Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud faces a marquee game on Sunday with the Buffalo Bills in town. The quarterback's sophomore campaign is off to a solid start: he already has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, he has a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Texans are 3-1. Next up is a steady Bills defense that has blitzed less than any team in the NFL and allowed the third-fewest air yards. Stroud and the Texans can expect to see a lot of coverage-heavy looks against the Bills, especially with running back Joe Mixon (ankle) unlikely to see the field. Even so, the second-year quarterback is at the helm of a dangerous offense, making him a safe QB1 play in this matchup.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led his team to a dramatic 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, finishing 27-of-40 for 345 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. The second-year quarterback completed a productive day with a one-yard touchdown connection to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds to play. Houston had a scoreless second half until the nine-play, 64-yard touchdown drive that secured the win, though Stroud remained mistake-free throughout. The Houston quarterback will look for a second straight win next week against the Buffalo Bills.

The schedule has opened up for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will face the floundering Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year ranks a middling 15th among fantasy quarterbacks after back-to-back muted offensive days against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags offer a possible reprieve. Jacksonville ranks 30th among NFL defenses in yards allowed, 25th in completions allowed, 22nd in pressures, and 32nd in yards after the catch. Even with the Houston running game possibly limited by injuries, Stroud is a QB1 option who can be started with confidence against a struggling defense at home.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) has a chance to have a great week in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Etienne was limited in practice all week, but fortunately will enter Sunday's game without an injury tag. While the Colts are better against the run than the pass, they aren't great against either. Quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is questionable, and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is out out for the Colts offense, meaning the Jaguars have a great chance to earn their first win of the season. That means more time spent leading and more running the ball. The main thing that has limited Etienne's upside has been less volume than expected. It's hard to get a lot of carries for a team always playing from behind, but that could change on Sunday. Tank Bigsby has been good in limited touches, so he could continue to eat into Etienne's workload. However, in a good matchup with potential for more volume, Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 5.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) remained limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also limited for a second straight day. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans but later returned to the game, although he ceded seven carries to Bigsby, who picked up a season-high 90 yards. The 25-year-old Etienne's status doesn't appear to be in question for another divisional matchup in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, but his fantasy value could be in trouble if the Jags decide to start getting Bigsby more involved in the backfield. Bigsby has averaged an impressive 8.2 yards per carry through four games. As of now, fantasy managers should plan to start Etienne as an RB2 as the Jags look for their first victory of 2024.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) is on the team's Week 5 injury report after being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also listed as limited. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans before eventually returning, but it led to a bigger role for Bigsby, who had seven carries for a season-high 90 yards on the ground. The 25-year-old Etienne had 11 carries for 50 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards. Both RBs should be available to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but Bigsby's efficient performance last week could lead Jacksonville to give him a bigger piece of the backfield pie as the Jags look for their first win of 2024. Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, with Bigsby becoming a more appealing RB3/flex in deeper formats.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut versus the Commanders by catching three passes for 39 yards. Fantasy managers were still expecting more despite the wideout missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury. However, he played better in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing six grabs (10 targets) for 60 yards. Cincinnati will meet Baltimore in Week 5 for an AFC North showdown. While Higgins remains a risky option for managers, his upside makes him worthy of a start in any format.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins had 60 yards off a team-high six catches in Sunday's win over the Panthers. The wideout returned from a two-game absence for the Week 3 loss to the Commanders. However, he had only three receptions in that one. But with 10 targets in Week 4, it appears Higgins still has the attention of Joe Burrow, making him worthy of a starting spot in all fantasy formats when the Bengals meet the Ravens in Week 5.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut against the Commanders after missing the first two contests because of a hamstring injury. It wasn't a horrible showing, with the 2020 No. 33 overall pick catching three of his six targets for 39 yards. While Andrei Iosivas continues to look better each week, Higgins was still on the field more. With that said, Higgins remains a starting fantasy option in all formats versus a weak Panthers defense in Week 4. However, the wideout will need to play better or fantasy managers will consider benching him when the Bengals meet the Ravens in Week 5.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw football's version of a perfect game, completing 18 of 18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks on Monday night. Goff's 18 completions without an incompletion set an NFL record and he caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown for good measure. The former No. 1 overall pick turned in the QB4 performance on the week as the Lions racked up 42 points on the night. It was by far the best game of the season for Goff and could signify a breakout moving forward for the signal caller of a talented and diverse Lions' offense.