We make it a point to only note the overall theme of a week if one exists. Such is the case in Week 4, as the general atmosphere of the matchups is that many may stay on the low-scoring side. That’s not exactly a problem if we are looking to find a way to differentiate from others, and some matchups will be avoided by DFS managers completely.
Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy Sports game-by-game analysis columns are driven by expected game flow. Based on a combination of our Week 4 NFL picks against the spread and our expectations for a given game, we project the actions necessary to make these picks come to fruition. We aim to pinpoint players integral to our predicted game flow for each game of the week. We also include high-scoring and low-scoring matchups that can be used for either DFS plays or over-under picks in our new Top Games to Target column.
Please Note: Our ‘Must-Owns’ are either players around which we are building our entire roster or the top target we want, not considering salary restraints. Which means that some ‘must-owns’ will not make it into our final lineups.
Luke May is our resident NFL DFS expert, and Mario Mergola operates Sporfolio as our expert for NFL Picks Against the Spread.
Washington Football Team at Atlanta Falcons
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: For three weeks I have continued to believe that Washington boasts a strong defense, and for three weeks I have been wrong. This seemingly stout Washington defense ranks 31st in the league in yards allowed and 29th in the league in points allowed. If there were ever a team that could help them figure it out, it is the Falcons, who have simply looked out of sync for almost the entire season so far. This is going to be the final week I have faith in Washington based on their defense unless they start to turn things around. This game sets up as a run-heavy, slow-paced game that Washington controls throughout.
Targets: Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin
Fades: Falcons Offense
Must-Owns: Football Team Defense
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Admittedly, the game between the Washington Football Team and Atlanta Falcons was one of the most difficult for me to write in my picks column. I simply can’t trust the Falcons’ offense, while I also can’t accept that Washington’s defense is a complete mess. The reality is that one specific area of the game offers some fantasy value, and I am more inclined to lean there than anything else. The Bills’ wide receivers had a field day against the Football Team in Week 3, despite only one pass connecting for more than 28 yards. There were still 33 completions in all, and I’m certainly looking for Atlanta’s aerial attack to pick up some steam in the coming weeks. I also don’t see a way in which the Falcons’ defense dominates, so it’s possible that we have some sneaky options in this game.
Targets: Both quarterbacks and Terry McLaurin
Fades: Mostly everyone else
Must-Owns: Calvin Ridley
Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: It goes against every fiber of my being to think a team coming off back-to-back wins by 35 points and 22 points is going to win another blowout, but how can I expect anything else in this game? The Texans had their bright moment to kick off the season, but since Tyrod Taylor’s injury, things have quickly gone downhill. The Bills hold the advantage at probably every position on the field and should control this game from start to finish. The only positive when looking at the Texans is that Brandin Cooks should be reliable for double-digit targets every week, especially in a game script like this one, so his strong start to the season should continue.
Targets: Brandin Cooks, Entire Bills Offense and Bills Defense
Fades: The rest of the Texans Offense
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: For starters, the spread of the game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans is so laughably large that it is likely to make-or-break DFS lineups. Basically, if the Bills cover the spread, they will probably have had to explode. Conversely, if the Texans beat the spread, they will have had to show some offense. Being wrong here is likely to be costly, so it’s best to make a stand in one direction or the other. One additional problem is that Houston has an endless supply of running backs, while the Bill have countless wide receivers. Still, I do think there is value with someone like Brandin Cooks who should see volume in almost any game script.
Targets: Phillip Lindsay, Brandin Cooks, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Cole Beasley
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: My expectations for the Lions could not have been much lower at the start of this season, but I have to admit that they have impressed me so far. The impressive nature of their team has been in their competitive level and how they have willed themselves into close games. With that said, competetive level only gets you so far when your team is largely devoid of talent, and after that heartbreaking loss last week, we may see the Lions start to break. The Bears looked worse than any team in the league last week, but they are a team with far more talent, and I have to think they will bounce back this week. I am expecting a fairly comfortable win for the Bears in which they don’t have to put a lot of pressure on whichever quarterback finds themself under center on Sunday.
