Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season delivered everything fantasy football managers love: breakout performances, frustrating committees, and injury news that could shift the fantasy landscape moving forward. Let’s dive into each game with a fantasy-focused lens.
Seattle Seahawks 23, Arizona Cardinals 20
The Cardinals played catch-up most of the game, and while Trey Benson’s touches were limited, He flashed whenever the ball was in his hands. That usage trend is encouraging for fantasy managers playing him with James Connor out.
Marvin Harrison Jr. nearly tanked lineups with a quiet first half but rebounded strongly after halftime—cementing himself as an every-week starter. On the Seahawks side, Zach Charbonnet returned to his role as a touchdown vulture, frustrating Kenneth Walker managers yet again.
Fantasy Takeaway: Benson is a solid low end RB2 going forward, Harrison is matchup-proof, and Walker’s ceiling is capped by Charbonnet.
Minnesota Vikings 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 24
With Jaylen Warren sidelined, Kenneth Gainwell took full advantage, finding the endzone twice as the Steelers’ lead back. Surprisingly, DK Metcalf turned in a stellar performance against a tough secondary, reminding everyone of his WR1 upside.
Jordan Addison returned to action seamlessly, picking up right where he left off. Zavier Scott also carved out more usage than expected, potentially earning a bigger role going forward with Aaron Jones out.
Fantasy Takeaway: Gainwell is a must-add while Warren is out, Addison looks like a locked-in WR2, and Scott is worth monitoring in deeper leagues with Jones out.
Los Angeles Chargers 18, New York Giants 21
Jaxson Dart made his NFL debut and showcased dual-threat ability, giving him a fantasy-friendly rushing floor. Unfortunately, the season-ending loss of Malik Nabers will hinder his long-term ceiling. Rookie Cam Skattebo had a great workload and was steady. The passing game will shift toward Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson with Nabers out.
Omarion Hampton thrived under the spotlight with a breakout game. On the Chargers side, Quentin Johnston continues to be the steal of the draft while Ladd McConkey remains a disappointment.
Fantasy Takeaway: Dart is a sneaky QB2 with upside, Slayton and Robinson gain PPR appeal, and Johnston has ascended to weekly starter territory.
Tennessee Titans 0, Houston Texans 26
Welcome to the Woody Marks show. The rookie dominated touches and delivered in a breakout performance, establishing himself as the Texans’ lead back. Calvin Ridley was limited due to an injury, explaining his quiet outing. The risk level for Ridley is at a 10.
Fantasy Takeaway: Marks is a priority waiver add. Ridley’s status is worth monitoring closely.
Washington Commanders 27, Atlanta Falcons 34
Michael Penix Jr. lit up the scoreboard with 300+ passing yards and multiple touchdowns. Drake London finally rewarded patient fantasy managers with a monster game, while Kyle Pitts joined the fun with his best performance of the season. Tyler Allgeier remained heavily involved, but Bijan continues to deliver monster performances.
For the Commanders, injuries to Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin left the offense depleted. Deebo Samuel was the lone fantasy bright spot in an otherwise messy offensive situation.
Fantasy Takeaway: London and Pitts are ascending, Penix is a viable streamer, and Deebo is the only Commander worth starting until injuries clear up.
Buffalo Bills 31, New Orleans Saints 19
Josh Allen and James Cook kept rolling, while Khalil Shakir led all Bills pass catchers. Shakir is proving to be more than just a bye-week fill-in.
For the Saints, Chris Olave salvaged his day with a touchdown. Alvin Kamara got his touches but lacked efficiency, while Kendre Miller was sprinkled in more than expected. Kendre Miller looked good with his touches.
Fantasy Takeaway: Shakir is a WR3 with upside in PPR, Kamara’s ceiling feels limited, and Olave remains the only reliable Saints receiver. Miller will be a waiver add this week.
Philadelphia Eagles 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25
Saquon Barkley’s inefficiency continued, but his heavy workload keeps him locked into lineups. Dallas Goedert delivered 2 touchdowns, while A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both posted duds—frustrating fantasy managers. Brown’s cryptic tweets add another layer of drama.
On the Bucs’ side, Emeka Egbuka stepped up again with Mike Evans out. Bucky Irving exploded as both a runner and receiver, but an MRI scheduled this week has managers holding their breath. Chris Godwin returned but didn’t make much of an impact.
Fantasy Takeaway: Irving is the priority story here—if hes out thats major. Brown’s usage is concerning, while Egbuka is becoming a trusted weekly play.
Cleveland Browns 10, Detroit Lions 34
The Lions offense hummed, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs shining. David Montgomery struggled as expected in this matchup, and Jameson Williams continued to underwhelm. Quinshon Judkins, however, has earned every-week starter status.
For the Browns, the passing attack was a complete fade for fantasy purposes.
