Ride or Die: The Fantasy Footballers Predictions for Week 4

New name, same great segment. “Ride or Die” pits The Ballers against each other with three players to meet a certain number each week. Each Baller will pick the player to “Ride” or “Die” with the stat, similar to a “prop” bet.

Each week I will be here to recap where each of the Ballers took the wheel or gave a nice tuck and roll out of the vehicle for each one. Of course I’ll weigh in as well and we’ll keep score throughout the season so you can see how smart I really am.

As always, let me know if you’re jumping in the passenger’s seat with me or think I’m driving the crazy train here or on Twitter: @KurtKnowsBest.

“Ride or Die” Scoreboard

Before we get into Week 4’s prediction, let’s recap where everyone was with Week 3. Andy and I led the way with two of three predictions correct. Mike & Jason each only got one right, which closes the gap between Jason and Andy on the season total.

Week 4 Podcast “Ride or Die” Predictions

The newest installment of “Ride or Die” can be heard on the September 28 episode: “Trending or Ending + Ride or Die, TNF Preview”

Kirk Cousins (MIN) vs New Orleans: Top-12 QB

The Vikings have to travel to London to take on the Saints for this one. Cousins has finished in the top–12 twice already this season, but the Saints defense has only given up one top-12 QB this through three weeks.

Andy chose to “Die” on this prediction, arguing not only is it a special game – similar to a primetime game for Kirk Cousins – but he thinks the Saints defense will keep Cousins from a great finish. Jason agreed with Andy due to liking several other matchups for QBs in the top-12 range to have better days.

Mike was the lone “Ride” on this one from the Ballers, thinking a better game for Justin Jefferson means a better performance for Kirk Cousins. I’ll be riding with the Hitman. While the Saints defense has played well, the only game they faced a fully healthy or non-Baker Mayfield offense, Marcus Mariota finished as the QB10.

Jamaal Williams (DET) vs Seattle: Top-15 RB

This prediction is under the assumption that D’Andre Swift isn’t playing on Sunday. The Lions-Seahawks game currently has the highest over/under point total on the week, so there could be plenty of scoring available to get Williams over the top-15 spot.

Jason chose to “Ride” with Williams on this one due to him leading the NFL in carries inside the 10-yard line. Mike is riding as well due to the touchdown opportunity that Williams already had even with Swift on the field.

Andy was the lone “Die” from the Ballers after moving the line from Top-12 to Top-15. I’ll be Andy on this one. The Lions’ offense has been able to consistently put up points this season, but I think Swift and potentially Amon-Ra St. Brown not being on the field will make a big difference, especially against a solid defense like Seattle’s

Rashod Bateman (BAL) vs Buffalo: At least 10 fantasy points (Half PPR)

Bateman turned in his first finish outside the top-24 WRs last week when he finished with just 4 targets and no TD against the Patriots. 

Mike thinks this one comes down to Bateman scoring a TD or not, so he chose to “Die” on this prediction. Bateman’s only week not to score 10 fantasy points came when he did not find the end zone last week.

Jason and Andy chose to “Ride” on this one, arguing that the Bills secondary is a bit injury plagued currently and I’m with them in that line of thinking. The Bills have given up a 100+ yard receiver in two of their first three games this season, and the Ravens will have to throw to keep up with the Bills and Josh Allen.

Kurt’s Bonus “Ride or Die” Predictions

Tony Pollard (DAL) vs Washington: Higher Fantasy Finish than Ezekiel Elliott (Half-Point PPR)

The Cowboys offense has been hard to predict thus far this season after losing Dak Prescott in Week 1, but both Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott have been involved regardless of who was under center. Pollard had a big Week 3 on the ground with 105 yards rushing, but surprisingly didn’t have any receptions.

Through 3 games, Pollard has finished with less opportunities than Zeke twice, but has had the higher fantasy week twice as well. With another week of Cooper Rush at QB, and a struggling Commanders defense, there should be plenty of opportunity for the Cowboys to grind this game out on the ground. I’ll “Die” with this prediction thinking Dallas leans on Zeke to finish the game, but I could see it going either way.

Diontae Johnson (PIT) vs NY Jets: 75+ Receiving Yards

Johnson hasn’t had a great start to the 2022 season for fantasy managers that invested an early pick in him during drafts. Currently, Johnson hasn’t finished inside the top-24 WRs once through three games. However, Johnson is seeing plenty of usage and targets from Mitch Trubisky, with at least 10 tragets a game coming his direction.

The Jets are a great matchup for Johnson to pay off for fantasy managers as they’re currently giving up the 7th most points to opposing WRs. Johnson’s biggest hurdle isn’t getting the ball thrown his direction, but whether or not he can turn them into something. Currently Johnson has only 8 yards after the catch on the season. I’ll be in on his best game of the season thus far and “Ride” with him on this one.

Josh Jacobs (LV) vs Denver: Top-20 RB

The Raiders offense hasn’t been the machine that many thought it would be through the first 3 weeks of the season, but Jacobs has been a consistent contributor for fantasy managers. In Week 2, Jacobs finished as the RB17 despite not getting into the end zone thanks to his 5 receptions for 31 yards that added to his value.

Las Vegas’ offense faces a tough test hosting a Denver defense that’s 3rd best in the league against fantasy RBs. I’m a believer in Jacobs due to his stranglehold on the RB usage for the Silver and Black. Jacobs has 88% of the RB yards for the Raiders, and sees 66% of red zone snaps at RB. While the matchup isn’t the best, I’ll “Ride” with Jacobs as a Top-20 RB for a second week in a row.