Fantasy football advice, Week 4: Who to start/sit for Texans vs. Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are 3-0, though those three wins have all been dicey, winning the first two by a combined six points and rallying from behind the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 to eventually pull away late. The Houston Texans struggled through two losses to open the season before winning in Week 3. The Texans really need a Week 4 win over the Falcons to get to 2-2 and keep from falling too far behind.

Houston appears likely to get running back Arian Foster onto the field for the first time all season, though he’ll be questionable and isn’t a sure thing. Quarterback Ryan Mallett appeared on the injury report with a chest injury, though he should be fine for Sunday. Running back Jonathan Grimes will miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury. On the Atlanta side, running back Tevin Coleman will miss a second straight game with a rib injury, and tight end Jacob Tamme will be out as well with a concussion. Running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones were on the week’s injury report as well, but both will play Sunday.

The Falcons play host Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: There still is a slight chance Arian Foster sits Sunday, but all signs point to him playing, and if he does, he’s a must-start. ... DeAndre Hopkins has shown that the Texans were right to move on from Andre Johnson; he’s an elite receiver.

Start ‘em?: The Texans’ defense hasn’t lived up to its potential so far; it’s a No. 2 defense, not a sure starter.

Sit ‘em: The Texans went to Ryan Mallett at quarterback in Week 1; in two games since, he’s averaged 14 fantasy points. He’s just not a high-end option. ... The return of Foster hurts Alfred Blue and renders Chris Polk completely unusable. ... After Hopkins, the Texans’ other pass-catching options -- Cecil Shorts, Nate Washington, Garrett Graham -- don’t seem likely to get enough looks to be helpful in fantasy. ... The Texans just signed Nick Novak off the scrap heap to be the new kicker. There’s likely a reason he was unemployed.

Start ‘em: Same as it ever was for Matt Ryan: 18.3 fantasy points a game, solid, unspectacular. He’s unlikely to have a monster game very often, but even more unlikely to suffer a total implosion. ... After a monster Week 3, and with Coleman still sidelined, you are using Devonta Freeman in Week 4, though his Week 3 game will certainly go down as his career best. ... Julio Jones is just incredibly good. There aren’t a lot more words necessary. ... Matt Bryant remains a solid, workmanlike kicker, still in all lineups.

Sit ‘em: It looks like Leonard Hankerson has fully supplanted Roddy White as Atlanta’s No. 2 receiver, though neither is getting enough yardage to be helpful. ... With Tamme out, Levine Toilolo will serve as the Falcons’ top tight end this week, but he’s never been much of an offensive threat. ... The Atlanta offense has been strong; the Falcons’ defense has put up exactly three fantasy points in every game.

Start in every league: Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins, Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Matt Bryant
Start if you’re desperate: Houston defense
Bench: Ryan Mallett, Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Cecil Shorts, Nate Washington, Garrett Graham, Nick Novak, Leonard Hankerson, Roddy White, Levine Toilolo, Atlanta defense