Throughout the fantasy football season, I'm going to take you inside the film room to break down what the tape is telling us on the key NFL matchups of the week.
If we can figure out how coaches will use scheme and game plans to put players in a position to succeed -- and how opposing coordinators will try to limit them -- it should give us valuable intel to use when deciding how to set our weekly lineups.
Let's look at the risers and fallers on the Week 4 slate, with a focus on Kareem Hunt, Michael Pittman Jr., Justin Fields, Robert Woods and more, while also using NFL Next Gen technology to break down some key offensive concepts.
Players to upgrade for Week 4
Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns
After posting 155 total yards on 16 touches in the Week 3 win over Chicago, I like Hunt this Sunday versus the Vikings given his deployment in the Browns' pass game. Here's an example, using Next Gen technology (see video below), with Cleveland setting up Hunt on the screen pass against the Bears' defense. Second-down play call with three-wide-receiver personnel in the game. Leak Hunt out of the backfield, and get your bigs out in front. That's how you set up a ball carrier with open-field juice.
Hunt racked up 50 receiving yards on three screen receptions in Week 3, and the Browns also utilized his pass-catching traits on backfield releases. While Nick Chubb is still the lead back in Cleveland, I believe Hunt sees enough target volume -- in addition to the run-game carries in Kevin Stefanski's offense -- to produce RB2 numbers.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
I'll take Pittman as a WR3 this week against Miami given his volume over the past two games (24 targets) plus the Dolphins' defensive coverage tendencies. Through three weeks, Miami has played man coverage on 55.7% of opponent dropbacks. That's the most in the league. Look for the Colts to throw the three-step routes here (slants, quicks) and utilize Pittman's physical catch-and-run traits on schemed crossers/in-breakers. PPR upside here.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Buffalo Bills
We shouldn't expect Sanders to replicate the 26.4 PPR points he racked up in the Week 3 win over Washington. But the Bills wide receiver has seen at least six targets in every game this season, and the Week 4 matchup versus the zone-heavy Texans defense is excellent for the Bills' pass game.
Last week, Sanders did get loose on a seam ball from quarterback Josh Allen (see video below). Pressure from the Washington defense here, which created a vertical matchup for Sanders versus the slot defender. I really like that play, because it does show us that Sanders has enough deep-ball juice to be schemed over the top.
Plus, with his veteran route-running traits, and a good feel for zone coverage, the Bills can create open-window throws for Allen to target Sanders versus Houston. Run the sit routes, the benders, the dig concepts. I see enough volume here for Sanders to be inserted in the lineup as a WR3 in deeper PPR leagues.
Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
I understand if fantasy managers are down on Sanders after he posted just five touches (with only two carries) in the Eagles' pass-heavy script versus the Cowboys in Week 3. That's bad football. But I'm going to bet on Sanders this week versus a struggling Chiefs defense that is allowing 5.40 yards per carry (30th in the NFL). Remember, Sanders saw at least 14 touches in Weeks 1 and 2. Plan on the Eagles getting back to the run game element this week, with Sanders also being deployed as a receiver. He's an RB2 for me in deeper leagues.
Tennessee Titans D/ST
I'm not sold on the Titans' defense, and I do think that unit can struggle at times to match in man-coverage situations versus upper-tier NFL offenses. But I like the Tennessee defense this week as a streaming option given the matchup versus rookie quarterback Zach Wilson and the Jets.
You can see the flashes of Wilson's high-end traits on the tape, namely the movement skills and the natural arm talent from multiple throwing platforms. But the rookie has thrown six interceptions in his past two starts, and you can heat him up given the Jets' poor offensive line play. Look for Tennessee to use a lot of late movement and disguise, plus simulated pressure, to create both on-the-ball production and sack opportunities.
Hold steady
Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
I had questions on Matt Nagy's game plan for Fields last week, plus the overall offensive execution was extremely poor for this Bears team in the loss to Cleveland. Fields, who completed just 6-of-20 passing, while also producing only 12 yards rushing on three carries, finished with 3.6 fantasy points. Let's see if Chicago can adapt their call sheet to fit the high-level physical tools of Fields this week, which includes more movement concepts and QB-designed rushes, before we talk about him as a possible fantasy starter/streaming option.
Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets
The Jets rookie has now seen at least 11 touches in his past two games, and I do feel that Carter has the traits to be utilized as both a runner and receiver. We saw it on his college tape at North Carolina, too. But until this New York offense can create some sense of a consistent, offensive rhythm, Carter will have to stay on your fantasy bench.
Players to downgrade for Week 4
Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams
It's the lack of consistent volume for Woods. Look, I love the talent here with the veteran wide receiver. And the route-running traits. But with Cooper Kupp seeing a boost in targets from quarterback Matthew Stafford, and both Van Jefferson and DeSean Jackson in the mix -- especially on schemed verticals -- Woods is sliding down in my ranks. With only 19 targets through three games, Woods is best suited as a Flex/WR3 play this week versus the Cardinals' defense.
Damien Harris, RB, New England Patriots
We know that Harris isn't going to give you a bump as a receiving threat, so you have to count on both run game volume and production. And I just don't see it this week versus the Tampa Bay defense. Through three games, the Bucs are allowing only 3.08 yards per carry (No.3 in the NFL). For me, Harris is a flex starter this week in deeper leagues. And I would also look for better options there.
Robby Anderson, WR, Carolina Panthers
I expected much more from Anderson with Sam Darnold at quarterback and the heavily schemed Carolina pass game. But through three games, Anderson has caught 5 of 11 passes for 103 yards and one score. With very limited volume, and a matchup against a Dallas defense that is playing with a lot of discipline under coordinator Dan Quinn, I don't see Anderson as more than a deep-league WR3 in non-PPR formats.