With the waiver wire thinned out already, it is nearly impossible to rebuild a team with what remains. This is why sleepers and the start/sit become important.
No need to remind you also that the bye weeks are around the corner. Preparing for that ahead of time would make obvious sense. To be a team in the running, you have to do these things.
I will begin trial mini-start/sit after Week 4 here with every game. I will try to avoid the obvious. Let's see how it goes. We should have a decent enough amount of stat data by then to determine reasonable fantasy points against info for each position.
In the meantime, relax and enjoy the Blurbview for Week 4. One further note. For those of you looking for the Vegas Lines, I have put them below in with other information about the game.
Good luck in Week 4.
Let me know what you think on Twitter @RRSSavill.
The 2023 Fantasy Football Week 4 Preview is next.
Updated: Oct 1 8am ET
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Dart Record:Â Last week, Best Dart: Sam LaPorta | Worst Dart:Â Treylon Burks | Overall score: 6.65/15 (44%) Season: 45%
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The Games this Week
A brief rundown of the games this weekend. Time to set those lineups and watch 'em play.
Early Sunday: Dolphins (3-0) at Bills (2-1)
We don't see a college football score in the NFL - ever. Well, not since 1966. The Dolphins smacked the Broncos all day last week. Even the second-teamers went in for some fresh burgers and fries.
It's back to normal football this week — we think. The Bills know what they are up against and the Dolphins are certainly not shy of making another offensive statement against their division rival.
A New Dolphin Weapon
DeVon Achane broke out, and as advertised, used his speed to overwhelm the Broncos defense. If you add it all up, these Dolphins are all fast, I mean crazy fast. Naturally, Achane was of massive waiver pickup interest this week.
There are too many fantasy points on the chase too.. You aren't going to get the same stuff from Tua Tagovailoa and Raheem Mostert against these Bills. But, you can't suddenly fade any of them - including Achane.
The Bills Will Fire Shots
This is just the matchup Josh Allen likes. He's up for an offensive battle with Tua, and all your fantasy Bills are great starts. Tyreek Hill might have his own abilities to open space, but Stefon Diggs can do his own. The backfield of the Bills is just as capable with their own speed, and we should expect James Cook to do more pass-catching in this one.
The Game Script Is Hot
There is no getting around the fact that this game has a high fantasy heat forecast. Start everyone relevant and use sleepers comfortably if required.
Fun Fact: The Bills, at home, have won seven straight against the Dolphins since 2017. Eight of the last nine of these games have gone Over. However, these teams have never had a 50+ O/U line going back before 1989 in this scenario.
Vegas Line: Bills -2.5
Vegas OU: 53.5
Dart: Durham Smythe, TE, Dolphins
Observe: Damien Harris, RB, Bills
Pick Poll: Dolphins 58%
In the Booth: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Injury Update: River Cracraft O | Salvon Ahmed Q |
Other Early Sunday Games in Brief...
Falcons (2-1) at Jaguars (1-2) (London 930am ET)
The first of the overseas matches. Both teams are coming off losses, but none worse than the resurgent Jaguars against the lowly Texans. The Falcons still cannot find a consistent offense with Bijan Robinson. Desmond Ridder seems too cautious to take advantage of his play-action glut of opportunity. To a certain extent, the same can be said for Trevor Lawrence. As usual with London games, look for slow-developing fantasy action.
Vegas Line: Jaguars -3.0
Vegas OU:Â 43.5
Dart: Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars
Observe: Tank Bigsby, RB, Jaguars
Pick Poll: Jaguars 74%
In the Booth: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky
Injury Update: Zay Jones O | Jamal Agnew O | Cordarrelle Patterson Q |
Broncos (0-3) at Bears (0-3)
Two teams coming of severe blowouts. AI works out the NFL scheduling these days and it came up with this. It's an in-season reevaluation game and who knows what we will see. Both Matt Eberflus and Sean Payton are in the head coach doghouse right now and only one will escape with an added life. The team with the worst edge is the Bears. For fantasy, it's hit and hope for everyone relevant in this game, unfortunately.
