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Sometimes, your studs just aren’t set up for success. Whether it's a brutal matchup, lingering injuries, or a streak of subpar performances, there are weeks when even top-tier players must be benched.
Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season presents several potential landmines—players who typically demand starting spots but could seriously underwhelm this week. If you’ve got viable alternatives, it’s worth considering them.
Let's break down five players likely to underperform based on their matchups so you can avoid a costly fantasy football disaster.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
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Anthony Richardson, QB, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Richardson is an athletic marvel, capable of putting up points with his arm and legs. However, his recent struggles with accuracy are glaring. Over the past two weeks, Richardson posted the league’s worst completion percentage over expected (CPOE), and his off-target rate is among the bottom nine in the league.
He’s also thrown six interceptions in three games, highlighting his decision-making issues. To put it bluntly, his 13.7 average fantasy points per game have come at the cost of efficiency and turnovers.
Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers—a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Steelers have only allowed two passing touchdowns all season and are surrendering an NFL-best 157.7 passing yards per game. They also generate pressure at an elite rate, which is the last thing Richardson needs, given his struggles with accuracy and turnovers.
While Richardson’s rushing ability always gives him a decent fantasy floor, this is not the week to gamble on his upside. Pittsburgh’s pass defense allows just 5.3 fantasy points per passing attempt (fourth fewest in the league), making this a brutal matchup for a young quarterback still finding his rhythm. If you have a safer QB option, bench Richardson this week.
I can’t believe the Bears lost to Anthony Richardson. pic.twitter.com/QNFkfgNkGM
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) September 23, 2024
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, vs. San Francisco 49ers
Except for Week 3 (23 yards rushing and a lost fumble), Rhamondre Stevenson has been a reliable workhorse for the Patriots, racking up 224 rushing yards and averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
However, Week 4 presents a daunting task as he faces the San Francisco 49ers, one of the most suffocating run defenses in the league. The Niners have allowed just 104 rushing yards per game (9th best in the NFL) and only three rushing touchdowns across their first three contests.
The 49ers’ defensive line excels at clogging up rushing lanes and limiting explosive plays, so Stevenson will likely be fighting for every yard. Adding to the concern is Stevenson’s recent ball security issues, as he’s already fumbled three times this season.
While his 65.7% snap share suggests he’ll get volume, it’s hard to see how that translates into fantasy points in this matchup. The Niners' defense is built to stop physical, between-the-tackles runners like Stevenson, and if the game script tilts in favor of San Francisco, Stevenson could also see fewer touches in the second half.
Unless you’re desperate at running back, leaving Stevenson on your bench this week is wise.
Calvin Ridley, WR, vs. Miami Dolphins
Coming off a big free-agent contract, Calvin Ridley burst back onto the fantasy scene with high expectations this season, but so far, his production has been modest, to say the least. Through three games, Ridley has only 136 receiving yards on eight receptions and just one touchdown.
His 14.7% target share suggests he’s not seeing the volume you’d expect from a top-tier wideout. Ridley’s lone end-zone target all season shows his lack of involvement where it matters most for fantasy points.
To make matters worse, he’s up against a Miami Dolphins secondary that ranks 12th in pass defense, allowing just 182.7 passing yards per game. Miami has only given up three passing touchdowns all season, and they excel at shutting down big-play receivers (say hello to Jalen Ramsey)—Ridley's bread and butter.
With his fantasy production hovering at 11.5 points per game, this is a week where you should temper expectations or even consider another option at wide receiver.
Back-to-back plays of Ridley confusion/miscommunication effectively lose the Titans this game. Not sure of the details, but damn pic.twitter.com/RJNQ0f2iVC
— Anthony Lawson (@esquireanthony1) September 12, 2024
Pat Freiermuth, TE, vs. Indianapolis Colts
Pat Freiermuth has been quietly consistent in his role as a tight end, but he’s yet to find the end zone this season, with just 99 receiving yards on 12 catches to his name. His 16% target share is decent for a tight end, but the lack of red-zone opportunities is glaring, and that’s a problem when it comes to tight ends who aren’t yardage monsters. Freiermuth's fantasy ceiling remains low at 7.3 points per game.
This week, he’s up against the Indianapolis Colts, who are decent against the pass. The Colts have allowed just five passing touchdowns on the season, and their pass defense is surrendering a modest 219.3 passing yards per game. Freiermuth is unlikely to be a focal point in this game, as it is likely that the Steelers will be leading for much of the game and will likely rely on the run.
If you’re looking for a high-upside play at tight end, Freiermuth is not it this week. There’s a real chance he could post another low-yardage, no-touchdown game, which could leave you scrambling for points at the position. Look to stream a more dynamic TE option if possible.
Thought this was #Steelers QB Justin Fields's best throw of the day.
Late first half. Tight window. Puts this ball where only TE Pat Freiermuth can get it.
Impressive accuracy and zip here to fit into tight window. pic.twitter.com/We1CYpWR5I
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) September 24, 2024
Xavier Worthy, Flex, vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The blazing-fast rookie, Xavier Worthy, has been a fun gadget player in some fantasy lineups this season, but Week 4 is shaping up one where he can't be trusted. So far, Worthy has managed just 81 receiving yards on six catches, adding one receiving touchdown for some measure of fantasy relevance.
He’s also been used as a rusher, contributing 39 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, but his snap share (58%) suggests he’s not on the field as much as you’d like for consistent production. Both touchdowns on the season came in Week 1.
The problem this week is the Los Angeles Chargers defense, which is ranked 6th overall and 10th against the pass. The Chargers have allowed just 175.3 passing yards per game and have been effective at eliminating downfield threats, which doesn’t bode well for Worthy’s big-play potential. The Chargers are also excellent at limiting yards after the catch, further hindering Worthy's ability to break off a game-changing play.
Worthy could find himself starved for opportunities in a game where the Chargers will try and control the pace of play. His gadget-play style may not be enough to overcome a disciplined defense like the Chargers. If you’re looking for reliable WR production, benching Worthy for a more conventional wide receiver might be the safer play.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy football is all about putting yourself in the best position to win each week. That often means making tough calls and sitting players you usually rely on.
In Week 4, Anthony Richardson’s accuracy issues, Rhamondre Stevenson’s tough matchup, Calvin Ridley’s low target share, Pat Freiermuth’s lack of scoring, and Xavier Worthy’s limited role make these five players prime landmine candidates.
If you have other viable options, avoiding these players this week could save you from a serious fantasy letdown.
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