Week 3 brought several surprises for the NFL, but such is the case with “Autumn’s Wind”. Week 4 is the last week before byes begin, and it is time to solidify the lineup while others scramble. 

 

 

 

2024 Fantasy Football Week 4 IDP Overview

As always, fantasy football IDP leagues have more positions to juggle during the bye weeks. Plan as much as possible for not only week 4, but also week 5 to have one more advantage over your competitors.

Fantasy Football IDP Risers

Jared Verse DL - Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams snuck out a victory from their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, but they are focused on week 4 and so are fantasy football managers. Jared Verse was on the field for timely plays to help deliver the comeback against the 49ers and had pressure on Brock Purdy to get his offense the ball back. 

Verse has recorded 14 tackles in three games and has 1 sack to go with 1 forced fumble. The steady production is a great sign for fantasy football IDP leagues, particularly in fantasy football leagues which require a true defensive end, as Verse is. 

He is on the Fantasy Alarm week 4 riser list and worth an addition for fantasy teams that have IDPs with a week 5 bye. The Rams do not have a bye until week 6, and Verse could have two productive weeks upcoming. One against the bad offensive line of the Chicago Bears, and one against the run heavy Green Bay Packers. 

Boye Mafe LB - Seattle Seahawks 

Boye Mafe is quietly having a nice start to 2024. He has a combined 12 tackles and has recorded 1 sack in every game this season. The Seahawks are sitting first in the NFC West with an undefeated record, and momentum on their side. 

Mafe could run into issues against a great Detroit Lions offensive line in week 4, but then a fantastic matchup against the New York Giants in week 5. Once again people will be scrambling for fantasy football IDP players to start in week 5 as IDPs are still neglected by some fantasy general managers. 

Mafe is a valuable Fantasy Football Week 4 IDP in standard leagues, and he has dual designation on the Sleeper platform. This is a massive advantage for fantasy managers trying to juggle lineups with multiple starting positions. Keep an eye on Mafe for upcoming weeks. 

Chuck Clark DB - New York Jets

Chuck Clark is a name several IDP fantasy football managers are familiar with. He had numerous great seasons while with the Baltimore Ravens, and now is on a great New York Jets defense. There are better Fantasy Football Week 4 IDPs on the Jets defense, but Clark is still available in several leagues. 

He has 16 tackles through three weeks with a big play of sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery on Thursday Night Football last week. The Jets play the Denver Broncos then the Minnesota Vikings and there could be several opportunities for tackles, specifically for defensive backs. 

Keep an eye on the riser, Chuck Clark as he could be a valuable fantasy football IDP to rosters going forward. He also does not have his bye week until week 12 and could cover several early bye weeks 

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Week 4 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Devin Lloyd LB - Jacksonville Jaguars 

Devin Lloyd is off to a fantastic start this season, and if he keeps this pace, it will be a career best in several statistics for him. The Jaguars offense is not helping their defense much, but this has benefitted the Jaguars’ IDPs. Lloyd has responded with excellent performances. His consistency is really showing, but he has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons so it shouldn’t be a surprise. 

Devin Lloyd has 17 tackles in two games and has not needed to make a big play due to his high volume of tackles. He is rostered in just 31% of sleeper leagues, and the Jaguars play two division rivals over the next two weeks. 

Lloyd should have familiarity with his opponents which should translate to points for fantasy football teams. Put in a waiver bid, and the normal allocated amount of FAAB for an IDP unless you are in need of a linebacker during week 5. In that case, spend a little more. 

Jason Pinnock DB - New York Giants 

Jason Pinnock had a few outstanding weeks in 2023 but has really been a model of consistency the past two weeks. He has recorded 16 tackles and 3 sacks with a favorable matchup against the hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys in week 4. 

That is not all either, the New York Giants are hosting the Cowboys on a short week. The Giants have the advantage of playing at the meadowlands against Dallas who is coming off of two home losses. Should the Giants play as great a defense as they have the past two weeks they can move back to .500 and second place of the NFC East. 

Pinnock has been a large part of their defensive success and is benefitting from the excellent play of the Giants defensive line. Spend the normal allocated amount of FAAB on Pinnock and put in a waiver for him in standard fantasy football leagues.

Benjamin St-Juste DB - Washington Commanders 

Somewhat of a surprise this season has been defensive back, Benjamin St-Juste, of the Washington Commanders. He has 11 tackles through two games and one forced fumble, rare for a defensive back. 

Perhaps most impressive is his 4 passes defended in two games, as quarterbacks and coordinators try to throw against him. Opposing offenses have shown a willingness to attack him which is good for fantasy football IDP leagues. 

He has several more opportunities for tackles and big plays, and so far, he is capitalizing on them. Hopefully that continues. Put in a waiver for St-Juste if you are in need of defensive back help for weeks four and five. 

 

 

 

NFL Week 4 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers - 4:25 PM ET 

Chris Jones has been a force in every game this season, helping the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated in the 2024 season. Week 4 should be another opportunity for Jones to shine against a division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. 

The Chargers could be without their starting quarterback and offensive tackle. Should that happen C. Jones earning a sack is almost a guarantee. Jones is likely available in most leagues as he has had two rough scoring weeks. 

This should be the bounce back game against a foe he knows well, and either a backup quarterback or a hobbled quarterback. Should the Chiefs actually play with a positive game script Jones will take advantage of a porous offensive line. 

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1:00 PM ET 

Reed Blakenship has outperformed his rookie contract and has a chance to have a big game against the pass happy Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL right now, and Blankenship should be the target of several of his passes in week 4. 

Through three weeks Blankenship has 20 tackles and 2 interceptions. This implies Blankenship is stepping up in rushing plays, helping in the box and following stretch plays out. The Philadelphia Eagles could be without their two best wide receivers in week four, which will likely lead to more defensive snaps for the Eagles.

Blankenship could have the best game of the season and make another interception against a “let it fly” quarterback. He is absolutely someone to keep in mind for fantasy football as well as betting props once they are released. 

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens - 8:20 PM ET 

Roquan Smith is in mid-season form and doing what he does best, being a great NFL linebacker. He has 29 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception in the young season. He has had over 100 tackles in every year of his career, including the year he only played 12 games. 

The Baltimore Ravens host the Buffalo Bills who are playing after a shorter week of practice. The Buffalo Bills are also a run dominant team, which should allow Roquan to have another double-digit tackle performance, as he patrols sideline to sideline. 

However, Smith is much more than just a tackling machine, he is truly a great pass coverage linebacker as well. The four time All-Pro has 10 career interceptions and 33 passes defended. Not numbers usually associated with 880 career tackles, particularly in just 96 regular season games. Have no hesitation using R. Smith in one-and-done leagues and make sure he is on the starting roster for week 4. 

Please go back and check out the Fantasy Alarm Fantasy Injury Report and the FAmily weekly projections/rankings to help make the best decisions for your fantasy football rosters!