This article is part of our Depth Chart Watch series.
Cardinals QB - Carson Palmer (shoulder) intends to suit up again for Arizona in Week 5 against Denver after missing Weeks 2 and 3, then resting through the bye. But this nerve issue worries me; those in very deep or two-QB leagues need to keep holding Drew Stanton.
Falcons RB - Another week, another big-time run for Antone Smith. He broke a supremely impressive 48-yarder for a touchdown Sunday; by comparison, Steven Jackson needed 13 carries just to accumulate 49 yards. There's still a crowd in this backfield, with about four or five carries dealt to Smith, Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers every week in addition to Jackson's starting workload. But this year alone, Smith has broken a 54-yard reception, a 38-yard run, and now a 48-yard run... and the guy's only touched the ball 13 times. C'mon, Falcons, give him a legit shot.
Falcons WR - Roddy White (hamstring) was back in the fold Sunday, but caught just four of his team-high 14 targets, though he did at least total 73 yards and a score. Harry Douglas (foot) was out, though, leaving Devin Hester to pick up the slack. Pick it up he did, catching five balls for 70 yards and a score. His ankle seems all right; Roddy's hammy might need a little more work.
Ravens RB - Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro split the rushing load pretty evenly on Sunday, though much of Taliaferro's work (including his touchdown) came with the Ravens leadng comfortably in the second half. Forsett did outperform the rookie in this one and appears to still be the main man here - especially because he's more of an asset in the pass game - but Taliaferro's time is coming.
Ravens WR - Steve Smith torched his old Carolina mates Sunday, surprising no one. With three 100-yard games and three touchdowns in four weeks this season, he's perhaps the biggest sell-high candidate in all of fantasy. Remember his super-hot start to 2011? He averaged almost 115 yards per game for the first half of the season... then less than 60 the rest of the way. And now he's 35.
Bills RB - C.J. Spiller out-touched Fred Jackson once again in Week 4, with 15 carries and three catches against Jackson's seven carries and six catches, though neither really blew the doors off the barn with huge production. Jackson was more efficient, with 85 total yards to Spiller's 84. But Spiller's still the game-breaker, at least potentially, and you have to think the Bills will keep gong to him, particularly on early downs.
Bills WR - Robert Woods had about as futile a game as you'll see from a receiver on Sunday, as he was targeted a team-leading 12 times, but totaled just 17 yards on three catches. It wasn't an efficient day for EJ Manuel in general, but still, wow. Sammy Watkins continued to see heavy action (nine targets), but Mike Williams led the team in receiving thanks to a late-game 80-yard bomb.
Panthers QB - Cam Newton got pulled for Derek Anderson… again. Because the Panthers got trucked… again. Newton's still the starter, but the cries for Anderson may start building if the Panthers don't start playing better. Of course, the defense could help out too.
Panthers RB - DeAngelo Williams (thigh) was back in for the Panthers on Sunday, but had a quiet day (3.1 YPC) and ended up suffering an ankle injury that knocked him out of the game. Meanwhile, Jonathan Stewart was out with a sprained knee and Fozzy Whitaker similarly out with a strained quad; that left Darrin Reaves to end up leading the team in carries (12), although he turned those carries plus three receptions into a not-so-grand total of 37 yards.
Panthers WR - With Jerricho Cotchery back in Sunday, he and Kelvin Benjamin returned to their expected roles as the Panthers' most-utilized receivers, marginalizing (Philly) Corey Brown and Jason Avant.
Bears WR - Brandon Marshall appears to still be nursing his ankle, but he keeps on playing through it, albeit with mixed results. Alshon Jeffery looks healthier and is this team's de facto No. 1 while Marshall remains limited. And yet Josh Morgan was the only other receiver targeted by Jay Cutler on Sunday. Santonio Holmes was ignored altogether.
Bengals WR - Marvin Jones (foot) is back at practice and could be back in Week 5, which should push Mohamed Sanu down the depth chart, although perhaps not immediately.
Browns RB - Ben Tate (knee) is expected back in the fold for Week 5, which should push Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell down the depth chart, but both of those guys have shown some spark in Tate's absence and should find their way into the game plan even after he returns.
Cowboys RB - Maybe Lance Dunbar is supposed to be the backup to DeMarco Murray, but Dunbar only saw looks in the passing game Sunday, while Joseph Randle got four carries. Both guys are quite marginal, though, except as handcuffs to the monster known as DeMarco Murray.
