play and Matt Hasselbeck ends up starting. Ultimately, Luck should still be good enough to fall in as a Top 10 passer.
Running backs
T.J. Yeldon (5.9): One of these weeks Yeldon is going to erupt. The Colts are allowing less than 4.0 yards per carry but four different backs have scored on them in three weeks, including two from the goal line. Yeldon might have a shot to score, which puts him in the low-end No. 2 running back chat.
Frank Gore (7.6): Gore did great in Week 3, finally putting those bad matchups behind him. The Jags are coming off a game where they allowed four touchdowns to running backs. Expect Gore to be a big part of the Colts offense.
Wide receivers
Allen Robinson (6.9): Did the Patriots lay out a blueprint in Week 3 on how to decimate the Jaguars by taking away Robinson? Expect the Colts to smother him and/or give him a lot of cornerback Vontae Davis (who was scored on last week). Robinson is an OK No. 2 receiver.
Allen Hurns (5.4): Whereas defenses pay attention to Robinson, Hurns can take advantage. If the Jaguars are going to play from behind, Hurns should have some decent opportunities. He's a low-end No. 3 receiver candidate and a very good FanDuel sleeper.
T.Y. Hilton (7.1): Hilton's season has been downright depressing -- he doesn't have 100 yards in a game or a touchdown yet. Here comes Jacksonville -- Hilton has 120 yards and/or a touchdown in two of his last three against the Jaguars. We'd feel better about him if Luck weren't banged up.
Donte Moncrief (7.0): Bank on Moncrief having a chance to score in his fourth consecutive game. Jacksonville has allowed three touchdowns to receivers this year, all to non-No. 1 options.
Tight ends
Coby Fleener (5.3 if Dwayne Allen is out): Fleener played 85 percent of the Colts snaps last week, giving him a pretty sizable role with Allen out. The Jaguars allowed a touchdown to a tight end two weeks ago and over 100 yards to Gronk in Week 3. There should be a few opportunities for Fleener to capitalize.
Defense/Special Teams
Jaguars (1.7): Impossible to believe in them playing at Indianapolis. Shoot, they could play on the moon and it would be hard to start them.
Colts (4.1): You'll love the matchup but the Colts defense isn't very good (allowing at least 20 points per game). It makes them a risky option.
Chiefs at Bengals, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Alex Smith (4.4): Sure, Cincinnati's pass defense got ripped apart by Joe Flacco and Steve Smith last week, but Smith is in a tough spot against a good defense. If he can't connect with Travis Kelce (and the Bengals do a great job against tight ends), he'll struggle to find 20 Fantasy points.
Andy Dalton (8.2): Though it's clear the Chiefs pass rush will be a big factor, every team has thrown multiple touchdowns against them and as groups have scored at least 20 Fantasy points each . Dalton's due for a stinker, but this week shouldn't be it.
Running backs
Jamaal Charles (9.3): Obvious must-start
Jeremy Hill (7.4): Kansas City's run defense has been good but this is a very good opportunity for Hill to get some work against a tired Chiefs defense on the road for the second week in a row, and on a short week to boot. The matchup is tough but considering how the flow of the game should go, Hill should see at least 15 carries.
Giovani Bernard (6.0): With at least 14 touches and 83 total yards per game this season, Bernard should be considered a fair low-end No. 2 Fantasy running back with potential to easily finish in the Top 15.
Wide receivers
Jeremy Maclin (6.1): The big game last week was nice, and he'll see a Bengals pass defense that has allowed 10 or more Fantasy points to three receivers over its last two games . The Chiefs should end up throwing a bunch, so consider Maclin as at least a No. 3 option.
A.J. Green (9.2): Obvious must-start.
Marvin Jones (6.5): The matchup isn't a problem -- every team to play the Chiefs this year has had its top two receivers finish with at least 10 Fantasy points . The problem could be Jones' track record of inconsistency combined with the potential of a blowout win for Cincy. I suppose he's worth taking the chance on as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver this week.
Tight ends
Travis Kelce (7.5): You'll start Kelce, but the Bengals have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends over their last 25 overall games. He could end up with a game like what he had in Week 3.
