Top Fantasy Football Pickups: Finding Replacements for Malik Nabers and Discovering Unexpected Running Back Options
NFL Week 4 Recap: Key Fantasy Football Insights and Player Highlights
High-Scoring Performances Highlight Week 4
Week 4 of the NFL season delivered an array of high-scoring performances and intense action, starting with a morning matchup in Dublin and wrapping up with an exciting game in Dallas that ended in a tie. Notably, six players managed to score 30 PPR points each, including standout performances from Los Angeles Rams’ WR Puka Nacua and Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie RB Ashton Jeanty. Kansas City Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes also turned heads with his impressive four-touchdown passes.
Week 4 Injury Report: Giants’ Malik Nabers Out for Season
The most significant storyline of Week 4 was the unfortunate injury to New York Giants star WR Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL during a surprising victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. This development leaves fantasy managers reeling, especially those who picked Nabers in the first round, as he is out for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Players to Consider from Week 4
Each Monday, El-Balad highlights players available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues who could make an impact, including both standard and deep-league options:
| Position | Player | Team | Rostered (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Jaxson Dart | New York Giants | 21.1% |
| Quarterback | Sam Darnold | Seattle Seahawks | 9.4% |
| Running Back | Woody Marks | Houston Texans | 33.2% |
| Running Back | Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 35.6% |
| Wide Receiver | Wan’Dale Robinson | New York Giants | 54.3% |
| Wide Receiver | Darius Slayton | New York Giants | 3.6% |
Quarterback Insights: Breakout Performances
Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants made a notable debut, earning 19.84 PPR points, largely due to his 54 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite heavy pressure and limited pass attempts, his performance shows promise for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold opened Week 4 with 16.08 PPR points in a challenging road win against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his efficient passing and mistake-free play.
Running Back Round-Up
Houston Texans’ RB Woody Marks capitalized on increased touches, converting them into 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans. Marks appears to be a rising RB2 option looking ahead to Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kenneth Gainwell proved to be a valuable addition despite his team’s bye week in Week 5. With Jaylen Warren inactive, Gainwell scored 31.4 PPR points, highlighting his potential for future games.
Wide Receiver Outlook: Giants’ Receivers Step Up
With Malik Nabers sidelined, New York Giants’ WRs Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton are expected to see more opportunities moving forward. Robinson, known for his speed and slot receiving, and Slayton, a downfield threat, will need to fill the void left by Nabers.
Defense Considerations for Week 5
- Arizona Cardinals’ D/ST looks promising against the struggling Tennessee Titans, who failed to score in Week 4.
- Jacksonville Jaguars face a challenge against the Chiefs but have scored double-digit PPR points in three of four games.
- New York Giants’ D/ST could perform well versus the Saints, who have struggled offensively.
Explore these insights and consider these players for your fantasy football rosters as the NFL season progresses.
