When it comes to competition, one of the best ways to get an edge on the opposition is through prior preparation. In fantasy football, that way of thinking certainly applies. Here at Bet For The Win, we’re doing the preparation for you.
We’re reaching that climactic point in the fantasy football season where it’s time to separate the pretenders from the contenders. By October (good lord, it’s almost October?), most of us probably know who will have enough padding for a playoff push. If you’re one of the unlucky people who’s started 0-3, though, it’s not too late. You just don’t have much of a margin for error moving forward.
This week in fantasy is all about the quarterbacks. A supposedly washed-up signal-caller has a cupcake of a matchup against a horrific defense. Meanwhile, a previous journeyman is firing on all cylinders out West, while a rookie passer might give one of the league’s top defenses plenty of headaches.
It’s time to dive into Week 4’s studs, duds, and sleepers and give you a roadmap to a hopeful win.
Studs
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QB Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos (at Chicago Bears)
It’s a shame the Broncos remain a miserable dumpster fire because they’re overshadowing a mini resurgence from Wilson. After the worst year of his career, Wilson is eighth in the league in passing yards, sixth in touchdown passes, and he owns the seventh-highest passer rating amongst qualified players. He gets the bumbling Bears this week. What a lay-up.
WR DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Washington Commanders)
No one quite spreads the wealth like the Eagles, but DeVonta Smith is at the top of their pecking order. The third-year pro is once again on pace for another 85-catch, 1,100-yard campaign. He gets a favorable matchup against a Washington defense that’s allowed back-to-back 100-plus-yard efforts from Marvin Mims and Stefon Diggs.
WR Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
There’s no denying Allen is one of the best receivers of his generation. The issue with him has been about staying on the field. This is something that, thus far, hasn’t been a problem in 2023 (knocks on wood), and Allen is playing better than ever as a result. After lighting up a hapless Minnesota defense, Allen has the pleasure of facing a Raiders defense that can’t stop anyone. Another 200-yard game shouldn’t be out of the question.
QB Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (at New York Giants)
Folks, the Giants are a bad (read: atrocious) football team. Meanwhile, Smith’s Seahawks have the No. 4 offense in DVOA, have scored 74 points over the last two weeks against markedly better teams, and he’s still not writing the haters back. You do the math.
Duds
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QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (at Cleveland Browns)
Quarterbacks are completing less than 50 percent of their passes (it’s 2023! How is this possible?) against the Browns’ No. 1 defense. The Ravens, somehow, already resemble a walking wounded team with all their injuries. I can’t see Jackson pulling it together enough to overcome a swarming Cleveland unit.
WR Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Ridley was supposed to be the weapon that completed Trevor Lawrence’s ascendance into superstardom. Instead, he has just 13 receptions (on 26 targets, oof) for 173 yards and one score in three games. He’s also put up back-to-back clunkers, registering a total of 72 yards over the last two weeks. The Falcons’ No. 4 passing defense is underrated (thanks in large part to Jessie Bates), making Ridley a must … sit.
WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
Wilson in 2023 is an ideal answer to which came first: the chicken (receivers) or the egg (good quarterback play). The sophomore playmaker has 12 catches in three games without Aaron Rodgers. If, for some reason, you still have him in your starting lineup, stop holding out hope. Just acknowledge the reality that he won’t rise above the muck. It’s not your fault. It’s Zach Wilson’s fault.
All Tennessee Titans skill players not named Derrick Henry (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Look, the Titans might have the league’s worst offensive line with a 35-year-old statue playing quarterback for them. The only person who deserves the benefit of the doubt against the Bengals is Henry, but I’m not even all that confident in his performance. This offense can’t block, so it’s flat-out cooked.
Sleepers
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QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
Stroud went into Baltimore and Jacksonville and gave the Texans a fighting chance both times. As the third-ever quarterback to reach at least 900 yards passing in their first three NFL games (behind Cam Newton and Justin Herbert), it’s apparent this is no average rookie. Look for Stroud to give the ferocious Steelers defense some fits.
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit Lions)
Watson will apparently make his return to the Packers’ lineup this week, which is a very, very good thing. Green Bay desperately needs his speed to expand its fledgling offense with Jordan Love. In an early showdown for NFC North pole position, Watson might become the key to a Packers upset. And they know it.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
This will be admittedly predicated on whether Anthony Richardson can play, but Downs’ value should be booming. The rookie stepped up against the Ravens with a solid eight-catch performance and is quickly turning himself into a valuable safety valve. The Rams’ defense has been stingy thus far, but speed and smarts in playmakers are tough to consistently defend.
RB Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
That’s right. I’m telling you to consider starting not one but TWO Colts players this week. Hear me out. Moss has been a godsend for an Indy offense based around a borderline top-10 rushing attack. He’s accrued over 240 scrimmage yards in the last two weeks, and this might be one of the last times he qualifies as a “sleeper” this season.
