NFL Fantasy 2025 Week 4: Expert Quarterback Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Guide
As the 2025 NFL season progresses into Week 4, fantasy football managers face crucial decisions for their starting quarterbacks. The latest expert analysis highlights who to start, who to bench, and key matchups that could influence your lineup choices this week.
Top Quarterbacks to Start in Week 4
Several quarterbacks stand out as clear start options due to favorable matchups and recent performance trends. Josh Allen, facing the struggling New Orleans Saints defense, tops the recommendations after consistently delivering high fantasy points. Similarly, Lamar Jackson’s road game against the Kansas City Chiefs presents an intriguing matchup for fantasy owners, given Jackson’s dynamic dual-threat capabilities.
Other elite starters include Jalen Hurts, who faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Justin Herbert against the New York Giants. Patrick Mahomes also poses a strong start option in his home contest versus the Baltimore Ravens, known for allowing notable quarterback production.
Quarterbacks to Consider Sitting
Some quarterbacks are advised to sit this week due to tough defenses or recent downturns. For instance, Jordan Love, despite an enticing matchup against the Dallas Cowboys—a defense that has conceded significant points to opposing quarterbacks—comes off a disappointing performance. His inconsistency raises caution for fantasy managers.
Veteran signal callers like Joe Flacco face challenges against high-pressure defenses such as the Detroit Lions, ranked third in sacks league-wide. Flacco’s limited mobility may reduce his fantasy upside, suggesting a benching decision if viable alternatives exist.
Sleeper and Rising Quarterbacks
Attention also shifts towards emerging talents and sleepers. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots has risen to QB8 rankings entering Week 4, backed by impressive passing yards and rushing touchdowns in recent weeks. Maye’s dual-threat ability and consistent yardage make him a potential waiver wire target or flex start in deeper leagues.
Strategic Considerations for Week 4
Fantasy managers must weigh matchup strength, recent form, and offensive scheme changes this week. The Cowboys’ porous pass defense and the Lions’ sack prowess provide contrasting outlooks for quarterbacks matched against them. Furthermore, injuries and team dynamics remain key factors to monitor as Week 4 approaches.
To aid lineup decisions, several experts host live discussion sessions and provide updated rankings throughout the week. These resources give managers an edge as injury news breaks and late scratches occur.
Summary of Recommended Week 4 Quarterbacks
| Start | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | vs. New Orleans Saints | Strong passing and rushing upside |
| Lamar Jackson | at Kansas City Chiefs | Dynamic dual-threat potential |
| Jalen Hurts | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Consistent high output |
| Justin Herbert | at New York Giants | Favorable matchup |
| Patrick Mahomes | vs. Baltimore Ravens | Home field advantage |
| Drake Maye | Emerging talent | Rising rankings and multi-threat skills |
Fantasy owners should approach Week 4 with an informed strategy, prioritizing quarterbacks with advantageous matchups and recent consistency while monitoring injury updates closely. The evolving landscape already hints at who might lead to fantasy glory and who might cause frustrating losses this week.