Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: Week 4, 2025 Fantasy Football

Hey guys! Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season is almost here, and that means it's time to dive into some crucial start 'em and sit 'em decisions for your fantasy football lineups. Getting these calls right can be the difference between a dominant victory and a frustrating loss. So, let's break down some players you should be considering starting or sitting based on matchups, recent performance, and overall potential for Week 4.

Quarterbacks: Who to Trust Under Center

Start 'Em: Rising Stars and Favorable Matchups. When looking at quarterbacks to start, always consider the matchup first. Are they facing a defense that struggles against the pass? Are they playing at home where they tend to perform better? For example, keep an eye on quarterbacks like Jordan Love, who might be facing a defense known to give up significant yardage through the air. Love’s mobility and strong arm could make him a sneaky good play this week. Another guy to consider is Anthony Richardson, especially if he’s up against a team that doesn’t pressure the quarterback effectively. Richardson's rushing ability adds a safe floor to his fantasy production, making him a reliable start.

Sit 'Em: Tough Matchups and Underperforming Veterans. On the flip side, you need to be realistic about quarterbacks who might be in tough spots. Avoid starting quarterbacks against top-tier defenses, especially if they have been underperforming. A veteran quarterback like Matthew Stafford facing a fierce pass rush and a shutdown secondary might be in for a long day. Similarly, be wary of starting quarterbacks who have shown inconsistency in the first few weeks. If a quarterback like Kenny Pickett has struggled with turnovers and accuracy, it's best to keep him on the bench until he shows signs of improvement. Always weigh the risk versus reward and consider streaming options if your QB1 has a particularly unfavorable matchup. Remember, even established names can have down weeks, and savvy fantasy managers are always ready to adapt.

Running Backs: Finding the Ground Game Gems

Start 'Em: Volume is King. Running backs are all about opportunity. Target running backs who are guaranteed a high volume of carries and targets in the passing game. A guy like Bijan Robinson, if he continues to see a significant workload, should be an auto-start every week. Similarly, if Jahmyr Gibbs is the lead back for his team and is heavily involved in the passing game, he’s a must-start. Also, keep an eye on injury reports. If a team’s starting running back is out, the backup, even if not particularly talented, can become a valuable fantasy asset due to increased volume. Look for situations where a clear backup like Zach Charbonnet is in line for a significant workload due to injury.

Sit 'Em: Crowded Backfields and Poor Offenses. Avoid starting running backs in crowded backfields or those who are part of struggling offenses. A running back splitting carries three ways is unlikely to produce consistent fantasy numbers. Also, think twice about starting a running back on a team that consistently trails in games, as they’ll likely abandon the run early. A running back like AJ Dillon, who splits time and isn’t heavily involved in the passing game, is a risky play. Similarly, a back on a team with a porous offensive line might struggle to find running lanes, limiting their upside. Remember to look beyond just the name recognition and focus on the opportunity and game script.

Wide Receivers: Separating the Studs from the Duds

Start 'Em: Target Hogs and Favorable Coverage. When it comes to wide receivers, targets are gold. Start wide receivers who are their team's primary target and are facing favorable matchups. A receiver like Garrett Wilson, even with quarterback inconsistencies, should be started due to his high target share. Similarly, a player like Jameson Williams, if healthy and facing a cornerback he can exploit, has the potential for a big week. Also, consider the defensive scheme they are up against. A receiver facing a team that plays primarily zone coverage might have more opportunities than one facing a top-tier shadow corner.

Sit 'Em: Limited Roles and Shadow Coverage. Be cautious about starting wide receivers who have limited roles or are likely to be shadowed by a top cornerback. A receiver like Skyy Moore, who might be the third or fourth option in his offense, is a risky play. Similarly, a receiver like Treylon Burks, if he’s drawing shadow coverage from a shutdown corner, might struggle to produce. Always consider the potential game script as well. If a team is likely to run the ball heavily, their receivers might see fewer opportunities, making them less appealing fantasy options. Remember, it’s about more than just talent; it's about opportunity and matchup.

Tight Ends: Navigating the Inconsistent Position

Start 'Em: Reliable Targets and Red Zone Threats. Tight end is often a frustrating position in fantasy football, but some players offer more stability than others. Start tight ends who are reliable targets in their offense and are frequently targeted in the red zone. A player like Kyle Pitts, despite some past inconsistencies, should be started if he’s seeing consistent targets. A guy like Dalton Kincaid, who is becoming a bigger part of his team's offense, could be a sneaky good play. Red zone usage is crucial for tight ends, as touchdowns are a significant part of their fantasy scoring. — Erika Kirk's Height: Discover Her True Measurements!

Sit 'Em: Blocking Specialists and Crowded Target Trees. Avoid starting tight ends who are primarily blockers or are competing for targets with numerous other pass-catchers. A tight end like Irv Smith Jr., who might be primarily used for blocking, is unlikely to provide consistent fantasy production. Similarly, if a tight end is in an offense with a lot of established receivers, his target share might be too low to warrant a start. Always look for tight ends who are featured in their team's passing game and have a good rapport with their quarterback.

Defense/Special Teams (DST): Ride the Matchups

Start 'Em: Weak Offenses and Turnover-Prone Quarterbacks. When selecting a DST, focus on matchups against weak offenses and turnover-prone quarterbacks. A DST facing a rookie quarterback making his first start or a team with a struggling offensive line is a prime candidate for a start. Look for defenses that generate a lot of sacks and turnovers, as these are key to DST scoring. Also, consider home-field advantage, as teams often commit more turnovers on the road. — Ericka Kirk's Parents: Everything You Need To Know

Sit 'Em: High-Powered Offenses and Mobile Quarterbacks. Avoid starting DSTs against high-powered offenses or teams with mobile quarterbacks who are difficult to sack. A DST facing a team led by an elite quarterback is likely to struggle to generate turnovers and sacks. Similarly, a DST facing a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs might have a tough time getting to him. Focus on finding DSTs with favorable matchups to maximize your chances of a strong performance. — Eden Project: Unveiling The Opening Date & History

That’s it for this week’s start 'em and sit 'em advice! Good luck with your Week 4 matchups, and remember to stay informed about injuries and late-breaking news leading up to kickoff. Make those tough decisions and lead your team to victory!