Targets: D’Andre Swift, T.J. Hockenson, Allen Robinson II, and Bears Defense
Fades: Jared Goff
Must-Owns: David Montgomery
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While the Detroit Lions just suffered one of the most heart-breaking, gut-wrenching loss in recent memory, the Chicago Bears are already in the league lead for “worst game of 2021.” Chicago totaled one yard of passing offense with the quarterback the franchise expects to be its ‘future,’ and the Bears now enter play currently without anyone listed under center. The reality is that such a pitiful performance — and now, low expectations — gives the Bears’ offense some room to deliver, but the head-to-head matchup between these two NFC North teams leaves a lot to be desired for a fantasy lineup
Targets: D’Andre Swift, David Montgomery, Allen Robinson II, and Chicago’s defense
Fades: Jared Goff
Must-Owns: T.J. Hockenson
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: This game is probably going to have many people liking the Cowboys, and while I can understand why, I am leaning towards Carolina. The Cowboys have been playing fairly well, but I am always going to like a team coming off a Thursday game playing a team that is coming off a Monday night game. That extra prep time should be big for a Carolina team that is looking to prove they are for real. On the surface, the Cowboys’ defense looks to be “better” this year, but when you take a deeper look you see that they still rank 26th in the league in yards allowed. They have managed to create eight takeaways which have saved them big time, but Carolina has just two turnovers on the year. If Sam Darnold can protect the ball on Sunday, Carolina could remain undefeated even without Christian McCaffrey.
Targets: Sam Darnold, Chuba Hubbard, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper
Fades: Tony Pollard
Must-Owns: DJ Moore
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The “storyline” — since I like to focus on the purpose of this area of the writeup — is that the Carolina Panthers have done all they can, but the Dallas Cowboys are officially back. That’s what we would hear if we listen anywhere else. Not so fast. The Cowboys were basically perfect in Week 3, but the Panthers’ defense is proud and still looking to prove that it is one of the best in the league. I can’t justify loading up on players from Dallas. I also think there is some value with Carolina’s offense, as the loss of running back Christian McCaffrey — and the lackluster performance by backup-turned-starter Chuba Hubbard — is probably going to push fantasy managers away from the Panthers. I disagree. I won’t go overboard with Carolina’s players, but I won’t avoid them either.
Targets: Sam Darnold, Chuba Hubbard, DJ Moore, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper
Fades: None, but I am not using too many players from Dallas
Must-Owns: None, but I will probably use Hubbard and Moore in most of my lineups
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Maybe I have become a full-blown Colts apologist, but I believe their record has a lot more to do with their schedule than their actual ability. Playing the Jacoby Brissett-led Dolphins is the first remotely easy game they have had all season, and I fully expect them to take advantage of it. The Dolphins put up an admirable fight last week behind Brissett, but the quality of their play was quite low for most of that game, and I think we see more of the same this week. I am looking for a typical Colts-style outcome where they lean heavily on the ground game and control the ball and let their defense take care of business as well.
Targets: Nyheim Hines, Michael Pittman Jr., Zach Pascal, and Jaylen Waddle
Fades: Carson Wentz and Jacoby Brissett
Must-Owns: Jonathan Taylor
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: We have seen little from the Indianapolis Colts’ offense to inspire offense, but it’s hard to believe that it will remain completely stagnant for the majority of the season. The matchup with the Miami Dolphins’ defense isn’t great, but Miami has been beaten on the ground. Enter Jonathan Taylor. He and wide receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. have been two of the bright spots on an otherwise lackluster offense, and there’s no reason to avoid either. The Dolphins played well and hung in their last game, so there is some path for offense yet again. Still, I would be careful before using too many offensive players from Miami.
Targets: DeVante Parker, Jaylen Waddle, Nyheim Hines — if Jonathan Taylor is out — Michael Pittman, Jr., and Colts defense
Fades: None
Must-Owns: Jonathan Taylor — obviously if fully healthy
Cleveland Browns at Minnesota Vikings
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: We have now watched Minnesota play good games in back-to-back weeks, but the interesting thing for me is the similarity of those two opponents. Both the Cardinals and the Seahawks play with an aggressive offense and don’t play great defense in general. Those opponents are polar opposites of what they face this week in the Browns. The Browns are going to run the ball all game long on a Vikings defense that has been mediocre at best this season. In doing so, they will allow plenty of time for their talented defense to rest and prepare to face Kirk Cousins who is due for a bad game again. I don’t think the game is a total blowout, but I am expecting it to be a typical Browns game that limits the fantasy upside of just about everyone playing.
Targets: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen
Fades: Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Cleveland Browns completely handled the punchless Bears in Week 3, but they now have a tall task in traveling to Minnesota to play against the Vikings. Those same Vikings would love to run the ball with Dalvin Cook and, if necessary, Alexander Mattison, but the Browns are actually excellent against the run — fourth-best in yards-per-rush. I don’t like to always buy into the numerical matchups because things can change and regress, but I am not going to rely on Mattison putting together back-to-back career-best games if Cook is injured — especially against Cleveland. I won’t fade either passing offense, however, even though I don’t expect an all-out aerial onslaught from the two teams.
