San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will look to get back into the win column when the team hosts the New England Patriots on Sunday. Last week versus the Rams in Los Angeles, Purdy had his first 2024 performance above fantasy projections, finishing as the overall QB5 by throwing for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and chipping in 41 yards rushing -- the second-highest total of his career. New England's pass defense has been mediocre this year, producing mixed results against Joe Burrow, Geno Smith, and Aaron Rodgers thus far. They sit at 17th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks with 15.7 per game in Yahoo default scoring. Purdy is expected to get tight end George Kittle (hamstring) back after missing last week, but wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) is questionable after logging limited practices on Thursday and Friday while running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) still sits on Injured Reserve. Purdy himself had some minor back soreness coming out of last week's game but doesn't carry an injury designation after practicing in full from Wednesday onward. He'll be a back-end QB1 at home in Week 4.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Brock Purdy (back) didn't carry an injury designation after practicing in full on Wednesday. Purdy came out of the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams with some minor back soreness on Monday, but he appears to be just fine and should be in the clear to start this weekend for a Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots. The 24-year-old signal-caller displayed why he should be seen as a high-floor fantasy QB after throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to the Rams while being without running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf), receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring), arguably his top three targets. Purdy could be without all three for a second straight week against an underrated Pats defense. Consider him a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in Week 4.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Brock Purdy (back) is day-to-day with back soreness. It doesn't sound like a very serious injury, but we'll keep a close eye on Purdy's practice status anyway this week as the team prepares for their Week 4 meeting against the New England Patriots this weekend. The 24-year-old signal-caller was without running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf), receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) -- arguably his top three offensive weapons -- in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams but still managed to throw for 292 yards and a season-high three touchdowns on 30 attempts, with most of his work being done with wideout Jauan Jennings, who hauled in all three of Purdy's TDs. If Purdy plays in Week 4, he'll be more attractive as a QB1 in fantasy if one/both of Samuel or Kittle can return.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) recently returned from seeing a specialist in Germany. It sounds like the plan is for McCaffrey to continue working on the ground, but he won't be back on the field anytime soon. The earliest McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be Week 6. Right now the plan is for McCaffrey to possibly return by early November. That isn't great news for fantasy managers, but at least the superstar back will only miss a handful of more games. In the meantime, Jordan Mason figures to continue being the lead back. Mason should be considered a RB1 in fantasy formats until McCaffrey returns.

A report earlier on Thursday suggested that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) could miss two more months after visiting with a specialist in Germany this week. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said later in the day that "we'll probably turn it up here in the next couple of weeks... we'll start testing it out here sooner rather than later." The earliest that McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be before the Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks since he was placed on Injured Reserve before Week 2. Whenever the Niners designate CMC to return from IR, he'll then have three weeks to return to action. An exact timeline for the 28-year-old's return is unclear, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to happen in Week 6. In the meantime, Jordan Mason will continue operating as the lead back and will have RB1 upside in fantasy.

After seeing a specialist in Germany, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) will likely be sidelined for at least a month and "probably closer to a couple of months." It's obvious terrible news for the 49ers and any fantasy managers that took CMC with the first overall pick in fantasy drafts this year. The 28-year-old is currently on Injured Reserve but isn't going to be ready to return for the Niners when he's eligible in Week 5 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. When the reigning NFL rushing champion finally does return from his injury, he could also be eased back in so that he doesn't suffer any setbacks. All fantasy managers can do is be patient at this point and hope McCaffrey can regain his pre-injury form when he returns. In the meantime, Jordan Mason is going to continue to be a must-start RB1 in fantasy as San Fran's lead back.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is on a quest to score in his third straight game. Metcalf has logged at least 104 yards and a touchdown in each of the last two games. He has been a stud in fantasy and currently sits as the WR7. While Metcalf has been a huge red zone target in recent years, it is encouraging to see him scoring long touchdowns this season. He has scored from 71 yards and 56 yards in the last two games. He is facing a Lions defense in Week 4 that is 31st in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and No. 1 in fantasy points allowed to running backs. As such, the Seahawks will have to throw to generate offense in this game. There is nothing about this matchup that should scare you in Week 4. Metcalf has a chance to deliver high-end WR1 value yet again.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught another long touchdown pass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Metcalf got behind the defense and was wide open for a 71-yard score. Metcalf would finish the day with four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught a long touchdown pass in two straight games. Although the Seahawks' passing offense was out of sync for much of Week 3, Metcalf was still able to capitalize on his opportunities. Metcalf now has over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in two straight games. The Seahawks are clearly committed to Metcalf as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver which bodes well for his fantasy outlook as a high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 moving forward. He will look to continue this momentum in Week 4 against a vulnerable Detroit Lions secondary.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) is off the injury report and is set to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old wideout did not practice on Wednesday due to a hand injury but returned as a full participant on Thursday. He now enters the weekend without an injury designation. Fantasy managers should expect Metcalf to serve as the No.1 option for Geno Smith this weekend. After catching only three passes in the opening week, Metcalf caught ten passes for 129 yards and a score against the New England Patriots last week. Fantasy managers should view Metcalf as a high-end WR2 this weekend and should be locked into all starting lineups.

