FantasyPros: 5 Moves You Need to Make Ahead of Week 4 (Ep. 1727)

Date: September 23, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Wormley & Tara Roberts

Episode Overview

This episode is focused on actionable fantasy football moves to make prior to Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. The hosts, Ryan Wormley and Tara Roberts, zero in on five key buy and sell recommendations, especially highlighting three high-profile wide receivers. Their debate centers on player value, trade strategy, and market psychology, helping fantasy managers capitalize on hot or cold streaks, upcoming matchups, and fluctuating team dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Recommendations

1. Buy: Drake London

• Timestamps: [01:59]–[03:36]
• Rationale:
  • London's situation appears dire due to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s struggles, but Tara argues it's largely a product of difficult matchups, not a drop-off in talent or opportunity.
  • London received 15 targets in Week 1 and remains a focal point; low production is due to game context, not his ability.
  • Quote:

    “These were bad matchups. London's talent is for real and the perception of how bad this situation is makes London really an excellent buy low candidate.”
    — Tara Roberts [03:29]

2. Buy: Jamar Chase

• Timestamps: [03:36]–[05:24]
• Rationale:
  • Panic price on Chase after the Bengals' struggles (with Jake Browning starting), but his single big game (150+ yards and a TD) confirms he retains elite upside.
  • Tara clarifies that she is not advocating for buying the entire Bengals offense, just Chase, due to proven WR1 status and impending matchup improvements.
  • Quote:

    “It's a good buy low situation…You can get Jamar Chase at literally pennies here.”
    — Tara Roberts [05:19]

3. Comparing London and Chase: Trade Strategy

• Timestamps: [05:24]–[07:35]
• Recommendations:
  • Both are valued as top-10 rest-of-season receivers but are currently buy-lows given team performance.
  • Suggested trade packages: Leverage RB2-types with ascending value (e.g., Javonte Williams, D’Andre Swift) plus an extra WR to tempt panicked managers.
  • Quote:

    “RB2s are really the sweet spot right here...there's a little sweet spot here I think for people that invested in those later dead zone running backs…”
    — Tara Roberts [06:32]

4. London vs. Nico Collins

• Timestamps: [07:35]–[08:16]
• Recommendation:
  • Prefer London over Collins ROS, citing Atlanta’s improvable offense vs. a Houston O-line unlikely to get better anytime soon.

5. Sell: A.J. Brown

• Timestamps: [08:58]–[11:10]
• Rationale:
  • Brown had a big week (6 catches, 10 targets, 100+ yards, TD), largely because the Eagles were forced to pass. However, the team's clear run-first philosophy won’t support weekly consistency.
  • Managers may want to capitalize on the blowup week to sell high and avoid week-to-week volatility.
  • Quote:

    “If you want to take this as an opportunity to bail out and not have to deal with the week-to-week volatility… now is the perfect time to try and sell high on him.”
    — Tara Roberts [10:39]

• Drake London vs. A.J. Brown, ROS:
  • Tara slightly prefers London due to A.J. Brown’s higher volatility [11:10].

6. Sell: Jacorey “Crosby” Merritt

• Timestamps: [11:30]–[13:29]
• Rationale:
  • Scored a goal-line TD, which managers might use to hype him as an emerging RB1.
  • Snap and carry counts suggest a full-fledged committee in Washington; volume and opportunity will be too unreliable.
  • Quote:

    “To rely on the touchdown every single week when volume is going to be not as high as we need it to be… I don't think you want to be a part of that.”
    — Tara Roberts [12:54]

• Related comparison: Prefer Harvey (backup with upside due to Dobbins injury risk) over Crosby Merritt, not interested in Pacheco [13:29].

7. Buy: Michael Pittman (Buy-Mid)

• Timestamps: [14:20]–[15:56]
• Rationale:
  • Pittman’s trades remain reasonable due to underappreciated status despite consistent performance.
  • Colts (with Daniel Jones at QB and Shane Steichen as play-caller) have become a surprisingly efficient and evolving offense; Pittman is top target.
  • Quote:

    “Michael Pittman is a very cheap way to get in there and get you a wide receiver one that you don't have to pay remotely the pricing for that…”
    — Tara Roberts [15:23]

8. Colts Offense / Daniel Jones Confidence

• Timestamps: [15:56]–[16:45]
• Score: 7.5/10 for rest of season.
• Reason: More a product of coaching/player synergy (Steichen/Jones) than just Jones’ talent.

Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

• On the Drake London buy:

  • “London’s talent is for real and the perception...makes London really an excellent buy low candidate.” — Tara, [03:29]

• On market panic around Jamar Chase:

  • “You can get Jamar Chase at literally pennies here.” — Tara, [05:19]

• Trade approach with panicky managers:

  • “RB2s are really the sweet spot right here...” — Tara, [06:32]

• On preferring Drake London over Nico Collins:

  • “Atlanta’s offense has looked bad, but man, so has Houston’s...Houston’s problem is more about their offensive line and that is not going to be changing anytime soon.” — Tara, [07:45]

• A.J. Brown’s ceiling and volatility:

  • “If you want to take this as an opportunity to bail out and not have to deal with the week-to-week volatility… now is the perfect time to try and sell high on him.” — Tara, [10:39]

• On Washington’s RB committee & Jacorey Merritt sell:

  • “To rely on the touchdown every single week when volume is going to be not as high as we need it to be… I don't think you want to be a part of that.” — Tara, [12:54]

• Colts offense and Pittman's value:

  • “It’s feeling high...it’s more about the coaching finally ascending because we know what this was back in Philadelphia.” — Tara, [16:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Drake London Buy Case: [01:59]–[03:36]
• Jamar Chase Buy Case: [03:36]–[05:24]
• Trade Package Strategies: [05:24]–[07:35]
• London vs. Nico Collins: [07:35]–[08:16]
• A.J. Brown Sell Case: [08:58]–[11:03]
• Brown vs. London Rank: [11:03]–[11:26]
• Jacorey Merritt Sell Case and RB Value Comparison: [11:30]–[13:57]
• Michael Pittman Buy-Mid Reasoning: [14:20]–[15:56]
• Colts Offense Confidence, ROS: [15:56]–[16:45]

Conclusion: Week 4 Moves in Brief

• Buy Low: Drake London, Jamar Chase
• Sell High: A.J. Brown
• Sell: Jacorey Merritt (Washington RB)
• Buy (Mid): Michael Pittman
• General Strategy: Capitalize on panic and recency bias; leverage undervalued RB2s in trades for elite WRs whose value could soon rebound.

Hosts:

• Tara Roberts (@tara_rcroberts)
• Ryan Wormley (@RyanWormley)

For rankings, trade calculators, and more weekly advice, visit fantasypros.com.

This summary delivers a tactical overview for listeners seeking a competitive edge ahead of Week 4 and distills the episode’s most practical insights, quotes, and strategies.