Welcome to IDP Sit & Start (Week 4). This is where we highlight a few players at each position that we are looking to sit or start this week. For the starts, we will be avoiding the obvious starts, and for the sits, we will be avoiding the obvious sits. This is a place to deal with the players who make tougher decisions. For our full list of weekly rankings, head over to The FFU Weekly Rankings Page or try out our Sit/Start Tool Powered by Fantasy Pros.
Start ‘Em- Defensive Linemen
Embed from Getty ImagesChristian Wilkins, Raiders vs CLE (2)
Wilkins has typically been a stud for fantasy managers but a lingering knee injury has hampered his production to start the 2024 season. In Week 4 he faces the Cleveland Browns who are allowing 36.8% more fantasy production to defensive linemen than the league average. Wilkins looks to be back to full health and is a must-start this week in a matchup with the struggling Browns. Deshaun Watson has looked a mess this year and should make for a prime target for Wilkins to sacks multiple times.
Jaelen Phillips, Dolphins vs TEN (1)
Kwity Paye, Colts vs PIT (4)
Start ‘Em- Linebackers
Embed from Getty ImagesJunior Colson, Chargers vs KC (3)
Colson has only four tackles through three weeks and is getting little playing time in the Chargers lineup. The reason Colson is the play this week is the suspension of defensive back Derwin James who will leave a massive hole in the Chargers defense. Colson isn’t the direct back up to James, in fact he doesn’t play the same position, but given the way James plays, his duties will need to be spread across multiple players which should lead to a sizable uptick in opportunity for Colson. The Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 who are allowing 28.8% mor fantasy production to the linebacker position than the league average. Look for Colson to finally put up a fantasy-relevant stat line.
Robert Spillane, Raiders vs CLE (1)
Ivan Pace Jr, Vikings vs GB (2)
Start ‘Em- Defensive Backs
Embed from Getty ImagesD.J. Reed, Jets vs DEN (2)
Reed was a monster in Week 1, putting up nine sacks against the San Francisco 49ers but has been hampered by a lingering knee injury since then. He is back to practicing in full and should be good to go for the Week 4 matchup with the New York Jets. The Jets are allowing 33.1% more fantasy production to defensive backs than the league average and should allow a healthy Reed the ability to rebound in a major way. The Broncos are the second-best matchup for defensive backs and rookie quarterback Bo Nix should make for ample opportunity to come up with turnovers.
Antoine Winfield, Buccaneers vs PHI (1)
Kamren Curl, Rams vs CHI (4)
Sit ‘Em- Defensive Linemen
Embed from Getty ImagesOdafe Oweh, Ravens vs LV (32)
Oweh has been inconsistent to start the season, he has a massive blowup game in Week 2, book-ended by dud performances in Weeks 1 and 3. In Week 4, he faces off against the Las Vegas Raiders who have been the worst matchup for opposing lineman and have limited them to 51.4% less fantasy production than the league average. Oweh is unreliable and iniconsistent and the Raiders are the IDP matchup from hell. Do everything you can to get Oweh out of your starting lineups and onto your bench. There will be better weeks ahead, but this isn’t going to be one of them.
Sheldon Rankins, Bengals vs CAR (31)
Dallas Turner, Vikings vs GB (31)
Sit ‘Em- Linebackers
Embed from Getty ImagesPete Werner, Saints vs ATL (32)
Werner has put up excellent production over the first two weeks of the season and is a reliable asset in IDP leagues, but this week he faces an Atlanta Falcons squad that ranks as the worst matchup for opposing linebackers. The Falcons are limiting opposing linebackers to 40.5% fewer fantasy points than the league average, making Werner a massive risk in your lineup this week. Werner may be far enoough up the rankings that you cant afford to take him out of your lineup, but if you have to pplay him, you should temper your expectaions of his production in this matchup.
Jack Campbell, Lions vs SEA (31)
Jeremy Chinn, Commanders vs ARI (30)
Sit ‘Em- Defensive Backs
Embed from Getty ImagesJulian Blackmon, Colts vs PIT (30)
Blackmon has put up to excellent games this season with one game in the middle missed with a shoulder injury. He is healthy this week and practicing in full but gets a matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers who are the third-worst matchup for opposing defesnive backs. Pittsburgh is holding the position to 23.7% below the league average for defensive backs and will make for a tough spot for him to constinue his impressive production. Much like Werner, you may not be able to get Blackmon out of your starting lineup, but you should lower your expectations.
Jaylen Watson, Chiefs vs LAC (32)
Nate Wiggins, Ravens vs LV (29)
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