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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) returns to start vs. Jaguars

Fri Sep 26 8:05pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterback Brock Purdy will return to the starting lineup Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Purdy was a full practice participant on Friday after his injured toe improved dramatically throughout the week. He missed the previous two games due to the ailment.

"He looked good," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters while confirming Purdy would start. "He got to do a lot more than last week and each day he got a lot better."

Purdy was upbeat about his chances on Thursday when he met with the media.

"I really like where I'm at with the progress with it healing up and feeling better and dropping back, throwing," Purdy said then. "It's no secret like it's been two-and-a-half weeks or so. And just overall, my toe is healed up. It's gotten better."

Purdy was injured during the season-opening 17-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He passed for 277 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Purdy also is listed as having a left shoulder injury but that ailment didn't come into play regarding his availability.

Purdy returns at a time in which Mac Jones is bothered by a left knee injury. He started the past two games and passed for 563 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Jones is listed as questionable against the Jaguars and said he is able to play.

"I feel good," Jones said. "Just like any other week, you're going through the week, getting ready for the game plans as a backup or a starter. So, I feel comfortable doing both. I'll be ready to play."

Defensive lineman CJ West (thumb) and wideout Jordan Watkins (calf) were the only two San Francisco players ruled out of the contest.

Receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) are questionable, as are guard Connor Colby (groin) and cornerback Renardo Green (neck).

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Michael Penix Jr. Sep 26 10:30pm ET
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a week to forget in Week 3, completing just 50 percent of his passes (18-for-36) with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 30-0 blowout loss to the Panthers. The 25-year-old now has just a 1:2 TD:INT through three contests, with the lone touchdown coming on a 50-yard catch-and-run to Bijan Robinson in Week 1. The former first-rounder will have a home matchup withthe Commanders in Week 4, a defense that has yielded the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs through the first three weeks, including a three-touchdown performance from an aging Geno Smith last week, and has only given up just one rushing scorethus far. Even so, Atlanta may try to lean on Robinson and the run game for as long as they can in this matchup, as the lefty QB has one of the lowest completion rates (58.6 percent), a poor QBR (71.3), low yards per pass attempt(6.1), and per completion (10.43). As a result, Penix sets up as a borderline QB2/3 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Kaleb Johnson Sep 26 10:30pm ET
Kaleb Johnson

Although Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson was active in Week 3, he did not play a snap following a costly special teams error in Week 2. On Friday, head coach Mike Tomlin complimented the rookie's work ethic, stating that he has "positioned himself to be a contributor" in Dublin, Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings. Exactly how many offensive opportunities he will see remains unclear, though Tomlin confirmed that Johnson will not handle kick returns. With starter Jaylen Warren (knee) banged up, Johnson could mix in with veteran Kenneth Gainwell if all three backs are active. If Warren is limited or unexpectedly ruled out, Johnson's role could expand significantly. He is not a viable fantasy starter this week, especially against a strong Minnesota run defense, but the University of Iowa product is worth stashing ahead of Sunday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 26 10:10pm ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was limited to extra-point duties in Week 3's win over the New England Patriots but will look for more opportunities against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Vikings have been stout defensively this season, especially near the red zone, allowing just four offensive touchdowns but seven field goals -- tied for sixth-most in the NFL. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' offense still finding its footing, this international matchup in Dublin, Ireland is projected to be a low-scoring affair. That puts Boswell in a position to play a key role on Sunday morning and remain a must-start fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 26 10:10pm ET
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. projects as a favorable fantasy option in Week 4 against the Falcons. Both other starting wide receivers, Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin), are out for the game. The passing game plan will likely feature a heavy dose of Samuel underneath and on crossing routes, setting him up for a productive day. Kliff Kingsbury will also look to replicate their dominance in the ground game from last week, and that could involve getting Samuel a few touches as a runner. He handled three carries for 18 yards last week and had his quietest game as a Commander, with just two receptions for 11 yards. Samuel looks like the focal point of the passing attack for Week 4 and should be fired up as a high-end WR2.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard was able to find the end zone for the first time this season during last week's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard rushed the ball 16 times for 45 yards with one touchdown in the loss. It hasn't been a great start to the season for Pollard, but he has seen 16 rushing attempts or more in every game. The 28-year-old is clearly the workhorse back in Tennessee right now. The Titans have changed over play-calling duties, so hopefully that will help this offense. Pollard is a fine flex play for the upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Through his first three games of 2025, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is averaging just 4.2 yards per carry, significantly worse than the 5.6 yards per carry he posted in 2024. Still, Gibbs has been highly productive for fantasy, recording 253 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 61 total touches. The third-year back has been heavily featured in the passing game, ranking second on the team in targets (19) behind only star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Gibbs gets a tough matchup in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL (172) through three weeks. Gibbs' involvement as a receiver gives him a steady floor, but he may struggle to find success as a rusher against the Browns. In Week 4, Gibbs profiles as a low-end fantasy RB1.

