Fantasy Football Week 4 Recap: 15 Things You Need To Know
The Week 4 slate began extra early as the year’s first game from London was played from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The narrow victory set the table for a day filled with close contests and furious comebacks. We witnessed awe-inspiring fantasy performances, including several breakout efforts from established stars and rookies alike.
Bright Stars
T.J. Hockenson had himself a day! In the absence of playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, D'Andre Swift, and D.J. Chark, Hockenson became a much bigger part of the offense. His 12 targets, eight receptions, 179 yards, and two touchdowns were all season-high totals for the fourth-year tight end. This was the highest-scoring fantasy performance by a tight end this season.
TJ Hockenson’s 39.9 PPR points is the 7th-highest tight end single-game fantasy score in NFL history
— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) October 2, 2022
Austin Ekeler erupted for three scores against the Houston Texans. He rushed for 60 yards on 13 carries and caught six passes for 49 yards, scoring twice on the ground and once through the air in a 34-24 Chargers victory. Ekeler had been scoreless on the season entering Sunday.
Justin Jefferson bade us good morning from across the pond. He thrilled with 10 catches for 147 yards against New Orleans. He had a rushing touchdown on his only attempt scoring from three yards out. The performance was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as Jefferson had been quiet the prior two weeks. He has seen 42 targets through four games.
Jared Goff stacked up fantasy points in a wild one against the Seattle Seahawks. He threw for 378 yards and four passing touchdowns, including an 81-yarder to Hockenson. Goff has been a nice surprise for fantasy managers turning in a top-12 QB season to date.
DK Metcalf managed a staggering 21.3 yards per catch facing off against the Lions. His 149 yards came on just seven receptions, including a 54-yard catch and run in the second quarter. Metcalf has now put together back-to-back solid games after a slow start to the season.
Josh Jacobs had his largest rushing output of the season to date. He compiled 144 rushing yards on 28 carries. For a second straight week, he caught five passes for 31 yards. He found the end zone twice on the ground recording his first touchdowns of the season. For three weeks, he has totaled at least 18 touches.
Dim Stars
Jonathan Taylor failed to deliver for fantasy managers on Sunday. He only averaged 2.1 yards per carry, rushing for 42 yards on 20 attempts. He added one receiving yard on a single catch. Late in the game he fumbled and was hurt on the play. His status remains unclear with an ankle injury. The Colts play Denver on Thursday.
Trevor Lawrence had an afternoon to forget in Philadelphia. He turned the ball over five times losing four fumbles on the day and throwing an interception. He only mustered 174 passing yards on Sunday. Though he did throw two touchdowns, he was also sacked four times. It was Lawrence’s worst fantasy result of the season.
Kyle Pitts was virtually non-existent again. After emerging somewhat in Week 3, Pitts vanished from the offensive game plan. He was targeted just four times and only came up with one catch for 25 yards. His utilization is particularly frustrating for fantasy managers, as Pitts was an early-round target in most fantasy drafts.
Rising Stars?
Jamaal Williams starred in a leading role, filling in for Swift as the Lions battled the Seahawks. In a game that had 93 total points, Williams crossed the goal line twice. He topped the century mark, rushing for 108 yards on 19 attempts. He also caught a one-yard pass. Williams leads the NFL with six rushing touchdowns this year.
Jamal Agnew was the lone bright spot in an otherwise difficult game for Jacksonville. Agnew led the Jaguars in receptions with four. He racked up 50 yards receiving and took two of his catches to the end zone for his first two touchdowns of the year. They would be the only touchdowns Jacksonville scored on Sunday. This was the first game that Agnew has received multiple targets in 2022.
Dameon Pierce had the best performance of his young career. He carried 14 times for 131 yards and a rushing score. He also caught all six of his targets in the passing game, though for only eight yards. Sunday marked the third consecutive week that Pierce has had at least 16 touches.
Kenny Pickett entered the Steelers’ game for the second half relieving Mitch Trubisky, who was ineffective for a fourth consecutive week. Pickett led the team on two scoring drives, recording a pair of rushing touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions. Head coach Mike Tomlin remained coy about the starting quarterback going forward, but the offense ran smoothly with Pickett at the helm. He leads the team in touchdowns scored this season.
Injury Concerns
Treylon Burks left the game late in the Titans’ contest against the Bills. He suffered an injury to his left foot and was carted off the field. Burks reportedly exited the locker room in a walking boot and on crutches.
Treylon Burks left the #Titans locker room in crutches with a boot on his foot.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 2, 2022
Javonte Williams sustained a knee injury against Las Vegas. He left early in the third quarter and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. He recorded 28 yards on 10 carries prior to being injured. Williams was reportedly seen leaving the locker room on crutches after the game. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday.
