Below you will find our Week 4 Start Bench Advice for the 2013 fantasy football season. Who should you start entering Week 4? Who should you sit? If you have start ‘em and sit ‘em dilemmas not mentioned below, be sure to post a comment at the end of the article; I, or one of our awesome DraftCalc moderators, will try and hit you back with an answer!
Also, don’t forget to check out our Week 4 Projections.
Let’s get to it!
- Colin Kaepernick at STL
-
Colin Kaepernick at STL
While many Colin Kaepernick owners are concerned after two-straight starts without a touchdown pass (or run), it’s important to keep in mind that Kaep threw for 412 yards, 3TDs and had zero INTs in Week 1 against the Packers. Kaep is no bust, let’s get that straight. He is a rising star that faced Seattle in Week 2 and had a bad game in Week 3 (which happens). For me, it’s just that simple. So, while many are contemplating sitting the passer for a much “safer”, yet more limited, option in Week 4 (against the Rams), I say start him with confidence, especially if Vernon Davis (inactive in Week 3) is ready to rumble in this one; Vernon being out hurt Kaep a lot. In this week’s Thursday night game, I can see Kaep throwing for 250-300 yards and 2TDs with 40-50 rushing yards and a score.
- Trent Richardson at JAC
-
Trent Richardson at JAC
While we don’t know for certain how many carries Trent Richardson will get in Week 4, keep in mind that Richardson received 28 snaps in Week 3 compared to Ahmad Bradshaw’s 30… that’s more impressive than one would think given the short amount of time T-Rich was given to learn the playbook, offense, etc., so it’s not crazy to think that Richardson could get at least 60% of the workload in Week 4, if not much more. The Jags are awful and the Colts should get out to an early lead in this one. This means that the Colts will run a lot in the second half, and I can even envision Richardson getting a good amount of touches once the game is in hand. Will Bradshaw be phased out? No, especially not this week, and he might even have some flex-like upside this week. But, once Richardson gets that offense down, he should be getting 70-75% of the workload, or more, in Indy, which is a just about right, as it will keep him healthy. The Colts didn’t trade a first-round pick for Richardson only to use him as a secondary running option – the breakout show could be this week, so don’t be shocked to see 80-100 rushing yards and a score in this one. Don’t overreact if he doesn’t exactly hit those numbers, though.
- Giovani Bernard at CLE
-
Giovani Bernard at CLE
I know that many of you Giovani Bernard owners wouldn’t even consider benching the little guy moving forward, but if you are like a lot of fantasy owners, you smartly drafted Gio as your RB3 or RB4, which means that it is tough for you to decide who to give your RB2 nod each week (unless you roll with a flex). Bernard might still concern some, as his workload is still undefined, and Cincy won’t just shove Green-Ellis aside… why would they? From a football perspective, a 50/50 like split works. Despite the workload not being RB1 in nature, Gio is the kind of player that can almost do more with less, at least for now… a situational beast if you will. Start him as a RB2 with confidence (moving forward), and don’t hesitate, for now, to sit a player like Lamar Miller, David Wilson (even though I do somewhat like Wilson this week, as you will read below) or MJD for Gio. I think 100 total yards, 4-5 receptions and a strong shot at a score is in the cards for Gio owners in Week 4.
- Bernard Pierce at BUF
-
Bernard Pierce at BUF
I know, Bernard Pierce let down a lot of people last week, but he still finished with a respectable 72 total yards and a score. The 2.7 yards-per-carry wasn’t impressive, but we all know how good Pierce is. If you already jumped off the wagon after one week of play, I don’t know what to tell you… The guy is one of the toughest runners in the entire league, and he is a big-time receiving threat. If Ray Rice (hip) sits out another week (which seems likely as of this moment, but stay on the news), Pierce is an excellent fantasy RB2 this week against the Bills, and he is capable of producing RB1-type numbers. If starting this week, I have Pierce pegged for 22-25 carries, which at his usual 4.5-4.9 yards-per-carry should equate to roughly 100-125 rushing yards. Then, toss on 3-4 receptions for 30-40 yards, and at least one score. Again, keep checking on Rice’s status all week!
