Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season brings exciting matchups and critical decisions for fantasy managers. With numerous teams clashing, the right start-sit choices can make or break your fantasy week. In particular, players like Ladd McConkey are intriguing options worth considering. This analysis dives into the key players to start and sit, offering insights into their matchups and recent performances.
Quarterbacks
Start: Daniel Jones, Colts
Despite a challenging matchup against the Rams, Jones has been performing at a high level. Leading the league in expected points added (EPA) per dropback and sitting prominently in completion percentage over expected (CPOE) and PFF passing grades, Jones is poised to continue his strong performance, especially as play-action plays a significant role in his game. The Rams have struggled against play-action, making Jones a viable starting option.
Start: Justin Herbert, Chargers
Herbert has been exceptional this season, leading the league in passing yards per game. With the Giants’ secondary struggling, particularly against the pass — ranking 24th in EPA allowed per dropback — Herbert is a prime candidate for a big fantasy outing this week.
Sit: Michael Penix, Falcons
After three underwhelming games, Penix finds himself ranked poorly in key passing metrics. Without a rushing floor and in need of extraordinary passing performance to be relevant for fantasy, he can confidently be left on the bench.
Sit: Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Against a stout Green Bay defense that restricts fantasy points to quarterbacks, Prescott’s prospects look grim, especially without his leading receiver, CeeDee Lamb. With a projected low team total, it might be wise to avoid him in lineups this week.
Running Backs
Start: Cam Skattebo, Giants
With emerging opportunities in the Giants’ backfield, Skattebo has taken charge, showcasing his versatility both in rushing and receiving. His role is solidified, making him an excellent RB2 start this week, especially given his reception potential in negative game scripts.
Start: Jordan Mason, Vikings
Mason shone in Week 3, dominating touches before the game got out of hand. With favorable conditions against the Steelers, he’s set to continue to be a workhorse and a solid start.
Sit: Alvin Kamara, Saints
The 0-3 Saints have struggled, dampening Kamara’s involvement. His historically high target share has visibly dropped this season, risking his viability as a fantasy starter.
Sit: Tony Pollard, Titans
Facing a strong Texans defense projected to dominate, Pollard’s prospects seem dim, especially with his limited work as a pass-catcher. His fantasy outlook is not promising this week.
Wide Receivers
Start: Ladd McConkey, Chargers
McConkey’s situation against the Giants appears favorable. With a high percentage of his routes run from the slot and the Giants’ defense allowing numerous yards and targets in that area, McConkey enters the week as a prime sleeper candidate. His solid PFF grade against man coverage enhances his value significantly.
Start: Emeka Egbuka, Bucs
With both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s statuses uncertain, Egbuka could see a significant increase in volume. As a rookie performing well, he’s a must-start this week given his elevated opportunity.
Sit: Travis Hunter, Jaguars
Hunter’s diminishing role in the Jaguars’ offense reduces his fantasy appeal. As he transitions to primarily defense, his limited involvement makes him a risky play this week.
Sit: Josh Downs, Colts
Downs has not been able to capitalize on opportunities, consistently seeing low target counts and route rates, relegating him to the bench this week.
Tight Ends
Start: Dalton Kincaid, Bills
With a high target share amidst the Bills’ potent offense, Kincaid has performed well against zone coverage. His status as a TE1 this week is solidified given the favorable matchup and high team total.
Start: Jake Ferguson, Cowboys
Ferguson stepped up significantly with Lamb sidelined. His recent surge in targets makes him a strong option for this week, showcasing potential output proportional to Lamb’s absence.
Sit: Brenton Strange, Jaguars
Despite opportunities, Strange has not made enough of an impact to demand fantasy relevance. His current standing makes him merely a low-end TE2 option this week.
Sit: Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Once a perennial top option at the tight end position, Kelce has struggled this season. His declining target share and production make him risky for starting lineups in Week 4.
Conclusion
As you finalize your lineups for Week 4, closely consider the players outlined in this report. Ladd McConkey and others are primed for potential breakout performances, while the sit candidates present greater risks. Pay attention to ongoing injury updates and matchups, as they can significantly impact your final roster decisions. Making informed choices can often be the difference between a victory and a loss in the competitive world of fantasy football.