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff faces a stiff test with the Seattle Seahawks defense on Monday night. The Seahawks come in with the No. 2 overall defense and No. 1 pass defense in the NFL through three weeks. At the same time, Goff represents the best quarterback the Seahawks will have faced after matching up with Denver's rookie Bo Nix, New England's Jacoby Brissett, and Miami's Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle. Seattle boasts a strong secondary and Goff has yet to break out through three weeks of this season. Expect a run-heavy focus for the Lions' offense on Monday night with Goff attempting to get the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams whenever possible against Seattle's tough corners in Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Goff profiles as a mid-range QB2 in this matchup with better options available.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hasn't had the greatest start to the season as he continues to hover around the QB2 territory each week. He did, however, lead the Lions to their second win of the season behind 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 18-for-23 throwing. He also took two sacks on top of three carries for six yards. Right now, Goff has thrown one more interception than touchdowns (4-to-3), and he's averaging 241 yards per game. Detroit's offense has been split almost perfectly down the middle so far as they've had a total of 101 rushing attempts compared to 107 passing attempts. Goff saw a lot of touchdowns come from red zone targets to Sam LaPorta, but there haven't been many of those to start the year. Goff will look to post a big-time performance in a primetime game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is set to build on his increased usage in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. He aims to capitalize on a favorable matchup against a Panthers defense ranked 29th in the league, allowing an average of 148.8 rushing yards per game. While Johnson maintained a consistent snap rate of 37% in Week 4 and he only had seven touches for 26 rushing yards, he didn't see a significant uptick in his offensive role. Meanwhile, D'Andre Swift regained the lead in red zone snaps, which bodes well for his fantasy prospects. However, Johnson has shown himself to be an effective runner between the tackles, particularly in short-yardage situations. Given the Panthers' struggles against the run, Johnson could be a worthwhile option as a high-end RB4 for those hoping for a touchdown opportunity.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson saw increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, serving as a change-of-pace option to help secure tough yards. He scored a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strip-sack by Montez Sweat deep in Rams territory. Johnson's downhill rushing style made him an ideal choice for goal-line situations, while D'Andre Swift, who had struggled early in the season, found his rhythm once the Bears got him into open space. Chicago finished the game with 131 rushing yards, a significant improvement from the 63 they managed against the Colts. After impressing in his first outing of the season in Week 3, Johnson solidified his role as the clear No. 2 running back behind Swift. Although Swift had his best game yet, Johnson may have established himself enough to maintain his change-of-pace role and secure future goal-line opportunities.

The Chicago Bears' running back Roschon Johnson is poised for increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Reports indicate that the Bears want more opportunities for their young back, especially as starter D'Andre Swift has struggled. In recent games, the Bears have experimented with different carry splits among Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson. Given their current ranking of 31st in both yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Sunday's matchup against a Rams run defense that ranks 25th could be the perfect chance for improvement. The Bears missed a good opportunity in Week 3 against a vulnerable Colts defense, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the available talent. Johnson showed promise in Week 3, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with a more physical running style. While Swift led in rushing plays with a 56% snap rate, Johnson carved out a role on passing downs, taking 51% of the snaps compared to Swift's 42%. Johnson also outperformed Swift in the red zone, logging a 47% snap rate versus Swift's 29%. For fantasy managers needing a dart throw at running back, Johnson's recent usage and anticipated uptick in touches make him an intriguing option this week.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Browns. He was officially labeled as questionable heading into this contest. However, with Austin Ekeler (concussion) also cleared to play, the Commanders will have their top options out of the backfield. While Robinson's presence should mean fewer touches for Ekeler, the knee injury could still jeopardize the former's volume in Week 5. As a result, both should be considered flex options against Cleveland, although Robinson's ceiling is still considerably higher.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was officially listed as questionable for the Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Robinson popped up on the injury report this week and was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he returned to the field with a limited practice on Friday to give himself a chance to play this weekend. He's expected to be a game-time decision, but the good news is he's "trending in the right direction" to be active, and we'll know whether he's active or not before the first slate of games kicks off on Sunday. Austin Ekeler is returning after a one-game absence due to a concussion, so if Robinson is active against Cleveland, he'll definitely have more competition for touches, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy. If B-Rob is inactive, expect Jeremy McNichols, who scored two rushing touchdowns last week, to split the backfield with Ekeler.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel has played the fewest snaps of any Buffalo wide receiver this season but that could change in Week 5. Khalil Shakir (ankle) is in danger of missing the contest. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady stated to the media that he wants Samuel to be on the field more often. The veteran is averaging just 12 yards per game and secured three receptions or more just once. Samuel shouldn't be added to rosters in any standard-sized fantasy football league, but he's a name worth monitoring on Sunday, especially if Shakir is sidelined.

