Overview

• Rankings across outlets keep Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes as the week’s safest quarterback starts.
• Geno Smith draws widespread start recommendations after a three-touchdown Week 3 and a favorable matchup with the Bears.
• Injuries are driving key moves: Najee Harris is out for the season with an Achilles injury, boosting Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton, while Brock Purdy is progressing toward a return, Jayden Daniels is day-to-day and Joe Burrow remains sidelined.
• Tight ends Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, Jake Ferguson and Dalton Kincaid are prioritized for volume, with Ferguson’s role further elevated by CeeDee Lamb’s ankle injury; wide receiver starts spotlight Puka Nacua, Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Rome Odunze.
• CBS Sports’ SportsLine model ranks Drake Maye as a top-five Week 4 quarterback, diverging from USA TODAY’s guidance to sit him against a stingy Panthers defense.