Fantasy RB PPR Rankings Week 4: Who to start, sit at running back in fantasy football

When the consensus No. 1 running back in fantasy football gets hurt, the effects are felt all throughout the RB rankings. Unfortunately, fantasy owners are getting used to not seeing Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) in the rankings, as he missed 13 games last year due to three different injuries, and now he's out again because of yet another ailment. Last year, his backup, Mike Davis, was a routine top-10 play, so first order of business: Just how high is this season's handcuff, Chuba Hubbard, in the Week 4 fantasy RB PPR rankings?

Because the Panthers didn't change their offense last year (or on Thursday night) when McCaffrey went down, we think Hubbard (@ Cowboys) will see plenty of targets and still have at least RB2 value in PPR leagues. He likely won't be in that elite tier of pass-catching backs (Austin Ekeler, Alvin Kamara, Najee Harris, D'Andre Swift), but around four catches each week is doable. There aren't many backs getting significantly more than that, so we don't have many big inflations among the top couple tiers compared to the standard rankings. 

WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

We did see some positive developments from a few key backs last week, as Saquon Barkley caught six-of-seven targets, James Robinson caught all six of his targets, Alexander Mattison was used heavily in the receiving game (six catches, eight targets), Nyheim Hines bounced back (11 touches, 79 yards, TD), and Chase Edmonds actually got a goal-line carry in addition to eight looks. This bodes well for all going forward in PPR leagues (as long as Mattison is starting, that is.)

WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Cordarrelle Patterson (six catches, 82 receiving yards) proved Week 2 was no fluke, and this week, both him and Mike Davis will be flex options against Washington. Myles Gaskin (vs. Colts) was taken out near the goal line several times last week, but he still had 16 total touches and six targets, so he'll remain in play as an RB2/flex in PPR formats. Even Sony Michel (vs. Cardinals) showed some receiving chops with three catches on four targets, so if he remains L.A.'s starter next week, he'll have more PPR value than you might think.

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Of course, catches and targets alone can't make up for poor play or bad matchups. Damien Harris (vs. Bucs) and Mark Ingram (@ Bills) don't get targets and have bad matchups, putting them in very tough spots. All of Baltimore's backs (@ Broncos) are in the same boat. The Jets' committee often gets a few targets each in garbage time, but that situation is a stayaway, even against Tennessee.

MORE WEEK 4 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder

James White (vs. Bucs) is a PPR favorite who would likely see a lot of targets against the Bucs, but he hurt his hip last week, so his status is in doubt. Giovani Bernard will do his best to play the White role for Tom Brady in New England, though obviously it will be for a different team. Bernard has PPR upside, but don't expect another nine catches and a TD. The Bucs don't figure to have garbage-time opportunities this time around. (Update: Bernard has been ruled out because of a knee injury.)

WEEK 4 FANTASY: Start 'em, sit 'em | Sleepers | Busts

One of the toughest PPR situations is in Denver, where both Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon (vs. Ravens) get similar usage, including only moderate targets. Both paid off last week, but who's the better bet against the Ravens? Consider both flexes until we see one break out or establish himself as the "receiving back."

There are more options in PPR leagues to be sure, but they aren't necessarily high-ceiling options. That will often make a WR more attractive for your flex spot, as they have more upside most weeks. Still, don't overlook the value of a high floor. Stabilizing your lineup with a few consistent scorers like Edmonds and Patterson is nice no matter your projected matchup scoring. 

Note: We'll be updating these RB PPR rankings as needed throughout the week. so check back for the latest changes. For individual analysis of key RBs, click here.

Fantasy RB PPR Rankings Week 4: Who to start at running back

Rankings are based on full-point PPR scoring.