Sit/Start Week 4: Reviewing All the Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Game Info

Kickoff: Monday, September 30th at 8:15 pm EST

Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

Betting Odds: Pit -4, 43.5 Total via Oddsshark

Network: ESPN

Sleeper Spotlight: Diontae Johnson

 

Cincinnati Bengals

 

Quarterback:

• Andy Dalton (Sit)

 

While I don’t have Andy Dalton as a QB1, I’m on board for starting him in a pinch or 2QB leagues. I wrote about Dalton in my Streaming Quarterbacks article. The Bengals have passed at the third-highest rate this year, 72.92%. Most of that is due to the Bengals being awful and constantly playing from behind. The Steelers defense has allowed the second-most passing yards per game this year, so they’re willing to allow Dalton to be a top 12 quarterback this week. I’m just not sure the Bengals will be playing from behind this week as they have in the first three weeks this year. 

 

Running Backs:

• Joe Mixon (Start/RB2)
• Giovanni Bernard (Sit)

 

Joe Mixon should be in line for a big game, regardless of game script. The Steelers have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game, which has been aided by the missing linebacker Vince Williams. Since leaving their Week 2 game against the Seahawks, opponents have run for 260 yards and three scores on 57 carries. It doesn’t sound like Williams is planning on practicing Thursday, but keep an eye on that news. Mixon had a good showing against a good Bills run defense, putting up 95 total yards and a touchdown on 17 touches. Week 3 saw Giovanni Bernard’s snaps decrease for the second straight week, which is a good thing for Mixon owners, but makes Bernard a sit until we see a bigger workload. Keep an eye on Michael Jordan’s injury status this week, as being without their starting right-guard has certainly affected the run game.

 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

• Tyler Boyd (Start/WR2)
• John Ross (Start/Flex)
• Auden Tate (Sit)
• Tyler Eifert (Sit)
• C.J. Uzomah (Sit)

 

Tyler Boyd has been the Bengals most consistent wide receiver, pulling in a 26% target share. Boyd faired well in a tough matchup against the Bills, catching six of his 11 targets for 67 yards. He should benefit just from facing the Steelers porous secondary, although it remains to be seen how much of a difference the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick will make. After two strong weeks to start the season, John Ross looked like vintage Joe Ross. Spoiler alert, that’s not good. Ross lost a fumble and had a costly drop in the first half that would’ve led to a long first down, his fourth drop of the season. I still have Ross as a flex play, as I don’t see any of the Steelers cornerbacks being able to keep up with the speed of Ross. After seeing a 28% target share in Week 3, I’m taking a wait and see approach with Auden Tate. Ultimately, he will be the receiver most affected by A.J. Green’s return, but if you’re desperate this week, at least it’s in a decent matchup. Tyler Eifert and C.J. Uzomah had just one target each last week and are a sit for me.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Quarterback:

• Mason Rudolph (Sit)

 

Mason Rudolph struggled in his first start, thanks to the 49ers defense, who looked good for the third straight week. He’ll benefit from facing a weak Bengals defense and from having an extra week of practice with the ones, but I’m not brave enough to start Rudolph. 

 

Running Back: 

• James Conner (Start/RB1)
• Jaylen Samuels (Sit)

 

In Mason Rudolph’s first start, James Conner got an encouraging five targets, which was good for an 18% target share. Overall, Conner struggled against the 49ers, who have allowed just 75 yards per game on the ground. The Steelers offensive line is supposed to be good, touting three pro bowlers, so Conner should have a bounce-back game against the Bengals. For the season, the Bengals have allowed 168 yards per game on the ground, second only to the Dolphins. Despite being on the field for 26% of the snaps, Jaylen Samuels didn’t touch the ball and didn’t receive a target, making his role just that of Conner’s handcuff. 

 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

• Juju Smith-Schuster (Start/WR1)
• James Washington (Sit)
• Diontae Johnson (Sit)
• Ryan Switzer (Sit)
• Vance McDonald (Sit/Injury)
• Xavier Grimble (Sit)
• Zach Gentry (Sit)

 

It’s tough to look at last week’s performance and get a grip on what to expect out of this offense moving forward, as Mason Rudolph struggled. Juju Smith-Schuster led all receivers with seven targets, catching just three of those for 81 yards, 76 of which came on one play. As with the rest of the offense, I expect Smith-Schuster to bounce back this week. The James Washington-Mason Rudolph college connection didn’t exactly connect, with Washington getting four short targets (aDOT of 4.8 yards). I’m taking a wait and see approach with Washington. Diontae Johnson was the” biggest beneficiary” of Rudolph, who received six targets and his 12.8 aDOT was the highest on the team. If I’m in a pinch, I prefer Johnson over Washington. Johnson had five and four targets in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, and with the benching of Donte “Drops” Moncrief, he should be in for a consistent workload. Ryan Switzer didn’t have any targets in Week 3 and can be forgotten for now. With Vance McDonald’s shoulder in a sling on Tuesday, he’s most likely out for Week 4. You’re doing it wrong if you’re desperate enough to play Xavier Grimble or Zach Gentry. 

-Rich Holman, (@nextdoorFFguru)

Featured Image by Nathan Mills (@NathanMillsPL)