Tyler Eifert (7.1): Eifert had a touchdown called back last week, which stinks because he could have a hard time scoring this week. The matchup is easier for the Bengals receivers.
Defense/Special Teams
Chiefs (4.7): It's hard to expect the Chiefs defense to play strong on a short week while on the road again.
Bengals (7.9): Expect a handful of sacks and turnovers against a Chiefs team that took advantage of garbage time to score 28 points last week.
Texans at Falcons, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Ryan Mallett (2.8): Maybe the case can be made that Mallett will chase points and therefore throw a lot, though he's done that in one of two starts and didn't get to 20 Fantasy points in either.
Matt Ryan (8.5): Houston's allowed seven total touchdowns to quarterbacks in three weeks. Ryan should dominate at home against a non-conference opponent.
Running backs
Arian Foster (7.5): With Jonathan Grimes hobbled and Foster appearing more and more likely ready to play, there's a chance he plays. If he does, start him. He'll take on the same Falcons run defense that allowed four touchdowns to Cowboys running backs last week. He will also benefit from a Falcons defense that continues to get burned by backs catching passes, allowing 8.8 yards per catch.
Devonta Freeman (7.3): It's always dicey to start a promising but unestablished player like Devonta Freeman after a huge game. But a home matchup against a good-but-not-great Texans defense could work out. At least Freeman should get near 20 touches and potentially make some plays out of the backfield.
Wide receivers
DeAndre Hopkins (7.9): Obvious must-start.
Julio Jones (9.9): Obvious must-start.
Leonard Hankerson (4.3): Hankerson is second on the Texans in targets, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Roddy White is fifth in targets and receptions and doesn't even have 100 yards on the season!
Defense/Special Teams
Texans (3.1): They haven't even scored 10 points in a basic scoring league yet this year! I doubt they'll accomplish that at the Falcons.
Falcons (5.6): DSTs haven't fared too well against the Texans, holding them to an average of 18.7 points per game. The Falcons can't be counted on for 10 Fantasy points, especially since they haven't recorded 10 Fantasy points yet this season.
Giants at Bills, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Eli Manning (6.9): Every quarterback to face Buffalo has thrown multiple touchdowns, and two have bested 21 Fantasy points. Though Manning doesn't have a good track record against Rex Ryan-coached defenses, you have to figure he'll throw a lot. It's safe to consider him a 20-point Fantasy passer.
Tyrod Taylor (7.3): The lack of the Giants pass rush and secondary talent will make the matchup easy for Taylor. Only Kirk Cousins failed to get 20 or more Fantasy points against the G-Men.
Running backs
Shane Vereen (4.6): Only one running back -- Dion Lewis -- posted more than five Fantasy points on the Bills so far this season, and it helped that he had 98 receiving yards. Vereen should get way more opportunities to catch passes than last week.
Rashad Jennings (4.1): The Bills allowed 5.8 yards per carry to Dolphins running backs but it was only because the team had 70 rush yards on 10 garbage-time carries. Before then, Miami had 34 yards on eight carries, a smidge better than 4.0 yards per carry. It would be stunning for Jennings, who played 21 snaps last week, to have a good game.
Karlos Williams (7.1): He's a really good fit for the Bills run game and he really benefits from their blocking. If he's going to get fed 15-plus touches with LeSean McCoy out then he should eventually break a couple of runs and score, even against a resilient Giants run defense .
Wide receivers
Odell Beckham (9.3): Obvious must-start.
Rueben Randle (5.9): Cruz's injury should keep Randle's targets up, but he's always been very inconsistent. Randle hasn't scored in back-to-back games since 2013.
Percy Harvin (6.2): Did you know Harvin leads the Bills in targets, catches and yards? Sammy Watkins' absence means a bump in targets for Harvin. His speed should be a major asset against the Giants. This is one of the rare weeks where it makes sense to start him.
Tight ends
Larry Donnell (3.2): The Bills allowed touchdowns to tight ends in two of their first three games, but Donnell is a little too risky to trust unless you're desperate for a bye-week replacement.
Charles Clay (7.2): Clay is one of our favorites this week, if only because the Giants have had a hard time covering tight ends . Clay is also second on the team in targets, catches, yardage and first in receiving scores. No Watkins would also help Clay have a bigger role.
