Week 4 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We have a nice set of data about each team through three weeks, and can make informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick running backs who should exceed expectations in Week 4, along with three you should probably sit.
Fantasy football, Week 4: Running backs to start or sit
We break down the top starting options at running back this week, along with some players who should be avoided.
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Start
Carson has fully cemented his role as the early-down back for the Seahawks, and with C.J. Prosise out this week, he could even take some reps as the third-down pass-catching back. In a game they should control at home, Carson could see upwards of 20 carries, making him a standard-league stud.
Mixon had as many touches (21) in one game under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor last week as he did in both games with Ken Zampese at the helm. Mixon should be able to take advantage of a Browns defense that while improved, is still beatable by pass-catching backs. If you’ve had Mixon stashed for three weeks, this is the time to let him loose.
I fully expect the Ravens offense to bounce back off last week’s disaster in London, and Allen is in a prime spot to lead the charge, as the Steelers have had a hard time stopping pass-catching backs. Chicago’s Tarik Cohen and Co. had a combined 12 receptions out of the backfield last week. Allen is PPR gold this week.
Sit
Isaiah Crowell, Browns vs. Bengals
It’s just not happening for Crowell, who is at his best when his team is leading and working the clock. The Browns might get there eventually behind DeShone Kizer, but not right now. Little surprise that the back having success here is Duke Johnson, who thrives in up-tempo, pass-catching situations. With Vontaze Burfict returning to the Bengals defense, Crowell’s job just got harder.
Abdullah is getting plenty of work, but the results just aren’t there. The biggest issues are his lack of red-zone usage and limited pass-catching usage. Unless something happens to Theo Riddick, Abdullah is not going to pop off the kind of game that justifies a lineup spot. And against a Vikings defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown to running backs in three weeks, it’s hard to see Abdullah making a big splash this week.
I know the Patriots’ defense is bad, but unless you somehow think the Panthers are going into Foxborough and taking a big early lead, the idea of using Stewart is not appealing. This could be a great spot for Christian McCaffrey, who delivered as promised last week. The usage of the two should play out similarly this week.