- David Wilson at KC
-
David Wilson at KC
I know, you’re amazed to see David Wilson continue to get support, but let’s just break down the facts in terms of workload distribution. While Wilson only received 11 carries, only one other player got more than 1 carry in Week 3, and it was Brandon Jacobs with just 3 carries. Wilson was the workhorse in Week 3, believe it or not, the top horse just didn’t get fed. The problem wasn’t Wilson, or the Giants trust in him, it was the flow of game. Well, ok, 11 carries shows little trust, sure, but flow of game made it impossible for the Giants to run much in the 3rd and 4th. Now, if you think the Giants will again be absolutely pitiful like they were in Week 3, then don’t start Wilson and walk away. I, however, don’t anticipate the Giants looking like they did in Week 3 in Weeks 4-16. Last week was an anomaly of a week for the Giants, where they lost 38-0 and had absolutely no offense whatsoever. I’m not suggesting that the Giants will be awesome moving forward, nor am I predicting a bunch of wins and a big playoff run… I’m merely suggesting that Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Eli Manning are still very, very good fantasy players, and the passing attack will bounce-back in a major way this week (and moving forward), which will allow Wilson to relatively get more touches. Don’t bench a big-time stud for Wilson, and as I said above I even start Gio Bernard over Wilson this week… but, most Wilson owners have the rusher helplessly cemented into their RB2 slot, or flex… and what I’m saying is that Wilson might end up turning things around here (if he can hold onto the football, of course). I wouldn’t be shocked to see Wilson run for 80-100 yards and a score in this one.
- Eddie Royal vs. SD
-
Eddie Royal vs. SD
I’m sold. While Eddie Ryal is talented, his almost-guaranteed production and target action has everything to do with his situation. Who cares, though! I can’t speak to his long-term value yet, or rather I don’t yet want to rush to judgement, but for 2013 he is a high-end fantasy WR3, or flex, moving forward – with ease. Philip Rivers loves the guy and he has literally no one else reliable to throw the ball to! I envision Royal good for 4-5 balls for 70-80 yards and a strong shot to score moving forward.
- TY Hilton at JAC
-
TY Hilton at JAC
You know how this works… he will enter Week 4 as a doubted man, which means that the Jacksonville defense won’t be game planning to stop Hilton whatsoever. As you will read below under “Trade For” advice, I still firmly believe in Hilton moving forward. We are only 3 weeks into the season, and heading into last week, everyone was sold (after Hilton posted over 100 receiving yards in Week 2). Now, one game later, people are jumping ship. I envision 5-6 receptions for 90 and a score in this contest!
- Ryan Broyles vs. CHI
-
Ryan Broyles vs. CHI
With Nate Burleson (broken arm) out for at least 6-8 weeks, Ryan Broyles gets shoved into the spotlight. If you’re in need of a sneaky WR3 this week, and moving forward, Broyles might be your guy!
- Arian Foster RB – HOU
-
[level-all]
Arian Foster RB – HOU
This advice isn’t necessarily for this week, well it could be, if the price is right… This advice is for Week 5, and that means you will likely see this idea repeated in next week’s Start Bench Advice article. Arian Foster, who disappointed fantasy owners in a major way in Week 3 (rushing for just 54 yards and -2 receiving), faces a brutal Seattle rushing defense in Week 4, which likely means another week of disappointment. Next week might be the ideal time to trade for Foster, as I really think he will get more and more touches as the season moves along. He is averaging just 3.9 yards-per-carry through three games, but most of that low-end YPC came in Week 1; Foster averaged 4.2 YPC in Week 2 and 4.5 YPC in Week 3. Owning Foster with Ben Tate is ideal, so try to land both in whatever trade you make that involves Foster. Currently, both are hurting each other from a fantasy perspective, and that makes them relatively cheap to acquire… but, I think that will change one way or another. Foster just needs the touches, proven by his recent YPC average, and I think his very low-end RB2-type value is worth the risk.
[/level-all]
- TY Hilton WR – IND
-
[level-all]
TY Hilton WR – IND
You know the drill and my stance with TY Hilton. We are only 3 weeks into the 2013 fantasy football season, and just a week ago he was the talk of the town with his 100+ yard effort. One bad week changes nothing, and I still feel fantasy WR2-type numbers are in the cards.