Defense/Special Teams
Giants (2.9): The Patriots needed eight sacks in order to register double digits in Fantasy points against the Bills. Every other defense the Bills have faced has been dominated. The Giants are next.
Bills (6.0): Start the Bills if you don't want to let them hit waivers, but be warned: the Giants have not allowed an opposing DST to land more than eight Fantasy points this year. Also, Rex Ryan's defenses have never beaten the Giants.
Panthers at Buccaneers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton (9.0): Newton has three total touchdowns in his last two against the Bucs and three total touchdowns in his last two games this season. Even if Tampa Bay has allowed just one passing touchdown in its each of its last two games, Cam's a must-start.
Jameis Winston (4.2): The Panthers have been excellent against the pass and salvaged their pass rush with the addition of Jared Allen. Winston is a risky choice as a bye-week replacement.
Running backs
Jonathan Stewart (6.3): Stewart has gotten a good workload but has barely even sniffed the goal line. Heck, he doesn't even have 90 yards in a game yet. However, the matchup at Tampa Bay is worth buying into , even if he hasn't scored against them since 2012 (seriously!). Just don't expect a monster game.
Doug Martin (4.4) and Charles Sims (3.3): Could it be that offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is tired of Martin's slow start? Sims was in on one more snap than Martin last week and had more total yards thanks to a 32-yard touchdown catch-and-run. Worse yet, when Koetter ran the Falcons offense, his running backs scored one rushing touchdown in six meetings against the Panthers. This is a good time to stay away from the Buccaneers run game.
Wide receivers
Ted Ginn (4.6): Ginn is as boom-or-bust as you can get, but he's got a nice matchup against a Bucs defense that's allowed a bunch of big plays including four touchdowns to receivers through three weeks.
Mike Evans (6.25): Just when you were feeling good about starting Evans, here come the Panthers and a pass defense that hasn't allowed double-digit Fantasy points to a receiver yet this year. Evans also didn't record more than seven Fantasy points in a game against the Panthers in 2014.
Vincent Jackson (5.6): Want seven Fantasy points? That's the most V-Jax has delivered over his last four games against the Panthers. He's a touchdown dependent receiver facing a team that doesn't allow many touchdowns to receivers .
Tight ends
Greg Olsen (8.3): Obvious must-start.
Defense/Special Teams
Panthers (6.9): Each DST to play the Bucs has at least eight Fantasy points, but just one has 10-plus. Even so, the Panthers should be able to get to Winston and pick up some turnovers.
Buccaneers (2.7): For all their O-line woes, the Panthers have allowed just five sacks over three games. The Bucs aren't a trustworthy start.
Raiders at Bears, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr (7.1): Carr has 24-plus Fantasy points in two straight and the lowly Bears defense has allowed 28-plus Fantasy points to two of the three passers they've faced this year. Figure the Bears give a little extra effort this week in desperate hopes of winning, forcing the Raiders to throw. Oakland coach Jack Del Rio probably has a good idea of what to expect from the Bears defense anyway -- he used to work with John Fox in Denver.
Jimmy Clausen (1.0): No one can deny the matchup for Clausen -- every single quarterback to play the Raiders has posted at least 20 Fantasy points . But without Alshon Jeffery and left tackle Jermon Bushrod not expected to play, there's no way you should even think about starting him.
Running backs
Latavius Murray (9.4): Obvious must-start, and he's earned it.
Matt Forte (9.6): Obvious must-start.
Wide receivers
Amari Cooper (8.2): Pretty much a must-start given how poorly the Bears have defended against quality receivers through three weeks.
Michael Crabtree (5.5): Crab has at least eight targets in each of his first three games, but the one he dominated in (Week 2) required 16 targets. I wouldn't count on Crabtree getting that much work, making him a touchdown-dependent Fantasy choice. That said, the Bears have allowed multiple receivers to score on them in two of three games.
Seth Roberts (5.0): Roberts had evolved into an interesting slot receiver whose production directly correlates with Carr's passing. He also plays about as much as Crabtree. He's a risky start but one to watch.