Vegas Line: Broncos -3.5
Vegas OU:Â 46.5
Dart: Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos
Observe: Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears
Pick Poll: Broncos 69%
In the Booth: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
Injury Update: Jerry Jeudy A |
Ravens (2-1) at Browns (2-1)
The Browns are handling matters well with Jim Schwartz's defense. The Ravens let a win slip away to the Colts — somehow in Week 3. Your fantasy Ravens are up against some tough customers, but the Browns never have an easy time against this division rival. The best options for fantasy here are the quarterbacks. This is because both backfields are depleted and defensively controllable. The normal downfield options for both are still good and playable.
Vegas Line: Browns -3.0
Vegas OU:Â 40.5
Dart: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Browns
Observe: Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
Pick Poll: Ravens 63%
In the Booth: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Injury Update:Â Deshaun Watson Qepgtd | Kareem Hunt A | Rashod Bateman O | Justice Hill Q | David Njoku Qep |
Rams (1-2) at Colts (2-1)
The Rams fell apart somewhat surprisingly against the Bengals on Monday night. Puka Nacua was especially silent as Tutu Atwell assumed the role of playmaker. We can be certain Puka won't be as quiet in this game, but don't put Tutu on the back burner either.Anthony Richardson returns, so get your better fantasy downfield Colts off the bench. The Rams will use their better running game to assume early control.
Vegas Line: Even 0.0
Vegas OU:Â 46.0
Dart: Josh Downs, WR, Colts
Observe: Trey Sermon, RB, Colts
Pick Poll: Rams 64%
In the Booth: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Injury Update: Tyler Higbee Q |
Commanders (2-1) at Eagles (3-0)
The Eagles are 3-0, but you still get the sense they have yet to settle into an established dominance so far this year. The Commanders aren't anywhere near that conversation. However, they are in a competitive spirit and should provide no small attempt at winning this game. Your fantasy Eagles are all startable across the board, but your backfield Commanders are clearly fades. The Eagles are giving the least fantasy points to RBs so far this season.
Vegas Line: Eagles -8.5
Vegas OU:Â 43.5
Dart: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles
Observe: Cole Turner, TE, Commanders
Pick Poll: Eagles 97%
In the Booth: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Injury Update:Â DeVonta Smith A |
Vikings (0-3) at Panthers (0-3)
The Vikings find themselves in the same situation as last week - winless themselves, up against another winless team. The Vikings are certainly, by far, the most underachieving team in the NFL so far. The matchup for them this week is a peach, both for fantasy and real football. Bryce Young returns, and the skill players he throws to are unharmed. Start them with reasonable confidence. Alexander Mattison might finally break out.
Vegas Line: Vikings -4.5
Vegas OU:Â 46.5
Dart: DJ Chark Jr., WR, Panthers
Observe: Ty Chandler, RB, Vikings
Pick Poll: Vikings 92%
In the Booth: Alex Faust, Brady Quinn
Injury Update: Miles Sanders Q | Jonathan Mingo Qc |
Embed from Getty Images
Buccaneers (2-1) at Saints (2-1)
Just at the moment Derek Carr was about to gain a valued asset, he goes down with an injury. Alvin Kamara returns, and we need to know how the role of Kendre Miller changes. Jameis Winston can keep the Saints in reasonable shape until Carr returns. Against Baker Mayfield this week, this view can hold for at least one week. The Saints' defense should carry the day enough here. However, the game is likely to take on a rather sluggish character overall.