Targets: Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham, Jr., Kirk Cousins, and Minnesota’s wide receivers
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: After falling for the trap last week, I won’t be putting my faith in the Giants’ offense again this week. Their offensive line provides very little help, and their entire group of skill positions players is questionable with a variety of injuries. Add to all of that the fact that they now have to face off against a very strong Saints defense, and there is no reason to have much faith in them. The Saints fall into a similar boat seeing as their offense simply cannot seem to be trusted. The Saints have accumulated the second-fewest yards of offense in the entire league, and with their current makeup, there is no reason to expect this week to be significantly different. I give them credit because they have done enough to win games against two good teams, but their fantasy relevance is essentially non-existent.
Targets: Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara, and Saints Defense
Fades: All other offensive players
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: For starters, if anyone looks at the early injury report for the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, it’s a bloodbath. Almost everyone of importance is carrying some injury designation — at least, at the time of this writing. Between that, the weak offensive outputs to date, and the Giants’ overall ineptitude, it’s likely that people move off of this game with the exception of Alvin Kamara. For that reason, I don’t want to jump on the Kamara bandwagon, as he hasn’t been as explosive this year as the last — he has yet to record at least 30 receiving yards in a game. I may cautiously lean on a player or two from the Giants or a pass-catcher from the Saints, but only to gain exposure where others won’t.
Targets: Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, Jameis Winston, and Marquez Calloway
Fades: Alvin Kamara
Must-Owns: None
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: After three straight weeks — rightfully so — of bashing the Jets, I am finally going to give them a break this week. This is the very first chance that they have to potentially put together a good game. While I still don’t believe in them long-term, the setup for their first three games was pretty terrible. Every week they have played against teams with very good defenses and offenses that weren’t exactly going to push the pace of the game. This week, playing against a talented Titans offense — even at less than 100% strength — they may find themselves in a more aggressive type of game flow. On top of that, this Titans’ defense is far and away the worst defense they have faced. I actually think there is some appeal on the Jets side of this game for the first time all season.
Targets: Derrick Henry, Chester Rodgers, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (if A.J. Brown and/or Julio Jones are out), Zach Wilson and Jamison Crowder — if active
Fades: Titans Defense
Must-Owns: Corey Davis
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: There are actually two main storylines for Sunday’s game between the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. The first is that running back Derrick Henry might get 40 carries and push 200 yards. The second is that the Jets were just shutout in Denver. Starting with the latter, I’m always willing to buy into an offense following a scoreless outing as the trends suggest some sort of positive correction. That makes the Jets an incredibly intriguing play, especially since the Titans have been horrible defensively — at least 30 points in two-of-their-first-three games. Going back to the first storyline, Henry really might tote the ball three dozen times as many of Tennessee’s playmakers are injured and the Titans will probably lead late.
Targets: Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, Zach Wilson, and Jets’ wide receivers
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: Corey Davis
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Last week should have taught us two things: the Chiefs are not perfect and will stumble at times throughout the year, and the Eagles are simply not that good. Give me very good — even if not perfect — over not very good all day every day. The biggest thing for me with the Eagles was simply how unprepared they looked against the Cowboys. That was a matchup that should have been favorable and let them run the ball effectively, but instead, they looked like they had no clue what they were doing. To be that unprepared and lost on a Monday night game is beyond unacceptable. Against a team as talented and well-coached as the Chiefs, that is going to cost them even more than it did last week.
Targets: Patrick Mahomes, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Travis Kelce, Jalen Hurts, and Miles Sanders
Fades: Eagles Wide Receivers
Must-Owns: Tyreek Hill
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I’m all for looking at a team that played in Primetime and expecting a relatively different outcome the next time it takes the field, but the Philadelphia Eagles have a gigantic mountain to climb on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia will look to rebound after a truly inept performance and, while the Chiefs’ defense isn’t spectacular, the offense will obviously put the pressure on Philadelphia to score. There is a small chance that the Eagles’ defense — which I expected to be much better in Week 3 — was simply caught off-guard in Dallas and it could slow down Kansas City to the point where some Chiefs’ players may not be worth their high price tags. Really, the general game flow of Kansas City scoring and Philadelphia trying to keep pace is probably the most likely outcome.
