Tag: NFL Week 4

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 4

Injuries galore means the waiver wire action will be busy entering Week 4.

Welcome to Week 4. Now is the time where you start to get an idea of whether your team is a pretender or a contender. Bye weeks are about to be introduced, and the roster decisions become even more important in deeper IDP formats. We’re here to give you that edge over your competition with those key roster decisions.

Defensive linemen

DE Carl Lawson, Cincinnati Bengals

Lawson almost made our list after a solid Week 1 performance. He busted out with eight tackles (four solo) and two sacks in Week 3. The Bengals have decent matchups with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens the next two weeks. They have combined for 12 sacks allowed in the first three games. Lawson is a good injury replacement or a future bye-week sub.

DT Jonathan Allen, Washington Football Team

It’s fairly rare for an interior lineman to make a splash in fantasy, but Allen has done just that. He filled the stat sheet last week with nine tackles (seven solo) and a sack. He’s a top-10 defensive lineman in most leagues, and he should be picked up for depth at the very least.

Linebackers

OLB Kyzir White, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are one of the teams that have been hit hardest by injuries, but White has been a bright spot. He tallied 18 tackles (13 solo) the last two weeks to put himself in prime position for the waiver-wire plucking.

ILB Ty Summers, Green Bay Packers

The Pack lost starter Christian Kirksey (shoulder) for at least one game, and possibly more, last week. Summers stepped up in relief with nine tackles (six solo) in Week 3. He figures to be busy against the Atlanta Falcons Monday night.

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OLB Damien Wilson, Kansas City Chiefs

Another week, another standout Kansas City defensive player to consider. Wilson has made some noise the last two weeks with 15 tackles (10 solo), and he’s one of the top point scorers at the position during the period. The upside isn’t there every week, but he’ll be an option to mix and match moving forward.

Defensive backs

FS Julian Love, New York Giants

SS Jabrill Peppers (ankle) went down with an ankle sprain last week, and Love stepped in with 11 tackles (10 solo) in a breakout game. While Peppers may not miss a lot of time, Love has been making plays all season with eight tackles and an interception in the other two games combined. It’s hard to find the quality safety help he’ll provide.

CB Levi Wallace, Buffalo Bills

The third-year man has been busy in the first three games with 21 tackles (15 solo) and an interception. He’s clearly benefiting from one of the best corners in the game opposite him in Tre’Davious White as offenses are avoiding him. Wallace could continue to eat a few more weeks before teams adjust.

Jonathan Vilma to call his first Saints game for FOX Sports

Super Bowl 44-winning New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma will be in the FOX Sports broadcast booth for Week 4’s Detroit Lions game

[jwplayer AsRFrc3D-ThvAeFxT]

Here’s a name known well to many New Orleans Saints fans: Jonathan Vilma. The Super Bowl XLIV-winning linebacker will be in the FOX Sports broadcast booth for Week 4’s road game against the Detroit Lions, his first brush with the Saints since leaving ESPN’s college football coverage team earlier this year.

Vilma has been working as a color analyst, paired with longtime play-by-play man Kenny Albert in the booth and Shannon Spake reporting from the sidelines. He was on hand to see his old rival Atlanta Falcons choke another big lead for a loss in Week 3 (this time to the Chicago Bears, after losing in similar fashion to the Dallas Cowboys a week earlier) but did a great job keeping his composure.

Now he’ll get something of a reunion with the Saints. Vilma joined Jonathan Stinchcomb and sideline reporter Meghan Payton to cover the 2019 Saints preseason games, so this is a role he’s used to playing. He’s also remained close with Saints coach Sean Payton and some of his old teammates in the locker room over the years, so he’s as clued-in as anyone else could hope to be.

Saints games have made for must-see television this season, which means Vilma can expect a large audience when they travel to Detroit. The matchup is scheduled for a noon CT kickoff on FOX affiliates across the country, but check back with us soon for exact details on which markets will be carrying the game.

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Is it fair to let the Texans practice if the Vikings aren’t?

The Houston Texans take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, who could be working virtually all week. Does that create a competitive disadvantage?

The Houston Texans take on the Minnesota Vikings Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium, and the home side may be getting a little more than homefield advantage with 13,300 fans in attendance.

Because the Vikings played the Tennessee Titans, who had three players and five non-player personnel test positive for COVID-19, Minnesota has had to work virtually and suspend in-person club activities until further notice. While there has not been any word on the Vikings canceling practice, as the Titans have through Saturday, the fact is Minnesota’s game prep has been paused as far as the in-person activities are concerned.

If the Vikings can’t practice, will that create a competitive advantage for the Texans, who can?

If the Vikings have to cancel Wednesday’s practice at a minimum, how much of a disadvantage does that create for the visiting team when Houston gets to have their full complement of three practices ahead of the game?

