A Ballad for Slow Starts

Three players who were sweet arrivals to fantasy leaderboards

Author

Jake Trowbridge
September 27, 2025

Sometimes the best thing we can do in our fantasy leagues is take a deep breath … and enjoy a nice tall glass of chill the hell out. And maybe take some cues from Axl Rose while we’re at it.

Way back in 1988, when fantasy football was still played with pen and paper and the Utilization Report was just a twinkle in Dwain McFarland’s eye, legendary rock band Guns N Roses wrote a song that I’m pretty sure was specifically about the 2025 season. It’s called Patience.

And believe it or not (you definitely should not), GNR dedicated the song to three players who didn’t score double-digit PPR points until Week 3:

  • Omarion Hampton. After a tumultuous offseason for Najee Harris, the rookie was expected to be a stud workhorse in Greg Roman’s run-first offense. Instead, Roman let Justin Herbert sling it like he’s never slung before, leaving Hampton with mere scraps and a place on many fantasy benches. But he finally welcomed fantasy managers to the jungle last week with a 129-yard outing and his first NFL touchdown. With Harris unfortunately out for the season, Hampton’s become a must-start running back.

  • A.J. Brown. Forget reading on the sideline, this man evidently spent the first two games writing his autobiography (which I’d honestly love to read), compiling just 35 total yards. But against a pass-funnel Rams defense, Brown caught fire with 109 yards and a touchdown. With the Eagles facing another tough run defense in Tampa Bay, he’s once again in a perfect position to take us to Paradise City.

  • Mark Andrews. Was anyone honestly panicking about Andrews? [reads note from the editors] Oh … EVERYONE was panicking about Andrews?? Gotcha. I guess seven yards in two games is the kind of thing people get upset about. Well worry no more, because this sweet tight end o’ mine vaulted back into Top-10 territory with 91 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Lions. Supposing Andrews is fully over his yips, we should be psyched about the tight end’s very favorable strength of schedule.

The lesson in all of this? “All we need is just a little patience.”

You hear that, Ladd McConkey managers? Heed Axl’s (and Chris Allen’s) advice now or cry in the November Rain later.

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Fantasy

Editors’ Picks

Where has September gone? Don’t answer if you’re 0-3. Those who are 3-0, we don’t want to hear from you. OK, here is some great content to help you this week. Our weekly Xfinity Best Projections and Rankings are updated and ready for you, too. Let’s put the finishing touches on your Week 4 lineups!

ICYMI, Matthew Freedman breaks out his favorite plays for Week 4, by position:

Fantasy

Week 4 WR/CB Matchups: Garrett Wilson Ready for Takeoff?

Have you seen who else is catching passes for the Jets other than Garrett Wilson? Now couple that with a Miami defense that has, to be kind, been plenty forgiving to pass catchers of all kinds through three weeks. This is one of those wide receiver/cornerback matchups to exploit in Week 4.

Chris Allen delivers a thorough breakdown of the WR/CB matchups to target this week. One is calling for a repeat performance from a player who is one of the best in the game, but hasn’t been targeted as much as fantasy managers would like. And there’s a surprising player to avoid in this slate of games. Read on. ⤵️

Fantasy

Week 4 Mismatches: RBs Ready to Pop

OMG, are there ever some tasty running back mismatches, um, matchups coming up this week. Now that we have three games of data, we can make better determinations which spots are the ones to exploit and which ones to stay away from.

Ian Hartitz definitely makes several recommendations at the running back position—and a few to avoid—but he doesn’t stop there. He runs across all the position groups and offers up top-notch analysis to make your lineup decisions easier. And if you want some extra insight on the Chiefs-Ravens, Ian’s got you covered. ⤵️

Fantasy

Week 4 Stashes: Can Tre Tucker Give Your Lineup a Lift?

Yes, Brock Bowers owners, we heard you loud and clear when we all saw Tre Tucker explode for 8-145-3 and see his rostership rate jump from 3% to 58% in a matter of days. But is Tucker a flash in the pan or here to stay?

Mark Drumheller and Geoff Ulrich team up to recommend the players you need to stash on your roster. With bye weeks coming up, some of these players could be the difference in winning or losing when your stars have to sit. Also, don’t forget to check out the Week 4 Smashes feature.⤵️

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Around the Watercooler

It’s the Saturday of Week 4. We’ve got you covered!

👀 Our cheat sheet is a late-week look at the rankings.

📺 Who’s moving up and down the rankings? Plus, start/sit advice.

🛠️ If you didn’t hear your player quandary in the show, our Xfinity Start/Sit tool can help break those ties.

🎸 It’s a Battle Royale in the Week 4 DFS Jam. 

🚀 This QB is on the rise. And he has some company.

🚑 Plenty Week 4 injury updates. Lots of big names.

👃 Maybe the Browns RB1 was right under our noses all along. 

🙌 Want more personalized advice? The Fantasy Life Discord is here for you.

☘️ We agree with DK Metcalf. The only thing we want him to explore in Ireland is the end zone.

🥹 Marv’s fantasy managers probably had the same reaction to his touchdown.

🦵🏽 An important PSA: Check on your kickers.

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