With Week 4 of the NFL season here, players look at all different matchups that could change their weeks like night and day. Dak Prescott and Zach Ertz find themselves in precarious situations against tough opponents, while Jordan Love and several others enjoy favorable matchups. Here’s a look at some of the players to keep an eye on this week, as well as what to expect from them.
With Dak Prescott’s showdown against the Green Bay Packers, fantasy owners are already starting to sweat. The starting quarterback has had trouble getting into a groove the past few weeks, and the Packers’ defense makes for a daunting test. Green Bay’s secondary is a very dangerous unit, one that can throw a wrench in Prescott’s ability to find his playmakers. Fantasy managers will be fearful to start him this week.
Jordan Love may have the best matchup – on paper of course – vs. the Dallas Cowboys. With Love’s recent performances, optimism has grown and the Cowboys’ defense may offer him opportunities that he can capitalize on. That combination makes Love a likely fantasy slate-breaker, too. The possibility of a high-scoring game only increases his upside.
Key Players Facing Tough Matchups
It’s not all smiles for Zach Ertz though, as he heads into a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. To make matters worse, the Falcons have given up the second-lowest passer rating to tight ends so far in 2023, killing Ertz’s upside. Fantasy owners need to make an informed decision before putting Ertz in lineups this week.
Just like his quarterback, Ja’Marr Chase faces a brutal matchup this week against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos’ defense has proven adept at limiting wide receivers, which could hinder Chase’s ability to make impactful plays. His unique skill set may present him with unique opportunities. Fantasy managers need to remain wary concerning his potential this week.
Players with Favorable Matchups
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is looking forward to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve struggled to defend against tight ends all year. The Steelers have allowed 12 tight ends to score double-digits against them this season. Combine all that and you have Hockenson as one of your best potential big performer candidates this week! If he can identify and take advantage of defensive mismatches, it could make for a big game from him.
Jakobi Meyers has an advantageous matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been awful on defense this season, and specifically against wide receivers, giving up on average 41.3 fantasy points per game. Given that, Meyers should be one of the bigger fantasy team catches to help stack up their flex/lineup slots.
Not to mention Jauan Jennings and Keon Coleman who present some very intriguing options this week. That’s Jennings and his Jacksonville Jaguars, and Coleman with his New Orleans Saints. Both matchups offer opportunities for these players to really shine with strong contributions making them players you’re going to want in your fantasy lineups.
Running Backs and Quarterbacks on the Rise
Among them, Omarion Hampton, the league’s reigning Carrie Me award winner, stands out thanks to Minnesota’s glorious matchup against the New York Giants. The Giants have been bad on the defensive side of the ball this year, making it ripe for Hampton to break out. Fantasy owners need to treat him as a solid RB2 this week.
In addition to the great all-around supporting cast, Geno Smith has an extremely favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears. Considering the Bears’ defense has been reeling in recent weeks, Smith might find some opportunities and score important fantasy points. His struggles getting on the same page with receivers can be highlighted by the Bears’ weaknesses.
Bo Nix should have a field day against the Cincinnati Bengals this week. Nix’s previous two performances unquestionably demonstrate that he is rising to the occasion so far. Going against a woeful Bengals D would only increase his odds of a huge game.
Defensive Matchup Insights
Just looking at the defensive performances so far, which only reaffirms SHEEP player selections going into this Week 4. The Browns have allowed the fewest rushing yards per carry at just 2.3 and have held opponents to 65 rushing yards beneath expected. This stat alone might put the most talented RBs on the best landing spots at risk from positive matchup against Cleveland this season.
As fantasy managers set lineups for Week 4, having a better idea of how these matchups could impact player performance is key to making informed decisions. Because each player’s performance can have a huge impact on a fantasy outcome, it’s important to be plugged in to the week-to-week matchups and trends.
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