From RotoBaller

Jeremy McNichols Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols had one of the highlight plays of the week with a beast mode-style run for a 60-yard touchdown last week against the Raiders. McNichols played the fewest of any Washington back at 23% and had only four carries, but he made the most of his opportunities. The 29-year-old is expected to fill in for Austin Ekeler as the team's third-down back because of his prowess as a pass protector and capability as a receiver. That opens the door for some dump-off passes and checkdowns, making him slightly intriguing. He will mix in occasionally on early downs and earn a few carries, but it won't be huge. McNichols is a desperation start against Atlanta in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the backfield in carries last week against the Raiders and ran well overall, gaining 39 yards on 11 rushes. His role for Week 4 against Atlanta could look similar. In the team's first game without Austin Ekeler, Rodriguez surprisingly started at running back and began with four straight carries to begin the game. The rotation afterwards was a bit sporadic, with Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt both splitting most of the work, and then Jeremy McNichols subbed in on pass downs and handled a few touches. The situation remains very fluid in Washington's backfield, and it could remain unclear for the coming weeks. Rodriguez is set up as the hammer back who can grind out tough yardage, and he tied Croskey-Merritt with two goal-line carries last week. There is upside for a touchdown plunge for Rodriguez in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (ankle, calf) is ready to go after getting in back-to-back full practice sessions. Ward was limited to begin the week due to multiple minor injuries, but is fine for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. It has been a slow start for the No. 1 overall pick. Ward has completed 54-of-99 passing attempts for 506 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in three games. It's worth noting that quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree will take over play-calling this weekend. Possibly, Hardegree can unlock something out of Ward that Brian Callahan couldn't. At the moment, Ward is really only worth a considering in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been playing at a high level so far in 2025, completing 77.9% of his pass attempts for 761 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception through his first three games. Goff has a difficult matchup in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Through three games, Cleveland has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards in the NFL (521) and has recorded 11 sacks, tied for the fourth-most in the league. Goff may struggle to move his offense up and down the field against Cleveland as easily as he has over the past two weeks against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. In Week 4, Goff profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in two-quarterback formats, but he should be avoided where possible in single-QB leagues.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Sep 26 9:40pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy won't play this weekend as he's expected to miss another week or two. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned McCarthy could get in limited work ahead of next week's contest versus the Cleveland Browns. It doesn't mean that McCarthy will play in Week 5, but getting on the field is the first step. The most likely scenario is that McCarthy returns after the bye in Week 7. In the meantime, Carson Wentz will be under center until McCarthy is healthy enough to play. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on McCarthy's status next week.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 26 9:30pm ET
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) practiced in full on Friday after two straight DNPs earlier in the week. Croskey-Merritt should be all good to go for Week 4's matchup in Atlanta (he's questionable on the final injury report) with the opportunity to see more work. He led the backfield with a 41% snap share and 23% route share while tying Chris Rodriguez Jr. with two goal-line carries. Rodriguez surprisingly started the game for Washington and led the team with 11 carries, clearly indicating that he will have a role. Croskey-Merritt will need to continue to gain the coaching staff's trust in pass protection before earning a bigger workload. He did, however, have a few positive moments as a pass blocker last week against the Raiders and has been continuously praised by the staff. Atlanta has been tougher on running backs through three weeks, allowing the eighth fewest fantasy points per game at 11.3. That puts Croskey-Merritt in RB3 territory for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 26 9:30pm ET
Noah Fant

