Week 4 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings and Insights
Week 4 of the NFL season is officially underway, with the Dallas Cowboys securing a Thursday Night Football victory against the New York Giants. With the weekend games ahead, it’s time to focus on the crucial start-sit decisions for fantasy football wide receivers. Whether you’re sitting comfortably at 3-0 or struggling at 0-3, securing a win this week is critical. Let’s dive into my top 36 wide receivers in a tiered list format, breaking down wide receiver ones, twos, threes, and the most enticing flex plays for Week 4.
Injuries and Availability: Will They Play?
Before diving into the rankings, let’s address the wide receivers already ruled out or in doubt due to injury concerns. Major names like Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, Davante Adams, and DeVonta Smith are all ruled out for this week, creating significant gaps in fantasy lineups. If you drafted or traded for one of these players, make sure you have a replacement ready.
Several other stars remain questionable, including:
A.J. Brown (Eagles): After limited practice on Friday, Brown is a true game-time decision. With DeVonta Smith already ruled out, Philadelphia would love to have their superstar wide receiver ready. If you have Brown, prepare a backup plan, but I lean toward him playing.
Mike Evans (Buccaneers): Good news for Evans owners, as he’s officially cleared to play. Evans has a favorable matchup against a vulnerable Eagles secondary, making him a solid top-15 option.
Diontae Johnson (Steelers): Johnson practiced in a limited capacity and is expected to play through a groin injury. With 14 targets in his last full game, he remains a top-20 option.
Chris Olave (Saints): Olave’s late-week hamstring issue raises concerns, with some reports suggesting he may sit out this week. Keep an eye on his status as the week progresses.
Locked-In WR1s: Top 12 Wide Receivers for Week 4
- CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) – Lamb showed up strong on Thursday Night Football with 8 targets, 7 catches, and 98 yards plus a touchdown. His 23.6 PPR points make him the clear WR1 this week, setting the pace for the Dallas offense.
Justin Jefferson (Vikings) – Jefferson continues to dominate with nearly 20 PPR points per game this season. Traveling to Green Bay, Jefferson remains a top-two option, thanks to the Vikings’ offensive consistency.
Nico Collins (Texans) – Collins has a fantastic matchup against Jacksonville. The Texans are implied for 25.25 points, and with Collins being healthy, he’s primed for another massive game. Expect big things from the Texans’ wideout, who thrives against man coverage, especially with no Tank Dell in the lineup.
Rashid Rice (Chiefs) – Rice has been a revelation in Kansas City’s offense. With a 34% target share from Patrick Mahomes and Isaiah Pacheco sidelined, Rice should see a ton of volume, making him a strong WR1 option.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals) – The rookie receiver has commanded a 30% target share over the past two weeks, and with a matchup against Washington’s struggling secondary, this is a prime breakout spot for Harrison. Look for him to have a huge week.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) – Although St. Brown faces a tough Seahawks defense, his massive target share in recent weeks makes him impossible to bench. The matchup isn’t ideal, but his involvement in Detroit’s offense makes him a high-floor WR1.
DK Metcalf (Seahawks) – Metcalf faces the Lions in what could be a high-scoring affair. His big-play potential and 23% target share make him a must-start, especially in favorable matchups like this one.
Mike Evans (Buccaneers) – As previously mentioned, Evans is a big-play threat against an Eagles defense that has allowed plenty of passing yards. Expect another strong showing from the veteran receiver.
Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) – While Evans garners attention, Godwin quietly commands 32% of the Buccaneers’ targets. His role as the primary receiver in a pass-heavy offense makes him a great start against Philadelphia.
DJ Moore (Bears) – Moore hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, but his alpha-level usage in a favorable matchup against the Rams gives him WR1 upside. The Bears’ passing game could lean heavily on Moore this week.
Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) – Hill remains a top-three fantasy talent, but the uncertainty at quarterback with Skylar Thompson or Snoop Huntley starting tempers expectations. Even so, Hill’s explosive playmaking ability makes him a WR1.
Malik Nabers (Giants) – Nabers has been phenomenal in his rookie season, with 15 targets and 12 receptions for 115 yards in Week 4. A concussion in the fourth quarter is a concern, but if cleared, he’s a rising star to watch.
WR2s: Solid Starters With High Upside
Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) – Aiyuk has been a consistent contributor and is poised for another strong outing in Week 4.
George Pickens (Steelers) – Pickens continues to develop chemistry with Kenny Pickett and is a reliable WR2 option this week.
Adam Thielen (Panthers) – Thielen’s veteran presence in the Panthers’ offense has kept him fantasy-relevant. He’s a safe WR2.
Garrett Wilson (Jets) – Wilson remains a high-upside option despite the Jets’ quarterback struggles.
Keenan Allen (Chargers) – While limited by a heel injury, Allen’s floor is still high enough to trust him as a WR2.
Terry McLaurin (Commanders) – McLaurin’s matchup against Arizona presents an opportunity for a big week.
DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) – Hopkins hasn’t been elite this season, but he’s still the primary target in Tennessee’s offense.
WR3s and Flex Plays: Boom-or-Bust Options
- Courtland Sutton (Broncos) – Sutton has shown flashes of potential but remains a boom-or-bust option.
Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts) – Pittman’s involvement in the Colts’ offense makes him a solid WR3 or flex play.
Zay Flowers (Ravens) – Flowers continues to carve out a role in Baltimore’s passing attack.
Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) – Lockett is always a threat for a big game but has been inconsistent this season.
Christian Kirk (Jaguars) – Kirk’s target share makes him a viable WR3 option this week.
Jordan Addison (Vikings) – Addison’s role behind Justin Jefferson limits his ceiling, but he’s a good flex play.
Gabe Davis (Bills) – Davis has been a boom-or-bust flex play all season and remains in that category for Week 4.
Jahan Dotson (Commanders) – Dotson hasn’t broken out yet, but his talent and opportunity make him a good flex play.
Drake London (Falcons) – London has shown flashes but has struggled with consistency.
Marquise Brown (Cardinals) – Brown remains a solid flex option in deeper leagues.
Final Thoughts
As we enter Week 4, fantasy owners are feeling the pressure to secure victories and turn around slow starts. Whether you’re facing tough injury decisions or simply trying to maximize your wide receiver output, these rankings should help guide your lineup choices. Stay updated on player statuses leading into Sunday, and good luck securing those all-important wins!