Vegas Line: Saints -3.5
Vegas OU:Â 39.5
Dart: Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints
Observe: Kendre Miller, RB, Saints
Pick Poll: Saints 65%
In the Booth: Chris Myers, Robert Smith
Injury Update: Derek Carr has a chance to play
Steelers (2-1) at Texans (1-2)
C.J. Stroud is the better fantasy option than Kenny Pickett. The growth seems a bit wilder and less controlled in Stroud, but that is perhaps the kind of thing Pickett needed. Maybe even something Mason Rudolph needed. Right now, the Steelers really need a running game. They aren't getting much from either Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren. This is a matchup where the backs should find openings. The Steelers' defense will set the tone of this one.
Vegas Line: Steelers -3.0
Vegas OU:Â 42.0
Dart: Calvin Austin III, WR, Steelers
Observe: Devin Singletary, RB, Texans
Pick Poll: Steelers 83%
In the Booth: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
Injury Update: Allen Robinson II A |
Bengals (1-2) at Titans (1-2)
Fantasy onlookers were encouraged by the heavy usage and yardage from Ja'Maar Chase last Monday, but this Bengals offense, as a whole, is still far from being on the boil. The Titans aren't on the boil - anywhere. The Browns D handled them down to 94 yards and six first downs. It looks like a game with two teams headed in different directions. With Derrick Henry clearly in decline and an aging quarterback, it could soon get messy in Tennessee.
Vegas Line: Bengals -2.5
Vegas OU:Â 41.0
Dart: Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals
Observe: Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
Pick Poll: Bengals 87%
In the Booth: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
Injury Update: Derrick Henry A | DeAndre Hopkins A | Treylon Burks O |
Late Sunday: Patriots (1-2) at Cowboys (2-1)
The upset by the Cardinals over the Cowboys last Sunday was overshadowed by the major blowouts of other games.
It was significant. The Cardinals played a game that did something other teams haven't done so far. The Cardinals didn't respect the Cowboys' defense. In fact, the Cardinals only focused on their own game. It worked.
The Patriots will lose this game to the Cowboys because Belichick's modus operandi has always been and always will be putting together a game plan that is about stopping the other team.
Zeke Revenge?
Belichick has no truck with hyped narratives such as revenge games. Don't expect any extra snaps or carries for Ezekiel Elliott just because he's playing his former team. Zeke has nothing to be upset about anyway. The Cowboys treated him well considering he took them to the cleaners in 2019 during a brief holdout.
Defense vs Defense?
It could possibly end up being which offense can penetrate the other defense first. The Cowboys are likely to be that team. Coming off such an embarrassing loss, it would be Mike McCarthy's mission to show that this team is equal to any on both sides of the ball.
Expect the Cowboys to strike first and let the defense do the rest. Belichick will have nothing but admiration for Micah Parsons following this game.
Fun Fact: This is the first time a Cowboys team have hosted a 'Brady-less' Patriots team. Bill Belichick is looking for his 300th win as a head coach.
Vegas Line: Cowboys -6.5
Vegas OU: 43.5
Dart: Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
Observe: Rico Dowdle, RB, Cowboys
Pick Poll: Cowboys 90%
In the Booth: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Injury Update: None
Other Late Games in Brief...
Raiders (1-2) at Chargers (1-2)
Davante Adams is getting solid numbers for his personal statistics, but he is more unhappy with his team. He doesn't feel the Raiders are building toward anything. Adams should know that's how the Raiders operate and have always operated under the Davis family. The Chargers will reshuffle their passing offense without Mike Williams, so look for a prime number two to emerge behind Keenan Allen. Presumably that is Joshua Palmer.
Note: The starter for the Raiders has yet to be named.
Vegas Line: Chargers -5.5
Vegas OU: 48.5
Dart: Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Observe: Donald Parham Jr., TE, Chargers
Pick Poll: Chargers 92%
In the Booth: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Injury Update: Jimmy Garoppolo O | Gerald Everett A | Austin Ekeler D |
Cardinals (1-2) at Forty-Niners (3-0)
The Cardinals won't roll over for anyone. The Niners ought to take a lesson from the Cowboys. However, the 49ers are at home, the crowd will be in full throat, and the Cardinals might be learning their own lessons. For fantasy, all your San Fran guys are natural starts. Your Cardinals, well, they are just as risky as last week. Yet, they came through. Don't expect the same fortune this week. Though, they might make it competitive for at least the first half.
