The season is rolling along now, as we head towards the end of the first month of the season in week 4. There are some fantastic matchups in the Monday morning slate in week 4, highlighted by the huge AFC East matchup between the Bills and the Dolphins. There’s also an AFC North showdown between the Ravens and Browns, which should give us a real indication of where both teams are. In the afternoon slate, we have 3 games, highlighted by the Patriots visiting the Cowboys. A great day of NFL awaits, and what better way to enjoy the gridiron than with a team in Draftstars!
Draftstars has a $50,000 contest, with a $4,935 first prize. There are plenty of other contests for everyone to get involved. And if you’re really keen on a chance to win big, there’s a $10 contest with the winner gaining entry into the $150k NFL Star Final. Bring it on! Let’s kick things off.
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins - $15,890
This hurts my brain to say, but Kirk Cousins is having a legit QB1 start to the season in fantasy. Despite three straight losses, the Vikings have been involved in some high scoring games, and the Cousins/Jefferson connection is eating. This week, Cousins and the Vikes get the Panthers, who are struggling with some key defensive injuries. Provided the Vikings don’t get out to an early three score lead and begin to lean on their run game, Cousins will have plenty of time to sling it against this defence.
Russell Wilson - $12,360
If the Cousins selection hurt my brain, this hurts my entire being. Wilson and the Broncos are also off to an 0-3 start, but that hasn’t stopped Wilson putting up solid fantasy numbers. Wilson is averaging the 4th most points per quarterback in this slate, and is being priced up as a mid-tier option. This week, he gets a Bears defence that has allowed the third most yards per attempt, fourth highest passer rating, and fifth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If you want a cheaper option to upgrade elsewhere, Wilson is the guy.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey - $21,970
If you want the best, you’ll have to pay up, with McCaffrey easily the best running back option this week. Whilst his snap count reduced in week 3, McCaffrey doesn’t need to play every snap to put up elite numbers. Has scored a rushing touchdown in every game to start the season, and I don’t see that changing against a Cardinals defence that has struggled against the run. But of course, CMC doesn’t just get it done on the ground, as he averages over 4 targets per game out of the back field. Whilst he hasn’t broken a big play in the passing game yet, it’s only a matter of time.
Zack Moss - $11,620
Moss was on our list last week at just $9,100, and he delivered yet again in week 2, with a score of 25.5. Draftstars have increased his price, but is it enough? He averages the 2nd most snaps per game at the running back position, and whilst he isn’t the most explosive running back, he has a nice high floor purely through volume. Averaging 27 touches and 126 total yards per game, if Moss can continue his high usage he should be in your team if he’s priced in this range. Doesn’t have the high-end ceiling of a Pollard or CMC in this slate, but will make a really solid RB 2 who should produce low-end RB1 numbers.
D'Andre Swift - $11,190
Swift has taken over as the bell cow in the Eagles running back room, and behind the best offensive line in football he has found his mojo. Swift has run for over 300 yards in the past two games, with his snap count well over 50% in both games. This week, Swift takes on a Commanders run defence that has allowed the 5th highest explosive run rate in the league, whilst also being bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed to running backs. The biggest issue for Swift, and what is stopping him from being an elite RB1 in fantasy, is the lack of redzone carries, particularly in goal-to-go situations. Quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to get the runs close to the line, hurting Swift’s touchdown opportunities. Still, for the price this week he will do the job of a high-end RB2.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen - $16,610
Another name we had in our squad of the week last week, and another that produced. Keenan Allen has been braining it to start the season, and with the season ending injury to Mike Williams, Justin Herbert is going to be forced into feeding Allen even more. The advanced stats for Allen are great reading, ranking fourth in target share, 5th in yards per route run, and 13th in redzone targets. He also ranks top 10 in receptions, receiving yards, and yards after catch. The Chargers should dominate the Raiders defence, and I expect another huge performance from Allen.
Chris Olave - $13,630
Olave is becoming a bona-fide WR1 this season at the Saints, and this is translating to fantasy production. Olave is averaging 19.4 points per game, which you’d take as a WR2, but the kicker is he has averaged that per game without a touchdown. The Saints do like running the ball in the redzone, but eventually Olave will have to hit paydirt, and why not this week? He is one of the best deep threats in the NFL, and with Jameis Winston pulling the strings this week, I expect plenty of deep balls to be sent Olave’s way.
Tank Dell - $9,530
Dell has taken over as the number 1 in Houston, and seems to have a tremendous chemistry with CJ Stroud. His numbers are insane over the past two weeks, as he ranks first in target share, air yard share, and first-read share for the Texans. This week he gets to take on a Steelers secondary that has been torched by opposition wide receivers this season, ranking 27th in league in points conceded to WRs. Dell is priced as a WR3, as Draftstars are a little slow to catch on. Dell has WR1 upside, and at worst should put up WR2 level numbers.
Tight Ends
TJ Hockenson - $11,050
Hockenson has been the TE1 this season in fantasy, averaging a fantastic 17 points per game. He ranks second in redzone targets for the Vikings, increasing his value beyond just being a volume guy. This week, he gets a Panthers defence that has struggled stopping tight ends, or anyone for that matter., allowing the fourth-highest yards per reception, 13th most receiving yards, and 11th most fantasy points to tight ends. With Kelce locked out of this slate, and Mark Andrews taking on the fantastic Browns defence, Hockenson is the only legit high ceiling option at tight end in this slate.
Dawson Knox - $5,760
Knox is a little boom or bust in this position, as his usage has slipped significantly with the addition of Dalton Kincaid for the Bills. However, I’m banking on him getting into the endzone in this game, which will make him real value for money at this price. Knox currently ranks second in redzone targets for the Bills, whilst the Miami Dolphins are tied for third in tight end touchdowns allowed. If Knox doesn’t get the touchdown his score will be a disappointment, given his lack of volume this season, however I like his chances at getting a touchdown here this week.
D/ST
Philadelphia Eagles - $6,710
The Eagles defence has been solid to start the season, they currently have the second most takeaways in the NFL this season. Their sack numbers are down, but with so many studs in their front 7, coming up against a horrid offensive line this week, I expect those numbers to increase. This week, they get a home game against divisional rivals the Washington Commanders. They were last seen scoring only 3 points against the Bills, whilst quarterback Sam Howell threw 4 interceptions and was sacked 9 times. If this Eagles defence can get a sniff early, I expect them to trouble this offensive line all day and have quarterback Howell scrambling for his life.
Indianapolis Colts - $4,670
I like the Colts as a cheaper option this week, as they take on the LA Rams at home. The Colts have quietly gone about their business on the defensive side of the ball, ranking 3rd in total sacks, as well as equal 7th for takeaways. The Rams are middle of the pack for both categories, however if you’re looking for a cheaper option for your D/ST, you could do a lot worse this week than the Colts at home.
Suggest Draftstars Lineup