Tight ends
Martellus Bennett (7.0): The matchup is as good as it gets for Bennett as the Raiders just let GARY BARNIDGE get over 100 yards and a touchdown against them. Two warnings: Jimmy Clausen isn't known for throwing to his tight ends, and Bennett typically starts to play worse after September.
Defense/Special Teams
Raiders (5.2): I never, ever like starting a bad defense, but the Bears are going to trot out there without Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery and left tackle Jermon Bushrod. Exactly how many points will the Bears score?! I'll amend my rule about starting weak DSTs for this specific matchup and call them good enough to be a sneaky one-week play. This helps: the Bears have allowed 20-plus Fantasy points to each of the last two DSTs they've faced ... but that's Arizona and Seattle.
Bears (1.9): Oakland's offense has become tough to beat. The Bears will struggle with them. They have struggled with everybody.
Browns at Chargers, Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Josh McCown (3.4): Want a crazy deep sleeper? McCown figures to throw a bunch against the Chargers, and last week proved he's good enough to exploit a favorable matchup. Though I'm not sure how much I trust the Chargers defense to be a "favorable matchup," it is worth noting they allowed at least two scores to the two quarterbacks they faced this season who attempted at least 25 passes.
Philip Rivers (6.0): Cleveland's pass defense is getting worse as the season goes on and Rivers and the Chargers are hunting for a win. It's entirely possible Rivers has a modest game like he had last year in Week 10 versus Oakland when the Chargers won after losing two straight on the road.
Running backs
Isaiah Crowell (5.2): Crowell seems locked into strictly run downs at this point, limiting his touch potential. San Diego's been lit up on the ground but it has been by strong run offenses. The Browns currently rank 25th in rush offense.
Duke Johnson (3.7): Johnson has moved into a passing downs role for the Browns and seems to be getting close to game shape after missing much of the preseason. It would not be a huge surprise to see Johnson start to play better. The Chargers are allowing 9.3 yards per catch to running backs on the season.
Melvin Gordon (7.2): It feels like Gordon's heading toward a breakout game. A Browns run defense allowing 5.2 yards per carry and 13.4 yards per catch to opposing running backs seems like the perfect matchup. His touches have stayed solid while Woodhead's have declined and he's running tough, which is good since his O-line isn't in good shape (but neither is the Browns front seven).
Danny Woodhead (5.45): Woodhead's touches: From 14 to 13 to 8. Gordon's touches: From 17 to 17 to 14. If the Chargers build a lead, Gordon will get a lot of work to kill the clock.
Wide receivers
Travis Benjamin (4.7): The most Fantasy points allowed to a Chargers rival receiver this year is 10. It would be a surprise to see Benjamin come up with his fourth straight game with a touchdown.
Brian Hartline (4.0): Hartline's a deep sleeper in PPR leagues since he seems to have some chemistry with McCown. Last week he caught five of seven targets for nearly 100 yards.
Keenan Allen (6.6): Sure seems like highly-targeted receivers (at least nine of 'em) do well against the Browns. With a shaky secondary to compete against, Allen should get at least one more week of good attention from Philip Rivers.
Steve Johnson (5.1): Johnson has no more than six targets in any of his first three games, and he has less than 50 receiving yards in each of his last two. With the Chargers not expected to throw a ton, and with Allen hogging targets, Johnson isn't such a safe pick.
Tight ends
Gary Barnidge (3.4): It's another interesting matchup for Barnidge, who set career-highs in a favorable matchup last week. The Chargers did well against tight ends in Week 3 because they got steamrolled by the run. Don't expect that to happen again in Week 4.
Ladarius Green (5.1): If he's cleared to play he should take advantage of a Browns defense that is thin in the secondary and struggled with capable tight ends.
Antonio Gates (0.0): This is a friendly reminder to pick up Gates NOW if you're thin at tight end. Everyone will remind you to pick him up next Tuesday. Nah, do it now if you're going to do it at all.
Defense/Special Teams
Browns (3.5): Maybe they hold the Chargers to under 21 points, but they'll probably allow well over 300 total yards. Cleveland's DST has recorded four Fantasy points or less in two of its last three.
