In need of a fantasy football win? We aren’t too far from the midway point of our regular season, and you can’t afford to fall too far behind. I’m here to help you break those RB start/sit ties and have your team pointing in the right direction when Week 4 is all said and done.
Which Running Backs Should Fantasy Managers Start in Week 4?
All stats are from TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. KC)
J.K. Dobbins was heavily featured last week as he continues his run of concerning usage for a player with his track record (two-yard run, two-yard run, three-yard catch to open up the game). Yet, the results simply weren’t there (15 carries for 44 yards against Pittsburgh).
It was a tough matchup, and the game script didn’t heavily favor Dobbins. Why would we expect anything different this weekend?
Dobbins’ role as the lead man in a run-centric offense is safe, and that makes him a viable starter. However, asking him to produce the RB1 numbers that he did through the first two weeks is simply too much.
KC will need a repeat performance of the elite run D again on Sunday. J.K. Dobbins has started off the year hot and is 3rd in the league in rushing.
He has had a few explosive runs this season, especially with outside zone looks out of heavy personnel. pic.twitter.com/gD5wII5K9L
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) September 27, 2024
You’re still starting LA’s lead man, but I’d highly consider the idea of moving on from Dobbins before this game kicks off while he’s still widely viewed as a top-15 option — that window could close in short order.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at MIA)
Tony Pollard may never live up to the hype we built for him while in Dallas, but he’s a featured running back who, due to his versatility, can’t be scripted out of any game.
Tennessee’s limitations on offense (yet to clear 17 points in a game) prevent its lead back from pushing into my top 15 at the position. However, Pollard’s touch volume locks him in as a reasonable RB2.
I like this game to stay close, and with Miami allowing the fifth-most yards per carry after contact, Pollard’s opportunity to break a chunk play is certainly there.
Which Running Backs Should Fantasy Managers Sit in Week 4?
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (vs. LAR)
D’Andre Swift has one of the lowest success rates in the league despite a low loaded-box rate, two metrics that are supposed to be inversely correlated. He’s yet to clear 30 rushing yards in a game this season and has been the worst fantasy option at the position among regular starters when it comes to living up to expectations.
By now, you’ve seen the viral clip with all of the Chicago linemen on the ground as Swift fights for his life. Why would we expect that to change anytime soon?
The Rams’ run defense has been spotty at best this season, but they are an above-average unit at making contact in short order, which is where this Bears’ line struggles.
Just an incredible photo. Four linemen laying on the ground and the only one standing (and starting for first time) has already let their blocker by. pic.twitter.com/VHJaYq6onV
— Bears History (@ChiBearsHistory) September 23, 2024
I’d rather play Chuba Hubbard (vs. CIN) or Carson Steele (at LAC) this week if you have the opportunity.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (at MIA)
We had hoped that Tyjae Spears’ role in a post-Derrick Henry era would look different, but it really hasn’t. He remains comfortably behind Pollard in touch count and is being used as a change-of-pace option more than anything.
Spears is relying on efficiency as a pass catcher (he’s caught all 10 of his targets) in an offense that is anything but consistent through the air. He’s much closer to a fantasy roster casualty than a viable starter.
The holding of Spears is a stubborn move based on his talent, and we’ve seen nothing from this franchise in terms of usage for their 2023 third-round pick.