[/level-all]
- Chris Givens WR – STL
-
[level-all]
Chris Givens WR – STL
Everything I just said about TY Hilton up above can be said about Chris Givens! I love this kid’s upside, especially for the long-term. He might be even cheaper to acquire via trade after this week’s match-up against SF, but sometime tells me he will still have a solid outing against that tough SF defense. If he doesn’t shine this week, though, buy-low next week!
[/level-all]
- Jared Cook TE – STL
-
[level-all]
Jared Cook TE – STL
Everything I just said about both TY Hilton and Chris Givens up above can be said about Jared Cook!
[/level-all]
Our Week 4 Player Projections are sortable, so that you can list only running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers or tight ends individually. Or, you can list all positions at once. We also have a PPR and non-PPR sorting option. Your line-up decisions just got a whole lot easier!
View Week 4 Projections
Smitty would you trade Romo for Kaep straight up? Romo has a nice schedule and I was thinking about trading him for Kaep….what do you think?
I would. I like Kaep more, but no one would be crazy to like either over the other. I like Kaep, though.
Also I was thinking about trading Lamar Miller for Gio?
I am liking Romo more than Kaep at the moment. The 49ers are a mess and may continue to struggle, def have figured out the read option with them since they have no down the field threat.it is close go with your gut. Miller and Gio are equal both in a RBBc at this time. but I lean Miller.GL. these two trades are very close and comes down to personal preference.
Gio by a mile, but I don’t know if they would take Lamar for Gio.
Gio right now. I still have faith in Miller, so this answer could be different 3 weeks from now.
I’ve got a log-jam of mediocre options in my 14-teamer this week. I have to fill a WR spot and a WR/RB spot.
David Wilson
DeAndre Hopkins
Ryan Broyles
Isaiah Pead
Chris Givens
Thanks
I would roll with Wilson/Givens tough matchups but the others do as well and these should get targets/carries. pead is in a full blown rbbc against a tough def.
Smitty,
I’m in last place in all of my leagues and the lowest scoring team. In one league I have:
QB: Stafford
WR: Nicks
WR: Edelman
RB: TRich
RB: l Miller
TE: C Clay
Flex: D Wilson
Bench: TY Hilton/Ball/Tate/Thompkins/Royal
14 team .5 PPR league
Would you try and parlay like TRich and a receiver of choice for a combo of Julio Jones/Giovanni Bernard if the guy would take it? I’m desperate right now…
hard to believe in last place with that team. Smitty believes in TR and this move will translate into RB#1. That remains to be seen but very possible. if I can get JJ/Gio for TR/wr I would probably do that. I would suggest you take this too the forum and get a lot more input from the gang over there they will be quick and numerous.
I like TRich, no question, but I go get Julio like BDD says. Julio is a beast.
Smitty do u roll with jeffery or broyles as your wr3 this week?
Weekly Projections are up here.
I have Broyles 5-75/0TDs and Jeffery 4-60/0TDs. That said, it’s close, and either could outscore the other during any given week.
Also need a bye week guy for cam newton. Pryor bradford tannehill and alex smith all available. Who ya got?
I like broyles , Pryor if he plays otherwise I Like Tannehill against the saints should be a lot points score.
Do you think it would be worth trading Danny Woodhead for David Wilson in a 14 team PPR league? He’s been very consistent so far with 13 points in the past two weeks, but I only own him as a depth option right now since there’s no room in my starting lineup for Woodhead since I already have Charles and Miller as my starting RBs, Stevie Johnson, Edelman, and Decker as my starting WRs, Graham as my TE and Gordon on my bench and all these guys have all been absolutely killing it for me so far.
I would move Woodhead for Wilson his ceiling can be some much higher, Be patience dev139 these guys should start to produce they all have too much talent GL…
Oh I meant “killing it” in a good way, I’ve been putting up points in the 140s for the past two weeks lol…but thanks for the advice, hoping the Wilson owner takes this trade
With the news that R Rice is probably going to play, who would you play at RB 2 (PPR)?
