Fantasy Football: 5 Players You Shouldn’t Start in NFL Week 4

Week 4 of the NFL season is just around the corner, and football is in full swing. As always, surprises abound. Teams that were expected to struggle are off to hot starts, while some potential Super Bowl contenders sit at 0-3 or 1-2.

Fantasy football has been equally unpredictable, and Week 4 promises more of the same. After a less-than-stellar showing last week with our sit suggestions, we’re confident in this week’s picks of players to avoid in your starting lineup.

1. Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Richardson has struggled with consistency, completing only 50% of his passes so far this season. Over the last two weeks, he’s totaled just 21.94 half-PPR points, a sharp drop from his impressive 31.08 points in Week 1. This week, he faces a tough Steelers defense, which has allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and the fourth-fewest to wide receivers. With those factors in play, Richardson should be on your bench.

Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. These are the five players you should avoid starting if…
Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. These are the five players you should avoid starting if you want to win your Week 4 matchup.
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Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

2. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Without Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle’s production has taken a major hit, and it won’t get any easier with new quarterback Tyler Huntley under center. Waddle hasn’t seen more than five targets in any game this season. To make matters worse, the Dolphins face a Titans defense in Week 4 that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Waddle’s outlook is not promising.

3. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets

Wilson faces a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson will likely be shadowed by Patrick Surtain II, arguably the best cornerback in the league. Surtain has already held elite wideouts like DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and Mike Evans to under 30 receiving yards this season. Expect similar struggles for Wilson in this game.

4. D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears

Swift has yet to find his rhythm this season, tallying just 68 rushing yards on 37 carries. With his lackluster performance, the Bears may gradually shift the workload to rookie Roschon Johnson, starting this Sunday against the Rams. Swift’s struggles, combined with the potential emergence of Johnson, make him a risky play this week.

5. Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens

After an explosive Week 1 performance against the Chiefs, Likely has been quiet, with just three catches for 30 yards on four targets in the last two games. Facing a tough Buffalo Bills defense that has only allowed three tight ends to score more than 8.0 PPR points this season, Likely’s fantasy ceiling is low heading into Week 4.

These five players face tough matchups and circumstances that make them risky starts this week. Proceed with caution and consider other options for your fantasy lineup.

For more fantasy football coverage, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.

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