Of course the nature of the NFL’s 16-game schedule, where every contest is proportional to a playoff game, creates its own anxiety. However, there is added tension considering both squads are 0-3 and desperately need that first win. Taking another loss at this point could be a morale killer.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are still operating with their normal game week schedule. Players are off on Tuesday, but the first practice is still scheduled for Wednesday.

Rest of season rankings: Week 4

Assessing the fantasy football landscape as we approach Week 4 of the NFL season.

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Patrick Mahomes, KC
10
2
 Russell Wilson, SEA
6
3
 Lamar Jackson, BAL
8
1
 I simply like what I’m seeing from Mahomes and Wilson more
4
 Kyler Murray, ARI
8
5
 Dak Prescott, DAL
10
eventually Dallas is going to establish a running game, right?

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
6
 Josh Allen, BUF
11
Allen’s decision making was dicey at times vs the Rams
7
 Aaron Rodgers, GB
5
8
 Deshaun Watson, HOU
8
6
 I still think things could improve for Watson
9
 Matt Ryan, ATL
10
10
 Cam Newton, NE
6
continuing to gather intel on Newton but not dropping him
11
 Tom Brady, TB
13
12
 Drew Brees, NO
6
14
 Kamara & Thomas allow Brees to be ordinary and still produce
13
 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
8
14
 Jared Goff, LAR
9
16
 I really liked what I saw from the Rams in the second half Sunday
15
 Gardner Minshew, JAC
7
terrible performance in a featured spot

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
16
 Joe Burrow, CIN
9
19
17
 Ryan Tannehill, TEN
7
20
18
 Matthew Stafford, DET
5
19
 Carson Wentz, PHI
9
20
 Daniel Jones, NYG
11
15
 that was a disheartening & dismal performance by the Giants
21
 Baker Mayfield, CLE
9
serious game manager vibes in Cleveland right now
22
 Philip Rivers, IND
7
23
 Jimmy Garoppolo, SF
11
Nick Mullens’ play in Week 3 means they won’t rush Jimmy G back
24
 Derek Carr, LVR
6
25
 Justin Herbert, LAC
10
I’d bump up Herbert, but I have no idea what Anthony Lynn has in mind

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
26
 Ryan Fitzpatrick, MIA
11
32
 at least there’s weekly upside with Fitzpatrick
27
 Teddy Bridgewater, CAR
13
28
 Kirk Cousins, MIN
7
Justin Jefferson’s play was encouraging
29
 Sam Darnold, NYJ
11
if Darnold keeps playing like this, Trevor Lawrence will be a Jet
30
 Drew Lock, DEN
8
31
 Dwayne Haskins, WAS
8
32
 Nick Foles, CHI
11
35
 say it with me…
33
 Mitchell Trubisky, CHI
11
27
 …there is no plan in Chicago
34
 Tyrod Taylor, LAC
10
35
 Jeff Driskel, DEN
8
36
 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
11

Running backs

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Alvin Kamara, NO
6
2
 he was nearly unstoppable on SNF
2
 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
10
3
 Dalvin Cook, MIN
7
4
 Derrick Henry, TEN
7
5
 Henry gets so many touches each week
5
 Aaron Jones, GB
5
6
 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
10
nice showing against a tough defense

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
7
 Austin Ekeler, LAC
10
vintage Ekeler in Week 3; get that guy the ball in space
8
 Nick Chubb, CLE
9
10
 if Hunt weren’t there, Chubb would be in the top tier
9
 Josh Jacobs, LVR
6
10
 James Conner, PIT
8
15
 injuries are a concern, but his upside is obvious
11
 Miles Sanders, PHI
9
12
 Chris Carson, SEA
6
Carson injured his knee on a questionable tackle, expected to miss 1-2 games
13
 Christian McCaffrey, CAR
13
14
 Joe Mixon, CIN
9
9
 Mixon shook off a slow start last year; he needs to do it again
15
 Melvin Gordon III, DEN
8
13
 he might be running into nine-man fronts by Week 5
16
 Kenyan Drake, ARI
8
17
 David Montgomery, CHI
11
21
 with Tarik Cohen lost for the year, Montgomery’s role should increase
18
 Todd Gurley II, ATL
10
19
 Raheem Mostert, SF
11
he missed Week 3 with a knee injury & SF’s ground game sputtered
20
 Kareem Hunt, CLE
9
21
 Jonathan Taylor, IND
7

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
22
 James Robinson, JAC
7
26
 another strong week and he could bump up a tier
23
 Devin Singletary, BUF
11
Buffalo will run more once it gets colder, right? Right!??
24
 David Johnson, HOU
8
25
 Antonio Gibson, WAS
8
26
 Le’Veon Bell, NYJ
11
22
 nothing about the Jets is encouraging
27
 Myles Gaskin, MIA
11
35
 he’s clearly the primary back, but he’s not getting goal line touches
28
 Darrell Henderson, LAR
9
56
 LA’s running game looked crisp vs. BUF and Henderson was the main man
29
 Mark Ingram, BAL
8
25
30
 Latavius Murray, NO
6
31
 Ronald Jones, TB
13
it looks like the plan in TB is to ride the hot hand…
32
 Leonard Fournette, TB
13
32
 …which is a brutal week-to-week scenario for fantasy owners