Chargers (5.9): I like this DST as a Week 4 sleeper. A couple of starting defensive backs are poised to return. Two of three DSTs to face the Browns have posted at least 13 Fantasy points.
Rams at Cardinals, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Nick Foles (2.4): We gave Foles a shot as a one-week league play. We paid for it dearly. No one's playing well against the Cardinals, and no one's trusting Foles for a big game.
Carson Palmer (8.1): A lot of people will start Palmer because of his recent track record, but the Rams haven't given up a ton of numbers to opposing quarterbacks . They did a nice job containing Ben Roethlisberger last week. Don't start Palmer over someone with a slam-dunk matchup.
Running backs
Todd Gurley (4.8): The Rams say they'll give Gurley more work, but it's unlikely he'll play in obvious passing situations. That might mean the only way he'll see meaningful carries is if it comes in garbage time (if the Rams risk him then) or if the Rams keep it close. Resist starting him.
Tre Mason (3.6): It's getting harder to reliably consider Mason. Plus, the Cards are great against the run.
Chris Johnson (6.7): It sounds nutty to say, but at this point Johnson is the best running back in Arizona. He'll take on a Rams run defense that has allowed three rushing touchdowns and 181.0 total yards per game to running backs in their last two.
Andre Ellington (4.7): It's hard to feel good about Ellington in his first game back when coach Bruce Arians declared Johnson his lead back. Maybe Ellington gets sprinkled in enough to land 10 touches.
Wide receivers
Kenny Britt (5.2): Britt has back-to-back games with 10 Fantasy points (12-plus in PPR) but takes on a tough matchup in the Cardinals . Pencil him in for roughly 75 yards.
Tavon Austin (3.85): Arizona has been good defensively but they have allowed the occasional deep-ball receiver to land a big play for a touchdown against them. Austin is a shot-in-the-dark sleeper in non-PPR leagues.
Larry Fitzgerald (7.8): The Rams have held everyone they've faced, including Antonio Brown to 10 Fantasy points or less. However, Fitzgerald has 11 or more Fantasy points in three of his last four against the Rams. Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley were his quarterbacks in the lone game he didn't accomplish the feat in.
John Brown (6.0): Brown dropped a deep touchdown last week that would have made his stat line look great. It's been the steady target receivers hurting the Rams, not the deep threats like Brown. This looks like a good week to limit him to flex status.
Michael Floyd (4.15): Arians is talking like he wants to get Floyd more involved on offense. I might not start him in Week 4, but I would keep an eye on him.
Tight ends
Jared Cook (4.0): Cook has had some great games against Arizona in the past. In fact, he's hit at least 80 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting against the Cardinals each of the last two years. But he's dangerous to trust -- he had 7 yards last week!
Defense/Special Teams
Rams (4.2): After holding the Steelers to 12 points last week, perhaps the Rams will make things tough on the Cardinals this week. Or perhaps not -- the last time they were on the road they allowed 24 points to Washington. They play at Green Bay next week and then have a bye. Cut them now, pick them back up later.
Cardinals (9.2): The DST has posted 20 and 36 points over their last two games. Pretty sure they're safe against a Nick Foles-led offense.
Vikings at Broncos, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater (2.6): Teddy has been terrible statistically, so it's easy to sit him in a tough matchup. But expect him to throw a bunch, for better or worse.
Peyton Manning (8.0): Manning has taken on Mike Zimmer-coached defenses six times, throwing for over 250 yards and at least two touchdowns five times, averaging 20.8 Fantasy points per matchup. Figure that to be his floor in Week 4.
Running backs
Adrian Peterson (8.5): Obvious must-start.
C.J. Anderson (5.3) and Ronnie Hillman (4.3): The hunch is that the Broncos want to get Anderson going but are willing to move on to Hillman if he gets a hot hand. Complicating matters is a Vikings run defense that tightened up in back-to-back home games (2.7 yards per carry, no touchdowns) after getting destroyed in Week 1 at San Francisco (5.9 yards per carry, two touchdowns). With no evidence to determine how they'll split the workload and how they'll fare against an improved run defense, it's a blind leap of faith to trust either running back.
