Fantasy football managers are facing tough decisions at the quarterback position as injuries and inconsistent performances create both challenges and opportunities. Week 4 presents several intriguing streaming options that could provide solid production for desperate managers or those looking to capitalize on favorable matchups.
The landscape features veteran backups who might get unexpected starts, young quarterbacks facing vulnerable defenses, and signal-callers coming off impressive performances who could continue their momentum. With several teams dealing with defensive struggles against the pass, savvy fantasy football players should explore these under-the-radar options before their league-mates catch on.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (at ARI)
Sam Darnold’s Week 3 stat line is a difficult one to assess. On one hand, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback faced little resistance from the New Orleans Saints’ defense, as the NFC West contenders breezed to 2-1.
On the other hand, Darnold was the QB10 on the week despite attempting just 18 passes, having averaged 28 per game over Weeks 1 and 2. The Arizona Cardinals will put up a much better fight in Week 4, and Darnold should be far more active in the divisional matchup.
Darnold remains more of a Super Flex play than a 1QB option, but times are already desperate for some managers amid an early wave of quarterback injuries.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (at NWE)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has top-10 potential at the quarterback position every week, but his 2025 campaign has, so far, been inconsistent. After a miserable Week 1, Young bounced back with a QB8 finish in Week 2, before slipping out of the top-25 in Week 3.
However, Young’s disappointing Week 3 performance had little to do with his performance and more to do with the Panthers’ 30-0 demolition of the Atlanta Falcons. Like Darnold, Young attempted far fewer passes in Week 3 due to a lack of necessity, and can be expected to be called upon much more in Week 4.
Young faces a New England Patriots defense that has allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL through three weeks (816). The Panthers’ star scored a rushing touchdown in Week 3 and will likely need to do far more to keep pace with Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets (at MIA)
Justin Fields will have an extra day to prove his fitness ahead of the New York Jets’ Monday Night Football showdown with the Miami Dolphins. However, there is no guarantee he’ll be ready to go, and backup Tyrod Taylor could be in for a second straight start under center.
Taylor was the QB8 in Week 3, tied with Baker Mayfield, and showcased his dual-threat ability with an impressive performance. Taylor completed 26 of his 36 pass attempts for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick while adding 48 rushing yards on eight attempts.
READ MORE: Fantasy Football Streamers Week 4: Top Options Include Sam Darnold, Bryce Young, and Chig Okonkwo
The Dolphins showed significant improvement against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 and will aim to earn their first win of the season on Monday night. However, only four teams have allowed more passing touchdowns than Miami (six) so far, and the team has allowed an average of 26.3 fantasy points per game to QBs (per Pro Football Reference).