Fantasy Takeaway: Fire up Gibbs and Amon-Ra with confidence. Fade Browns receivers until further notice.
Carolina Panthers 13, New England Patriots 42
The Patriots backfield committee struck again, making it tough to trust any single option. Stefon Diggs finally rewarded managers with a big outing, while Hunter Henry remained steady as a TE1 option. Drake Maye had another strong performance.
The Panthers offense struggled as expected, keeping their fantasy options capped.
Fantasy Takeaway: Diggs is trending up, Maye is startable weekly, and Panthers playmakers remain risky starts.
Jacksonville Jaguars 26, San Francisco 49ers 21
Travis Etienne continues to shine as a fantasy workhorse. Brian Thomas Jr. looked more comfortable in the Jaguars’ offense but hasn’t came close to returning value on his draft capital. Tight end Brenton Strange is easily becoming a streaming option.
For the 49ers, Brock Purdy returned, and Christian McCaffrey was his usual elite self. Beyond CMC, though, San Francisco’s pass catchers disappointed.
Fantasy Takeaway: Etienne is locked in as an RB1. Strange is a viable waiver add. The 49ers passing game is volatile outside of McCaffrey.
Indianapolis Colts 20, Los Angeles Rams 27
Puka Nacua is officially a top-3 rest-of-season receiver, and Matthew Stafford erupted with a massive fantasy performance. Davante Adams also showed he still has plenty left in the tank.
Kyren Williams lost some touches to rookie Blake Corum but was efficient when given the ball. Tight end Tyler Warren proved plug-and-play worthy, while Michael Pittman continued his weekly consistency.
Fantasy Takeaway: Nacua and Pittman are set-and-forget WRs. Corum is cutting into Kyren’s ceiling.
Baltimore Ravens 20, Kansas City Chiefs 37
Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone why he’s QB1 with another stellar outing. Xavier Worthy exploded, while Hollywood Brown remained decently productive. The Chiefs’ backfield, however, remains a headache.
For Baltimore, Lamar Jackson may miss time, which would downgrade the entire offense. Justice Hill had a nice game but isn’t worth chasing. Derrick Henry continues to disappoint, while Zay Flowers provided solid production.
Fantasy Takeaway: Worthy is emerging as a weekly play, while Ravens skill players take a massive hit if Lamar is sidelined.
Chicago Bears 25, Las Vegas Raiders 24
The Bears’ offense kept humming, though rookie Caleb Williams was “just OK” for fantasy. D’Andre Swift provided decent value, but Rome Odunze stole the show again with a stellar game.
For Las Vegas, Ashton Jeanty broke out in a huge way, scoring three touchdowns and cementing himself as a fantasy must-start. Brock Bowers was disappointing yet again, while Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker underwhelmed.
Fantasy Takeaway: Jeanty is the priority here. Odunze has ascending, while Bowers remains a hold.
Green Bay Packers 40, Dallas Cowboys 40
This shootout was fantasy gold. Josh Jacobs went off, Jordan Love posted a massive QB1 outing, and Romeo Doubs caught all three of Love’s touchdowns.
On the Cowboys side, Dak Prescott matched the energy with a huge performance. Javonte Williams ran strong, while George Pickens shined as Dallas’ WR1. Jake Ferguson continued his rise as a set-and-forget TE.
Fantasy Takeaway: Jacobs, Love, and Prescott all look elite. Pickens has cemented himself as Dallas’ alpha.
New York Jets 21, Miami Dolphins 27
Heartbreaking news for the Dolphins as Tyreek Hill is done for the year. In his absence, Jaylen Waddle becomes the clear WR1. Darren Waller made his Dolphins debut in style, catching two touchdowns.
On the Jets’ side, Justin Fields returned and delivered for fantasy managers. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson both had strong outings.
Fantasy Takeaway: Waddle is now a WR1 rest of season. Waller is an instant TE1. Fields looks back on track.
Cincinnati Bengals 3, Denver Broncos 28
Denver dominated as Sutton delivered another strong outing. JK Dobbins held onto lead-back duties, though rookie Alan Harvey impressed with his opportunities.
The Bengals’ offense sputtered badly with Jake Browning under center, severely limiting fantasy potential across the board.
Fantasy Takeaway: Sutton is trustworthy, Dobbins is steady, and Cincinnati’s weapons are bench material until Joe Burrow returns.
Final Thoughts
Week 4 gave us breakout rookies like Woody Marks, and Ashton Jeanty, alongside veteran studs like Josh Jacobs and Patrick Mahomes reminding us why they’re first-round picks. The injury bug continues to shape the fantasy season—most notably with Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers season-ending injuries.
Stay active on waivers, stay ahead of usage trends, and keep an eye on injuries—because Week 5 will be here before you know it.