Barkley’s absence a blow, but also creates opportunities

Week 4 of fantasy football can be subtitled, “Life Without Saquon” for owners who must reset their running back depth after losing the Giants star to a high ankle sprain.

It’s also another week without Cam Newton, which translates to a heavy workload for Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey.

The initial bye week means the Jets and 49ers are sidelined. Considering the lack of fantasy contributions from either team, most owners won’t feel a great loss.

START Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts:

His average of 228 passing yards per game is pedestrian, but Brissett has thrown multiple TD passes in each of his first three games. He faces a Raiders defense that has yet to make an interception and is 28th overall in opposing passer rating at 116.8.

SIT Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers:

The Rams are third overall in fewest fantasy points allowed per game to opposing QBs (6.85 PPG). Winston tossed for 380 yards and three touchdowns against the Giants last week, but averages a paltry 2.5 air yards per pass attempt, a number that plays into the hands of the Rams’ pass rush.

START Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions:

He’s become a high-volume back who could have his breakout game at the expense of the Chiefs, who allow a league-high 6.2 yards per carry to opposing backs. Johnson averages 17.6 touches per game, and his underrated pass-catching skills will make him more intriguing in PPR formats.

SIT Nick Chubb, RB, Browns:

Cleveland’s anemic offensive production won’t improve against the Ravens, who are seventh overall in fewest fantasy points allowed per game to opposing backs. Chubb has just one touchdown in his first 69 touches from scrimmage and has yet to rip off a run of longer than 19 yards.

START Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants:

Big Blue will become big on the pass without Barkley. Enter Shepard, who pulled in seven of a team-best nine targets from rookie quarterback Daniel Jones for 100 yards and a score in last week’s win over the Buccaneers.

SIT Josh Gordon, WR, Patriots:

The 11 targets in Week 3 is encouraging, yet much of those came after Julian Edelman was injured. The big-play potential is there, but Gordon remains too much of a risk to play. Well, that and the Bills are sixth in fewest fantasy points allowed per game to opposing wideouts.

START John Ross, WR, Bengals:

The speedster is finally being effectively utilized, evidenced by his 22.5 yards per catch and six big plays, the latter ranks him tied for second in the NFL. All Andy Dalton has to do is get the ball to Ross in open space, as he is also seventh in the league with 152 yards after the catch.

SIT Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings:

He’s 29th in completion percentage and 31st in yards. Even if it wasn’t the Bears that Cousins was facing, he’d be a strong sit, but with Chicago ranked ninth in fewest fantasy PPG allowed to opposing quarterbacks, the suggestion to sit Cousins is stronger.