Now that we have Friday’s practice reports, there are a few fantasy-impacting wide receiver injuries we need to discuss.
Starting with DeVonta Smith, who is expected to be ruled out for Week 4 with a hamstring injury. That news will surely bring some excitement for rookie receiver Makai Lemon, while Dontayvion Wicks should also see an increased role. I have Lemon and Wicks ranked in a similar range as low-end WR4 options for Week 4. Despite the potential increase in targets, this was already going to be a difficult matchup for Smith. The Rams haven’t allowed a receiver to surpass 50 receiving yards this season, although they have allowed four receiving touchdowns. That makes Lemon and Wicks more floor plays than high-upside options for me this week. I’d still rather take shots on players like Jameson Williams and Jakobi Meyers, who I have ranked ahead of both Eagles receivers.
Many thought we would avoid Justin Jefferson missing any time, but he has officially been ruled out for Week 4. Naturally, that pushes Jordan Addison into the low-end WR2 range against the Dolphins. Despite Miami’s struggles as a team, the Dolphins have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. However, some of that could be matchup-driven, as Miami has faced Ashton Jeanty, Christian McCaffrey, and Kenneth Walker, giving those offenses little reason to move away from their running games. Aaron Jones is still a capable back, but with Jefferson out and less proven talent behind Addison, he should be the clear focal point of the passing game. Addison should be trusted as a starter in two-WR sets and fantasy lineups in Week 4.
Veteran receiver Keenan Allen hits my FLEX radar in Week 4 as he faces off against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have allowed the most fantasy points per game to the position. While fellow receiver Josh Downs should also be considered a strong start in this matchup, Allen saw 9 targets last week while also getting red-zone work and scoring a touchdown. Washington has allowed 5 receiving touchdowns over the last two games, and with how poorly this secondary has played, I’d expect Allen to provide a solid floor in your FLEX spot.
A receiver who disappointed in Week 3, Tetairoa McMillan, should be trusted enough to get back into lineups in Week 4. Unlike the inconsistent Browns defense, the Lions have been a struggling secondary plagued by injuries. Detroit has allowed a WR1 to finish with 100-plus receiving yards in 2 of its first 3 games. Despite seeing Brycen Tremayne step up with Jalen Coker hurt, don’t be scared to go back to McMillan. He is still running routes at the fifth-highest rate in the league at 91%, so the opportunities should be there in a much more favorable matchup.
Tee Higgins is someone you may want to fade in Week 4. The Bengals face off against the Jaguars, who have been a top-six defense against fantasy receivers this season. While we know Ja’Marr Chase is going to command his target share and produce, Jacksonville hasn’t allowed multiple receivers to have strong fantasy performances in the same game through the first three weeks. In fact, only two receivers have surpassed 60 receiving yards against them this season. It’s hard to completely fade Higgins considering how productive he has been to start the year, but you may want to lower expectations for Week 4.
Another potential fade this week is Luther Burden. While Burden lit up the Eagles’ secondary, we could see Tyson Bagent take over at quarterback in Week 4. The Jets have allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers this season and haven’t allowed a receiver to surpass 70 yards. They even prevented Amon-Ra St. Brown and Christian Watson from producing big yardage totals despite both finding the end zone. Kalif Raymond could also impact Burden’s upside, as he has been a go-to option for these Bears quarterbacks. –Steve Pintado