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized, "Curtis Samuel has to play more. I need to find ways to get the ball in his hands because good things happen." Despite this, Samuel has struggled through four games, failing to record more than three catches in a single game and not exceeding 22 receiving yards. He's averaging just 12 yards per game, which is concerning for a player who signed a three-year, $24 million deal as a free agent. Additionally, Samuel ranks last among Bills receivers with only 68 snaps. During his time with Brady in Carolina, Samuel had his best professional season, totaling 851 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 200 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. However, that productive version of Samuel has yet to appear in Buffalo, making him look like a disappointment early on. As the Bills approach Week 5, Samuel must receive more targets and be more involved to help the offense advance. Until he shows greater involvement, he's not a recommended fantasy option heading into the matchup against the Texans.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel was brought to Buffalo to potentially be one of the top passing-game options for Josh Allen. Through three weeks, he's played exactly 27% of snaps in every contest. On the season, Samuel has seven targets and six receptions for 40 yards. He also has one rush for no gain. Khalil Shakir is blossoming in the slot and the Bills like the blocking ability Mack Hollins brings on the outside. Without regular usage in the offense, Samuel isn't considered a good fantasy football option against the Baltimore Ravens. To take it a step further, he doesn't need to be rostered in standard-sized redraft leagues.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a two-faced player in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets with 13.1 fantasy points in each of those games. He also has two games with three or less targets with 6.9 or less fantasy points in each of those games. His inconsistency makes him difficult to trust but his talent is intriguing. The Seahawks have made it clear that they would like Smith-Njigba to touch the ball far more than he did in 2023. However, whether or not it is by design, the team has not been able to consistently scheme plays for Smith-Njigba. He has a chance to shine against a middle-of-the-road New York Giants defense in Week 5. He should be a flex-play with upside but do not be surprised if he delivers another dud performance.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba earned 12 targets against the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Smith-Njigba would finish Week 4 with eight receptions for 51 yards. Smith-Njigba has been wildly inconsistent in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets and two games with three or fewer. As such, he has been a solid or great start in two games and a fantasy liability in two others. Still, Smith-Njigba is much more of a full-time player in 2024 than he was in 2023. If he can string together a couple of solid games in a row, then he will give fantasy managers a lot more confidence moving forward. For now, he is a good spot start if you need a flex player.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a frustrating player in 2024. Outside of his Week 2 explosion for 23.7 fantasy points, Smith-Njigba has been under seven fantasy points in each of his other two games. It seems as though Smith-Njigba's value may be tied to wide receiver Tyler Lockett. When Lockett has a solid game, Smith-Njigba sees a dip in production and vice versa. Unfortunately, it makes these players impossible to predict in fantasy. Smith-Njigba is a younger and more exciting player than Lockett. However, Lockett is a savvy veteran who has the trust of the Seahawks' coaching staff and quarterback Geno Smith. Smith-Njigba is far too talented to keep off the field, so talent has a chance to win out in this case.