Early Week 4 fantasy football start/sit

The NFL went fully wonky in Week 3 . Sure, it makes sense that the previously 0-2 Commanders knocked off the defending champion Seahawks with backup QB Marcus Mariota . Naturally, the Texans are now 0-3 after losing to the Colts . And of course, the Browns are riding a two-game winning streak after knocking off the Panthers .

In fantasy football , we were treated to unexpected gems up and down the slate, from rookie Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq (7/105/1) to Green Bay wide receiver Matthew Golden (5/110/1) and Pittsburgh QB Aaron Rodgers (292 yards and three passing touchdowns). Football isn't easy to predict on a week to week basis, so if you nailed the start/sit decision on any of those players, you are probably looking good this week.

While we haven't completely wrapped Week 3 yet, it's never too early to start thinking about your next opponent. Here's who to start and sit in fantasy football for Week 4 :

NFL Week 3 reactions after wins, big moments and breakout performances

The Lions secondary has been one to target in 2026 and Week 4 is going to be no different. Even though McMillan was very quiet in the Week 3 loss to the Browns (two catches for 17 yards), WR2 Jalen Coker left the game early with a quad injury and will be, at best, banged up for Week 4 at home vs. Detroit . Fire up McMillan with confidence and expect 10+ targets to go his way.

QB Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

Against arguably the best defense in the league in Week 3, Mariota threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns. There's always going to be a ceiling when you start a backup QB like Mariota, but if you're dealing with injuries at the position or just can't watch Justin Herbert try and play football anymore, Mariota is a strong option vs. a much weaker Colts defense in Week 4.

This could look silly, given that the Bears don't play their Week 3 game until "Monday Night Football," but we're expecting Chicago to focus in on its run game with starting QB Caleb Williams out for a few games. Chicago RB1 D'Andre Swift is an obvious start, but against the Jets in Week 4, you can also start RB2 Monangai and feel fine about it. The Jets just allowed Detroit RB Jahmyr Gibbs to feast in Week 3 (99 rushing yards, plus seven catches for 65 yards and three total touchdowns).

Notable injuries throughout the 2026 NFL season

After injuries to Ricky Pearsall , De'Zhaun Stribling and now, Mike Evans , Deebo might look appealing as the last man standing in San Francisco in Week 4. But if Evans is out, the 49ers passing game is going to be almost entirely reliant on tight end George Kittle and Samuel. Against the Denver defense, that kind of funneling to two veterans is just not very appealing, even if Deebo could see a ton of playing time.

The second-year running back is likely going to be the hot name on the Week 4 waiver wire after starting running back De'Von Achane left Week 3 early with a knee injury and could be out for some time. Gordon had some nice plays after earning the carries on Sunday, and could have the backfield entirely to himself if Achane and Jaylen Wright both miss Week 4 — but the Dolphins also have the Vikings on Sunday and will not be projected to score a lot of points. You can pick Gordon up on waivers if Achane's injury is serious, but leave him on the bench for Week 4.

We'll end with an obvious one. If there was ever a time for Herbert to figure it out this year, it was against a suspect Buffalo defense in a game in which his own defense forced five turnovers. He did not figure it out, throwing for just 226 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the loss to the Bills . Herbert is so physically talented and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is so highly regarded that he still has a shot to return to start-ability in 2026, but it's not going to be in Week 4 at the Seahawks . Make other QB plans.