The fantasy football Week 4 schedule is here and some of the best start picks include players like Devonta Freeman, Thomas Rawls, Rishard Matthews, Travis Benjamin, Karlos Williams, Ted Ginn, Chris Johnson, Ryan Mathews, Odell Beckham, Rueben Randle, Alfred Blue, Frank Gore, Joseph Randle and Julio Jones for fantasy owners.
Some teams are dealing with significant injuries this weekend and players like LeSean McCoy, Marshawn Lynch, Andrew Luck, Tevin Coleman, Arian Foster, Victor Cruz and DeMarco Murray could be out or limited and that means other players could step up in fantasy. Owners should check out backups and handcuffs for the players mentioned, as names like Karlos Williams, Devonta Freeman, Ryan Mathews, Frank Gore and Thomas Rawls could all see more action if certain players are out or limited in Week 4.
Tevin Coleman has been dealing with a rib injury and Freeman has basically been elevated to the number one RB spot with how he has been playing. Coleman reportedly could be back for the game on Sunday, but even if he does return, there is a good chance that he will be limited. Freeman has shown that he is a strong runner out of the backfield and he also can catch passes. Freeman is worth start for the Falcons, who are 3-0 and looking to stay undefeated.
The Seahawks may be without Marshawn Lynch this weekend and that makes Rawls a solid fantasy start option. Head coach Pete Carroll said that the team will make a decision on Lynch closer to Monday night and if he can't go, fantasy owners should start Rawls. Lynch likely will be limited even if he plays and that could give Rawls the chance to make an impact. Rawls came in last week and rushed for 104 yards against the Bears and this week he will be up against the Lions on MNF.
Rishard Matthews has taken advantage of the slow start for DeVante Parker and he comes in after having one of his best games. Matthews already has 16 catches for 262 yards and that is more than he had all of last season. Matthews had six catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns and he appears to have moved ahead of Kenny Stills on the depth chart. The Dolphins have been disappointing so far, but for fantasy owners Matthews has been a nice surprise.
Travis Benjamin has been one of the biggest surprise players overall in the league this season, as he has five total touchdowns in three games. Benjamin has a return TD and he has four receiving TDs for the Browns and he has emerged as the best WR option for the team. Benjamin has been explosive and is averaging over 20 yards per catch and he has put up 10 catches for 249 yards this season.
Chris Johnson and Ryan Mathews are both strong start options along with Alfred Blue, as all of those players are dealing with RB injuries on the depth chart ahead of them. Murray, Andre Ellington and Arian Foster all could be out or limited this week and that makes all of these players solid starter options. Johnson had his best game last week with 150 yards and two TDs and he will be looking to get more carries even with Ellington possibly returning.
Check here for more on fantasy football for Week 4, sleeper pickups and waiver options and more players to start or sit for lineups this weekend.
