Week 4 Running Back Rankings: Who To Start?

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Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us, and fantasy football managers are scrambling to set their lineups. The running back position is as crucial as ever, with potential league winners and frustrating busts scattered across the rankings. Let's dive into the top running back rankings for Week 4, highlighting key matchups, potential sleepers, and players to avoid. — Bill Nye's Height: How Tall Is The Science Guy?

Top Tier Running Backs

These are the workhorses you drafted early and are likely starting every week. However, even these elite players have matchups that could impact their performance. — F1 On Reddit: The Ultimate Fan Zone

  • Christian McCaffrey: Remains a top option due to his consistent volume in both the run and pass game.
  • Austin Ekeler: If healthy, Ekeler is a must-start due to his dual-threat ability.
  • Bijan Robinson: The rookie sensation continues to impress and should be locked into your lineups.

Mid-Tier Options: Boom or Bust?

This is where lineup decisions get tougher. These running backs have the potential for big weeks but also carry some risk.

  • Najee Harris: Has the volume, but the efficiency hasn't been there. Monitor the Steelers' offensive line performance.
  • Joe Mixon: Cincinnati's offense is struggling, impacting Mixon's overall value. A risky start.
  • James Conner: A reliable option who gets consistent touches. A decent floor in PPR formats.

Sleepers to Watch

Looking for a sneaky play to give you an edge? These running backs could exceed expectations in Week 4.

  1. Jerome Ford: With Nick Chubb out for the season, Ford steps into a lead role. Potential for a breakout performance.
  2. Justice Hill: With injuries in the Ravens' backfield, Hill could see an increased workload.

Running Backs to Avoid

These players face tough matchups or are in unfavorable situations that make them risky starts.

  • Damien Harris: Sharing carries in a crowded backfield limits his upside.
  • AJ Dillon: Hasn't lived up to expectations and faces a tough run defense.

Key Matchups to Exploit

Target running backs facing defenses that struggle to stop the run. For example:

  • Teams facing the Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have allowed significant yardage to opposing running backs.
  • Teams facing the Chicago Bears: The Bears' run defense has been vulnerable.

Factors Influencing Rankings

Several factors go into determining weekly running back rankings:

  • Matchup: The opposing defense's run-stopping ability.
  • Game script: Will the team be leading or trailing, impacting run vs. pass play calling?
  • Health: Monitor injury reports closely.
  • Offensive line performance: A strong offensive line creates running lanes.

Stay Updated: Injury news breaks quickly in the NFL. Stay tuned to reliable news sources for the latest updates before setting your lineup.

Call to Action: Analyze your specific league settings and scoring format to make the best decisions for your team! Good luck in Week 4! — Anna Hall: Rising Star In Culinary Arts