2024 Fantasy Football Week 4: Start or Sit Running Backs

Each week we’ll break down running backs that should start in your fantasy lineup and running backs that would be better left on your bench. There are just a few players like Breece Hall who are matchup proof and should be in your starting lineups every week barring a major circumstance.

Running Backs to Start in Week 4:

Jordan Mason

The 49ers are dealing with a handful of injuries, with CMC, Kittle, & Deebo all out, they are a bit shorthanded. In CMC’s absence, Jordan Mason has stepped up to the plate big time & should play an even larger role in this weekend’s match against a Patriots team that is not great against the run. We’re expecting a 100 yard plus match from Mason and potentially a touchdown as well. He is our start of the week. 

Aaron Jones

This is a revenge game for Aaron Jones as the Packers let him walk away in the offseason. Aaron Jones and the entire Vikings offense has been grooving this year on their way to a 3-0 start. Aaron Jones is one player we don’t want to sit this week because he’s on a mission to prove them wrong. He’s going to tear up their defense for a big game and we are here for it. 

Brian Robinson Jr

With Austin Ekeler out with a concussion, Brian Robinson Jr is going to get a larger workload. We saw what he can do when Ekeler left the game against Cincinnati early. Brian Robinson Jr is worth the start against Arizona who is a rather inconsistent team. 

Running Backs to Sit in Week 4:

Rachaad White

Rachaad White was the lead back for the Buccaneers last year and looked to become a 1,000 yard rusher in his year 3 campaign this year but that seems unlikely at this point. White has more touches than Bucky Irving, but is getting outplayed. White is averaging 2.1 yards per carry compared to Irving’s 6.2 yards per carry. Going up against Philly, it doesn’t seem like White is going to improve his yards per carry in a game that’s mostly going to be decided through the air. 

Javonte Williams

Similar to the situation with Tampa Bay, Javonte Williams is averaging only 2.2 yards per carry on 24 carries. This is disappointing for the running back that everyone’s been waiting to break out. Williams is getting outplayed by both Tyler Badie and by quarterback Bo Nix. It isn’t going to get easier for Williams as the Jets have one of the better defenses in the league & could lead to Williams getting benched for Badie or McLaughlin in the backfield. 

Kenneth Walker / Zach Charbonnet

Regardless of who gets the start in the Seattle backfield, it’s going to be a tough draw for them against the Detroit Lions tough run defense. The Lions currently have a top 10 run defense in the league and the Seahawks who are 3-0 are not going to be able to run as much as they have done in recent weeks. The Lions are their toughest competition yet and they’re going to need to lean on Geno Smith and the pass game a lot more this game.