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
33
 J.K. Dobbins, BAL
8
31
34
 James White, NE
6
27
 following the tragedy involving White’s parents it’s unclear when he’ll return
35
 Mike Davis, CAR
13
36
 Phillip Lindsay, DEN
8
missed his second in a row but could return Thursday night
37
 Sony Michel, NE
6
if it’s possible to have negative clarity, that’s the NE ground game right now
38
 Adrian Peterson, DET
5
46
39
 Davonta Freeman, NYG
11
NR
 I’d expect Freeman to get the majority of the carries in NY
40
 Zack Moss, BUF
11
41
 Jamaal Williams, GB
5
42
 Kerryon Johnson, DET
5
43
 Jerick McKinnon, SF
11
McKinnon bowed out with a rib injury of unknown severity
44
 Joshua Kelley, LAC
10
45
 Cam Akers, LAR
9
30
 was a DNP in Week 3 with a rib injury; in his absence, Henderson played great
46
 Matt Breida, MIA
11
47
 Boston Scott, PHI
9
37
 Scott can’t get a sniff on a team with few weapons
48
 Nyheim Hines, IND
7
49
 Carlos Hyde, SEA
6
he could see more action if Carson misses meaningful time
50
 Alexander Mattison, MIN
7
51
 Frank Gore, NYJ
11
Gore must really love football to play for the Jets at age 37
52
 D’Andre Swift, DET
5
50
 one touch in Week 3
53
 Duke Johnson Jr., HOU
8
54
 Benny Snell Jr., PIT
8
55
 Tevin Coleman, SF
11
36
 landed on IR w/ a knee injury but is expected to return this season
56
 Jordan Howard, MIA
11
the dreaded touchdown vulture
57
 Malcolm Brown, LAR
9
48
 I see Henderson or Akers getting most of the carries each week
58
 Chris Thompson, JAC
7
59
 Dion Lewis, NYG
11
41
 Lewis had almost no role in Week 3
60
 Peyton Barber, WAS
8
61
 Jeff Wilson, SF
11
NR
 somebody has to carry the ball for the 49ers
62
 Tony Pollard, DAL
10
63
 Chase Edmonds, ARI
8
64
 Darrel Williams, KC
10
65
 Damien Harris, NE
6
he’s eligible to return from IR in Week 4
66
 AJ Dillon, GB
5
67
 Rex Burkhead, NE
6
NR
 another Pats back just to further muddy the waters; thanks, Bill
68
 Justin Jackson, LAC
10
69
 Giovani Bernard, CIN
9
70
 Bryce Love, WAS
8
59

Wide receivers

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Michael Thomas, NO
6
appears ready to return after missing two straight games
2
 DeAndre Hopkins, ARI
8
3
 the only one of my top four WRs to actually play in Week 3
3
 Davante Adams, GB
5
he was a GTD Sunday and gets an extra day to prepare
4
 Julio Jones, ATL
10
like Adams, Jones sat with a hamstring injury but plays on MNF in Week 4
5
 Tyreek Hill, KC
10
6
 Mike Evans, TB
13
two catches, two yards, two TDs
7
 Kenny Golladay, DET
5
8
 D.J. Moore, CAR
13
9
 JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT
8
10
 Calvin Ridley, ATL
10
12
11
 Chris Godwin, TB
13
7
 Godwin is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury
12
 Tyler Lockett, SEA
6
15

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
13
 A. Robinson II, CHI
11
14
 DK Metcalf, SEA
6
20
15
 Stefon Diggs, BUF
11
16
 Odell Beckham Jr., CLE
9
11
 Cleveland is suddenly a run-first squad
17
 Adam Thielen, MIN
7
18
 Cooper Kupp, LAR
9
19
 Amari Cooper, DAL
10
20
 Keenan Allen, LAC
10
25
 he’d be higher if I was convinced Taylor won’t get that job back
21
 Robert Woods, LAR
9
22
 Terry McLaurin, WAS
8
26
 imagine what he could do in an NFL offense
23
 A.J. Brown, TEN
7
16
 Brown missed a second game due to a bone bruise that hasn’t healed well
24
 Julian Edelman, NE
6
25
 DJ Chark Jr., JAC
7
how bad did JAX look without Chark last Thursday?