Pierce
L Miller
I Pead
P Thomas
B Tate
Miller/ Tate/ pierce/pead in that order GL.
I feel like i just won the lottery! A guy dropped Givens last week (Wow.. right?) and I just won him in my Blind Bidding.
Now thats a buy low!
I love when this happens. Soon, Montee Ball will get dropped in like half our leagues. Can’t wait to scoop him up, even if I have to wait 5-6 more weeks, i dont care.
Already happened in my league. I have TRich, Miller, Pierce, McGahee and just picked up Ball
awesome great managing!
These league settings are killing me! I’m 1-2. It’s PPR, but -6 points for all turnovers. Of these 3, who would you start:
- Hilton @ JAX
- Nicks @ KCC
- D. Wilson @ KCC
QB (who has less turnovers):
- Luck @ KCC
- RG3 @ OAK
Thanks!
I hate those formats. Hate them. I just don’t play them. I’m in a league now where passers get 3pts for passing TDs, it’s just ridiculous to go so far outside of normal scoring. In that league, Manning only scored like 40 something points in Week 1 with his 7TD passes.
Hilton? D-Will ‘could’ fumble, so i maybe stay away from him until he proves worthy. Nicks or Hilton, both are capable of having big weeks during any given week.
Luck? RG3 could score big, but he is struggling in the first half of games still, as he should be given he is still getting healthy. I go Luck.
Smitty,
why so negative for DeMarco Murray? Good matchup and a fantastic week 3 performance. Dont understand why you have him ranked behind guys like MJD, Miller and Wilson??
Thoughts?
You could be right, I guess I need another game out of him to start rebuilding that trust. Bad games so often follow the big ones with guys like Murray. I’ll start believing more in him moving forward if he drops another solid yardage outing on us!
Would you trade Leveon Bell or Bilal Powell for David Wilson?…standard scoring.
personally I would trade either for Wilson but I would want to move powell first and keep bell if possible.
I’m having trouble choosing starters in one of my leagues. I have no clue who to start this week at RB and WR. Its 10 team league .5 PPR. I need to start 2 RB’s, 3 WR’s and a Flex.
My choices at RB are TRich, Ray Rice, Gio Bernard, L Miller, and B Pierce. My choices at WR are Julio (starting), TY, Givens, Kenbrell Thompkins, and Josh Gordon. Who should I start at those 6 slots?
TR/RR(if he plays)/miller if he dont.wr I go Gordon/ty probably flex-Gio.GL
Hey smitty
I have Demarco Murray on my team as my flex with lamar miller on my bench and t-rich and mccoy are my starters. my recievers are cruz hilton and edelman. i have a trade offer for murray to receive Vincent Jackson and d-Wilson. What’s your opinion?
I go for it man. You already have TRich and McCoy as your starting RBs. Why not sell Murray high and get a starting WR and RB that could rebound. Personally, I’d do it.
think I keep what you got. Murray is a beast when healthy and he is healthy now miller is a good bench rb.
Also, I have Cam at QB who is on a bye. I currently have Sam Bradford starting this week but should I drop him for EJ Manuel, Pryor or Cutler?
Bradford has been putting up good Numbers fantasy wise I roll with him.49ers def is reeling he should produce good numbers.keep an eye on pryor if he starts I would pick him up and start him I believe he has a good matchup.
Is stephen hill NJY worth a WW pickup and redraft and / or synasty leagues?
if you have a spot he is worth a stash and start on bye weeks it looks like him and Geno a getting a good rapport.
Hey guys, I need some roster and start/sit advice.
First, which 2 RB’s would you start from:
Trent @ Jax,
Lamar @ NO
Gio Bernard @ Cle
Moreno vs Phi
Second, which 2 WR’s would you start from:
E.Sanders @Minn
Givens vs SF
Hopkins vs Sea
And finally a little roster advice:
Eddie Royal is available:
Would you guys drop either Harvin or Sanders to pick up Royal?
Thanks guys!
I like TR/Miller for rbs and gotta go with Hopkins/givens they all have tough matchups. If dynasty I pickup harvin if Redraft keep what you got till we hear some news on Harvin.
Hey bddavidson,
Thanks for the reply!
