Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice: Najee Harris, Darren Waller, Bengals Defense (Week 4)

Last week was my best article of the season! We had some risky flex options heading into the week, but most of them came up huge. Kirk Cousins, Zack Moss, Raheem Mostert, George Pickens and Sam LaPorta all came through for us, and I’m hoping to keep that going here. What’s funny is that when these players play so well, they might not be eligible for the next article because they become must-start players.

That means we’re doing something right, so let’s get to the smash start flexes that we love for this week. Here are all of our picks for Week 4. And below we dive into a few notable players that we love starting in fantasy football this week.

Fantasy Football Smash Starts for Week 4 (2023)

Running Backs

Najee Harris (PIT) at HOU

Nobody will want to start Najee this week, but this is the prove-it week for the former stud. While Harris looks like he’s running in mud at times, he’s still getting most of the rushing work for this team. Najee had 19 carries in Week 3 and could be in for a similar workload here. We say that because Pittsburgh faces Houston, who are allowing the most yards and fantasy points to opposing backs since the start of last season.

In the 12 games that Harris got at least 15 carries last season, he averaged 14.5 fantasy points per game. That’s all you can ask for from a flex, especially in the best matchup possible.

Tight Ends

Darren Waller (NYG) vs. SEA

Everyone is panicking about Waller, but sitting him for a waiver wire tight end is the worst mistake you could make. Almost anyone would struggle against San Fran and Dallas, but this is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He’s actually been a top 3 tight end on a per-game basis three times over the last five years and remains the top option in this offense. He’s actually led the team in targets in all three games thus far while also positing a team-high 26 percent air yardage share.

The matchup with Seattle is sensational, too, surrendering the second-most passing yards in the NFL.

D/STs

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST (at TEN)

Cincy has gotten off to a slow start this season, but there’s one glaring mismatch in this game. The Bengals’ defensive line was ferocious on Monday Night, and the Titans’ offensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL. We could see at least five sacks if that trend continues, and it’s hard to overlook the Titans’ terrible statistics. Tennessee ranks 29th in points scored and 30th in total yardage while allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing D/STs.