The Herd with Colin Cowherd
FantasyPros - The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 4 (Ep. 1736)
September 27, 2025
Overview
This episode features Ryan Wormley, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Derek Brown (Debro) from FantasyPros diving deep into the biggest fantasy football questions for each NFL team heading into Week 4. The discussion is lively, filled with data, matchup analysis, and strong opinions on start/sit decisions, player usage, and projections, with an emphasis on actionable advice for fantasy managers. The conversation flows through the entire Week 4 slate, touching on every major storyline and player conundrum, with a mix of stats, film takeaways, and some playful debate.
International Games and NFL Scheduling
[00:00–04:02]
- The panel critiques the spread of early international games:
- Ryan: Opposes the NFL’s expansion of international games, especially multiple weeks in a row, preferring them as rare novelties. Highlights the value of football’s scarcity and specialness.
- Debro: Questions the necessity; would prefer day double-headers, dislikes the diminishing novelty.
- Fitz: Wants fewer international/overlapping Monday games. “I want Monday night games to be standalone games. … The overlapping Monday night games just really annoy me.” [02:38]
- Debro and Fitz note issues with Friday or Saturday night games due to high school and college football conflicts.
Notable Moment:
Fitz: “I want to be able to watch all of whatever game there is.” [02:38]
Vikings vs. Steelers: Jordan Addison’s Return
[04:02–08:15]
- Main Question: How does Addison’s return from suspension impact the Vikings’ passing game?
- Fitz: Low immediate expectations — expects limited snaps, needs to regain football shape, and little time with new QB Carson Wentz.
- “I'm not expecting a six catch, 90 yard game for Jordan Addison right off the bat.” [05:04]
- Recommends benching Jalen Naylor and Adam Thielen.
- Debro: Sees Addison as an upgrade, expects 70–75% route rate on passing downs, sees major upside vs. a struggling Pittsburgh secondary.
- “Pittsburgh secondary has been God awful…even if he plays 70% [of snaps] like I’m pretty confident he’s going to put up a strong stat line.” [06:25]
- Ranks him WR34 for the week.
- Panel agrees: Addison is the best bet among Vikings WRs beyond Jefferson and Hockenson, but don’t overdraft his volume yet.
- QBs: Neither is high on Carson Wentz given likely run-heavy game plan.
- Fitz: Low immediate expectations — expects limited snaps, needs to regain football shape, and little time with new QB Carson Wentz.
Timestamps:
- Addison’s impact: [04:53–07:32]
- Addison’s game-specific ranking debate: [07:32–08:15]
Commanders at Falcons: Bijan Robinson’s Outlook
[08:15–10:59]
- Opposing RB1s have struggled for efficiency vs. Washington, but who have they really faced?
- Debro: Not worried about Bijan—Washington’s stats padded by weak O-line opponents. Highlights Bijan’s elite efficiency and Atlanta’s run-blocking.
- “If you look at on paper the matchup…if you’re not a highly explosive runner… then it’s more concerning.” [09:00]
- “Bijan’s freaking awesome… I’m not worried about Bijan. I think this is quietly a pretty good spot for him.” [09:43]
- Fitz: Contextualizes Washington’s 'success', thinks this isn’t a matchup to fear for Bijan.
- “Certainly not a matchup that’s going to deter you from starting Bijan Robinson.” [10:48]
- Debro: Not worried about Bijan—Washington’s stats padded by weak O-line opponents. Highlights Bijan’s elite efficiency and Atlanta’s run-blocking.
Saints at Bills: Can NOLA Compete?
[14:03–19:12]
- Fitz: Expects a big Bills win, picks Chris Olave as his favorite Saint (elite target volume, but moderate yardage), and fades TE Dalton Kincaid due to limited snaps.
- “There's a sturdy floor, especially in PPR, if not exactly…the ceiling does not look like the Sistine Chapel here…” [14:50]
- Debro: Thinks the Saints can ‘backdoor cover’ due to late-game garbage time, also likes Olave, and fades Bills WR Shakir in favor of a “Keon Coleman week.”
- “If this number was like 12 and a half…fine, I think they cover. But 16 and a half, dude…” [17:05]
- Details Olave’s strong matchup and statistical outlook.
- Both highlight reasons why the spread is large, but make a case for Saints playmakers to have fantasy-usable days.