I actually already have Harvin. I was just curious if you’d drop Harvin or Sanders to pick-up Royal off waivers?
Thanks!
Should I sell Edelman high for T.Y. Hilton?
redraft keep Edelman dynasty get TY.
With Bell 100%, is it crazy to start him over Lamar Miller? 0.5 ppr.
I still start Miller, we don’t know how well healed that foot is and much work he will get..Miller is safer play for me until we see what happens with Bell in that offense.
Thanks for the quick response. That was kind of the way I was leaning, but the excitement of a “new toy” in Bell gets me thinking I want to use him sooner. I needed someone to settle me down.
Smitty,
Was offered Daryl Richardson for B.Bolden
What do you think?
lateral move get the player you like best IMO.
I need some last minute Start/Bench advice! Do I start Kaepernick tonight vs STL or RG3 vs the Raiders. The scoring is 1pt per 25 passing, 4 per TD pass, and 6 per td Run…
Little late on this. Who did you roll with?
I pulled Kaep at the last min and and plugged in RG3. Kaep looked alot better but still didnt exactly tear up the fantasy stat sheet…
@Smitty and all: I’m looking for a flex starter this week. Standard NFL.com scoring. I decided to put Gio in the RB2 slot that leaves me with Pierce (who was my RB2 last week but it looks like Rice will play), L. Miller, TY, Hopkins (but I figure he is a no against the Seattle secondary), and Edleman . Right now I plan on rolling with TY. It is the darn Rice being healthy or not that has me stumped. Thoughts? I’m 3-0 and I would like to move to 4-0! I think this decision is what decides my week.
Pierce if Rice doesn’t play, so just keep on the news. If he plays, I still consider Pierce, but Hilton is the guy I’d consider, sure. Miller could breakout, we shall see. Edelman is your safest player if it’s PPR, Hilton is your home run or bust, Pierce is must-start if Rice out. Trust your gut, there is no easy answer with such names.
Hey Smitty, I’m not sure if I agree with T.Y. Hilton doing well this week… i feel like the colts are going to get on an early lead and run the rest of the game, right?… which is actually good for me cause I have TRich, which brings me to my question. Who should I start as my flex? Hilton, Bowe, or Miller. I’m not sure if I feel comfortable starting hilton, so I’m sorta in between bowe and miller. I absolutely hate how alex smith is not passing to bowe, but I feel like whenever any talented wr does bad, they blow it up the next week…, but i think I’m leaning towards miller cause i also have brees and graham and i like having a lot of players on MNF. Your Opinion?
Well, as I said, Hilton is home run or bust, so I have downside in Hilton as well. But home run ability is there. Miller is risky, but I still like him this week. Trust your gut.
Would you trade Lamar Miller for TY Hilton straight up? 0.5 PPR.
It’s too close to call. As stated above, these two have been talked about together already, it’s Hilton (home run/with bust factor) vs. Miller (a touch more steady, but clearly he needs touches before he can be considered ready to hit that home run). Both could explode, both could disappoint this week. I love both talent wise, the only reason both aren’t locks to be elite talents at their positions is due to coaching and workload. Something I hope gets ironed out shortly.
After watching the entire game last night, the Ram’s offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer should get fired. He destroyed Sanchez’s career and the Jets offense and now he is going to destroy Bradford and Rams offense as well. This guy’s offense ruins a QB’s career for sure.
Well, let’s keep in mind that was SF’s defense, and Bradford and gang had done some good things earlier in Weeks 1 and 2. Bradford had 299 and 2TDs and 352 and 3TDs in both weeks. STL played awful, no question, but it’s a touch early to start ignoring weeks 1 and 2 because of Weeks 3 and 4. Just my two cents.
Smitty, which 2 would you start? Gio, McFadden, J. Bell, D. Wilson, or L. Bell.
I’m gonna flex TY this week. Need an RB1 and RB2.
Well as usual, I’ll point to my projections, which have Gio and Wilson pegged to score the most. L Bell is intriguing, but I wanna see him play a bit before I count on him. McFadden is always a high-risk,high-reward paly. Bell is still solid, but dropped a big with Bush playing.
