Week 4 is a crucial week within the NFL. This week, we can utilize stats from the first three weeks and consider a natural trend to the analysis instead of needing to lean on statistics from 2023. These stats will help you develop your research and identify the correct start/sit decisions and what to expect around the league, from superstars like Justin Jefferson to dart throws such as K.J. Osborn.

Let’s break down these five stats that will help with your research today!

• Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

Fantasy Football Stats to Know Before Setting Your Lineup

Revenge Season in Green Bay

Aaron Jones left his old home in Green Bay to join the purple and gold in Minnesota this past offseason. All offseason long, you had multiple debates about whether this aging veteran could still bring his talent to the field or if he was past his prime. Jones has put that story to bed as he has built on his strong 2023 postseason with an even more stellar 2024.

Jones is dominating in multiple categories. He is second in yards after contact per rush, so even if the line did well, Jones is utilizing his playmaking ability to do even more on each attempt. Jones is first in targets per route run for running backs on his Vikings and sees 51.7% of routes per team dropback. This total shows us that he isn’t just a check-down option for Sam Darnold but a schemed-up option within the Vikings’ offense. Finally, he is fifth in yards per route run on those targets. We aren’t seeing a “PPR scam” from his game, but instead, we are seeing a solid fantasy option each week.

The Packers have been a strong defense facing running backs, but there is a way to attack them with your running backs. This year, the Packers’ defense has allowed the sixth most receiving yards to the running back position. With Jordan Addison dealing with an injury, Jones should see even more usage against his former team. The revenge narrative is alive and well in this matchup, where Vegas has the Vikings as a three-point underdog, which leads to the Vikings passing game, which is necessary for them to create the upset.

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Missed tackles forced per touch is a great metric to analyze for running backs. A shift running back can create more yards and homerun-type potential within your lineup. Zach Charbonnet is one of the bigger surprises this year, as he is the second-highest running back in this category. His running mate Kenneth Walker was always labeled the homerun play, with Charbonnet labeled the all-around straightforward running back.

Charbonnet has shown us he has the talent to dominate with the best running backs in the NFL. As long as Walker is inactive, Charbonnet must be ranked like a top-12 running back within this potent Seahawks offense.

On the other side of the pendulum are the running backs who can not create anything on the ground this season. Did you know Gus Edwards has 0% missed tackles per touch during the season? D’Andre Swift is also low on this scale, with a 9% total. Edwards can be safely dropped for your fantasy football lineup. If this trend continues, Swift should be benched with a “hot seat” label as the subsequent drop in the upcoming weeks.

BROB SZN!

No, not Bijan Robinson, but Brian Robinson season is amongst us in Week 4! Austin Ekeler is out this week due to injury. This injury means the backfield truly belongs to Brian Robinson in Week 4. Robinson has been impressive this season, leading the NFL in yards after contact per rush. His opponent this week, the Arizona Cardinals, has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards this season. They have also allowed the 11th-highest total of receiving yards to running backs this season. If you are on the fence to start Robinson, stop the crazy overthinking and start this stellar running back.

The Tight-End Wasteland

Tight end has been a challenging position to figure out in 2024. Last year, we had so many incredible options, but now we might as well join Deadpool & Wolverine in the Void while we search for a life in this position. This year, we have only five tight ends who are top-12 in route share, target share and first-read share. Can you guess the players? Probably not consider the list is:

• Trey McBride
• George Kittle
• Dallas Goedert
• Zach Ertz
• Hunter Henry

With McBride and Kittle dealing with injury, look for Ertz and Henry on your waiver wire. Ertz is only rostered in 36% of Sleeper leagues, while Henry is rostered in 41% of Sleeper leagues. The tight end is a dart throw again this season, but these two can give you a chance to play throughout the game.

Don’t Look Down

The Colts offense has been a bit of a dumpster fire to begin the season. It’s been rough with Anthony Richardson struggling as he learns the game on the fly. However, the Indianapolis Colts got their second-year wide receiver, Josh Downs, back on the field in Week 3. This return must have sparked Richardson’s interest because Downs leads the team with a robust first-read target rate (33%). Downs’ return means you can move on from Adonai Mitchell in redraft because Downs may be the comfort target for a quarterback struggling to read the field.

With the Pittsburgh Steelers playing the Colts, we can see a shadow ban of Michael Pittman as he draws Joey Porter Jr. in Week 4. This defense can fly around and make plays, which should elevate Downs as Richardson’s comfort wide receiver. If you need help in your wide receiver room, don’t overlook Josh Downs for your fantasy roster in Week 4.

Remember to read all the fantastic work here at FantasyPros as we strive to help you dominate your fantasy leagues. Do not hesitate to reach out on X at @jpep20 if you need more help with your fantasy lineup. Good luck in Week 4!