Fantasy News

Ben Roethlisberger struggles in 26-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday Night Football.

Roethlisberger was 27/47 for 274 yards, one touchdown, and one interception as the Steelers dropped to 1-2-1. Pittsburgh was able to score 14 points in the second quarter to tie things up heading into the half, but a 26-yard touchdown to Antonio Brown was the team’s only touchdown of the night. Unfortunately, Big Ben seemed to lock onto Brown far too often, (including on the game-sealing interception), and that’s when Pittsburgh is at their worst. Through four weeks, Roethlisberger is on pace for 5,656 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He needs to get everyone involved next week in what will be a huge game against the Falcons.

10/1/18 - 01:55 PM ET

Joe Flacco throws for 363 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Ravens over the Steelers.

The Ravens came out fast with 14 first-quarter points in Pittsburgh, and Flacco threw a 33-yard touchdown to John Brown on Baltimore’s first drive of the game. His second score was on a play-action pass he threw to Alex Collins for three yards. Later in the game, Flacco hit Brown on a 71-yard deep ball, and he had no trouble having time to take shots down the field. Overall, Flacco was 28/42 for 363 yards and two touchdowns in the primetime win. Through four games, the former Super Bowl MVP is on pace for 5,008 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. It’s a deep position, but Flacco has QB1 upside in Week 5 against the Browns.

10/1/18 - 01:54 PM ET

Lee Smith caught three passes for 23 yards in Sunday’s win over Cleveland.

Smith is mostly a blocker as Oakland’s No. 2 tight end. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

10/1/18 - 01:48 PM ET

Jordy Nelson comes up clutch in overtime win over the Browns.

Nelson caught five passes for 48 yards, including a 19-yard score in Oakland’s fourth-quarter comeback. Plus, Jordy tied the game with less than a minute left in regulation with a contested catch on a two-point conversion. Proclaimed finished by many before the season even began, Nelson is averaging 17.1 yards per reception and is on pace for a 64/1,096/8 line through four games, and the schedule softens up the rest of the way. Consider the veteran a weekly FLEX option heading into a matchup with the Chargers.

10/1/18 - 01:46 PM ET

Martavis Bryant caught three passes for 51 yards in Sunday’s win over the Browns.

Bryant has certainly helped Oakland’s offense since being re-signed after the opener, and he’s even made a significant impact as a downfield blocker, which is encouraging to see. Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson are the clear starters for the Raiders, but Bryant is always worth considering as a high-upside desperation play, including next week against the Chargers.

10/1/18 - 01:41 PM ET

Jared Cook goes off in win over the Browns.

Cook caught eight passes for 110 yards and two scores, with both coming from seven yards away in the second half. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Jon Gruden has unlocked the potential of the talented tight end, as through four games in his age-31 season, Cook is on pace for a 104/1,480/8 line. It’s worth noting that two huge games came in perhaps the two easiest matchups for the position, so fantasy owners might want to consider selling high if possible. Next week, Cook remains a TE1 against the Chargers.

10/1/18 - 01:39 PM ET

Amari Cooper has a big day as Raiders pickup their first win of the season.

Cooper caught eight passes for 128 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception over the middle in the first half. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but the former first-round pick has been pretty hit-and-miss to start the year with lines of 1/9, 10/116, 2/17, and 8/128/1. Fantasy owners should expect more volatility next Sunday against the Chargers, as through three seasons, Cooper has split those meetings with 100+ yards and a touchdown in three games and 28 or fewer scoreless yards in the three other games. Consider him an unpredictable WR2/FLEX option.

10/1/18 - 01:36 PM ET