Wide receivers
Mike Wallace (3.8): Let's be honest -- would you start Wallace with a halfway decent matchup? Maybe? Then there's no way you'd start him against a pass defense loaded with quality cornerbacks who haven't allowed a 100-yard receiver or a touchdown this year!
Demaryius Thomas (9.4): Obvious must-start.
Emmanuel Sanders (8.4): Obvious must-start.
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph (5.7): Pretty much the second-best Vikings option you can start. With passing likely for the Vikings, Bridgewater should end up targeting him a bunch and give him a shot at 50 yards and a touchdown.
Owen Daniels (5.8): If Peyton's going to stick in the shotgun offense he's comfortable with, Daniels should benefit. He's a good candidate for six.
Defense/Special Teams
Vikings (4.5): Maybe they'll get a turnover or two and a sack or two, but no one should be comfortable with the Vikings DST.
Broncos (8.6): A must-start. They have the quality secondary to play man coverage in an attempt to contain Adrian Peterson.
Packers at 49ers, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers (9.3): Obvious must-start.
Colin Kaepernick (7.2): Kaepernick has a tremendous track record against the Packers, averaging an insane 36.0 Fantasy points per game over three matchups against them (two in the playoffs). Green Bay hasn't changed defensive coordinators and should struggle to contain Kaepernick as opposing passers are averaging 7.1 yards per rush against them. The Niners are hungry for a win and figure to lean on Kaepernick on the ground and through the air. He's a great pick in FanDuel tournaments and is a risk worth taking as a one-week band-aid in seasonal leagues.
Running backs
Eddie Lacy (8.6): The Packers' lead running back has scored in two of their last three meetings with the Niners (Lacy did it in one, not in another) and the 49ers got blasted for five rush scores by running backs in their last two games (4.2 yards per carry, too).
Carlos Hyde (7.0): Hyde should do very well against a Packers run defense playing on the road in a short week that got crushed by Jamaal Charles last week (three touchdowns) and Matt Forte back in Week 1. Hopefully Hyde gets a good workload.
Wide receivers
Randall Cobb (8.8): Obvious must-start.
James Jones (7.3): The Niners have allowed multiple scores to receivers in each of their last two games. Jones is a touchdown machine playing in the right offense for him. He's a safe Top 20 Fantasy receiver.
Ty Montgomery (4.4): Keep an eye on Montgomery, who is basically auditioning for the third receiver job with Davante Adams sidelined.
Anquan Boldin (6.4): Boldin had over 200 yards receiving and a touchdown the last time he played the Packers, and Kaepernick has delivered a 100-yard receiving game to his top wideout in each game against Green Bay. Boldin seems like a safe receiver.
Torrey Smith (5.3): Smith is one of the best risky receivers to take a shot on this week in FanDuel or as a one-week replacement in seasonal leagues. The Packers pass defense has holes in it, and Kaepernick is expected to take some deep shots to Smith.
Defense/Special Teams
Packers (4.9): The Niners offense has stunk each of the last two weeks but typically play very well against the Packers. Hang on to the Pack, if only because they host the Rams in Week 5.
49ers (2.5): Expect a strong effort from the 49ers front seven, but don't expect them to hold the Packers to a low score without turnovers.
Cowboys at Saints, Sun., 8:30 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Brandon Weeden (3.2): The good news: Every quarterback to play the Saints has posted at least 20 points, including Jameis Winston. The bad news: Weeden hasn't delivered 20 Fantasy points since December of 2013. It's tough to buy into him without good receiving threats to help him out.
Drew Brees (6.1): Provided he practices all week and plays, Brees will take on a Cowboys pass defense that got gashed last week by Matt Ryan (or was it Julio Jones?). Dallas' cornerbacks are playing real well and it would make sense for the Saints to not put too much pressure on Brees in his first game back. Remember -- Brees didn't have more than 18 Fantasy points in a game when his arm was okay. He's a good starting choice, not a great one.
Running backs
Joseph Randle (6.9): Thought it appears the Saints are adept against the run, they've contained the likes of Doug Martin and Jonathan Stewart. Even if Randle isn't much better than those backs, his offensive line gives him an edge. Randle should remain in starting lineups.
