Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 29th, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Network: FOX
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts: Start, QB1
Jalen Hurts had an up-and-down performance in Week 3, throwing for 311 yards and an interception and not scoring a touchdown through the air or on the ground. It could be a glimpse into what to expect in Week 4. The Buccaneers are allowing opposing Quarterbacks time to throw them all, but their bend-and-not-break defense has not allowed a passing touchdown all season long. Expect Hurts to rely on his legs some more in this one, as both AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are looking like they could miss this week’s game.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley: Start, RB1
Saquon Barkley’s incredible season continues as he eclipsed 150 all-purpose yards. He faces a soft run defense in Week 4 with the Bucs, who are in the bottom third of the league against opposing running backs. With the injuries mounting for the Eagles, expect Barkley to be the focal point of the offense. Continue to roll him out with confidence.
Wide Receiver
SIT Them All
In a world without AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles wide receivers are going to be a group you avoid in Week 4. Jahan Dotson should probably see the most run here, but I am not going to trust that heading into an important Week 4 matchup before bye weeks hit. If Smith does play and is fully cleared soon, he could be in the WR2/3 range, but it will be one to monitor as we head towards game time.
Tight End
Dallas Goedert: Start, TE1
Dallas Goedert looks to be the only player with healthy skills on the offense other than Saquon Barkley. He comes in as my TE5 this week, and he could get a small bump even higher if we get confirmation on Smith being out soon. Goedert has a chance at volume this week, and that is rarely the case for the veteran tight end.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: Sit, QB2
Baker Mayfield fell back to earth on Sunday as he threw for just 163 yards and one touchdown while also throwing his second interception of the season. In Week 4, Mayfield will face one of the most formidable defenses against opposing Quarterbacks. Baker has proven he can contribute to fantasy rosters, but this week, he is better suited for your bench.
Running Back
Rachaad White: FLEX Option
Bucky Irving: FLEX Option
Rachaad White and Bucky Irving are rapidly approaching a 50/50 timeshare when it comes to the running back touches. Irving has proven he is the better option on the ground. Head coach Todd Bowles has stated Irving has earned more playing time. The good news is that it makes Irving a viable FLEX player; the bad thing is that this will limit the ceiling of both players for the foreseeable future. Both White and Irving have a tough matchup in Week 4 against the Eagles, who have allowed the 12th fewest points to opposing fantasy running backs.
Wide Receiver
Chris Godwin: Start, WR1
Mike Evans: Start, WR2
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have both been involved to varying degrees in this offense, but Godwin’s slot usage has been the most prolific part of the Bucs offense. It is unlikely that Evans will stay down for long as one of the most prolific and consistent wide receivers in the last decade. Not only that, but the Eagles have allowed the third most points to fantasy wide receivers this season. I expect Evans to be in the WR2 range this week as Baker attempts to get back on track.
Tight End
Cade Otton: Sit
The tight end position has been bad, and Cade Otton, a popular post-hype sleeper candidate, has not been exempt from this poor showing. Otton can remain on waivers.
i feel like only the thursday game should be posted on thursday and the rest of the games on friday.. after this is posted there is so much more player news with practice sits etc that a lot of what youre writing is no longer valid and the opinion is void.
for example: damien pierce was limited just today. so akers should be a viable start if he doesnt play.
Hey, thanks for reading and commenting! We try to get all of our recommendations out on Thursday so that you have all that information in case you’re on the fence between a guy that plays on Thursday vs. Sunday. We don’t always have all of the information because of the timing with practice reports, but we try to update things as we get more info. As for the Texans backfield, I’m still a bit hesitant to recommend Akers, but he could have an easier time this week against the Jags than he did last week against the Vikings.
This list used to be a lot more nuanced in the past. Talking about #3 / #4 players and ranking them as such. Now it seems like every player if they’re not a #1 or #2 at their position they are simply a sit. I don’t need to know to start my top players it’s the flex ones in the middle I need a write up on. Wish this list was as thorough as years past.
Thanks for this feedback! We try and do our best to cover as many fantasy-relevant players as possible, and you can check out our list of weekly rankings to see how everyone stacks up. Is there a player or two I can help provide a more detailed breakdown of for you?
Having Anthony Richardson as a Start and Sam Darnold as a Sit is fantasy malpractice.
Hey, thanks for reading. I personally think Richardson has the higher ceiling this week with his rushing upside and Darnold has a hostile environment this week heading into Green Bay. If you personally want to see more out of Richardson before giving him the start again, I completely understand!