Every manager is asking the same question as kickoff nears: who should I start Week 4? This week brings one of the most unpredictable fantasy slates of the season. Multiple star players are sidelined, new names are stepping into larger roles, and defenses that once looked formidable are suddenly giving up fantasy points in bunches.
With so much on the line, the right start/sit call could determine whether you climb in your league standings or fall behind. Let’s break down the latest injury updates, positional strategies, and matchup-specific advice to help you set the strongest possible lineup.
Injury Headlines That Shape Week 4 Decisions
The biggest factor influencing Week 4 fantasy football decisions is injuries. Several high-profile names are out or banged up:
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers) – Ruled out with a knee injury. This injury elevates Kenneth Gainwell into a potential workhorse role, with Trey Sermon backing him up.
- Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers) – A hamstring issue sidelines him for at least this week, forcing Tampa Bay to lean on Emeka Egbuka and their tight ends.
- Chuba Hubbard (RB, Panthers) – Questionable with a calf injury, trending toward playing but unlikely to see his usual workload.
- Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders) – Sidelined with a knee injury. Marcus Mariota takes over as starter.
- Isaiah Likely (TE, Ravens) – Cleared to return, giving Baltimore a second receiving tight end behind Mark Andrews.
These updates don’t just affect injured players—they completely reshape usage, target shares, and fantasy ceilings across entire offenses.
Running Backs: Start and Sit Advice
Running back is always a position of scarcity, and Week 4 emphasizes that more than ever. Here’s where the biggest start/sit questions land.
Start Kenneth Gainwell
With Warren inactive, Gainwell becomes the top running back in Pittsburgh. He’s expected to take the majority of carries and passing-down snaps, making him a strong RB2 or flex play. He may not be the most explosive back, but volume is king in fantasy football, and this week, he should see plenty of it.
Start Rico Dowdle (Conditional)
If Hubbard’s calf injury limits him, Dowdle could handle more early-down and goal-line touches. Against defenses that struggle against the run, he becomes a sneaky upside play.
Sit Chuba Hubbard
Even if Hubbard is active, the risk of re-aggravating his calf injury is high. He may split carries or serve as a decoy. Unless you’re desperate, keeping him on the bench is safer.
Other RB Considerations
- Tony Pollard remains a locked-in RB1 given his heavy usage.
- Aaron Jones continues to regain strength, making him a solid start in both standard and PPR formats.
- Matchup Watch: backs facing defenses ranked bottom-5 in rushing yards allowed per game should always get priority.
Wide Receivers: Adjusting Without Mike Evans
Mike Evans’ injury creates ripple effects across the wide receiver landscape. Fantasy managers need to pivot quickly.
Start Emeka Egbuka
Tampa Bay drafted Egbuka to eventually replace Evans, and now he gets his first big opportunity. He should see a heavy target share as Baker Mayfield looks for a new primary option.
Start George Pickens
Already the Steelers’ No. 1 wideout, Pickens should see even more attention in the passing game now that Pittsburgh’s backfield is reshuffled. With defenses likely loading the box against Gainwell, Pickens could break out.
Other WR Notes
- Amon-Ra St. Brown is a must-start in all formats, regardless of matchup.
- DeAndre Hopkins has been inconsistent, but with Tennessee likely trailing in their Week 4 matchup, he may see more targets.
- Sleeper Pick: Josh Palmer in Los Angeles, stepping into a bigger role due to injuries at the position.
Quarterbacks: Streaming Options and Injury Fallout
Quarterback depth is being tested this week. If you lost Jayden Daniels, or if your starter faces a tough defense, here’s who to look at.
Start Marcus Mariota
Taking over for Daniels, Mariota brings dual-threat ability. Even if his passing numbers aren’t elite, his rushing floor makes him a safe streaming option.
Start Brock Purdy
Cleared to return, Purdy has a strong supporting cast in San Francisco. He’s not flashy, but he delivers reliable fantasy points with efficient passing.
Sit Risky Matchups
Quarterbacks facing top-5 defenses in pass yards allowed are risky plays unless they bring rushing upside. Don’t force a start when safer options exist.
Tight Ends: Steady Options and Sleepers
Tight end remains a thin position, but Week 4 presents some clarity.
Start Mark Andrews
Even with Isaiah Likely returning, Andrews is still the top red-zone option for Baltimore. He’s matchup-proof and should be locked in unless injured.
Sleeper: Isaiah Likely
In deeper leagues, Likely is worth a speculative start. If Baltimore increases two-TE sets, his size and athleticism could create mismatches.
Sit TD-Dependent TEs
Avoid starting tight ends who average under four targets per game. Without consistent usage, their floors are dangerously low.
Defense and Special Teams: Matchups That Matter
DST decisions often swing fantasy matchups. Here are a few of the better Week 4 plays:
- Start Steelers DST – Even without Warren on offense, the defense remains aggressive and opportunistic.
- Start 49ers DST – Facing a turnover-prone quarterback, San Francisco is a safe start.
- Sit Defenses Facing Elite QBs – No defense is worth starting against Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow when those offenses are clicking.
Strategy Tips for Week 4
Lineup decisions aren’t only about players—it’s about strategy.
- Flex with Upside – Use your flex spot on players stepping into expanded roles, like Egbuka or Gainwell, rather than safe but low-ceiling options.
- Monitor Inactives Closely – Late announcements can change everything. Keep an eye on Hubbard’s final status.
- Stack Smartly – Pairing QBs with WRs in favorable matchups can maximize points. Mariota + Terry McLaurin is one example.
- Avoid Overreacting – One bad week from a star doesn’t mean you should bench them. Trust proven studs unless injuries say otherwise.
Start/Sit Snapshot: Who Should I Start Week 4
Here’s a quick table to summarize start/sit decisions:
| Position | Start | Sit |
|---|---|---|
| RB | Kenneth Gainwell | Chuba Hubbard (injury risk) |
| WR | Emeka Egbuka | Injured or snap-limited WRs |
| QB | Marcus Mariota | Low-upside streamers vs. tough defenses |
| TE | Mark Andrews | Low-volume, TD-only TEs |
| FLEX | George Pickens | Risky backups with uncertain roles |
Final Thoughts
So, who should I start Week 4? The clearest answers are Kenneth Gainwell stepping in for Jaylen Warren, Emeka Egbuka replacing Mike Evans as Tampa Bay’s top wideout, and Marcus Mariota as a strong streaming QB for those in need. At tight end, Mark Andrews remains the safest play, with Isaiah Likely offering sleeper appeal.
The key this week is flexibility. Injuries have shifted workloads across multiple offenses, and the managers who react quickly will be rewarded.
Which lineup dilemma are you facing? Share your roster questions below and join the conversation with other fantasy football fans.