Notable Quote:
Debro: "If there's one thing the Saints have actually been pretty good at, it's defending the slot...Shakir's my fade." [17:48]
Browns at Lions: Elite D vs. Elite O
[19:12–25:36]
- Browns’ D has stifled top offenses; can Lions break through?
- Fitz: Expects Lions to have more aerial than ground success, as Browns are #1 vs. run DVOA but only #18 vs. pass.
- “I don’t think we’re getting another 150-yard rushing day from David Montgomery.” [20:32]
- Debro: Picks Lions O to win, IF O-line holds up against Browns D-line.
- “If Detroit…keep Jared Goff clean…it’s a big day for JMO, it’s a big day for Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is going to cook…” [22:49]
- Both marvel at Cleveland’s draft success and defensive talent, but caution that O-line play is the X-factor.
- Wormley: Thinks Browns defense will “win the battle even if they lose the game.” [24:17]
- Fitz: Expects Lions to have more aerial than ground success, as Browns are #1 vs. run DVOA but only #18 vs. pass.
Notable Quote:
Pat Fitzmaurice: “They totally stuffed the Green Bay offense into a locker last week…after that, it was just kind of open season on Jordan Love.” [21:00]
Titans at Texans: Lowest Total of the Week
[26:47–30:02]
- Both offenses are bottom five; over/under is a dismal 39 points.
- Debro: The path to the over is via Houston’s offense (Stroud + Nico Collins) succeeding against an exploitable Titans pass D, and Houston capitalizing with the run.
- “Houston has to find a way…C.J. Stroud’s got to play better. Not only Stroud, but Nico [Collins] has to have a big day.” [27:24]
- Fitz: Wonders if Titans can keep Houston off-guard with the run, but expects a gross game overall.
- Debro: The path to the over is via Houston’s offense (Stroud + Nico Collins) succeeding against an exploitable Titans pass D, and Houston capitalizing with the run.
Patriots Backfield Mess: Is This the Trayveon Henderson Game?
[30:02–33:49]
- With fumbles from Stevenson and Gibson, is this the game for rookie Henderson?
- Fitz: Encouraged by Henderson’s snap spike after Gibson’s 3rd-quarter fumble last week, but cautious: “Maybe his Snapshare hits 50% for the first time this week. All we ask is please Trayveon Henderson just hold on to the ball.” [31:04]
- Debro: Loves the matchup against a porous Panthers run D; has Henderson ranked RB23.
- “If this is in the game, I don’t know what the game is going to be, man. … This is the one that you unleash him.” [31:24]
- Panel split: Fitz (RB31), Debro (RB23).
Chargers at Giants: Time to Trust Cam Skattebo
[34:55–39:03]
- Rookie back Cam Skattebo steps into the Giants’ lead role.
- Fitz: Excited—has Skattebo RB14 for Week 4.
- “Cam Skattebo is just so hard to bring down. … I’ve got him RB14 this week.” [35:28]
- Debro: All in for Skattebo as a strong RB2 due to Chargers’ inability to tackle.
- “I think he's going to have a really good game, man. Strong RB2. I'm all in for it.” [36:13]
- Both argue that Skattebo is a must-start even in leagues where he was just drafted as an RB3/4.
- Fitz: Excited—has Skattebo RB14 for Week 4.
Notable Quote:
Debro: "Cam Skattebo is a player you probably drafted as like an RB3, RB4 … you need to play Cam Skattebo this week. He’s an RB2. Get him into your flex." [37:15]
Eagles at Buccaneers: Passing Attack Unlocked?
[39:49–43:40]
- Was Philly’s 2nd-half breakout vs LAR a trend?
- Fitz: Thinks Eagles “unlocked something” and wants to see more aggressive downfield play continue. [40:01]
- Debro: Agrees; expects a pass-focused attack, especially against Tampa’s elite run D. Cautions about the team’s tendency to start slow before adjusting.
- “I hope they don’t wait until the freaking fourth quarter…” [41:23]
- On Tampa’s side, with Mike Evans out:
- Debro: Expects a huge volume spike for Emeka Egbuka, but worries if Eagles’ CB Quinyon Mitchell shadows him.
- Fitz: Ranks Egbuka WR16 (Debro WR18), balancing between volume and tough coverage.
Colts at Rams: Jonathan Taylor vs. Puka Nacua
[46:04–49:30]
- Who’s the better fantasy play this week & ROS?
