Matchups bode well for Ajayi, Mariota

Week 4 is nearly here, and it’s a big one: Are you going to stay undefeated through the first month? Climb back to .500? Scratch out your first win?

That’s where we come in. Each week, we give you the studs, duds and sleepers to help you put together the perfect lineup.

Studs

RB Jay Ajayi, Dolphins: Throw out last week’s awful game against the Jets. This week, he gets to run against the Saints, who are away from the Superdome. QB Marcus Mariota, Titans: The Texans just allowed Tom Brady to throw five touchdown passes against them. And while Mariota is no Brady, this is a good opportunity for him to shine. WR Doug Baldwin, Seahawks: Assuming he’s healthy, he’ll match up against a porous Colts secondary.

TE Charles Clay, Bills: Tyrod Taylor will have to sling passes all day just to keep up with the Falcons, and this guy should benefit greatly.

Duds

RB Ameer Abdullah, Lions: Minnesota has allowed opponents to the fifth fewest rushing yards this season, so it should be a tough day of running against the Vikings. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Roethlisberger will be on the road — where he’s struggled last season and in this one — and facing a Ravens defense that’s allowed opposing passers to complete just 52.8% of their passes. Stay away. WR Amari Cooper, Raiders: Between the drops, the struggles last week and the fact that he’s staring down the Broncos defense, set your expectations very, very low. TE Jack Doyle, Colts: Facing the Seahawks on the road should mean every Colts player on offense should be downgraded.

Sleepers

RB Chris Thompson, Redskins: He’s scored in all three games. Can he make it four? Although he’ll be facing a tough Chiefs defense, Thompson might get a lot of opportunities to catch passes if Kansas City dominates. QB Deshaun Watson, Texans: He had a breakout week against the Patriots on Sunday. The Titans are 28th in the NFL against the pass, so maybe he follows it up with another solid day through the air and adds yardage on the ground. WR Willie Snead, Saints:

He is back from suspension and immediately becomes a part of Drew Brees’ offense again. Does it mean Brees could look his way again right away? It’s possible. TE Jared Cook, Raiders:

The Broncos don’t shut down opposing tight ends as much as you’d think, so if you’re desperate, Cook isn’t a terrible option.

GEOFF BURKE, USA TODAY SPORTS Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi had a 122-yard game in the opener but left Sunday’s game with a knee injury.