Lance Dunbar (3.9): Weeden's check-down favorite, especially in the two-minute drill. He's a very usable option in PPR leagues but has varying receiving yardage totals (anywhere from 40 to 100), which makes him a risky start in standard leagues.
Mark Ingram (8.1): Bank on a big game from Ingram. The Saints would be wise to run the ball to take pressure off of Brees, plus this Cowboys defense allowed 141 rush yards and three scores to Devonta Freeman last week. Why wouldn't they lean on Ingram, especially since they didn't have him in their loss at Dallas last year?
C.J. Spiller (3.8): Saints coach Sean Payton said he wants Spiller to be more involved in the offense. Good idea -- Dallas is allowing 9.3 yards per catch to running backs this year and yielded 9.2 yards per catch to New Orleans' backs in its 2014 meeting.
Wide receivers
Terrance Williams (5.7): For all the flack we've given the Saints defense, they've only allowed two touchdowns to receivers. We have seen lead pass catchers gather at least eight Fantasy points against them, which might be right around what to expect from Williams given his quarterback situation. Williams had two scores against the Saints last year, but that was when Romo was healthy and when he wasn't the No. 1 receiver.
Cole Beasley (3.9): Beasley has maxed out at 4 points in standard leagues and 8 points in PPR this season. You can do better than this.
Brandin Cooks (6.3): If Brees had trouble getting Cooks the ball before his shoulder injury, Fantasy owners should be cautious about Cooks getting some big plays post-Brees' arm troubles. Think of him as no better than a third receiver.
Brandon Coleman (3.1): It has been big, physical receivers who have scored on the Cowboys the last two weeks. Coleman isn't in the class of Jordan Matthews or Julio Jones, of course, but he has to be a big red-zone threat for the Saints. Consider him a deep sleeper.
Tight ends
Jason Witten (6.6): Witten seems appealing after the Saints allowed their second and third red-zone touchdowns to tight ends last week. Witten should get some end-zone looks from Weeden to help improve his stat line from his last two games -- 6.5 catches, 60.5 yards per game.
Defense/Special Teams
Cowboys (2.1): It's not like the Saints offense has its act together, but it has held two of three DSTs this season to eight Fantasy points or less. The Cowboys aren't worth trusting.
Saints (4.3): This DST has registered nine Fantasy points in each of the last two weeks and takes on Brandon Weeden at home. Maybe they're not as bad as we initially though. Maybe they're a sleeper this week.
Lions at Seahawks, Mon., 8:30 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford (3.8): Remember when Stafford was considered a reliable starter? He has one game this year over the 20 Fantasy point hump and heads to the place where quarterbacks go to struggle. He can't be trusted.
Russell Wilson (7.0): It took the second half last week for Wilson to get back into a groove offensively, but he still has one game this year with over 20 points and two with 17. Bank on him hitting 20 this week as the Lions' track record against passers isn't so good this season, and Wilson needs to take on more work on offense.
Running backs
Ameer Abdullah (5.4): The sooner the Lions realize how much difference Abdullah makes on the field, the better. In this matchup especially he deserves a bunch of touches in order to give the Lions a chance to move downfield. Joique Bell can't do that, Theo Riddick might do it on occasion. All that said, don't expect much -- the Seahawks have allowed nine Fantasy points total to each team's group of running backs they've faced.
Marshawn Lynch (5.55 if he plays): He's banged up -- a hamstring injury in Week 3, a calf injury after Week 2. Are these signs of a great running back starting to break down? If he misses practice through Saturday, he's probably not playing. If he does practice, he'll be in line to play but I doubt he gets his usual workload. Do what you can to have a running back from the Lions-Seahawks game (Thomas Rawls, Fred Jackson, Theo Riddick) to use in place of Lynch in case he's inactive come Monday night.
Thomas Rawls (5.5 if Lynch plays): Of the 16 carries for 104 yards Rawls had in Week 3 vs. Chicago, eight carries and 44 yards came in a fourth quarter where the Seahawks possessed the ball for all but three minutes. But 15 carries for 98 yards came in the second half when the Seahawks still had to put the Bears away following a 6-0 halftime lead. The fact Rawls paced them, even against a bad defense, is a good sign. If Lynch is active, Rawls is a safe bet to get some decent playing time (and likely handle first and second downs if Lynch is inactive) against a Lions run defense that has allowed big numbers to running backs .