Dallas Cowboys veteran receiver Brandin Cooks projects in the WR4 range ahead of Thursday night's game against the New York Giants. Cooks has seen a fairly consistent role throughout the first three weeks as Dallas' WR2 and third option in the passing game. The 31-year-old is averaging five targets per game and has an 80% snap share on the season. Being on the field leads to opportunity, and we know that Cooks will be on the field for the Cowboys on Thursday night. He isn't a sexy start and doesn't have the highest ceiling, but Cooks can be considered as a flex option this week.

Dallas Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks did not have a productive day in the 28-25 loss to Baltimore. The veteran receiver was targeted six times, but only caught two balls for 16 yards. Cooks has now recorded back-to-back disappointing performances and is falling off of the fantasy radar. With that being said, he still holds an every-down role in a high-volume passing offense. The 30-year-old will be back in action on Thursday against the New York Giants.

Dallas Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks was limited in practice on Wednesday due to rest, but fully participated in Thursday's practice ahead of the Week 3 matchup with Baltimore. Cooks is not injured and should enter the game as the healthiest pass-catcher for Dallas with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and Jake Ferguson (knee) battling injuries. The veteran is a WR4 option this week, as both Lamb and Ferguson are trending towards playing. The Cowboys should lean on the pass against a softer Baltimore secondary, making Cooks a potential flex option in deeper leagues.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) had another pedestrian game in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Herbert was listed as questionable all week with a high ankle sprain, but was able to play although clearly slowed by the injury. He ended up attempting 27 passes, completing 16 of them for 179 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked twice and fumbled once, but it was recovered by a teammate. He also "added" three carries, but totaled zero yards on the ground. Herbert's touchdown came on an outstanding throw and catch to rookie Ladd McConkey. The Chargers head into their Week 5 bye with a 2-2 record and Herbert will get a much needed week of rest before taking on the Broncos on the road in Week 6.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation heading into the weekend was that Herbert would be able to play. Indeed, he is confirmed as the starter for a Week 4 divisional clash between the Chargers and Chiefs. Through parts of three games this year, Herbert has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 399 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and one lost fumble. The former first-round pick has a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, but fantasy managers would love to see more yards and scoring from him in general. He ranks as a low-end QB2 against a solid Chiefs defense.

