Sunday Recap: Rashee Rice’s Injury, Falcons' Backfield Committee, Packers WR Updates, and More

**Let the zero-RB debates begin.**

As the fantasy football community looks back to critique draft strategies from weeks ago, new developments constantly challenge those talking points. It’s been a tough year for nearly every strategy, but the zero-RB approach has particularly struggled as teams continue running the ball, and wide receivers drop like flies.

The latest injury to a wide receiver is yet another reminder that chaos reigns supreme in fantasy football. Rashee Rice, minding his own business after his quarterback threw an interception, had his knee accidentally injured by the same quarterback’s no-look tackle attempt—truly a random, awful situation.

For fantasy managers, the blow is crushing, and it’s just as bad for the Chiefs. As Denny Carter mentioned on our Sunday podcast, Travis Kelce will likely see an increase in targets, while a battle brews behind him for opportunities. Rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy could start getting more chances or remain in a deep threat role. On Sunday, he hauled in a 54-yard touchdown on four targets.

Without a trade, the Chiefs' offense will likely become more insular. Unfortunately, there won’t be any major winners in fantasy either. Players like Skyy Moore, Noah Gray, and Justin Watson don’t appear capable of capitalizing on Rice’s absence.

**Five Week 4 Storylines**

1. **Anthony Richardson (hip) adds another injury to the list:** Richardson has struggled with injuries throughout the 2023 season, adding a hip issue to his growing list of ailments. Although the injury is said to be minor, it was significant enough to sideline him for most of Week 4 against the Steelers. Fantasy managers should be cautious, as Richardson’s injury history raises concerns about his longevity in 2024.

2. **Derrick Henry dominates as the Ravens’ rushing machine revs up:** After a seemingly slow start, Henry has exploded over the past two weeks, averaging 175 rushing yards and 7.1 yards per carry. Henry’s dominance and Lamar Jackson’s rushing threat are fueling the Ravens' ground game, making Henry a serious contender for RB1 overall status.

3. **Packers’ target distribution goes wild in Jordan Love’s return:** With Love back under center, the Packers' target tree was unpredictable, especially after Christian Watson’s injury. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks emerged as key options, with Wicks scoring twice. Watson’s multi-week absence will likely condense targets to these two.

4. **Kareem Hunt emerges in the Chiefs’ backfield:** After Carson Steele’s early fumble, Hunt took over as the lead back and outperformed both Steele and Samaje Perine. He handled 16 touches and showed enough to solidify his role. With Rice out, Hunt could become an essential pass-catching option, making him a potential RB2 moving forward.

5. **Chase Brown breaks out for the Bengals:** Brown finally saw significant volume and outshined Zack Moss in Week 4. Although Moss remains involved, Brown’s performance indicates he’s ready for a larger role. He profiles as a high-upside FLEX option as the Bengals gear up for Week 5 against the Ravens.

**Five More Week 4 Storylines:**

- Tyler Allgeier gets more involved in the Falcons’ offense, cutting into Bijan Robinson’s workload.

- Kyler Murray continues to underwhelm, struggling to replicate his dual-threat ability.

- Breece Hall loses ground to Braelon Allen in the Jets' backfield.

- Javonte Williams reclaims his spot as the Broncos’ lead back.

- Xavier Legette steps into a Deebo Samuel-esque role for the Panthers.

**Early Waiver Wire Targets (Rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues):**

- QB: Justin Fields, Geno Smith, Derek Carr

- RB: Kareem Hunt, Rico Dowdle, Tyler Allgeier

- WR: Darnell Mooney, Wan'Dale Robinson, Dontayvion Wicks

- TE: Tucker Kraft, Noah Fant, Cade Otton