Broncos WR - No change on the chart here, but now's the time to buy low on Demaryius Thomas, before he comes out of the bye week with a vengeance.
Lions RB - For all the draft-season hype, Joique Bell has been pretty awful, with the last two weeks featuring particularly useless performances. Reggie Bush out-touched him 16-10 Sunday against the Jets, and that ratio may grow more extreme as we go along.
Packers RB - The Packers' offense woke up Sunday, but Eddie Lacy didn't. Although he punched in a two-yard touchdown, Lacy averaged just 2.8 yards on his 17 carries and was again quiet in the passing game (one catch, 11 yards). But James Starks didn't get a single touch, so this remains Lacy's gig, although he's not doing much with it.
Packers TE - Richard Rodgers finally collected his first NFL catches Sunday, grabbing two balls for 52 yards. Among all the non-fantasy-relevant Packers tight ends, he's the least non-fantasy-relevant.
Texans RB - Arian Foster (hamstring) was deemed good to go Sunday, but "good" is all relative, as he managed to rush for six yards on eight carries, though at least he made his PPR owners slightly happier with seven catches for 55 yards. Alfred Blue was no better, averaging exactly one yard per carry on his nine totes and making a very minor impact in the pass game. And Jonathan Grimes has been put out to pasture, it seems like.
Colts RB - Both Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson made up for poor ground performances with contributions through the air Sunday, as Bradshaw picked up a touchdown, while T-Rich caught four of five targets for 52 yards. Richardson also chipped in a one-yard touchdown, the only good thing you can say about a rushing day that featured 20 carries for 47 yards.
Colts TE - Once again, Sunday featured a touchdown for Coby Fleener and a touchdown for Dwayne Allen. Neither tight end is making PPR owners thrilled or racking up big yards, but Allen's now got three scores in four weeks.
Jaguars QB - The first NFL start for Blake Bortles was a bit short of a rousing success, as he did go 29-for-37 - which is great - but threw just one touchdown while being picked off twice by the Chargers in a blowout loss. But still, the Chad Henne era appears to be well and truly and thankfully over.
Jaguars RB - While Denard Robinson carved out a nine-carry share of the workload Sunday, he managed to be even less productive than Toby Gerhart, who rushed 10 times for 32 yards and a touchdown while losing a fumble. Robinson picked up just 25 yards and turned three catches into… seven yards. This is probably the worst RB situation in the league.
Jaguars WR - Allen Hurns has not been forgotten. He was third on the team in targets Sunday (behind Clay Harbor and Allen Robinson) with six, pulling in five of them for 68 yards. Robinson didn't do much with his seven targets, and Cecil Shorts was targeted only six times, going down with a hamstring injury. It's hard to tell who's going to be trusted most here from week to week, but it looks like Hurns and Robinson will lead the attack.
Jaguars TE - Clay Harbor's return to the field Sunday was a great success, as he caught all eight of his targets for 69 yards - both team highs. The Jags have no other tight ends worth note for fantasy purposes with Marcedes Lewis done for the year. Will Ta'ufo'ou was targeted one time for the second straight week.
Chiefs RB - Jamaal Charles is expected back in the lineup Monday night, but Knile Davis may have carved himself out more than just a couple carries as the backup following his terrific performances in Charles' place.
Dolphins RB - Lamar Miller again largely made the most of his opportunities Sunday, rushing for 64 yards and two scores on 12 carries. He lost a fumble, but hey - it's good work. Still, Knowshon Moreno is on the mend. Daniel Thomas made his case to stay on the team after Moreno returns with five carries for 35 yards and a 25-yard reception.
Dolphins WR - It's nice for everyone involved except fantasy owners that the Dolphins' air game is an equal-opportunity situation. Mike Wallace scored a touchdown to add some fantasy utility to his meager 35 yards on four targets. Jarvis Landry, Charles Clay and Brandon Gibson were all targeted four times too. Brian Hartline was the only rich man, getting targeted seven times for a team-high six catches and 74 yards.
Vikings QB - Teddy Bridgewater suffered a sprained ankle at the end of Sunday's big win over the Falcons, but he expects to play Thursday against Green Bay. If he can't - brace yourselves - it's going to have to be Christian Ponder. I'm sorry.
Vikings RB - The Vikes finally turned Jerick McKinnon loose Sunday, and he ripped off 135 yards on 18 carries, plus a 17-yard catch. But don't get that excited; Matt Asiata rushed 20 times for 78 yards and three - three! - touchdowns. It seems like this situation should be trending in the direction of a timeshare where Minnesota uses the more explosive McKinnon on early downs, with Asiata playing on some third downs and handling short-yardage duty. But for now, Asiata still has to be considered the primary back.
