Updated Fantasy Football QB Rankings Week 4: Who to start, best sleepers, injury updates, waiver wire picks

It's been another volatile week in the NFL when it comes to the quarterback position. Derek Carr looked to have a very juicy matchup against an Eagles team that just made Kirk Cousins look like pre-Achilles injury Kirk Cousins, but he failed to crack 150 yards and threw a game-ending INT in the final minute of the game. Baker Mayfield had a tougher matchup on paper and did indeed struggle, going 25-for-33 for 163 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Mayfield gets the same Eagles team that just contained Carr in New Orleans, while Carr gets the Falcons. Will they be able to bounce back? 

We also saw continued struggles from rookie quarterbacks. Caleb Williams did finally toss a pair of touchdowns, but he was horrible again before that, so his final line and fantasy output can be deceiving. While fantasy managers will be very happy with his 33-for-52 with 2 TDs and 2 INTs, it's hard to be too excited for future weeks since he struggled mightily for much of the game against a lower tier defense in Indianapolis. While technically not a rookie, Anthony Richardson struggled even more despite his team earning the victory over the Bears. He was just 10-for-20 for 167 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs. He rushed eight times for just 24 yards, so that tantalizing rushing never came to negate the poor passing numbers. This continues to be a concern for someone who was drafted in many leagues as a top-6 QB. 

And even though Malik Willis looked better than he ever has previously in a revenge game against the Titans, Jordan Love is expected to return in Week 4 in a crucial NFC North clash against the Vikings. Daniel Jones showed signs of life in a surprising win over the Browns. Skylar Thompson continues to struggle in relief of Tua Tagovailoa, so could we see Tyrell Huntley soon? Sam Darnold of all people leads the league in TD passes. How will things continue to play out in Week 4? 

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Fantasy QB Rankings Week 4: Who to start, sit at quarterback

These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring. These rankings were updated on Sept. 29 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often. 

Those who played on Thursday already are listed in italics.

What are the notable rankings changes at QB for Week 4?

Most of our most recent rankings changes were minor, but we did adjust two players in particular more than usual for this late in the week that were not injury-related. Caleb Williams moved up six spots to QB21. We didn't want to overreact to some of the numbers Williams ended up with in his box score last week, but we also didn't want to underreact. The rookie QB did end up with a very nice stat line, but he still looked awful at times, especially in the first half. The hypothesis is that a stronger second half could have breathed some much-needed confidence into him and the offensive unit, and they face another poor defensive unit in the Rams. He certainly has the talent and weapons to overperform this rankings, but we want to see a complete game from him before making a bigger leap. 

And Gardner Minshew dropped five spots to QB25. Following Sunday's loss, head coach Antonio Pierce left the door open to a QB change to Aiden O'Connell, but Minshew appears to be getting the nod again this week. He very well could be on a short leash, though, against a Browns defense that should be fired up after a brutal loss to the Giants. 

This update was made earlier in the week: After seeing Jayden Daniels shred the Bengals on Monday night, we had to adjust the rankings and move the rookie up a few more spots to QB6 with a matchup against the Cardinals up next. This might be the craziest stat you hear all season: After last night, Daniels has had two career NFL games where his team scored on every drive, excluding kneel downs (three total starts). Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Payton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes combined to do that twice in their entire careers, including playoffs (1,094 start). Arizona put up a better fight than expected against the Lions last week, but look for Daniels to keep his momentum going.  

Who are the best fantasy QBs for Week 4?

It's no surprise to see many of the same names in the top tier of QBs for Week 4, but one name went from top-10 to top-2, and that man's name is Kyler Murray. While Murray is a fixture in the top-10, he'll be facing a weak defense in the Commanders, and he should be able to hurt them through both the air and ground in a duel against fellow rushing QB Jayden Daniels. 

Josh Allen checks in at QB1 yet again. The entire offense runs through Allen, and while the Ravens are typically stout against the run, they're vulnerable through the air, and Allen should be able to capitalize. And if the pocket starts to break down with the pass rush, Allen's rushing skills should allow him to extend plays or take off on his own. 

And it's Lamar Jackson who will be on the other sideline in the marquee matchup against the Bills. Much of what was said about Allen can also be said for Jackson. But Jackson also has Derrick Henry in the backfield who can capitalize on goal line touchdowns. Since Allen gets a lot of those opportunities for Buffalo, it gives him the two-spot edge over Jackson. 

Who are the best fantasy QB waiver pickups Week 4?

At this point, it would be a big surprise if Russell Wilson takes over the starting role from Justin Fields. While the former Bear hasn't been putting up gawdy numbers, he also hasn't been making too many mistakes and has been managing the Steelers to a surprising 3-0 record. Fields has also been doing this against good-to-very good defenses as he's defeated the Falcons and Broncos on the road before upending the Chargers at home Sunday. Despite being recommended here in the past with the idea that he might just never give up the starting role, Fields is somehow only rostered in 16% of Yahoo! leagues. This could be your last chance to pick him up, and given his rushing upside, you shouldn't hesitate. Even if you're strong at the position, he could end up being a valuable trade chip. 

While there were many concerns about Aaron Rodgers' Achilles recovery heading into this season, he's looked pretty good, the last couple of weeks in particular. To make up for his decreased mobility, Rodgers is getting the ball out incredibly quick, and defenses haven't had time to harass him much in the pocket. While the Broncos can be a tough defense, if Rodgers continues to improve over the first half of the season, Rodgers could end up being an asset against weaker defenses. He is rostered in 50% of leagues, so it's not a given he'll be out there.

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Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers Week 4?

Jotrdan Love makes his return after a two-week absence with an MCL sprain against the division rival Vikings. While it's probably not a major shock to see Love at QB10 this week, given the matchup against Brian Flores' defense and having some potential rust from the injury, we think this is an optimistic ranking. Love has a lot of weapons at his disposal that Malik Willis just isn't able to take advantage of. Look for Love to spread the ball around and look to hit some splash plays with the likes of Christian Watson and Jordan Reed. 

Don't laugh, but Daniel Jones is our other sleeper. Hear us out on this one. While Jones and the entire Giants team is often the butt of many jokes, they did just beat the Browns, who are one of the league's toughest defenses. Next up, the Giants get their division rivals as well as they host the Cowboys. After holding the Browns to 13, Dallas gave up 44 to the Saints and 21 fist-half points to the Ravens. Given the defensive struggles, and adding in the fact that Jones can rack up points on the ground as well, he could be a sneaky play for those dealing with injuries at the position. 

What are the biggest QB injuries Week 4?

We mentioned Jordan Love earlier who has been out with a sprained MCL. We continue to expect him to suit up against a heated division rival, but head coach Matt LaFleur said it will be a gametime decision. 

Skylar Thompson was already starting in relief of the injured Tua Tagovailoa, but then he went down with an injury of his own against the Seahawks. Tim Boyle was the emergency QB, but the Dolphins also signed Tyler Huntley. With Thompson's injury as well as taking his struggles into consideration, Miami is going with "Snoop" Huntley Monday against the Titans.  

Justin Herbert is the other big one we'll be watching all week. Dealing with a high ankle sprain, it was somewhat surprising to see Herbert suit up this week against a very tough Steelers' defense, especially knowing the Chiefs were on deck in Week 4. But Herbert looked good pre-game, and he looked good early in the game. But he admitted that the ankle started bothering him as the game went on, and then he was really in pain when he went down in the second half. He left the stadium in a walking boot, but he is going to suit up and give it ago in a huge matchup against Kansas City. Look for the Chargers to continue to lean on the running game, though.