Week 4 NFL DFS Picks, Predictions, & Top Matchups for Main Slate

September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray passes the ball against the Detroit Lions in an NFL game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Murray is a top NFL DFS pick for Week 4. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)

NFL Week 4 is loaded with divisional matchups, key injuries, and DFS opportunities — including the Saints-Falcons and Vikings-Packers. We’ll break down the top matchups to target to help you build your Week 4 NFL DFS lineups.

Week 3 was filled with upsets across the NFL. The Panthers got a win with Andy Dalton; the Commanders QB Jayden Daniels impressed versus the Bengals, and the Broncos QB Bo Nix made easy work of the Bucs.

Before bye weeks start next week, let’s take advantage of the packed schedule while we still can and highlight some of the best Week 4 NFL DFS Picks on PrizePicks.

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NFL Week 4 Picks for DFS & PrizePicks

Week 4 NFL Injury Report

Chargers QB Justin Herbert Aggravates Ankle Injury

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) was questionable leading up to his Week 3 matchup with the Steelers. He was able to start, but was forced to leave the game in the third quarter after aggravating his injury. Chargers QB Taylor Heinicke took his place, completing both of his pass attempts for 24 yards.

The Chargers will already be facing an uphill battle for Week 4 with a matchup against the Chiefs on tap. Even if Herbert plays, as he is expecting to, he may be limited. If they are going to hang with Patrick Mahomes and company, they will likely need their defense to carry the load.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith Concussed

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith caught seven of 10 targets for 79 yards against the Saints last week before he took a hit that gave him a concussion. Eagles WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) has missed the last two games, so the Eagles could be without their two best receiving options against the Buccaneers, as neither practiced on Wednesday.

That could lead to plenty of opportunities for Eagles TE Dallas Godert, who had 10 receptions for 170 yards in Week 3 as the Eagles played catch up.

Jahan Dotson led all receivers in pass snaps last week with 41 (2 targets), while Parris Campbell played as the WR2. Dotson works best out of the slot, but he may be forced to play outside based on these injuries.

Cardinals TE Trey McBride Enter Concussion Protocol

Another concussion to a prominent fantasy option; Cardinals TE Trey McBride is in the concussion protocol heading into their Week 4 matchup with the Commanders. 

Without another appealing receiving option at tight end, the Cardinals would likely rely heavily on WR Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Michael Wilson, and WR Greg Dortch. Wilson saw his most productive game of the season last week, catching eight of nine targets for 64 yards.

Other NFL Week 4 Injuries for DFS

  • Commanders RB Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion and was unable to return against the Bengals last week. He’s been ruled out for Week 4. Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. is in line to handle the bulk of the work on the ground and in the passing game against the Cardinals.
  • 49ers TE George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury in practice last week that kept him out against the Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he hopes to get Kittle back at practice this week, and he was limited on Wednesday, which improves his chances of taking the field against the Patriots. The 49ers could certainly use him back with RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and WR Deebo Samuel (calf) out. 49ers WR Jauan Jennings stepped up with all three players sidelined last week, catching 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Panthers WR Adam Thielen finally found himself with a quarterback who can throw the ball when the Panthers benched QB Bryce Young in favor of QB Andy Dalton. However, Thielen emerged from Week 3 with a hamstring injury that has landed him on injured reserve. WR Diontae Johnson broke out in his absence, turning 13 targets into 8 catches, 122 yards, and a touchdown. WRs Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette — who both logged at least 40 offensive snaps in Week 3 — will also receive additional opportunities.
  • Steelers RB Jaylen Warren was forced out of Week 3’s game against the Chargers with a knee injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Warren’s status is in question for Week 4, as he’s week-to-week. The good news is that Steelers RB Najee Harris’ right arm isn’t a concern for him moving forward. He has three straight games with at least 17 carries and 69 rushing yards. We may also see RB Cordarrelle Patterson participate in the pass game, and pick up a few carries.
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NFL Week 4 Pass Defenses to Target

Commanders Defense vs. Cardinals

Despite their surprising victory over the Bengals last week, the Commanders still struggled to defend the pass. Bengals QB Joe Burrow had his best performance of the season, throwing for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns. 

The Commanders have now given up the second-most passing yards per game (255.7) in the league and rank 31st in coverage, per PFF. Their 8.24 yards per pass attempt allowed is the fourth-highest mark. This pass defense is the most targetable in the league. 

This is a great spot for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. The Commanders have given up nine passing touchdowns, which is the most in the league. They have also given up the fifth-most receptions (44) to opposing wide receivers.

Behind Murray, it may be worth taking shots on Michael Wilson (9 targets, 8 receptions, 64 yards in Week 3) and Greg Dortch (6 targets, 3 catches, 35 yards), who could see expanded roles in the pass game with tight end Tre McBride out. 

PrizePicks to consider: Kyler Murray 232.5 pass yards / Marvin Harrison Rush+Rec TD Scorer

Jaguars Defense vs. Texans

The Jaguars couldn’t have looked much worse in their loss to the Bills on Monday. Bills QB Josh Alen threw four touchdown passes in the first half. He went on to complete 76.7% of his passes and finish with 263 yards on just 30 pass attempts. 

