Week 4 wrapped up with a huge statement win by the Atlanta Falcons, and while Bijan Robinson did his thing, it was Falcons backup Brian Robinson Jr.’s 62 yards and three touchdowns that really highlighted what’s coming: bye weeks are here, and you need those fringe starters. These are the players who are going to make or break your lineup calls as the season gets wild.
Goff Is a Quiet Killer, Shough Is in Rough Waters
Look, Jared Goff isn’t in the same league as your Josh Allens or Lamar Jacksons, but he’s quietly becoming one of the best second-tier quarterbacks in fantasy. Why? Simple. The Detroit Lions’ defense is a mess. They just gotta score points, period, because they ain’t winning any defensive battles. Goff has been a rock, hitting over 19 fantasy points in each of his last three games. This week? He’s got a juicy matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, a team that’s handed out the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. You absolutely gotta consider him.
On the flip side, we’ve got Tyler Shough from the New Orleans Saints. He looked like a budding star early on, and he’s still got potential as a streaming option later. But for now? Not so much. The Saints are missing a reliable run game, with Travis Etienne Jr. hitting injured reserve for at least four games. That means defenses can just zero in on Shough. Atlanta held him to just 15.9 fantasy points on Monday, and this week he’s staring down a Minnesota Vikings defense that has given up fewer fantasy points to opposing QBs than any other team out there. Bench him. Period.
Harvey’s Chance Is Here, Montgomery Is a Bench Warmer
The Denver Broncos backfield is opening up, and RJ Harvey is about to become a massive fantasy producer. Pat Bryant went down with an ankle injury in Week 4, and rookie running back Jonah Coleman is on injured reserve. J.K. Dobbins is still in the mix, sure, but Harvey has stepped up big time as a receiving back, becoming one of Bo Nix’s go-to check-down guys. Last week he only rushed for 25 yards, but he hauled in 10 catches for 58 yards! This week, the Broncos are going up against a Los Angeles Chargers team that’s given up the 11th-most fantasy points to running backs. Harvey is a strong play.
Then there’s David Montgomery. Honestly, it’s getting impossible to trust the Houston Texans running back. He’s averaging a pathetic 2.7 yards per carry behind an offensive line that just ain’t getting it done. Plus, he’s barely a factor in the passing game. He hasn’t even hit double-digit fantasy points since Week 1! You might look at the winless Tennessee Titans and think “easy matchup,” but you’d be wrong. The Titans have only given up the 17th-most fantasy points to backs because opponents are usually just protecting a big lead. Their defense actually ranks a solid eighth in yards per carry allowed at 3.7. Do not play Montgomery.
The Rookie Receiver You Can’t Ignore
Alright, if you haven’t been paying attention, it’s time to wake up about Denzel Boston. This Cleveland Browns rookie receiver is not just establishing himself, he’s quickly becoming their number one option. And for fantasy managers? He’s a fringe starter you absolutely need to consider in pretty much every matchup that isn’t brutal. Boston has hit double-digit fantasy points in three of his recent games. This guy is a breakout waiting to happen, or rather, it’s already happening!
As Week 5 kicks off, these are the calls that can truly make or break your fantasy lineup. You gotta make those tough choices and keep pushing for that fantasy glory. Good luck out there, and let’s go get those wins!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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