Vegas Line: Forty-Niners -14.0
Vegas OU: 44.0
Dart: Ronnie Bell, WR, Forty-Niners
Observe: Keaontay Ingram, RB, Cardinals
Pick Poll: Forty-Niners 98%
In the Booth: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Injury Update: Deebo Samuel Q | Marquise Brown Q | Jauan Jennings D | Keaontay Ingram Q | Elijah Mitchell Q |
Feature Games
Sunday Night: Chiefs (2-1) at Jets (1-2)
It doesn't matter how much mental will a fan of the Jets projects onto Zach Wilson with that open handed tension; the hope for Wilson bringing home satisfaction never comes.
Is Wilson a quarterback whom the Jets can ride into maturity? The Steelers are trying it with Kenny Pickett and they are getting much the same to this point.
The Jets are sticking with Zach Wilson because of his ability to read defenses and his coachability. Unfortunately, you can't just bring those good classroom marks and chalkboard know-how to a football field in your pocket. The player has to execute. As bizarre as this sounds, the Jets might be coaching up a really good future quarterback coach. It happens.
Defensive Jets
To help with the offensive problems, the Jets will rely on their sound defense to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field as much possible. This is what most teams try to accomplish.
It's not easy. Mahomes, as everyone knows, needs very little on the clock, can work the no-huddle like the greats of the NFL, and seems relaxed about doing these things.
Grinding
The Chiefs will grind down the Jets methodically, so expect plenty of Isiah Pacheco in this game. Pacheco might not shine too brightly in this game, but his effect on Jets' defense will wear them down.
The Jets, on the other side, will bring their running game hard. It's the only course for them to go, really. So, expect another day of a frustrated Garrett Wilson. The Chiefs allow fourth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Garrett is the only pass catching Jet you can start, on the face of it, but it could be a sufferable wait for him to finally start seeing some good targeting.
Fun Fact: The Jets have won four straight games since 2007 against the visiting Chiefs. Games in this scenario have gone OVER three straight times.
Vegas Line: Chiefs -9.0
Vegas OU: 41.5
Dart: Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs
Observe: Dalvin Cook, RB, Jets
Pick Poll: Chiefs 98%
In the Booth: Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth
Injury Update: Kadarius Toney A |
Monday Night
Seahawks (2-1) at Giants (1-2)
The Giants can make up for a rather short receiving group with the ground game and the scurrying legs of Daniel Jones. The Seahawks are a stoppable team who seem to have trouble converting third downs when it really matters. It's a toss-up who wins here, but your fantasy toppers should get something from this game. Expect the best chances from Kenneth Walker and Saquon Barkley. D.K. Metcalf always threatens to burst, but more safe is Tyler Lockett.
Vegas Line: Seahawks -1.0
Vegas OU: 47.0
Dart: Parris Campbell, WR, Giants
Observe: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
Pick Poll: Seahawks 79%
In the Booth: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Injury Update: DK Metcalf Q | Saquon Barkley Qnep | Daniel Bellinger Q |
In the Booth on Sunday
Embed from Getty Images
Daryl Johnston
Sunday Games
London 930am ESPN+
Falcons vs Jaguars: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky
CBS Early
Dolphins at Bills: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Ravens at Browns: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Broncos at Bears: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
Steelers at Texans: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
FOX Early
Commanders at Eagles: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Bengals at Titans: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
Rams at Colts: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Buccaneers at Saints: Chris Myers, Robert Smith
Vikings at Panthers: Alex Faust, Brady Quinn
CBS Late
Raiders at Chargers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
FOX Late
Patriots at Cowboys: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Cardinals at 49ers: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
© 2023 Richard Savill
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