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
26
 Brandin Cooks, HOU
8
27
 Michael Gallup, DAL
10
picking between Gallup and Lamb each week might prove problematic
28
 T.Y. Hilton, IND
7
27
29
 Marvin Jones, DET
5
30
 Robby Anderson, CAR
13
31
 Diontae Johnson, PIT
8
suffered a concussion in Week 3
32
 Tyler Boyd, CIN
9
41
 basically swapping Boyd and Green based on early results
33
 CeeDee Lamb, DAL
10
34
 Darius Slayton, NYG
11
43
 bumping Slayton and dropping Tate; I just prefer Slayton’s upside
35
 Marquise Brown, BAL
8
36
 Allen Lazard, GB
5
54
 came up big with Davante Adams sidelined
37
 DeVante Parker, MIA
11
38
 Jerry Jeudy, DEN
8
39
 Jarvis Landry, CLE
9
32
 Cleveland isn’t throwing the football
40
 Jamison Crowder, NYJ
11
he could return this Thursday after missing two games
41
 Will Fuller, HOU
8
45
42
 Golden Tate, NYG
11
31
43
 A.J. Green, CIN
9
34
44
 Anthony Miller, CHI
11
45
 Mecole Hardman, KC
10
46
 John Brown, BUF
11
Brown injured his calf against the Rams and did not return
47
 Deebo Samuel, SF
11
48
 Christian Kirk, ARI
8
41
 Kirk was a P on Sunday with a groin injury
49
 Cole Beasley, BUF
11
50
 Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB
5
51
 Justin Jefferson, MIN
7
61
 his play was a silver lining in MIN’s Week 3 loss
52
 Preston Williams, MIA
11
48
 he just doesn’t look right coming back from a torn ACL
53
 Corey Davis, TEN
7
59

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
54
 DeSean Jackson, PHI
9
52
 D-Jax left Week 3 with a bad hammy but there’s hope he’ll play in Week 4
55
 Brandon Aiyuk, SF
11
another game like Sunday and Aiyuk is moving up
56
 N’Keal Harry, NE
6
64
57
 Hunter Renfrow, LVR
6
79
 he seems to be Carr’s most trusted WR target
58
 Emmanuel Sanders, NO
6
68
 maybe Sunday night will jump start his season
59
 Bryan Edwards, LVR
6
60
 Henry Ruggs III, LVR
6
50
 Ruggs missed Week 3 with a hamstring injury
61
 Chase Claypool, PIT
8
NR
 some nice flashes from Claypool early on
62
 Michael Pittman Jr., IND
7
Recovering from compartment syndrome leg surgery
63
 Scotty Miller, TB
13
69
64
 Randall Cobb, HOU
8
74
65
 B. Perriman, NYJ
11
he’s set to miss another game with an ankle issue
66
 Mike Williams, LAC
10
probably the most talented player in this tier; he simply can’t stay healthy
67
 Chris Conley, JAC
7
55
 Conley was awful last Thursday night
68
 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
8
69
 Sammy Watkins, KC
10
70
 Sterling Shepard, NYG
11
56
 placed on IR with a toe injury
71
 Danny Amendola, DET
5
72
 James Washington, PIT
8
53
73
 Tee Higgins, CIN
9
NR
74
 Van Jefferson, LAR
9
75
 Russell Gage, ATL
10
Gage suffered a concussion in Week 3
76
 Jalen Reagor, PHI
9
64
 a thumb injury is expected to keep Reagor out for several games
77
 Kendrick Bourne, SF
11
78
 Braxton Berrios, NYJ
11
NR
 hard to say what role he’ll have when Perriman and Crowder return
79
 Curtis Samuel, CAR
13
80
 Alshon Jeffery, PHI
9
Jeffery appears to be nearing his 2020 debut

Tight ends

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Travis Kelce, KC
10
2
 George Kittle, SF
11
Kittle missed his second straight in Week 3 but could return Sunday night
3
 Zach Ertz, PHI
9
6
 who else is left to catch the ball in Philly?
4
 Darren Waller, LVR
6
has anyone ever been more effective at taking something away than Belichick?
5
 Mark Andrews, BAL
8
6
 Tyler Higbee, LAR
9

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
7
 Noah Fant, DEN
8
8
 Hunter Henry, LAC
10
9
 Jared Cook, NO
6
Cook injured his groin in Week 3; it’s unknown how serious the injury is
10
 Evan Engram, NYG
11

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
11
 Jonnu Smith, TEN
7
15
 he just continues to make plays
12
 Hayden Hurst, ATL
10
13
 Mike Gesicki, MIA
11
14
 T.J. Hockenson, DET
5
15
 Rob Gronkowski, TB
13
finally some signs of life…
16
 Dallas Goedert, PHI
9
13
 Goedert will miss time with an ankle injury
17
 Dalton Schultz, DAL
10
25
18
 Jordan Akins, HOU
8
19
 Austin Hooper, CLE
9
16
 still nothing from Hooper as CLE focuses on the run game
20
 Jimmy Graham, CHI
11
30
 a Jimmy Graham resurgence!?!?
21
 Eric Ebron, PIT
8
24
22
 Mo Alie-Cox, IND
7
NR
 he’s showing a nice rapport with Rivers

