The NFL’s London slate opens this week with the Washington Commanders meeting the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a matchup that could carry major fantasy implications on both passing attacks. Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota has helped sharpen Terry McLaurin’s production, while Indianapolis receiver Josh Downs draws a defense that has been especially vulnerable to wideouts.
London game puts McLaurin and Downs in focus
McLaurin has received nine targets in each of the past two games, and the Colts have had difficulty defending the pass this season. That combination makes Washington’s leading receiver a strong WR2 option for the international matchup.
Downs also has a favorable opening. The Commanders have allowed an NFL-high six touchdown catches to wide receivers, putting Indianapolis’ passing game in position to test Washington downfield.
- Commanders at Colts will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
- McLaurin has posted nine targets in consecutive weeks with Mariota at quarterback.
- Indianapolis has struggled against opposing passing games.
- Washington has surrendered six receiving touchdowns to wide receivers, the most in the league.
Quarterback decisions shape Week 4
Justin Herbert remains a difficult call for managers who drafted him as an every-week starter. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback has not thrown for more than 250 yards in any game this season and has gone four straight games, dating to last year, with no more than one touchdown pass. His matchup with the Seattle Seahawks comes as Mike Macdonald prepares to face his former Michigan head coach.
Houston’s C.J. Stroud has a statistical matchup against Dallas, but there are concerns about the Texans’ overall offensive form. The Cowboys are permitting more than 27 points per game, ranking 25th, and their 59% third-down conversion rate allowed is the worst mark in the NFL. Nico Collins’ availability could improve Stroud’s outlook, though Mariota and Sam Darnold are preferred emergency options.
Kyler Murray is viewed as a top-10 quarterback play against Miami, regardless of Justin Jefferson’s status. Murray owns a 70.6 Total QBR against AFC opponents during his career, second among quarterbacks since entering the league in 2019. Patrick Mahomes ranks first over that span.
- Herbert has yet to reach 250 passing yards in a game this year.
- Dallas has allowed more than 27 points per game and a league-worst 59% third-down conversion rate.
- Murray’s 70.6 Total QBR against AFC teams trails only Mahomes among quarterbacks since 2019.
Running back questions include Miami, Cincinnati and Arizona
Miami rookie Ollie Gordon II emerged as a major waiver-wire pickup, but his place in starting lineups remains uncertain. He can be considered ahead of players such as Isaiah Davis, Blake Corum and Woody Marks, though the recommendation is more about limited alternatives than a confident projection.
Cincinnati’s defense is another storyline after Pittsburgh put up 138 rushing yards and Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes against the Bengals. The unit looked strong through the opening two weeks, but its performance against the Steelers has raised concerns entering a potential breakout spot for Bhayshul Tuten.
Arizona’s Jeremiyah Love, meanwhile, showed no sign of being limited despite earlier questions about how quickly he would be incorporated into the offense. Against San Francisco, Love established personal bests with 20 rushing attempts, 90 rushing yards and five receptions. His NFL career is only three games old, but Arizona has been competitive and has increased his workload.
- Gordon is a speculative Miami option rather than an automatic starter.
- The Bengals allowed 138 rushing yards and three Rodgers touchdown throws last week.
- Love set early-career highs of 20 carries, 90 rushing yards and five catches against the 49ers.
Receiver and tight end usage remains under scrutiny
Green Bay’s Christian Watson shares the NFL lead with four touchdown receptions, matching Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But Matthew Golden has built a strong case for a larger role in fantasy lineups after collecting 253 receiving yards, eighth in the league. He needs 109 more yards to exceed his 361-yard total from last season.
Chicago’s receiver hierarchy remains less clear. Luther Burden III leads the Bears in targets and has a case as the club’s No. 1 option. Kalif Raymond leads Chicago with 19 catches and 214 receiving yards, while Rome Odunze has run the most routes and ranks third in the NFL with 17.2 targeted air yards. Raymond has repeatedly delivered in important moments, but he remains more of a roster stash than a recommended starter this week.
The same patience applies to Bears tight end Colston Loveland. A missed goal-line opportunity has kept his fantasy totals modest, but his role in the offense remains substantial. The New York Jets present a tough matchup, yet Loveland’s involvement makes him a more appealing choice than a low-volume waiver-wire replacement.
- Watson and Smith-Njigba each have four receiving touchdowns.
- Golden ranks eighth in the NFL with 253 receiving yards.
- Raymond leads the Bears in catches and receiving yards, while Odunze leads the club in routes run.
- Loveland continues to hold a prominent role despite failing to convert a near-touchdown chance.