Barring a pregame setback, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Chiefs according to NFL Network. Herbert is dealing with a high-ankle sprain but is expected to fight through it to play in Week 4. Rashawn Slater (pectoral) has been ruled out and Joe Alt (knee) is doubtful, so the Chargers' offense will not be operating at full-go against the talented Chiefs' defense potentially without two tackles. A slightly hobbled Herbert with a make-shift offensive line is not a good recipe for fantasy success, so managers with other options might want to look elsewhere at the quarterback position.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed six times for 12 yards on the ground during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He left much more of an impact in the receiving game, hauling in three of four targets for an additional 67 yards through the air. He finished as the Patriots' receiving yards leader. Gibson now has 219 scrimmage yards over the last three weeks, but he's still searching for his first touchdown as a member of the Patriots. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated a tendency for breaking off big plays within a Patriots offense desperately searching for a spark after a 1-3 start. Gibson is still operating as the Patriots' No. 2 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson, but given that Stevenson has lost two fumbles in the last two games and Gibson has impressed lately, the latter could be in line to earn more snaps going forward. He'll rank as a low-end RB3 heading into Week 5 against a suspect Miami Dolphins squad.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson has earned additional attention in fantasy football leagues ahead of his Week 4 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Gibson is coming off an intriguing Week 3 in which he had two more touches and 14 more scrimmage yards than Rhamondre Stevenson. He also offers ball security, which Stevenson can't necessarily echo given that he has three fumbles in 2024, lost a fumble last week, and was in the previous coaching staff's dog house for ball security issues. While Stevenson did play more snaps than Gibson last week, neither hit 50 percent. Reduced volume in an unproductive offense like the Patriots' makes it tough to trust Gibson in fantasy football this week, but he's absolutely worth monitoring as a potential low-end RB3 in case he continues to carve out opportunities.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed five times for 29 yards during Thursday's game against the New York Jets. He also caught three passes for an additional eight yards through the air. Gibson primarily played late in the game, including the drive in which Drake Maye replaced Jacoby Brissett. He was incredibly efficient with 5.8 YPC and showed a sort of burst on the ground that we haven't necessarily seen from Gibson in years past. He also kept firm possession of the football, which can't be said of Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots' lead back has now fumbled in three consecutive games, so if the coaching staff can't trust him to protect the football, he could lose significant opportunities to Gibson. The former Commander back is a fringe top-36 fantasy running back for Week 4 against the Niners.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field. With Allen back for the first time since the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jone Jr. will be a healthy scratch for Chicago. Allen was sidelined the last two games with a heel injury that dates back to late last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old veteran's return is good news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and bad news for rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who went off with Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen did see a healthy 11 targets in the season opener from Williams, but he caught just four of those passes for 29 yards and no scores. In a game in which Allen's snaps could be limited in his return, he figures to be a shaky WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has reported that he plans to play this Sunday when the team hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. This is excellent news for Caleb Williams and Chicago's offense. However, fantasy managers may want to demonstrate caution starting the veteran wideout upon his return. Los Angeles has been one of the easier matchups thus far for opposing passing attacks -- allowing the sixth-most yards (746) and second-most scores (7) through the air. Despite this, it is difficult to predict his role in the offense. During his last action in the team's 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Allen led the team in targets with 11 but was out-caught and out-gained by DJ Moore. Moore again led the team in receiving (yards, targets, and receptions) during Week 2 but took a back seat to rookie sensation Rome Odunze in Week 3 when he broke out with 112 yards and a score on six receptions -- tying for the team lead in targets with Cole Kmet (11). It may be best to take a wait-and-see approach with this trio for now, but if Williams attempts 50 passes a game, all three wideouts could have valuable outings.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is trending toward playing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 with a heel injury that he said has left him "hurting" since training camp. Allen, 32, practiced in full on Friday for the first time since Week 1 and was deemed questionable on the final injury report after missing each of the last two games. The Bears held him out of football activities the last two weeks before he returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Allen said he dealt with a similar injury in 2023 and classified it as "a wear-and-tear type of deal." He doesn't think this injury will hinder him the remainder of the season. With Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, rookie first-rounder Rome Odunze went off for six catches, 112 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Allen will be a shaky flex play if he's active, although he did see 11 targets in Week 1.

Through three weeks, Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton isn't a top-50 receiver in half-PPR scoring and he hasn't found the end zone after scoring a career-high 10 times in 2023. The good news is that he's currently tied for 12th among wideouts with 27 targets, and he's coming off his best game with seven grabs for 68 yards in the Week 3 win over Tampa. With a Week 4 matchup looming on the road versus the New York Jets and a likely showdown with cornerback Sauce Gardner, Sutton could very well struggle as he continues to gain chemistry with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton currently has a career-low 44.4% catch rate on his 27 targets, and the Jets defense has allowed only 150.7 passing yards per game (fourth-fewest) so far in 2024. The 28-year-old will continue to have a high target share, but he's going to need to be more efficient to be anything more than a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy moving forward.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a nice bounce-back performance in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, even though he still has yet to find the end zone in 2024. After catching just one pass for 26 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sutton led Denver in targets (11), receptions (seven) and receiving yards (68) in the 26-7 victory over the Buccaneers. It was nice to see the 28-year-old return to being the club's WR1 as rookie quarterback Bo Nix looked his way early and often. Hopefully, Sutton can build on this performance, but fantasy managers should expect more ups and downs as he continues to develop a rapport with his young QB. Sutton will need to maintain this kind of heavy volume to stay on the WR4/flex radar on a weekly basis. He'll have his work cut out for him in Week 4 against the New York Jets.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton comes into the Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking for his first score of the year after finding the end zone a career-high 10 times in 2023. Through two games in 2024, Sutton has a weak 31.3% catch rate while working with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, catching only five of his 16 targets for 64 yard while seeing Josh Reynolds lead the team in receiving yards. It doesn't help Sutton's cause this weekend that rookie Devaughn Vele (ribs), who caught all eight of his targets in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, is returning after a one-game absence. The 28-year-old finished fifth on the team in targets last Sunday against Pittsburgh and caught just one pass for 26 yards. It's still early, but Sutton doesn't appear to have great chemistry right now with the struggling Nix.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker attempted three kicks in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, making two of them. He made his only extra point try and one of his two field goal attempts. The field goal he made was a first quarter kick from 50 yards out. He missed a later 55 yard try in the third quarter. Dicker has been extremely accurate to start his career since last season, but his only weak spot might be kicks from outside of 50 yards. He and the Bolts head into their bye week and will return for a Week 6 game against the Broncos in Denver.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made both of his kicks in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dicker attempted one field goal and one extra point, making both, with his field goal coming from 28 yards out in the second quarter. It was a slow game for the Chargers offense as a whole, limiting Dicker's chances. He and the Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).