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
23
 Chris Herndon, NYJ
11
16
 even with limited options Herndon can’t get going
24
 Robert Tonyan, GB
5
NR
 he’s the current TE1 in GB, not Sternberger
25
 Tyler Eifert, JAC
7
21
26
 Greg Olsen, SEA
6
27
 Jack Doyle, IND
7
17
 Alie-Cox seems to be the top TE in Indy right now
28
 O.J. Howard, TB
13
32
29
 Ian Thomas, CAR
13
30
 Irv Smith, MIN
7
22
 I warned him last week
31
 Drew Sample, CIN
9
32
 Logan Thomas, WAS
8
33
 Devin Asiasi, NE
6
34
 Dawson Knox, BUF
11
35
 Gerald Everett, LAR
9

Defensive teams

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Ravens
8
I doubt anyone will handle them the way KC did the rest of the way
2
 Steelers
8
3
 Bills
11
their second-half collapse raises some questions
4
 49ers
11
5
 Colts
7
9
 even given lesser competition, Indy has been exceptional this season

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
6
 Patriots
6
7
 Saints
6
4
 there have to be some concerns in the Big Easy
8
 Chiefs
10
9
 Rams
9
10
10
 Buccaneers
13
11
11
 Bears
11
12
 Chargers
10

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
13
 Packers
5
14
 Browns
9
NR
 they’ve looked good recently, albeit against a couple shaky offenses
15
 Washington
8
NR
16
 Broncos
8
17
 Eagles
9
18
 Cardinals
8
19
 Texans
8
20
 Titans
7
NR

Titans, Vikings suspend in-person activities; is Texans’ Week 4 game in doubt?

The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings have stopped in-person activities this week. Will it affect the Houston Texans in Week 4?

[jwplayer DlYDdbL9]

The Tennessee Titans had eight positive COVID tests following their Week 3 encounter with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Three of the positive individuals were players and five were unspecified personnel.

The Titans suspended all in-person club activities through Saturday, and the Vikings, who have not had any positives, similarly followed suit.

What does this have to do with the Houston Texans? Everything.

The Texans play the Vikings in Week 4 at NRG Stadium, in what is intended to be the first game with fans at home. If subsequent contact tracing and testing reveals Vikings players were exposed, then it could put the Texans-Vikings game in question.

The Texans also take on the Titans in Week 6 in Nashville.

The NFL has dealt with its share of positive tests when teams were in their bubbles for training camp. After three full weeks of traveling and games, the NFL is getting a true test of how it can handle COVID-19.

NFL Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 4

The Week 4 NFL predictions, TV schedules, game previews, fantasy players to watch, and game times.

The Week 4 NFL predictions, TV schedules, game previews, fantasy players to watch, and game times.

All Listed Gametimes EST

[jwplayer 4KNFYVkX]

All previews to come this week

Thursday, October 1

Denver at NY Jets

– Denver at NY Jets Prediction, Preview
8:20 NFL
Line: Denver -3, o/u: 40
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Sunday, October 4

Indianapolis at Chicago

– Indianapolis at Chicago Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Indianapolis -2.5, o/u: 44.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Jacksonville at Cincinnati

– Jacksonville at Cincinnati Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Cincinnati -3, o/u: 48
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Cleveland at Dallas

– Cleveland at Dallas Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Dallas -4.5, o/u: 46
– Bet on this at BetMGM

New Orleans at Detroit

– New Orleans at Detroit Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: New Orleans -4, o/u: 54.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Pittsburgh at Tennessee

– Pittsburgh at Tennessee Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Pittsburgh -1, o/u: 47
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Seattle at Miami

– Seattle at Miami Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Seattle -6.5, o/u: 54.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

LA Chargers at Tampa Bay

– LA Chargers at Tampa Bay Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Tampa Bay -7.5, o/u: 45
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Baltimore at Washington

– Baltimore at Washington Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Baltimore -13.5, o/u: 51
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Arizona at Carolina

– Arizona at Carolina Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Arizona -4, o/u: 52
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Minnesota at Houston

– Minnesota at Houston Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Houston -3.5, o/u: 53.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

NY Giants at LA Rams

– NY Giants at LA Rams Prediction, Preview
4:05 FOX
Line: LA Rams -13, o/u: 47
– Bet on this at BetMGM

[lawrence-related id=520021]

New England at Kansas City

– New England at Kansas City Prediction, Preview
4:25 CBS
Line: Kansas City -7, o/u: 53.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Buffalo at Las Vegas

– Buffalo at Las Vegas Prediction, Preview
4:25 CBS
Line: Buffalo -3, o/u: 52.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Philadelphia at San Francisco

– Philadelphia at San Francisco Prediction, Preview
8:20 NBC
Line: San Francisco -6.5, o/u: 45
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Monday, October 5

Atlanta at Green Bay

– Atlanta at Green Bay Prediction, Preview
8:15 ESPN
Line: Green Bay -7, o/u: 58
– Bet on this at BetMGM

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Texans keep tumbling, fall to No. 24 in Touchdown Wire NFL power rankings

The Houston Texans keep falling in the power rankings, which tends to happen when you go 0-3, and are No. 24 in the Touchdown Wire NFL power rankings.

