Fantasy football advice, Week 4: who to start for Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

Start ‘em

After shredding the Bears for 405 and 298 yards in two meetings, as well as totaling seven touchdowns, Matthew Stafford has as high of a ceiling as any other quarterback not named Cam Newton in Week 4. Stafford is locked in as a QB1, and Marvin Jones and Theo Riddick can also expect to be quite busy in the receiving game. Eric Ebron is playing considerable snaps and ranks fifth among tight ends in receiving yards through three weeks, making him a worthy TE1.

Dwayne Washington’s tape encouraged his onlookers despite getting just 11 touches against a Packers team that jumped out 31-3 in Week 3, and can expect to be more involved going forward. Washington should have a much more favorable game script in Week 4 against a Bears defense that is decimated by injuries in its front seven, and has surrendered 428 yards on the ground so far in 2016. Washington is an under-the-radar RB2 for Sunday afternoon.

Start ‘em?

Golden Tate hasn’t capitalized much on his shallow targets this season, but his 22 total targets suggest that he will continue to be involved in this high-upside offense. Week 4 will be as good a time as any for Tate to get right, but his low floor gives him risk as well. Tate can be considered a boom-or-bust flex option against the Bears.

Sit ‘em

Anquan Boldin is the odd man out of the Lions’ matchup, due to usage concerns.

Start ‘em

Alshon Jeffery only drew half the targets of his counterpart Kevin White during Week 3’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but still has a high ceiling as a receiver who can capably take the top off of the Lions defense. He will draw tough coverage from Darius Slay, but Jeffery remains capable even if his ceiling is slightly lower with White being active in the passing game. Jeffery is a fringe WR1/WR2 against the Lions, while White is in flex territory until he is more efficient with his touches. Zach Miller has TE1 potential once again after scoring twice in Week 3.

Start ‘em?

Jordan Howard has been encouraging in his scarce appearances, and is facing a Lions defense that is surrendering a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry. Howard has a nice matchup, but scoring hasn’t been common for the Bears’ offense so far in 2016. With a game script that could have the Bears behind early, Howard’s great matchup gives him fringe RB2/flex status with downside.

Sit ‘em

Brian Hoyer may have to play catchup and rack up garbage-time yards, but fantasy owners likely have better options for streaming. He can safely be left off of rosters in standard formats.