Full Breakdown
Week 4 Fantasy Football Running Back Insights
9/24/2025, 10:34:45 PM
Key Injuries Impacting Fantasy Lineups
The 2025 NFL season has seen significant injuries affecting the running back position, notably James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals and Najee Harris of the Los Angeles Chargers. Conner's season-ending ankle injury has elevated rookie Trey Benson to the starting role, while Harris's Achilles injury has similarly positioned Omarion Hampton as the lead back for the Chargers. Both players are now critical components of their respective teams' fantasy lineups.
Emerging Stars: Trey Benson and Omarion Hampton
Trey Benson, now the primary running back for the Arizona Cardinals, has shown promise with an average of 6.0 yards per carry and a total of 125 rushing yards this season. His upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs, presents a favorable opportunity for Benson to solidify his role. Meanwhile, Omarion Hampton's breakout performance, where he finished as RB4 in PPR leagues with 129 total yards and a touchdown, positions him as a must-start player against the New York Giants, who have struggled defensively.
Matchups to Exploit and Avoid
In Week 4, fantasy managers should consider starting Benson and Hampton due to their advantageous matchups. Conversely, players like David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions face tough defenses, specifically the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards per carry this season. Montgomery's recent performance may not be enough to overcome this challenging matchup.
Running Back Rankings for Week 4
The following are notable rankings for Week 4:
- Must Start: Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers).
- Starting RB1: Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions), De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins), and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts).
- High-End RB2: Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans) and James Cook (Buffalo Bills).
- Flex Options: Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals) and Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals).
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Benson and Hampton, some analysts caution against over-reliance on rookie running backs, noting the unpredictability of their performances. For instance, Breece Hall of the New York Jets has struggled to find consistency, raising concerns about his fantasy viability despite a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Official Statements & Responses
Analysts emphasize the importance of matchups in determining fantasy success. The SportsLine model, which has historically outperformed human experts, suggests that understanding defensive weaknesses is crucial for making informed start/sit decisions.
What's Next
As the season progresses, fantasy managers will need to monitor player performances closely, especially with injuries continuing to reshape the landscape. The upcoming Week 4 matchups will be pivotal in determining which players can maintain their fantasy relevance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Seahawks Benson is the lead back now with James Conner done for the season, and he quickly becomes a must start, even in tougher matchups like this one.” — Fantasy Analyst
In summary, Week 4 presents both challenges and opportunities for fantasy football managers, particularly with the emergence of new starting running backs and the ongoing impact of injuries across the league.