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The Houston Texans falling in the power rankings is commensurate with each loss they have taken over the past three weeks.

Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire released his weekly power rankings, and the Texans dropped from No. 21 to No. 24.

Not all 0-3 teams are built equally. The Texans have lost to the Chiefs, the Ravens, and the Steelers this season. You could say right now that any one of those three teams are going to represent the AFC in the next Super Bowl, and nobody would bat an eye. And it should come as no surprise that Houston isn’t at that level after all the moves made by Bill O’Brien. Houston has the Vikings, Jaguars, and Titans to deal with in their next three games, which at least gives them opportunities against teams a lot like they are — fundamentally flawed, but officially feisty.

The Texans’ 0-3 is even better than the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals’ 0-2-1, which is technically a better winning percentage than the Texans: .167 to .000.

The Tennessee Titans improved two spots, going from No. 11 to No. 9. The Indianapolis Colts had the largest movement of any AFC South team as they went from No. 20 to No. 10 after thumping the hapless New York Jets 36-7. The Jacksonville Jaguars dropped from No. 15 to No. 23.

Houston is going to be hanging out in the bottom half of the power rankings for the next few weeks, even if they do get a win in each of their next two games. The Texans will have a chance to earn back some national respect if they can take a 2-3 record into their Week 6 matchup with the Titans and come away with victory. At that point, they will be .500 and faring better with two divisional wins. Until then, the Texans have a ton of mediocrity to work through.

Houston Texans allowing fans at NRG Stadium for Week 4 versus Minnesota Vikings

The Houston Texans announced they will allow up to 13,300 fans in the stands at NRG Stadium when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.

The Houston Texans announced there will be fans in the stands for their Week 4 tilt with the Minnesota Vikings at NRG Stadium on Oct. 4.

The seating will be about 20% of the venue’s capacity. Season ticket holders that didn’t defer for the 2020 season have been given the option to purchase tickets for the remaining seven home games, including the Vikings game. Any tickets left will go sale Tuesday at noon at Ticketmaster.com.

No tickets will be sold through the NRG Stadium Box Office. All tickets for 2020 will be mobile tickets only.

All fans ages 10 and up will be required to wear masks on game day, including staff. Only while actively eating or drinking will masks be deferred. Everyone will also be required to maintain six feet of social distancing starting in the parking lots and moving all the way through the entry gates and inside of the stadium itself.

Unlike in Kansas City in Week 1 where Chiefs fans were able to tailgate outside Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 10, the Texans are not allowing tailgating for home games in 2020.

“The health and safety of our fans, our staff, our team and our community have been and will remain our priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” team president Jamey Rootes said. “We look forward to welcoming our home-field advantage back and resuming our cherished Texans gameday traditions. We have been working tirelessly to make changes and implement protocols at NRG Stadium to ensure a safe environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience this great season alongside the best fans in the NFL at NRG Stadium.”

In addition to the social distancing guidelines, the Texans have provided more than 475 hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue along with signs and messages throughout the parking lots to help fans follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

The Texans worked with state and local officials along with Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, who are the club’s landlord at NRG Stadium, as well as ASM Global, CSC, and Aramark to implement COVID-19 protocols required by the NFL and the Centers for Disease Control.

Fantasy football free-agent forecast: Week 4

Despite fewer injuries in Week 3, several fantasy waiver wire options present themselves as we approach the fourth weekend of football.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: none

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Seattle Seahawks

No team has permitted more yards through three weeks than the Seahawks, and injuries to defensive backs Quinton Dunbar, Neiko Thorpe and now star Jamal Adams makes this a matchup in which Fitz can work his magic. The journeyman has been his typically erratic self in 2020, but his weaponry is finally coming around. Preston Williams is only getting healthier after tearing his ACL last year, DeVante Parker (hamstring) is nearing 100 percent, and wideout Isaiah Ford has stepped up of late. TE Mike Gesicki is finding his groove in a new offense, too. If nothing else, while it may include some interceptions, Fitzpatrick could be forced to play keep-up with Russell Wilson and amass serious yardage to go with a few TDs.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $1-2

WATCH LIST

Nick Foles, Chicago Bears

At the time of this writing, Matt Nagy has not officially named Foles the starter for Week 4, but it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion with the dichotomous difference in play between Foles and Mitchell Trubisky. Chicago has enough weapons to keep Foles relevant, should he stay healthy, but the upcoming matchup will be the weather vane. Indianapolis has a quality defense with a strong, proven system. Foles has floundered more than enough as a starter to believe last week’s relief appearance is just who he is as a player — great in a pinch, rarely reliable as the entrenched signal caller. After Indy, Tampa Bay comes to town and is another tough opponent — watch how he performs from a afar for at least Week 4 prior to investing.

