The NFL season has already thrown us a curveball or two in 2026. As we barrel toward Week 4 on this late September Sunday, the league finds itself in a delightfully chaotic state. The previously winless Washington Commanders knocked off the defending champion Seattle Seahawks behind backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Houston Texans sit at 0-3 after falling to the Indianapolis Colts. And the Cleveland Browns, yes those Browns, are riding a two-game winning streak after taking down the Carolina Panthers. If Week 3 taught us anything, it's that nothing is predictable in this league — and that extends directly to your fantasy football lineup.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, savvy fantasy managers were rewarded handsomely in Week 3 if they trusted unexpected names. Rookie New York Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq exploded for a 7-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown performance. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden torched defenses for 5 receptions, 110 yards, and a score. And Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, at 42 years old, turned back the clock with 292 passing yards and three touchdowns. If you started any of those players, congratulations — you're likely sitting pretty. But the work never stops. Week 4 is looming, and the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk is here to help you make the right calls.
Week 4 Fantasy Football Starts You Can Trust
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
The Detroit Lions secondary has been a unit to target all season long, and Week 4 will be no different. Even though McMillan was quiet in Carolina's Week 3 loss to Cleveland — just two catches for 17 yards — circumstances are aligning for a breakout. Fellow wideout Jalen Coker left that game early with a quad injury and will be, at best, limited for this home matchup against Detroit. Fire up McMillan with confidence and expect double-digit targets to come his way. The volume alone makes him a borderline WR2 with upside.
QB Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Facing what many consider the best defense in the league in Week 3, Mariota still managed 183 passing yards and three touchdowns. There's always a ceiling when you're starting a backup quarterback, but if you're dealing with injuries at the position or simply cannot stomach another week of Justin Herbert's struggles, Mariota is a strong streaming option. The Colts defense presents a far softer matchup than Seattle did, and Mariota has shown he can capitalize on favorable situations. As highlighted on Vulius, sometimes the smartest fantasy play is the one nobody else is making.
RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
This recommendation might raise eyebrows given that the Bears don't play their Week 3 game until Monday Night Football, but the logic is sound. With starting quarterback Caleb Williams sidelined for several games, Chicago is expected to lean heavily on its ground game. D'Andre Swift is the obvious RB1 start, but against the Jets in Week 4, Monangai is a viable flex play. The Jets just allowed Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs to feast — 99 rushing yards, seven catches for 65 yards, and three total touchdowns. That's a defense begging to be exploited, and Monangai should see enough work to matter.
Week 4 Fantasy Football Sits to Avoid
WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
With injuries mounting — Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, and now Mike Evans all banged up — Deebo Samuel might look like an appealing option as the last man standing in San Francisco. But tread carefully. If Evans is out, the 49ers' passing game funnels almost entirely through tight end George Kittle and Samuel. Against a stout Denver defense, that kind of concentrated target share for two veterans is not an appealing fantasy proposition. Even if Deebo sees a massive snap count, the quality of those opportunities could be limited.
RB Ollie Gordon, Miami Dolphins
The second-year running back is likely to be the hottest name on the Week 4 waiver wire after Dolphins starter De'Von Achane left Week 3 early with a knee injury that could cost him significant time. Gordon flashed some nice plays after taking over carries, and he could have the backfield entirely to himself if Achane and Jaylen Wright both miss Week 4. However, Miami draws a tough Minnesota Vikings defense and is not projected to score many points. By all means, pick Gordon up on waivers if Achane's injury is serious — but leave him on your bench for Week 4.
QB Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
We'll end with an obvious one. If there was ever a week for Herbert to figure things out, it was Week 3 against a suspect Buffalo defense — especially with his own defense forcing five turnovers. He did not figure it out, throwing for just 226 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in the loss to the Bills. Herbert is immensely talented, and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is highly regarded, so a return to start-ability in 2026 remains possible. But it won't happen in Week 4 against the Seahawks. Make other quarterback plans.
"Fantasy football isn't easy to predict on a week-to-week basis, but if you nailed the start/sit decision on any of those players, you are probably looking good this week." — Vulius NFL Analysis Desk
As we close out Week 3 and look ahead, the key is staying flexible. The NFL is a league of adjustments, and your fantasy lineup should be no different. For more start/sit advice, waiver wire targets, and in-depth NFL analysis, keep it locked on Vulius — your premier destination for everything football.
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