Fred Jackson (3.0): Jackson might not play a big role either way against the Lions but he could line up as a passing downs back for the Seahawks and get some catches and yardage -- and maybe a gift goal-line touchdown. I'd rather start Rawls if Lynch is out.
Wide receivers
Calvin Johnson (6.8): Sit Megatron?! He's been held under 50 yards in two games against this Seahawks defense. They're not quite as good as they've been in the past, but Johnson isn't as good as he's been in the past either. He's a No. 2 receiver this week.
Golden Tate (4.8): Tate has averaged 5.0 Fantasy points per game in standard leagues and 10.0 points per week in PPR. If he can't get more than that when he's not playing at Seattle, what makes you think he will overcome those averages in Seattle?
Jermaine Kearse (3.0): Starting a Seahawks receiver is like throwing a dart in a dark room. You might hit the bull's-eye, the target, the wall or the lampshade. Kearse has a better receiving average than Baldwin and more targets outside of 10 yards, but only by a little bit.
Tight ends
Eric Ebron (4.7): Two of three tight ends the Seahawks have faced have gone for 10 Fantasy points, but this is a good week to sit Ebron down. The Seahawks typically play well against tight ends and are especially amped up at home. Only use Ebron if you're in a pinch.
Jimmy Graham (8.5): The Lions have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in three straight games. The defense also knows Graham is the Seahawks' top red-zone target. And, the Lions offensive coordinator is familiar with Graham from their days together in New Orleans. The Lions might aim to smother Graham and force Wilson to go in another direction. Or, they might struggle to contain Graham. Either way, you're wasting your time reading this because you're probably starting him.
Defense/Special Teams
Lions (3.7): The Lions DST has gone cold over the last two weeks, totaling less than what it racked up in Week 1. Playing at Seattle is never easy.
Seahawks (9.0): It would be a surprise if the Seahawks defense gave up big stats to a Lions offense averaging 18.7 points and 305.0 total yards per game.
Ravens at Steelers, Thu., 8:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco (5.0): Flacco has tossed two touchdowns in three straight against the Steelers with over 250 yards in the last two. But how will he do it this time? Steve Smith and who else?!
Michael Vick (5.1): His last game against a Dean Pees-coached defense, in 2012, was a hit . If this were on a Sunday, or not his first start of the season, Vick would earn enough confidence to start. As it stands, he's good enough to roll with only if you're in a pinch.
Running backs
Justin Forsett (5.7):The Steelers haven't allowed a touchdown to a running back yet and have improved since Week 1 . Forsett wasn't particularly good in three games against the Steelers last year either. Expect 70 total yards.
Le'Veon Bell (9.5): Obvious must-start.
Wide receivers
Steve Smith (7.6): With 15-plus targets in each of his past two games it's no wonder why he's putting up huge numbers. The No. 1 receiver for each of the Steelers' first three opponents has delivered at least 9 Fantasy points standard and 17 for PPR.
Antonio Brown (8.9): Obvious must-start, even if Big Ben is on the bench.
Darrius Heyward-Bey (4.2): Vick can still toss bombs and it wouldn't be a surprise if DHB were on the other end of them. He's a high-risk sleeper probably best suited for FanDuel.
Tight ends
Maxx Williams (5.0): The Steelers have tightened up against tight ends since their Week 1 meltdown. Williams should play a lot and isn't a bad option if you're in a pinch. Someone has to catch the ball for the Ravens. His opportunity and upside make him more appealing that a lot of low-end tight ends.
Heath Miller (3.6): The Ravens have schemed well against tight ends this year, and Miller hasn't scored in his last four against Baltimore.
Defense/Special Teams
Ravens (5.3): Vick is a total wild card -- he could end up playing well and sinking the Ravens DST or he could be a disaster the Ravens benefit from. I'd ultimately bet against the Ravens DST because the Steelers should roll up a ton of rushing yards.
Steelers (2.3): Each of the last two DSTs to play the Ravens posted all of FOUR Fantasy points. The Steelers shouldn't fare much better, if at all.