Availability: 67%

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks

Starter Chris Carson suffered what is being described as an ankle sprain in Week 3 and will be week-to-week, making Hyde a must-own in fantasy. He’s currently rostered in nearly two-thirds of leagues polled, but he has a pair of favorable matchups prior to a Week 6 bye. It should be presumed we’ll see Carson in Week 7 at Arizona. Week 4 is a trip to Miami, and the Minnesota Vikings come to town in Week 5. Neither defense has found its way just yet against RBs.

Availability: 38%
FAAB: $4-6

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

It wasn’t pretty, but Wilson found the end zone twice in Week 3 after the 49ers lost Raheem Mostert (knee) and Tevin Coleman (knee) in the second game of 2020. The duo of Wilson and Jerick McKinnon will share the chores for now, and both backs get utilized interchangeably in this system. Wilson ran for only 15 yards on 12 carries and found the end zone, but his 3-54-1 line in the passing game gives hope. His value is directly tied to Mostert and Coleman’s health. The latter is on IR and will be eligible to return in three weeks. Mostert’s injury was described as minor. Wilson should be added for the short term and is a fringe play vs. Philly in Week 4 and much more appealing in Week 5, should the Niners need him still at that point.

Availability: 57%
FAAB: $3-4

1-week plug & play

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs

J.J. Taylor saw 11 carries in Week 3, and Sony Michel ran wild on his nine totes, but it was Burkhead who was the most productive back, find the end zone thrice. Now, the major caveat here is what happens with James White, whose status is unclear as he tends to personal matters after a car accident killed his father and left his mother seriously injured. Burkhead’s 10 targets in Week 3 cannot be ignored in the event White is absent once again, because KC’s offense is poised to force the Pats into a pass-heavy script.

Availability: 62%
FAAB: $2-3

Wide Receivers

Priority Free Agent

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

The first-round rookie hauled in a 71-yard catch-and-run TD after blown coverage on a play-action pass from Kirk Cousins. Working predominantly from the slot, Jefferson finished with seven grabs for 175 yards and said score. He was highly productive in a pro-style offense at LSU last year, so there’s huge potential playing for a team with such a porous defense. Explosive play is just what Minnesota needs, even if it comes from poor coverage, but removing that score leaves Jefferson with a noteworthy line of 6-104-0. He should be given an add in all formats, but gamers must be patient in understanding his production could be be all over the place. Houston has been pretty good vs. WRs in the first three games, largely because its run defense is awful, but drool-inducing matchups with Seattle and Atlanta are on the docket before the Week 7 bye.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $6-8

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders

Shaking off hip and thumb issues entering Week 3, Beasley capitalized on a fine slot matchup and a first-half injury suffered by John Brown (calf). The Raiders present a reasonable matchup for gamers looking to fill a void in PPR scoring, and Beasley clearly has Josh Allen’s eye, dating back to last year. In Week 5, when bye weeks resume, the Bills face Tennessee, a defense that had no answer for Minnesota rookie slot receiver Justin Jefferson in Week 3. Depending on the severity of Brown’s injury, Beasley may stick around several weeks with matchups vs. KC and the New York Jets running through Week 7.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers

This one may turn into a longer stay than the one-week matchup vs. the Niners. San Fran could be without its top three cornerbacks for this one, but opportunities for Ward to see more work persist on Philadelphia’s side. The Eagles will be without WR Jalen Reagor (thumb) and likely TE Dallas Goedert (ankle), who is expected to miss some time. Alshon Jeffery may not be ready quite yet, and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) exited last week with an injury of his own. All of that helped lead to Ward — a late-season savior of sorts for the Eagles — to snare eight of his 11 targets, good for 72 yards and a score. After this reasonable matchup, the Steelers and Ravens are on the schedule, which may seem daunting, but someone has to catch the ball. Ward’s roster stay probably doesn’t live longer than two weeks for most situations, unless bye weeks force gamers into desperation mode.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $2-3

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The towering rookie exploited the Philadelphia defense after wrestling the starting lineup away from John Ross, who ended up a healthy scratch in Week 3. Higgins caught five of his nine targets from fellow rookie Joe Burrow, resulting in 40 yards and a pair of scores. Overall, Jacksonville hasn’t been all that good of a matchup for receivers, but allowing a TD per game to the position thus far is encouraging for a wideout whose game will revolve around finding paydirt. And, in fairness, the level of WR competition vs. the Jags has been suspect so far. Higgins has a pair of tough opponents (BAL, IND) after this one, so he’s probably a bench candidate for a few weeks, regardless of how he plays in Week 4.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills

Even though Renfrow and LA Rams receiver Cooper Kupp couldn’t be much different in style of play and physique, it’s worth noting Kupp owned the Bills out of the slot in Week 3. The Jets’ Jamison Crowder — much closer in nature to Renfrow — did the same in Week 1. Renfrow will once again be the likely leading receiver for Derek Carr if Buffalo handles TE Darren Waller like New England did in Week 3. In addition, the Raiders may be without WRs Henry Ruggs (knee, hamstring) and Bryan Edwards (ankle). Another TD from Renfrow may be asking too much of him, but the second-year wideout has a good chance of posting double-digit PPR stats without scoring. The Chiefs are ahead after the Bills, and Renfrow could be useful in that one, too, prior to Vegas’ bye.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