- Debro: Puka easily — “Not my bias showing”—citing historic target volume, dominance vs. single-high coverage, and the lack of receiving TDs despite overall WR1 status. [46:04]
- Fitz: Agrees, drawing Cooper Kupp comps. “If Puka stays healthy all year, he could put up those types of numbers.” [47:47]
- Both express high confidence in Puka as a weekly WR1 and overall fantasy difference-maker. Taylor’s workload and production also praised, but Rams’ run D is a limiting factor this week.
Memorable Stat:
Debro: "He’s on pace right now for 198 targets, 164 receptions, almost 1900 receiving yards." [47:57]
Jaguars at 49ers: Ricky Pearsall vs. Brian Thomas Jr.
[51:38–54:39]
- Why does ECR prefer Pearsall this week, but Thomas ROS?
- Fitz: It’s about situation—Pearsall plays due to injuries (no Kittle/Jennings); Thomas is cold but carries a higher rest-of-season ceiling if he gets on track.
- Debro: Would have Pearsall higher both this week and rest-of-season, citing performance, health, and opportunity. Expresses worries about Thomas Jr’s injury and declining play.
Ravens at Chiefs: Pacheco’s Last Stand?
[54:39–59:24]
- KC’s run game has been anemic, but Baltimore is shredded up front.
- Fitz: Low volume, low usage caps Pacheco’s upside, even in a plum matchup.
- “If he does go for 100 yards rushing against your Ravens…then it’s safe to totally abandon hope.” [57:25]
- Debro: Won’t trust Pacheco unless you’re desperate; prefers a random receiving back to him. Suggests if he doesn’t shine here, you can drop him.
- Fitz: Low volume, low usage caps Pacheco’s upside, even in a plum matchup.
Notable Quote:
Debro: “He’s not playing well. He’s on an offense that… if he can’t get it done [here], he’s not going to get it done.” [57:35]
Bears at Raiders: Can Caleb Keep Rolling?
[61:00–63:39]
- Caleb Williams shined vs. Dallas; should he be trusted again?
- Debro: Yes. Raiders secondary is exploitable, expects another big Roma Odunze game. [61:00]
- Fitz: Backs it up with efficiency and rushing stats for Caleb, sees another top week coming.
Packers at Cowboys (SNF): Cowboys Passing Game Without CeeDee
[63:39–66:20]
- Panel projects struggles for Dallas without Lamb.
- Fitz: Not convinced Pickens can be a true WR1, especially against a high-pressure Packers D.
- Debro: Expects heavy target volume for Pickens and Jake Ferguson but little overall efficiency given line injuries and pressure.
- On Micah Parsons: Fitz says “just one” sack, Debro predicts at least two.
Jets at Dolphins (MNF): Breece Hall’s Get-Right Spot
[66:20–68:43]
- Debro projects a big day: “16 rushing attempts, 80 rushing yards, two catches, 21 receiving yards, and I’ll give him a score.” [66:35]
- Fitz projects similar numbers, emphasizes Dolphins D’s vulnerabilities and both teams’ run-heavy tendencies.
Bengals at Broncos: Cincy Offense in Trouble
[68:43–71:10]
- Debro: No bounce-back expected; terrible O-line and brutal matchup vs. Denver pass rush. Only Jamar Chase is “unbenchable”; otherwise, sit all Bengals.
- Fitz: Highlights Chase Brown’s nearly negative yards before contact and emphasizes Denver’s defensive strength.
Stat:
Chase Brown, “0.02 yards before contact. He’s barely at the positive, baby. That is by a toenail.” [70:49]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- On Ricky Pearsall over Brian Thomas Jr.:
- Debro: “I'm going with talent and the healthy guy… Ricky Pearsall.” [54:39]
- On Skattebo’s usage:
- Debro: “If he stays healthy, he's not giving this job back to Tyrone Tracy. … Brian Daboll has a history of utilizing one back.” [39:03]
- On Addison’s prospects:
- Debro: “Even if he plays 70% [of snaps] like I’m pretty confident he’s going to put up a strong stat line.” [06:25]
- On Bijan Robinson:
- Fitz: “Certainly not a matchup that's going to deter you from starting Bijan Robinson.” [10:48]
Final Thoughts
[71:10–end]
- Panel wraps up, wishing luck to managers for Week 4. Throughout the episode, they provide both ceiling/floor analyses and advice for both redraft and dynasty contexts. The tone is analytical but conversational, with playful jabs and inside jokes among seasoned fantasy pros.