BRADSHAW OUT for SUNDAY!
Trich, it’s time to shine, buddy!
Ok I need a little help guys. This guy wants dez or a.j for Trent. I personally like the trade. Just wanted to know y’all’s thoughts?
I would go dez for trent. If bradshaw’s neck is bad, trent’s gonna have all the carries the rest of the season.
Trade values suggest you should be getting more, though. But I keep AJG for sure. Get more.
Smitty,
Flex. TY or Miller ?
As I said above, this one is no easy choice. Hilton is home run with bust factor (bust relating to his usage) and Miller is the steady (but we’re waiting for his coaching staff to use him more as well. Hilton has a bit more home run appeal as of now given he can still do serious damage with 2-3 catches. Miller needs 15-2- carries. I hope both teams decide to use both players more soon. Their inability to score tons of fantasy points has everything to do with coaching, not talent. Both could be huge down the stretch.
Anyone throwin dwayne harris out there this week w austin out? Is he a better choice then a boom or bust wr 3/4 like jeffery or broyles?
I think they are all in that bunch that can boom or bust.
Hey Smitty. The Wilson owner owns SF’s backfield, and his TEs are Fred Davis and Dallas Clark. I have Witten, Cook, Cameron, Kelce & Reed at TE.
Thinking of offering Lattimore & either Cook or Cameron for Wilson & ABrown.
I know you LOVE Cook, and your silence about Cameron is deafening. The calc has
Cook a bit higher than Cameron. Doesn’t Cameron have a higher floor, and a similar ceiling to Cook?
Do you make the offer, and if so, does it include Cook or Cameron?
I go get Wilson in that deal, sure. And I’m real high on Cameron, not sure what ya mean. The rankings prove that, but I’ve written about him more than a little. Trade whichever TE gets it done.
Sorry, didn’t mean anything derogatory–you know I’m always teasing.
I didn’t recall as much about Cameron as our other favorites. I think it’s about timing, like when I didn’t check in just before Julius Thomas broke out; I dropped him, only to find you had been touting him the whole time I was gone. Won’t make that mistake again…
Flex question: Fleener or Bolden?
I always leave these for the mods, as my projections speak for me. Without looking at my own projections I say Bolden is prob listed higher by a touch.
I need 2 Rb’s out of the following in a ppr; Gio,David Wilson, LeVeon Bell? Who’s the odd man out
My thoughts are in the projections, Wilson and Gio. Bell could push Wilson in a bit, but I need to see him looking fully healthy first.
Eddie Royal is available. This is a non-ppr league, and we start 3 WR’s.
Would you guys drop either Harvin or Sanders to pick up Royal?
My current WR’s are: Julio, Hopkins, Givens, E. Sanders, Harvin
Also, if you recommend Royal, should I play him over Hopkins?
Thank You!
Over Sanders, yeah. He and Hopkins are as close as you can get. Royal by a hair. Well, but honestly either could outscore the other any week.
Is Isiah pead worth holding in a 14 team league? Is he done in St. Louis?
Depends on the other player you’d pick up.
Smitty!
I need your input on the line up. 0.5PPR, 12 team league.
RB: Rice, MJD, DeMarco, Quizz, Mathews
WR: Marshall, TY, Mike Williams, Donnie Avery.
I need 2rb, 2wr, and a flex.
Thanks in advance.
Gotta stay on the Rice news on this, but Rice, MJD, Murray, Marshall, TY are the picks. Rodgers for Rice I guess if Rice can’t go, but Avery is playing decent.
Antonio Brown or Josh Gordon? 1 pt. PPR
Cecil Shorts or Joique Bell for Flex? Standard
Thanks!
Gordon, for this week (by a hair), and on the season. I like Shorts and Bell.
Need some start sit advice:
(All PPRs)
RB2 : Jaquizz, Ball, D Wilson, Mathews, or McGahee (yuck, I know, D Wilson has really put me in a bind)
WR/TE: (pick 2) Cameron, Nicks, Hopkins, Mi Floyd
RB 2: Lamar Miller or Pierce
rb 2 I start quizz
wr-cameron/Hopkins
miller over pierce as I hear RR is playing. GL