1-week plug & play

Brandon Powell, Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers

How desperate are you feeling? The Falcons could be without two of its top three receivers in Week 4. Julio Jones (hamstring) was inactive in Week 3, and that game saw Russell Gage (concussion) go down. He is in jeopardy of having to sit out vs. the Pack. Green Bay’s offense is clicking, and it will be all hands on deck for the battered Falcons after blowing late leads in consecutive weeks. Dallas is the only team to have surrendered more receiving scores to WRs through three games in 2020, and Powell has a shot at relevance after seeing four targets in Week 3.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0-1

Tight Ends

1-week plug & play

Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons

The fourth-year pro has finally earned a chance to show his skills, and it has resulted in a touchdown each of the past two weeks. He has eight total targets, going for 75 yards on his seven grabs, and Tonyan now draws the second-best fantasy matchup of Week 4 for his position. No team has given up more touchdowns than Atlanta when facing tight ends, and if WR Davante Adams (hamstring) isn’t ready, Aaron Rodgers will have to look elsewhere. Tonyan is a brilliant gamble for a touchdown in Week 4. Afterward, the Packers go on bye and return to a rocky schedule for tight ends. Even with another strong showing by Tonyan, don’t be afraid to drop him after Week 4.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $1-2

grab & stash

Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears

The seasoned veteran still can find the end zone with the right matchup, and he should have four total TDs in 2020, if not for coming up just shy a few weeks back. At any rate, the upcoming tilt with Indianapolis isn’t one of those “right” matchups. Graham’s 10 targets in Week 3 may seem enticing, but Chicago was in catch-up mode vs. a defense that is horrendous against the position. In a pinch, Graham can be deployed for a flier TD gamble, but it really shouldn’t be this week. Add him for depth at this time.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $0-1

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

LA’s defense is just good enough to stymie opponents in the Chargers’ territory. Only Minnesota has granted more field goal attempts to the position than the Bolts’ 11 faced, and only three PATs against ranks as the second fewest entering Monday night’s game between Baltimore (fewest) and KC. Tampa Bay’s inconsistent running game and work-in-progress passing attack should struggle to consistently score touchdowns vs. this defense, especially if Chris Godwin (hamstring) sits again.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $0-1

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings

Going back to the well once again … it was mostly dry in Week 3 after recommending Fairbairn vs. the Steelers, but expecting Houston to score three touchdowns wasn’t part of the equation. The Vikings have given up a least a pair of field goal attempts in each game this year, including an insane six last week. It wasn’t so fluky, though, since Indy kicked four of them the prior week. Trust Fairbairn once more. The matchup is an insane 70.6 percent better than the league average for fantasy points allowed.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Denver Broncos at New York Jets

Defensive life has been rough without Von Miller and A.J. Bouye, but the Broncos have a chance to right the ship vs. the death spiral that is the 2020 Jets season. Sam Darnold threw a pair of interceptions that went the other direction in Week 3, and there are no weapons to speak of around him right now. Furthermore, it’s a short week for New York to regain some of its injured targets, and we’re approaching the point in which even lowly fantasy defenses, like Denver, need to be considered vs. New York.

Availability: 75%
FAAB: $0-1

Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants

Picking on the New York teams wasn’t the intent, but when your offense cannot make anything happen vs. the visiting, injury-ravaged 49ers, all hope is lost. The Giants were without Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard, sure, but something, anything would have been understandable from Daniel Jones and Co. Anyway, the Rams have five takeaways in the past two games and seven total sacks in three games after not recording one against the Eagles in Week 2. Much like with the Jets, we’re approaching the territory where any fantasy defense with a hint of life is a strong play vs. the G-men.

Availability: 51%
FAAB: $0-1

Houston Texans working to have fans at NRG Stadium for Week 4 versus the Minnesota Vikings

The Houston Texans are hopeful to have fans at NRG Stadium for their Week 4 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Houston Texans won’t have fans when they take on the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium this Sunday, but they may have their home faithful the next time they take on an opponent in purple.

According to the Texans’ official Twitter page, the club is working on a plan to have up to 15,000 at their Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

“We are working with city and county officials to gain approval to host up to 15,000 fans at NRG Stadium beginning with our home game versus the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, October 4,” the statement read. “We have implemented all of the rigorous protocols required by the National Football League to ensure the health and safety of our fans, our staff and our team. We look forward to welcoming our home-field advantage back to NRG Stadium and resuming our beloved Texans gameday traditions very soon. We live in the most diverse community in America and nothing brings us together like Houston Texans football.”

The Kansas City Chiefs had fans at Arrowhead Stadium, and the Jacksonville Jaguars did as well at TIAA Bank Field. The Dallas Cowboys are also going to have limited fans at AT&T Stadium Sunday in Arlington.