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Start 'em, Sit 'em Running Backs For Week 4 Fantasy Football

The only place running backs seem to be running to in 2026 is the injury report.

It's a huge problem across the fantasy football landscape just three weeks into the season, with viable options dwindling with each passing day. De'Von Achane was the headliner who saw his season end in Week 3, seemingly ending whatever fantasy relevance the Miami Dolphins could've had.

Ollie Gordon II was the top waiver pickup, closely followed by Alvin Kamara – who is replacing an injured Travis Etienne.

In other words, it was a bad week for running backs named "A-chan."

Fantasy managers are now left to pivot again heading into Week 4, with some difficult matchups on tap and a bunch of teams taking the committee approach at backfield.

So without further ado, here are the RBs you should start and the others who should take a seat on the bench in Week 4.

WEEK 4 RANKINGS:QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DST | FLEX

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 RBs

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings vs. Dolphins

There's a lot to like about this matchup. For starters, the Dolphins have given up seven total touchdowns to running backs in three weeks. On top of that, Minnesota figures to be playing with a lead all afternoon. That would allow them to operate with a run-heavy game script, which bodes well for a player like Jones who is averaging 17.3 carries per game through three weeks.

Without any real competition for Jones in the Minnesota backfield, he should have a big day against the Dolphins.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Packers

Plenty of people were down on Irving heading into the season, but he's proven them wrong so far. The 24-year-old has a solid floor with plenty of room to grow and few players can say that at the running back spot this season. And there's reason to believe he could inch closer to that ceiling in Week 4.

Baker Mayfield is out with a dislocated thumb, meaning undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is getting his first career start. The odds of Tampa letting him sling it all day seem slim so we should see plenty of opportunities for the running backs. Tampa does have some offensive line concerns, but Daniels' mobility is a way to neutralize the pass rush and keep the defense honest. After what Bijan Robinson did to the Packers last week, we're taking a flier on Irving in Week 4.

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers vs. Lions

Points aren't expected to be in short supply this week when the Panthers host their first "Sunday Night Football" game since 2015. With that in mind, we'll want a piece of the Carolina offense, which could look to lean on the run game to keep an explosive Lions unit off the field. That is especially true when you consider the Panthers will be without some key pieces in the secondary.

Hubbard has been a factor as a runner and receiver for Dave Canales this season. Without Jonathon Brooks around to siphon work away from Hubbard, there is nothing to stop the RB1 from having a good night at the office.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 RBs

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers at Seahawks

The Chargers are a mess. A complete mess. Despite forcing five turnovers in Week 3, L.A. only managed to score 16 points. That's no recipe for success against a stingy Seahawks run defense.

Hampton now has Keaton Mitchell to worry about behind him on the depth chart. Given Mitchell's speed, it remains a possibility that Mike McDaniel could lean on the backup as he tries to get the Chargers moving in the right direction. You likely drafted Hampton early, so you may not be able to sit him in Week 4. If there are options on the bench though, he is a candidate to consider keeping out of your lineup.

Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks vs. Chargers

From bad to worse. Price fumbled in Week 3, which glued him to the sidelines for an extended period of time against the Commanders. Seattle has still shown no willingness to trust the first-round rookie, which is baffling considering the team's struggles running around the goal line.

Price is going to be a player that has to remain on the bench until the Seahawks give you a reason to start him. This is a backfield committee at best and one we want no part of.

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins at Vikings

You just picked him up off the waiver wire, but let's pump the brakes. The Dolphins offense is overmatched against a Vikings team that will crowd the line and bring pressure. While Gordon should see plenty of opportunity, most of that will likely come while Miami trails.

It shifts the game script to a pass-heavy situation, where Gordon remains in to pass protect. In that case, he wouldn't benefit from the garbage-time points that can make or break your week. Given the reality of facing a tough Vikings run defense, we can't in good faith trust Gordon to get the job done.