As we approach Week 4, finding the right wide receivers is becoming a weekly test with seemingly no easy answers. I’ll do my best to identify the best starts, by highlighting my favorite WRs using our proprietary data. Let’s dive into my favorite WR starts and sits for Week 4 using Wide Receiver Fantasy Points Scored Slot vs. Wide and our Defense Slot vs. Wide data.
The Slot vs. Wide chart breaks down how many fantasy points a wide receiver has scored from the slot versus out wide, while the defensive chart shows where opposing WRs are finding fantasy production against each defense. By comparing the two, we can identify some intriguing alignment-based matchups for Week 3.
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Starts
- Player: Parker Washington
- Opponent: at Cincinnati
When the player and matchup align at the right time, sometimes it really is too good to be true. Fortunately, Parker Washington has the numbers to back this one up. Washington is averaging just under 10 fantasy points per game from the slot, the sixth-most among WRs, while running approximately 50% of his routes from the slot.
That makes his Week 4 matchup with Cincinnati particularly intriguing. The Bengals are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs from the slot, creating a strong alignment-based matchup for Washington. The Jaguars’ newfound WR1 should also see plenty of opportunity in what carries one of the highest projected point totals of the week.
Washington has already shown a strong connection with Trevor Lawrence, and Week 4 sets up as a potential opportunity for him to post his best fantasy performance of the season.
- Player: Drake London
- Opponent: vs Saints
Drake London is back in the WR1 conversation with Michael Penix Jr. back under center. London is averaging 20.1 fantasy points per game with Penix, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another big performance Monday night against New Orleans.
The Saints are allowing approximately 35 fantasy points per game to WRs, with 82% of that production coming from receivers aligned out wide. Their 28.4 fantasy points per game allowed to outside WRs ranks seventh-highest in the league.
That plays directly into London’s strengths. He’s scoring 82% of his fantasy points from the boundary this season, creating almost perfect symmetry between how London generates his production and where the Saints are most vulnerable.
Monday night could provide another WR1 performance from London.
WR3 Starts (WRs ranked outside the top 25)
- Player: Stefon Diggs
- Opponent: vs. Colts in London, England
Stefon Diggs had a down Week 3 against a difficult Seahawks matchup, but he gets a much friendlier spot against the Colts in London.
Indianapolis ranks among the top 10 defenses in fantasy points allowed to slot WRs, which is particularly encouraging for Diggs. He’s averaging 7.3 targets per game, a top-20 mark among WRs, and is one of only four receivers averaging double-digit fantasy points from the slot.
The volume has been there, and the matchup sets up well for Diggs to get back on track. Don’t be surprised if the veteran adds another touchdown to his Washington resume while operating primarily from the slot in the UK.
- Player: Josh Downs
- Opponent: at Washington in London, England
Downs is averaging 9.9 fantasy points per game from the slot, accounting for 91% of his fantasy production. Washington is allowing 10.4 PPG to slot WRs and an enormous 36.2 PPG overall to WRs, the highest mark in the league.
The Colt slot WR is also coming off back-to-back games with at least five catches and 70 yards while seeing 20 targets over his last two games. With that kind of volume and a matchup that favors his primary alignment, Downs has a strong opportunity to continue his recent production.
Between Downs and Stefon Diggs, which WR will score more from the slot in London?
- Player: Carnell Tate
- Opponent: at Baltimore
Allow me to get cheeky with this recommendation as we have our first England game of the season. We could be approaching the breakout game for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tate drew a season-high nine targets in Week 3, turning them into six receptions for 58 yards.
Now he gets a Baltimore defense that has been particularly vulnerable to opposing WR1s, allowing them to average six receptions for 86 yards on eight targets.
The Ravens’ biggest weakness has been defending receivers out wide, where they’re allowing 31.5 fantasy points per game, the second-highest mark in the league. That’s exactly where Tate does most of his damage. He’s aligned out wide on nearly 70% of his snaps and has generated all of his fantasy production from the boundary.
Sits
- Player: Christian Watson
- Opponent: at Tampa Bay
The Packers’ passing attack is finally getting Christian Watson involved, and he’s averaging nearly 20 fantasy points per game when aligned out wide this season. That’s the second-highest mark among WRs, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s absurd 30.7 points per game.
The problem is the matchup. Tampa Bay is allowing the fewest fantasy points to WRs overall and the second-fewest points to WRs aligned out wide. That’s a significant concern for a receiver who does the vast majority of his damage from the outside.
The Bucs have also been the 11th-most advantageous matchup for tight ends, which could lead to more opportunities for Tucker Kraft. We’ve been waiting for that breakout game, and this matchup could provide the opportunity, lowering Watson’s usage.
I’m tempering expectations in Week 4 and you should too.
- Player: Ladd McConkey
- Opponent: at Seattle
McConkey is scoring 5.9 fantasy points per game from the slot and 6.2 out wide, giving him no clear alignment advantage. Seattle allows 13.2 PPG to slot WRs and 21.8 PPG to outside WRs, combining for the 11th-most fantasy points allowed to WRs. Even with an above average overall matchup, McConkey doesn’t appear to have a clear path to a ceiling game but provide more of floor in Week 4.
The bigger concern is his recent volume. McConkey has seen just eight targets over his last two games, making him difficult to trust when the alignment data doesn’t provide much of a boost. With limited recent opportunity and no significant advantage from either alignment against Seattle, he’s tough to trust this week. Quentin Johnston’s increased usage could cutt into McConkey’s opportunities.
- Player: Deebo Samuel
- Opponent: vs. Broncos
Deebo Samuel might be the last fully healthy WR standing in San Francisco, but that doesn’t make him a must-start. He failed to catch a pass last week despite scoring on an 80-yard hook-and-lateral touchdown.
Denver is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs (4.7), where Samuel runs 48% of his snaps and generates 69% of his fantasy points. I expect him to maintain that role with newcomer Brandin Cooks primarily working outside, where he’s aligned on 70% of his snaps for his career.
Samuel’s big-play ability gives him upside, but this is a matchup that gives me concern.
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Cheers!
Hey what’s up man? PPR Flex would you go Wicks or Raymond? Kinda like both situations. As always thank yiu
I prefer Wicks between the two. I’m not convinced Raymond can keep his fantasy fairy tale going.