Targets: Both quarterbacks, DeVonta Smith, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce
Fades: None, but I won’t go overboard with Eagles
Must-Owns: None
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While it goes without saying that these have been two of the more impressive teams in the early stages of this season, I am leaning towards this game being a relative fantasy disappointment. A division battle with tremendous early-season importance just screams “slugfest” to me despite what we have seen both of these offenses accomplish this season. One thing that may not be noticed by many is the fact that the Cardinals defense has allowed the 4th most rushing yards of any team this season and has allowed the 2nd most rushing yards per attempt. Sean McVay very well may identify that, and use his creative offense to simply run the ball all over the Cardinals which would limit the upside of just about every player in this game. There is too much talent here to completely fade or think the game is a total struggle, but I’m not counting on the shootout that many people will be expecting here.
Targets: Kyler Murray, Chase Edmonds, Rondale Moore, Cooper Kupp, and Sony Michel
Fades: James Conner and Robert Woods
Must-Owns: None, but if Darrell Henderson Jr. is out again, I may force Sony Michel in.
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While the Arizona Cardinals have been fantastic offensively early in the season, they will take on one of last year’s best defenses — and a division rival — that is looking to solidify itself as the class of the conference. The Los Angeles Rams haven’t been nearly as dominant defensively through the first three weeks of the season, but we know the potential is there and I would exercise some caution before filling up my roster with players from Arizona. The Rams’ offense looks as dangerous as expected when the team acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford in the offseason, but it is risky to lean on another repeat performance with the Cardinals also looking to prove they belong atop the division. Overall, I won’t be using too many players from this matchup in my lineup.
Targets: Kyler Murray, Sony Michel — if Darrell Henderson, Jr. is out — and Cooper Kupp
Fades: Mostly everyone else
Must-Owns: None, but it’s hard to argue against Cooper Kupp
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While the 49ers may have the better record in this matchup, I am finding it very hard to have a lot of faith in them this week. Their offense has been steadily getting less productive through three weeks as their yardage totals have gone from 442, 306, 298. The Seahawks’ defense definitely presents an opportunity to right the ship, but Jimmy Garappolo doesn’t seem particularly likely to take advantage. That becomes even more true based on the ever-present threat of ceding redzone touches to Trey Lance. The 49ers’ defense also has not been particularly great this season, and they have struggled mightily against running backs as they rank 27th in the league in rush yards allowed per attempt and 29th in the league in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing running backs.
Targets: Russell Wilson, a healthy Seahawks Wide Receiver, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle
Fades: Jimmy Garappolo
Must-Owns: Chris Carson
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks suffered tough losses in Week 3, and the two meet in a critical division matchup — “critical” because of how powerful the NFC West is. The familiarity between these two teams is likely to limit some of the weapons, and I’m not sure we get a high-flying offensive explosion. I’m more comfortable leaning on a few of the key players than any type of game or team stack.
Targets: Russell Wilson, Chris Carson, Tyler Lockett, and whichever 49ers running back is healthy
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Broncos may be undefeated and playing at home, and originally the betting favorites in this game, but I am simply not buying it this week. The Broncos have bullied three of the very worst teams in the NFL to start off the season. Good for them for taking care of business, but I am not overly impressed. The Ravens, on the other hand, have dealt with more early-season injuries than any team can possibly prepare for and has fought to a tough overtime loss against an undefeated Raiders team, beat the Chiefs in a primetime game, and overcome a poor performance against the Lions to win on a last-second historic field goal by Justin Tucker. The Ravens have to be feeling good about what they have done so far this year, and I expect them to remind the world which of these teams has been near the top of the league for the past few seasons. I think the Ravens establish their run game and play with a lead which should force the Broncos into a heavier passing attack than they would prefer.
Targets: Lamar Jackson, Ty’Son Williams, Latavius Murray, Marquise Brown, Teddy Bridgewater, and Tim Patrick
Fades: Broncos Defense
Must-Owns: Courtland Sutton
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While they may not win, I am convinced that we are about to see an outstanding effort from the Denver Broncos as they try to prove to the football-watching world that their 3-0 start is not a fluke. It’s hard to imagine that happens with too much offense, even though some of the key players must be considered. The reality is that the Baltimore Ravens’ offense may be slowed down, but it probably won’t be stopped and won’t turn the ball over enough to warrant using Denver’s defense in a DFS lineup. Still, if you want a ‘contrarian’ play, there it is.
