Fantasy Week 4: Shough and Young Lead QB Slate as Herbert and Maye Fall

Key points

• Tyler Shough is the consensus 'Start of the Week,' having scored at least 22 fantasy points in all three games and leading the NFL in pass attempts and completions.
• Bryce Young is a notable start against the Detroit Lions, a defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
• Justin Herbert is the 'Sit of the Week,' ranking bottom eight in passer rating and completion rate, with three touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.
• Drake Maye is recommended to sit, averaging just 7.2 fantasy points per game with six giveaways and only one touchdown this season.
• Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy are also highlighted as strong starts, with Stafford posting 20-plus fantasy points in two straight weeks despite missing his top receiver.

Background

The 2026 fantasy season has seen significant volatility at the quarterback position. Early guides in Week 1 highlighted Kyler Murray and Jaxson Dart, while Week 2 featured Brock Purdy as a top start. The current Week 4 landscape reflects a shift in performance, with Shough emerging as a surprise leader and established stars like Herbert and Maye struggling to produce consistent fantasy output.

How outlets are covering it

NFL.com and CBS Sports agree on Shough as the top start and Herbert as the top sit. NFL.com emphasizes Shough's statistical dominance in pass attempts, while CBS Sports highlights his potential to finish as a top-10 fantasy quarterback. Both outlets note Maye's struggles, with CBS Sports specifically citing the absence of A.J. Brown as a key factor. Whodat Dish provides a qualitative perspective, with former NFL quarterback Chase Daniels praising Shough's poise and franchise potential, noting his ability to overcome adversity in a hostile environment against Detroit.

Why it matters

These recommendations impact fantasy football lineups for Week 4, helping managers optimize their rosters by prioritizing high-performing quarterbacks with favorable matchups and avoiding those with poor efficiency and high turnover risks.

What to watch

Fantasy managers will monitor the performance of Shough, Young, and other recommended starts in Week 4. The outcomes will further solidify or adjust the rankings for subsequent weeks, particularly as injuries to key players like A.J. Brown and Puka Nacua may impact quarterback production.