RADIO
Week 3 of the NFL season has some explaining to do. But I need to apologize to those who started Rasheed Shaheed last week. Although he managed 105 air yards on five targets, sometimes the deep shots did not hit.
We also need to acknowledge that Malik Nabers has earned must-start status every week from now on; he's been that good.
So, with that out of the way, let's talk about which wide receivers you need to be starting and which need to ride the pine in this week's edition of our start 'em and sit 'em for the wide receiver position.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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Week 4 Starts - Fantasy Football Booms
D.J. Moore - WR, Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams
Don't look now, but the Bears passing game started showing signs of life last week as Caleb Williams completed 33 passes for 263 yards. Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet each had 11 targets, resulting in 112 and 97 yards, respectively, while D.J. Moore caught eight of 10 for 78 yards.
We knew the 49ers would attack this Rams secondary last week, but we didn't think it would be the Juaun Jennings show. This week, Moore gets that same Rams secondary that has allowed 540 plus receiving yards and six touchdowns to the wide receiver position through three weeks.
One thing to monitor throughout the week is Moore's status on the injury report. He did take that shot on that left knee, which may limit him this week. If Moore plays, you should start him, as he is one of a small group of pass catchers, with an average of 2.00 yards per route run since 2006, per PFF.
DJ Moore -
Left knee is the concern.
I think his knee was in enough flexion to not be concerned on ACL, but his knee whipped into valgus aggressively before his cleat came off the turf.
Primary concern: MCL sprain. He's sitting on the bench during this important CHI drive. pic.twitter.com/zNIdgLIKNt— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 22, 2024
If Moore cannot go this week, Odunze is a smash play.
Davante Adams - WR, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns
Let's call it the way it was. Las Vegas was embarrassed last week, although as someone who's been a Raiders fan my entire life, I found it entirely predictable.
I remember last week predicting that the Browns' secondary would limit fantasy production for Malik Nabers, I was wrong. Nabers went out there on Sunday, which made me look like a fool. He casually hauled in two touchdown passes and 78 yards receiving with his eight grabs.
Fast forward to week 4, and Davante Adams gets his shot at the Browns after being limited to four catches and 40 yards against the lowly Panthers. I'm not concerned, considering the Raiders All-Pro was targeted nine times.
Let's dive deeper into the Browns versus opposing wide receivers, particularly the teams' top pass catchers. Scott Barrett of Fantasy Points points out that the Browns run two-high coverage less than any other team in the NFL, meaning there will be opportunities for splash plays for Adams this week.
We tried to tell you Malik Nabers had an ideal schematic matchup this week
+ per @FantasyPtsDataNabers and the Giants have seen two-high coverage at the league's highest rate (72%), but the Browns play two-high at the league's lowest rate (25%). As Aaron Rodgers told us…
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) September 22, 2024
George Pickens - WR, Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
I was going to pit Marvin Harrison Jr. in here as the last start based on the matchup against the Washington Commanders, but by now, you have come to realize that you start any receiver you have when they play the Commanders.
That said, as bad as the Commanders have been at defending opposing wide receivers through three weeks, the Indianapolis Colts have not been much better. I already mentioned what Kmet, Moore, and Odunze did last week. Back in week 1, Nico Collins bullied this same group of defensive backs.
Heading into this contest, the Indianapolis Colts have allowed over 40 fantasy points per game, four touchdowns, and 500 yards to opposing receivers, which is great news for George Pickens and sleeper Cavin Austin after watching Justin Fields attempt 32 passes a week ago.
Jauan Jennings - WR, SanFrancisco vs. New England
Bonus selection. I usually do not chase points, but I will make an exception in Juan Jenning's circumstance.
Last week, Deebo Samuel Sr. missed the contest with the Rams due to a calf injury, and George Kittle with a hamstring injury. Considering that both injuries involve soft tissue, it is reasonable to assume that their absences will likely extend for more weeks.
Jennings is not going to haul in 11 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns again, but the Patriots have allowed more than 500 yards to opposing receivers in just three games so far this season, which works out to around 39.4 fantasy points per game.
Week 4 Sits - Fantasy Football Busts
Garrett Wilson - WR, New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos
So many people are asking what they should be doing with Garret Wilson. Truth is, while the 15 catches for 150 yards are frustrating to fantasy managers, the 26 targets thus far promise that a breakthrough is coming.
That said, that breakthrough may have to wait another week as Patrick Surtain II and the Denver Broncos have been tough on opposing receivers. Just ask Mike Evans last week. Evans was held to a lowly two receptions for 17 yards in that contest, while Chris Godwin wasn't much better, recording just 53 yards on the day.
Denver is allowing less than 19 fantasy points per game to opposing receivers, so if you have other options available, consider them. If not, then temper those expectations with the Jets' Pro Bowl pass catcher.
Michael Pittman Jr. - WR, Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittman's selection, once again, feels like low-hanging fruit as the Colts wideout has just 11 grabs on 20 targets through three weeks this season for 88 total yards. Michael Pittman Jr. has officially been kicked out of the club.
He isn't getting back in this week either, as Joey Porter Jr. will be playing the role of fantasy doorman. In week 1, Drake London had two grabs for 15 yards. In week 2, Courtland Sutton was one for 26 yards. Last week, Quentin Johnston had one grab for 26 yards in 22 snaps in which Porter Jr. was on him.
Porter Jr. is an elite shutdown defender, which is not great news for one of the most disappointing fantasy picks early on.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been one of the worst picks you could've made this year.
Below 40 yards all 3 weeks.
Yet to hit 10 (or even 8) fantasy points.
Currently pacing for 62/498/0 on 113 targets.
6.6 fantasy PPG.
— David J. Gautieri (@GuruFantasyWrld) September 22, 2024
Jaylen Waddle - WR, Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans
It doesn't matter if it's Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, or former Pro Bowler quarterback Tyler Huntley; you simply can not start Jaylen Waddle or Tyreek Hill with confidence right now.
Both Hill and Waddle caught four of five targets but were held to 40 or fewer receiving yards. If that situation isn't bad enough, this week's opponent, the Tennessee Titans, has been allowing just 20.5 fantasy points per game, the fourth fewest to opposing wideouts, and has not allowed a receiving touchdown to the position as of yet.
I started Allen Lazard over Jaylen Waddle this week. pic.twitter.com/7TEpKvUag0
— Heath Cummings (@heathcummingssr) September 20, 2024
Nothing more needed to be said here.
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