Targets: Teddy Bridgewater, Melvin Gordon III, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Denver’s defense, Marquise Brown — he might be a ‘must-play’ after the amount of dropped passes he had in Week 3 — and Mark Andrews
Fades: Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s Defense
Must-Owns: None
Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Any time you get to the Pittsburgh Steelers portion of this article, you should have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to say. With the way this Steelers team is built, they are a fantasy football black hole – that is unless injuries lead to their rookie running back seeing 19 targets every week. With both Diontae Johnson and Juju Smith-Schuster looking likely to return, the efficient passing game of the Steelers will go back to being spread out and allowing nobody to thrive. The Steelers defense has not been perfect this year, but they are still not a matchup that I am looking to attack any given week. Outside of Davante Adams, I don’t trust many other guys on Green Bay to be productive in this matchup.
Targets: Diontae Johnson and Davante Adams
Fades: All other offensive players
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is bordering on nonexistent, but the team’s defense remains one of the best in the sport. If it has any chance of beating the Green Bay Packers, it would have to happen by stopping quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his arsenal of weapons. Like the aforementioned Broncos, the Steeler’s defense is your ‘contrarian’ play if looking for one. In addition, it’s normally tricky to try to pinpoint which Steelers wide receiver is in the best position to shine, but injuries to basically the entire receiving corps lowers the amount of options. Of course, the Packers’ offense is in-play as long as you can stomach the risk against Pittsburgh’s defense
Targets: Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Steelers defense, Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and Davante Adams
Fades: None, but I am hesitant to use too much offense in this game
Must-Owns: None
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Read Dan DeAngelis’ SNF Betting Guide Here
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: For all of the storylines surrounding Tom Brady and his return to Foxborough, people seem to want to forget about the Bill Belichick portion of this saga. For all the drama and the headlines that came with Brady’s departure from New England, Belichick is almost always made out to be the bad guy, and he has been on the losing end of this separation thus far. We know Belichick and the Patriots to be spiteful and vindictive at times. I truly believe a part of Belichick would take a loss in every other game this season if it means he gets to ruin Brady’s return. With that thought stuck in my head, I believe New England makes this much more of a game than people may want to believe. I’m not sure they have the talent to pull off the win, but I think their stout defense keeps the game close throughout and minimizes the fireworks in this highly anticipated matchup.
Targets: Tom Brady, Chris Godwin, Mac Jones, Jakobi Meyers, and Kendrick Bourne
Fades: Buccaneers Defense and Damien Harris
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The obvious storyline for Sunday Night Football is the return of quarterback Tom Brady to play in New England for the first time as a member of the visiting team, but the focal point of this blurb is to see how that should impact his fantasy performance. Immediately, we have to assume that Brady will be among the most popular plays of the week, and if there is any doubt that he would lead the night in scoring, it would actually be wise to take the ‘contrarian’ route and ignore him completely. There is also a possible storyline that the New England Patriots show what they have in their young quarterback and, again, in a ‘contrarian’ move, it might be a calculated risk to use Mac Jones. Ultimately, there are plenty of fantasy targets between New England and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where it is imperative to settle on a game flow and go ‘all-in’ with it. Personally, when making my Primetime lineups, I will be lighter on Sunday Night Football than Monday.
Targets: Mac Jones, Damien Harris, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry, Tom Brady, Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones II, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Cameron Brate
Fades: None, but I am definitely lighter on this game in a Primetime contest
Must-Owns: Mac Jones in a Showdown lineup
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: If I told you a Week 4 matchup was going to determine the first-place team in the AFC West, and that game did not feature the Chiefs, very few people would’ve bought that story. While it may not feel real, it sure seems like the Raiders and the Chargers are legitimate threats in the division, and this game could go a long way in seeing how the division shakes out. Given that the Raiders’ offense is averaging 471 yards per game — good for first in the league — and the Chargers’ offense is averaging 395 yards per game — good for ninth in the league — it is hard to imagine this game lacking offense. Both of these teams have a thriving passing game — first and fourth in the league in yards — but the interesting piece of this game is that both defenses have struggled to stop the run — the Raiders rank 29th in yards per attempt and the Chargers rank 32nd. Essentially what all these numbers show me is that both offenses are in a very good position to move the ball up and down the field all game long.
Targets: All main offensive players on both teams
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders close out Week 4 in an outstanding battle where the Chargers want to build on their road victory against the Chiefs while the Raiders want to continue proving how legitimate they are in 2021. The reality is that both teams have tremendous potential on offense, but also tout defenses that can slow the opponent down and keep the respective ceilings lowered. The problem is that there are so many viable options that we will need to narrow down our list. I am probably moving off someone like Mike Williams because of his likely regression, while Darren Waller gets a boost for his lower production in the past two games compared to in Week 1.
Targets: All offensive players
Fades: None, but I will fade Mike Williams in a Showdown lineup
Must-Owns: Darren Waller