Top Fantasy Football Pickups: Swap Malik Nabers and Discover Surprising RB Choices

Eye-Opening NFL Action on Week 4: Key Performances and Fantasy Football Insights
NFL Sunday Highlights: Dublin to Dallas Excitement
The fourth Sunday of the NFL season brought thrilling action and high scores, commencing with an early morning matchup in Dublin, Ireland, and concluding with a tied game in Dallas. Notably, Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver Puka Nacua and Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie running back Ashton Jeanty led with over 30 PPR points each, alongside Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes demonstrating vintage form with four touchdown passes.
The spotlight of Week 4, however, was a significant injury. New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered an ACL tear in his right knee, altering the fantasy landscape significantly.
Fantasy Football Tips: Navigating Player Availability
As NFL dynamics shift weekly, player values and roles evolve. Here are some key players to consider in your roster adjustments:
- Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: Despite only 20 pass attempts, Dart showcased talent with 19.84 PPR points. With Nabers sidelined, Dart’s running skills enhance his QB2 potential.
- Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks: Scoring 16.08 PPR points in Week 4, Darnold offers a reliable option against a weaker Week 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary.
- Woody Marks, Houston Texans: Marks capitalized on increased opportunities, delivering 27.9 PPR points. He remains a viable RB2 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Emerging Running Backs to Consider
Week 4 saw several running backs making significant impacts, potentially shifting the focus for fantasy managers:
- Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers: With Jaylen Warren sidelined, Gainwell emerged with 31.4 PPR points, making him a worthy consideration even with the Steelers on a bye.
- Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks: Despite a foot injury in Week 3, Charbonnet bounced back to offer competitive PPR points, maintaining his relevance in the lineup.
Wide Receivers: Adapting to Nabers’ Absence
With Malik Nabers out, expect increased roles for New York Giants’ receivers:
- Wan’Dale Robinson: Already well-rostered, Robinson is expected to leverage his slot speed for increased productivity.
- Darius Slayton: While Slayton offers deep-field potential, his volume may remain limited, though he presents opportunities in Nabers’ absence.
Tight End Opportunities and Defensive Strategies
As bye weeks commence, here’s who to keep an eye on:
- Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles: Leading with 19.7 PPR points, Goedert delivers consistency amid Philadelphia’s erratic offense.
- Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars: Continues to secure targets, offering value in deeper leagues.
Defensive units to consider include the Arizona Cardinals for their favorable matchup against a struggling Tennessee offense and the Jacksonville Jaguars whose points potential has been intriguingly steady despite upcoming challenging games.
Observations for Deep-League Players
Fantasy managers should monitor the following deep-league prospects:
- Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts: Despite a notable fumble, Mitchell’s explosive ability suggests potential if forgiven for past mishaps.
- Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans: While not yet a significant asset, Higgins’ eventual emergence remains plausible.
These insights should guide enthusiastic fantasy managers towards strategic roster decisions, maximizing their team’s potential amid the unpredictable shifts of the NFL season.