The Ravens and Chiefs enter Week 4 at 1-2, which begs the question: have the mighty fallen? These are two of the NFL’s most storied franchises in recent years, and it’s hard to imagine one of them sinking to 1-3. This matchup feels like a must-win for both sides, and the fantasy implications are huge.
🔥 Starts
- Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) 🔥
- Despite Baltimore’s slow start, Lamar is still Lamar. He’s thrown multiple touchdowns in every game this year and remains a dangerous weapon with his legs. The Chiefs’ defense has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, giving Lamar the chance to post another strong outing.
- Projection: 245 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; 58 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens) 🔥
- Fantasy managers shouldn’t overreact to Henry’s fumbles—points are points, and the Chiefs have already allowed two rushing touchdowns this season. Expect Baltimore to lean heavily on “King Henry” in a must-win scenario.
- Projection: 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches, 11 yards
- Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens) 🔥
- After a quiet start, Andrews looks ready to re-establish himself as Lamar’s top target. The Chiefs’ linebackers have struggled in coverage, as shown last week when they gave up 6 catches for 60 yards underneath. Andrews should thrive here.
- Projection: 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
- Zay Flowers (WR, Ravens) 🔥
- Flowers had a down game last week due to target distribution and protection issues for Lamar. He remains the Ravens’ most explosive wideout and should bounce back with WR2 production.
- Projection: 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
- Tyquan Thornton (WR, Chiefs) 🔥💪
- Last week’s sleeper graduates to starter status. Thornton saw 9 targets and nearly scored twice, showing clear chemistry with Mahomes as a vertical weapon. His big-play ability makes him a sneaky WR3/flex this week.
- Projection: 4 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
- Kareem Hunt (RB, Chiefs) 🔥 💪
- While Pacheco splits carries, Hunt is the preferred option near the goal line. In what could be a tight contest, those high-value touches give Hunt a fantasy edge as a Flex option.
- Projection: 12 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches, 14 yards
- Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) 🔥
- Even in an up-and-down start to the season, Mahomes has accounted for at least one score every week. This game has urgency written all over it, and Mahomes will do whatever it takes—through the air or with his legs—to keep KC afloat.
- Projection: 268 passing yards, 2 TDs; 33 rushing yards, 1 TD
❄️ Sits
- Rashod Bateman (WR, Ravens) ❄️
- Bateman’s usage is inconsistent, and outside of one game where Flowers was neutralized, he’s been an afterthought. Against Kansas City’s corners, he’s tough to trust.
- Projection: 3 catches, 31 yards
- Isaiah Pacheco (RB, Chiefs) ❄️
- The Chiefs still list Pacheco as the “lead back,” but the role lacks goal-line usage and receiving involvement. Without touchdowns, he’s hard to start confidently.
- Projection: 10 carries, 42 yards; 1 catch, 7 yards
🌙 Sleepers
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (WR, Chiefs) 🌙
- Brown hasn’t found the end zone yet this year, but he leads the team in targets and faces his former squad. Motivation plus opportunity equals sleeper potential.
- Projection: 6 catches, 84 yards
Highlight: Lamar Jackson Connects With Devontez Walker for Big Play – BaltimoreRavens.com
- Devontez Walker (WR, Ravens) 🌙
- Walker flashed against Cleveland with two touchdowns and has deep speed to stretch defenses. If Baltimore wants to take pressure off Flowers, Walker could see expanded snaps and carve out a role as a surprise playmaker.
- Projection: 3 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
Wrap-Up
This Ravens-Chiefs clash is about more than just fantasy—it’s about survival. Baltimore will lean on Lamar, Derrick Henry, and Mark Andrews to right the ship, while Kansas City turns to Mahomes, Kareem Hunt, and emerging deep threat Tyquan Thornton to spark their offense. Hollywood Brown and Devontez Walker add intriguing sleeper upside, while Rashod Bateman and Isiah Pacheco are best left on the bench.
Whichever way it goes, one of these powerhouse franchises will walk out of Week 4 in a deep hole—and your fantasy team could ride the fireworks to victory.