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (concussion) was unable to practice on Friday. This marks back-to-back days that Fant has been unable to take the practice field. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried yet. The Bengals do get an extra day this week with their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos coming on Monday night. That being said, Fant will get one more chance to practice on Saturday. If he misses Week 4, Mike Gesicki figures to handle the bulk of the snaps. However, Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson could be mixed in as well, but they wouldn't be fantasy options.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was a limited participant during Friday's practice session. This marks back-to-back days that Waller has been able to get through a limited practice. Waller is trending in the right direction to make his season debut against the New York Jets in Week 4. It seems likely that the Dolphins would ease Waller into action. The 33-year-old would probably be under a snap count during his first game. He's worth a stash for tight end needy fantasy managers, but isn't a recommended streaming option for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start the season and will look to get back on track against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. While the Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing tight ends through three weeks, Freiermuth could see a boost in opportunities given Pittsburgh's injury report. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) are questionable to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Each has been a reliable short-area target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so if either of them misses this international bout in Ireland, Freiermuth would likely absorb some of those looks. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but in a matchup that projects to be low-scoring, Freiermuth remains a risky play and is best considered a stash or backup option.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Josh Reynolds

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hamstring) was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. After being limited on Thursday, Reynolds has been upgraded to full, which puts him on pace to play this weekend. The 30-year-old has missed each of the last two games, but appears ready to return in Week 4. Reynolds played 97 percent of the snap count during the season opener. However, it's tough to trust any of the receivers on this roster outside of Garrett Wilson right now. Reynolds is best to be avoided for the Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Sep 26 9:10pm ET
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will start again in place of Jayden Daniels in Week 4 against the Falcons after making his first start of the season last week against the Raiders. Mariota led his team to a 41-24 win against one of his former teams and now will look to do the same on the road against another one of his former teams. He was super crisp in his first action since Week 18 of last season, completing 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown while running for 40 yards on six carries. It will be a tougher challenge this time as he will be missing star wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) and faces an Atlanta defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season at 12.3. Washington will likely follow a similar game plan to last week against Las Vegas, where they went very run-heavy, especially with multiple receivers out. He's not a recommended start in matchups this week.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Sep 26 9:00pm ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is off to a promising start this season but faces an uphill battle against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Vikings have been the toughest matchup for opposing wideouts through three games, surrendering just 25 receptions and one touchdown to the position. Austin has only eight catches this year, but he's made the most of them with 126 yards and two scores. His early chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been encouraging, yet he is still far from a reliable fantasy starter. With a low projected point total, Sunday's contest in Ireland isn't the ideal spot to roll the dice on high-upside, low-floor players. Austin remains a worthwhile stash in all leagues but should only be considered as a flex option in the deepest of redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hasn't been part of the problem in his team's 0-3 start, and he remains a solid starting kicker play in Week 4 in a favorable matchup against the Titans. Fairbairn has made six of his seven field goal attempts and both of his extra point attempts this season. He has three field goals from 50+ yards, but his offense hasn't given him opportunities to score many points. A struggling offense sometimes can help a kicker since they stall out and create more field goal attempts. The Titans have been a top-10 matchup for kickers this season, and kicking at home in Houston should set up well for Fairbairn in Week 4. He is the K7 in RotoBaller's Week 4 rankings, and he is a solid starter in most formats in this favorable spot.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Evan Engram

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (back) has practiced in full on Thursday and Friday this week, putting him on track to return in Week 4 on Monday Night Football versus the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Engram didn't practice at all last week due to a back injury and was inactive in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he's made notable progress this week and should be officially cleared to play on Monday night when Denver releases their final Week 4 injury report on Saturday. The 31-year-old was expected to be a big part of the Broncos' passing attack this year, but he had just four catches on six targets for 33 yards and no scores in the first two weeks. Engram has not played more than 43% of the offensive snaps in either of his games, despite Denver's coaching staff promising big things from him in 2025. He could become more involved eventually, but despite a strong Week 4 matchup, Engram is a dicey TE2 in fantasy coming off his back injury.

From RotoBaller