Ashton Jeanty is poised for what could be his best game of the season as he takes the field against the Chicago Bears. With the volume he has received, Jeanty has the potential to become a reliable fantasy starter. He is set to face an opponent where he should average more yards per carry, making him an appealing option for fantasy managers this week.
In addition to Jeanty, T.J. Hockenson has returned to being a must-start player in fantasy leagues. His performance and usage in Week 3 were impressive, and he is heading into a favorable matchup in Week 4. Hockenson's ability to produce points consistently makes him a valuable asset for those looking to bolster their lineups.
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I reached out to fantasy managers on the PFF Discord and Bluesky to gather insights on which players they are least sure about this week. I compiled and ranked these players to provide clarity on who to start. If you have multiple players in question, prioritize starting the player ranked highest on the list. For additional guidance, the bottom of each position features players to start instead of the highlighted players, as well as those to sit in their place.
If a player isn’t mentioned in the rankings, it typically means they are very close in performance to those included. Factors such as injuries on opposing defenses or adverse weather conditions may also influence these rankings. Situations involving injuries are generally avoided, as clarity often emerges only closer to kickoff.
Looking specifically at the running back position, Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders stands out. Despite being drafted as a second-round fantasy pick, Jeanty has struggled to meet expectations over the past three weeks. With only 25.7 PPR points, he currently ranks 33rd among running backs. The primary issue has been his efficiency, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and 0.6 yards per reception, despite being on the field for 83.3% of the Raiders' early-down situations, which is among the highest rates in the league.
Jeanty's volume remains significant, with 47 carries so far, ranking him 10th among running backs. Although he hasn’t yet showcased the talent he displayed in college, the good news for fantasy managers is that there are no signs of his volume decreasing. It is improbable that he will become less efficient; in fact, his performance is expected to improve.
This week, Jeanty faces a 1-2 Chicago Bears team that has struggled defensively. The Raiders are slight favorites in this matchup, which should allow Jeanty to continue seeing 15-20 carries. Any player expected to receive more than 15 carries should be included in fantasy starting lineups unless there are superior alternatives available. The Bears rank in the bottom quarter of the league in PFF run-defense grade and are one of the bottom six teams in terms of allowing fantasy points. Notably, they have permitted 5.5 yards per carry, which is the second-most allowed by any team this season.