With that dreadful performance, the Jaguars have given up the third-most passing yards per game (252.3) in the league and grade as the 24th pass coverage defense, via PFF.

If the Jaguars are going to figure out their pass defense, playing the Texans won’t help their cause. With Texans QB C.J. Stroud leading the way, they have attempted the fifth-most passes (112) in the league. Last season, Stroud finished with at least 280 passing yards and two touchdowns in both meetings with the Jaguars.

PrizePicks to consider: C.J. Stroud 266.5 pass yards / Nico Collins 77.5 receiving yards

NFL Week 4 Run Defenses to Target

Colts Defense vs. Steelers

The Colts have allowed a whopping 179.0 rushing yards per game, which is the second-highest mark in the league. That fits right into the wheelhouse of the Steelers, who use the run game as the focal point of their offense. Their 3.6 yards per carry isn’t great, but their 108 rushing attempts this season ranks second behind only the Packers (111).

Expect Najee Harris to get fed in this matchup, as well as some designed runs for QB Justin Fields without Jaylen Warren.

PrizePicks to consider: Najee Harris 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs / Justin Fields 39.5 Rush Yards

Atlanta Falcons Defense vs Saints

Even with Isiah Pacheco (lower leg) out, the Falcons had trouble slowing down the Chiefs on the ground last week. The Chiefs RB duo of Carson Steele and Samaje Perine combined for 97 rushing yards on 23 carries. 

The Falcons have now given up the sixth-most rushing yards per game (150.3) in the league. That could be a recipe for disaster against Saints RB Alvin Kamara, who is averaging 4.7 yards per carry. 

The Saints haven’t been shy about making Kamara their workhorse this year, as he’s averaging over 20 carries per game after going over 20 carries over once in 2023.

PrizePicks to consider: Alvin Kamara 16.5 rush attempts

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Week 4 NFL DFS Picks

Panthers WR Diontae Johnson 63.5 Receiving Yards — MORE

With Thielen going down early last week, Johnson was targeted 13 times against the Raiders. He made them count, finishing with eight receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. Dalton proved to be a huge improvement for the Panthers’ new receiving acquisition.

The Panthers don’t have proven wide receivers behind Johnson now that Theilen is out, so he should have a hefty target share moving forward. Week 4 presents Johnson with a matchup against a Bengals team that has allowed the fifth-most yards per target (9.46) to wide receivers.

Bears WR D.J. Moore: 56.5 receiving yards — MORE

From the new Panthers No. 1 WR to the former Panthers No. 1 receiver. Bears WR D.J. Moore had his best performance of the season last week, catching eight passes for 78 yards against the Colts. While his yardage totals haven’t been stellar to begin the season, he has been targeted at least eight times in all three games. 

A juicer stat line could be in the cards versus the Rams’ abysmal secondary, who have allowed the second-most yards per target (10.4) to wide receivers in the league.

The Bears are expected to get WR Keenan Allen back this week, which could mean a bit less volume for Moore. That said, the Rams will have their hands full with this receiving trio of Moore, Allen, and emerging rookie WR Rome Odunze.

Best Touchdown Scorer Pick: Vikings RB Aaron Jones —0.5 Rush + Rec TDs (Demon Pick)

Vikings RB Aaron Jones has two touchdowns this season, one rushing and one receiving. What’s great to see is that through three games, Jones has totaled eight red zone carries and six red zone targets — he’s a go-to for QB Sam Darnold around the end-zone. 

Next up is a matchup against his former team, the Packers. They held up well the last two weeks against the Colts and Titans, but in Week 1, they allowed three total touchdowns to Eagles RB Saquon Barkley. The Packers have the 24th ranked rush defense via PFF.

Goblin Pick: Jets RB Breece Hall 0.5 Rush + Rec TDs — MORE

Let’s roll with another TD scorer pick here with Jets RB Breece Hall. The Goblin projection is set at 0.5 rushing + receiving touchdowns, while the Demon projection is set at 1.5. The Goblin side gets us a lesser payout, but it’s still an appealing projection. 

Hall has scored a touchdown in all three games this season. He has four carries inside the red zone, three of which have come inside the 10-yard line. He has also received one red-zone target. The Jets are significant favorites over the Broncos, which could lead to plenty of carries for Hall.

Additionally, the Broncos are a run-funnel defense, which bodes well for Hal. Their pass defense is one of the best in the league, while they have been gauged on the ground by Bucs RB Bucky Irving (9 carries, 70 yards) and Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III (20 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD).

Note: Goblin picks reduce your payout on PrizePicks, as they are easier projections to hit.

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Build Your Week 4 NFL DFS Lineup on PrizePicks

There are a bevy of exciting matchups to enjoy for Week 4. Now it’s time to take action. There is no better way to enhance your NFL experience than by building a team on PrizePicks for the Sunday main slate.

There are no salary constraints on PrizePicks — you can choose any player, any team, any matchup. So pick two or more projections from your favorite players, finalize your lineup, sit back, and enjoy the Sunday games.

Follow Mike Barner for more NFL DFS Picks: @rotomikebarner

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