Vikings WR - For some reason, the Vikes just seem allergic to giving Cordarrelle Patterson the touches he deserves; while Patterson was targeted just four times Sunday, catching two for 38 yards, Jarius Wright emerged as a big-time target for Bridgewater, reeling in eight of 10 targets for 132 yards. Like Patterson, Greg Jennings also saw just four targets.
Saints RB - New Orleans didn't run the ball much Sunday, but Khiry Robinson turned only eight carries (a team high!) into 87 yards. The real surprise in this one was that Travaris Cadet stole Pierre Thomas's job in the pass game, catching all six balls thrown his way for 59 yards. However, he did lose a fumble. Thomas, meanwhile, touched the ball just four times. The Saints have been weird about Thomas before, alternately featuring and marginalizing him, and it looks like we're on a marginalizing phase again.
Saints WR - Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston were the only New Orleans wideouts targeted more than three times Sunday, combining for 16. Those other three targets went to Kenny Stills, who ended up with more yards than either of them. At this point, Cooks and Colston are co-No. 1 guys in this offense and Stills is No. 3.
Giants RB - The Giants laid it to Washington on Sunday, and that led to a lot of garbage-time work for Andre Williams, who ended up out-touching Rashad Jennings and scoring a touchdown. That probably doesn't foreshadow increased work for Williams, who's unlikely to see that kind of carry split unless the Giants engage in more blowouts.
Giants WR - Odell Beckham could finally make his NFL debut in Week 5, which would push Preston Parker to the No. 4 receiver role, but shouldn't affect Victor Cruz or Rueben Randle. Not yet, anyway.
Giants TE - Larry Donnell. That is all.
Jets RB - Chris Ivory dominated the touches Sunday, turning his 17 carries into 84 yards, but he caught only two of his six pass targets. Chris Johnson regained a little fantasy relevance thanks to a 35-yard touchdown sprint, but he still only touched the ball eight times. That's not a formula for great success.
Jets WR - Eric Decker's hamstring issue didn't stop Geno Smith from targeting him 10 times on Sunday, but the Jets' lack of another good receiver is killing them right now. Greg Salas was the second-most-targeted wideout - with four. Jeremy Kerley is only occasionally useful; David Nelson even more rarely.
Jets TE - Sunday was an emergent game for Jace Amaro, who was targeted five times and caught all five balls for 58 yards. Meanwhile, Jeff Cumberland was only targeted once (and didn't catch it). Amaro's role looks to be growing by the week - he's now a sneaky pickup on this wideout-starved team.
Raiders QB - Derek Carr was forced from Sunday's game with knee and ankle injuries, which led to some Matt McGloin action. While the Raiders are on bye in Week 5, it sounds like Carr may not be ready for Week 6 if he has high-ankle and MCL sprains, which would likely lead to Matt Schaub starting against San Diego.
Raiders RB - The Raiders took it easy with Maurice Jones-Drew (hand) in his return, knowing they've got the bye week coming up. He only touched the ball four times Sunday, for a total of three yards. Darren McFadden handled the bulk of the work and was typically unproductive (40 rush yards, 32 receiving yards, no touchdowns).
Raiders WR - With Rod Streater in need of foot surgery, the Raiders turned to Andre Holmes and James Jones often Sunday. Although Holmes was targeted twice as many times (12) as Jones, the ex-Packer caught more passes (six to five) for more yards (83 to 74). Those two appear set to assume top duties for the time being; Denarius Moore, meanwhile, was inactive.
Eagles TE - Zach Ertz had a way bigger share of the load Sunday, catching four of six targets for 43 yards, but he lost a fumble. Still, that's better than Brent Celek's no catches. Things are clearly trending in Ertz's direction, but let's not keep our expectations too high.
Steelers RB - LeGarrette Blount wasn't used as much Sunday as he was in Week 3, as his workload dipped to four carries for 25 yards. It seems clear that Blount is only going to get as many carries as game situations dictate, with Le'Veon Bell essentially guaranteed 20 carries a week, plus action in the pass game.
Chargers RB - Another week of useless Donald Brown - just 19 yards on 10 carries and four catches for 35 yards - created opportunities for Brandon Oliver, but Oliver was just as useless, with just 56 total yards of his own. Ryan Mathews (knee) is still set to miss a few more weeks, and Danny Woodhead (leg) is done for the season, so the Chargers are stuck with Brown and Oliver for now unless they sign someone.
Chargers WR - Keenan Allen finally (and, being that it was against Jacksonville, kind of predictably) woke up Sunday, catching 10 of 11 targets for 135 yards - that's more yardage than he had the first three weeks combined. Eddie Royal was Philip Rivers' second-most-favorite receiver, catching five balls for 105 yards and two scores on seven targets. Rivers just loves throwing touchdowns to Royal. Malcom Floyd was marginalized to just four targets, catching three for 39 yards and a day-saving score.
Chargers TE - With Ladarius Green (hamstring) active, but unused Sunday, Antonio Gates was expected to see more targets, but he totaled just three catches on five attempts for 30 yards. Work has been inconsistent for both tight ends, but Gates remains the top dog.
49ers RB - Frank Gore blew up against the Eagles on Sunday, rushing 24 times for 119 yards and reeling in a 55-yard touchdown catch. Carlos Hyde, on the other hand, was quiet again, running 10 times for just 26 yards. You shouldn't be starting Hyde in most leagues right now; Gore is still the man.
49ers WR - Brandon Lloyd got in on some of the action Sunday, notching modest season highs with two catches on five targets for 28 yards. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson was targeted only twice, although he reeled in a gorgeous touchdown catch. Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin remain the top guys.
49ers TE - Vernon Davis (ankle, back) was limited in his effectiveness Sunday, catching two passes for all of eight yards, but Derek Carrier (one catch, 10 yards) didn't really pick up the slack. Davis left the game in the third quarter, leaving Carrier as the only active tight end. Vance McDonald (knee) is the other guy in the picture here, and he'd apparently be the No. 2 guy if he were healthy.
Rams WR - Tavon Austin (knee) may be ready to return in Week 5, which would complicate a wideout situation that's currently sort of co-led by Brian Quick and Kenny Britt. Stedman Bailey should also start working his way into a bigger share of the looks as things go along.
Buccaneers RB - Doug Martin returned from his knee injury in Week 4, hobbling 14 times for 40 yards and a touchdown, plus a couple catches for 16 yards. That marginalized Bobby Rainey, who was unimpactful on Sunday; Mike James was a healthy scratch.
Buccaneers WR - Louis Murphy was the surprising leader in receiving for Tampa on Sunday, catching a team-high six of a team-high-tying 10 targets for a team-high 99 yards. Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans also saw plenty of work, although Jackson was again inefficient with his targets, catching only three out of 10. He's now caught 13 of 35 targets on the year - ouch. Worse, Evans is now out a couple weeks with a groin strain, meaning the Bucs are going to have to lean on Murphy more in the short term.
Buccaneers TE - Austin Seferian-Jenkins saw a featured role Sunday, catching three out of seven targets for 44 yards. Brandon Myers? One target, no catches. ASJ had missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but looks like he's well on his way to becoming this team's top tight end.
Titans QB - With no Jake Locker (wrist) on Sunday, Charlie Whitehurst got the call, and it predictably did not go pretty, though at least he led the team in rushing. Whitehurst ended up being pulled for Zach Mettenberger toward the end, but Mettenberger didn't make an impression either, going 2-for-5 for 17 yards and an interception. It's possible Locker could be back Sunday, but it's a bit up in the air for now.
Titans RB - Well, as mentioned, Charlie Whitehurst led the Titans in rushing yards in Week 4, and his five carries were two more than Shonn Greene saw and just one less than Bishop Sankey. It's interesting to see things flip-flopping with Greene and Sankey now; the transition is happening while Dexter McCluster continues to live a life of quiet, second-to-third-string desperation.
Redskins QB - Kirk Cousins followed up his 400-yard Week 3 with a four-interception Week 4 (and a fumble), and things aren't gonna get any easier Sunday against Seattle. But Colt McCoy isn't about to take his job, and even if Robert Griffin is able to return at some point, that's a long ways off.
Redskins RB - Roy Helu carried just twice Thursday, but led the 'Skins in receiving with five catches on five targets for 78 yards. Alfred Morris remains the primary, unchallenged ballcarrier.
Redskins TE - With Jordan Reed (hamstring) out again, Niles Paul finished second on the team in receiving Thursday, catching three passes for 60 yards. It's looking like Reed could be back as soon as next week, but it seems unlikely that'd mean Paul gets totally marginalized - he's shown legit playmaking skills.
