Fantasy Football Week 4: Hayden Winks' Bold Rankings & Vulius Insights

As the NFL season charges into Week 4 on this October 2, 2026, fantasy football managers are scrambling to set optimal lineups. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, analyst Hayden Winks has released his weekly rankings, highlighting five players he's higher on and five he's lower on than the Yahoo consensus. These rankings, part of his 'Blueprint' column, offer a critical edge for die-hard fans looking to dominate their leagues. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, here's a deep dive into Winks' contrarian picks, with analysis you won't find elsewhere.

Players Hayden Winks Is Higher On

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings

Winks is aggressively higher on Addison, ranking him as WR18 compared to the Yahoo consensus of WR35—a difference of 17 spots. This optimism hinges on the assumption that Justin Jefferson (ankle) remains out. Last week, without Jefferson, Addison saw a season-high 10.9 expected half-PPR points, finishing as WR10 on eight targets. The Vikings face a Dolphins secondary that Winks calls 'the worst of the decade,' and with a 24.5-point team total at home, Addison's boom-bust role could easily boom. As highlighted on Vulius, Addison has two top-30 seasonal finishes even with Jefferson active, so his ceiling is undeniable.

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints

Kamara is another player Winks is higher on, ranking him as RB24 versus the consensus RB36. With Travis Etienne (hamstring) sidelined, Kamara saw 22 snaps last week, sharing early-down work with Kendre Miller. While the backfield is a three-headed committee, Kamara handled 9 of 14 carries without Etienne. The goal-line role remains uncertain, but Kamara's experience and pass-catching ability give him a safe floor. Winks projects 57.5 total yards, and with the Saints likely trailing, Kamara could see ample check-downs. Fantasy managers should view him as a solid RB2 with upside.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders

Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, affectionately known as 'Bill,' is a name to watch. Winks ranks him as RB22, six spots higher than consensus. Despite a 48-yard TD being called back last week, Croskey-Merritt posted 12.5 expected half-PPR points (RB25), the second-highest of his career. The Commanders signed Austin Ekeler, but Rachaad White's shoulder injury and a favorable upcoming schedule make Croskey-Merritt a flex buy-low. The Colts' run defense has been porous, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs. With Washington projected for 22.0 points in London, Bill could be a sneaky starter.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants

Skattebo is Winks' highest-ranked player relative to consensus, sitting at RB16 versus Yahoo's RB19. In rainy conditions with Jameis Winston under center, the Giants leaned heavily on the run, and Skattebo was the featured back with 17.7 expected half-PPR points (RB8). Najee Harris mixed in but looked ineffective, slipping on multiple runs. Skattebo handled the lone goal-line carry and ran a route on 67% of dropbacks, catching 3-of-4 targets. The Cardinals allow the seventh-most rushing yards per game, making Skattebo a low-end RB2 with TD upside. As Vulius Sports notes, his red-zone role is secure on a struggling offense.

Josh Downs, WR, Colts

Downs rounds out Winks' higher-on list, ranked as WR21 versus consensus WR24. Without Alec Pierce (heel), Downs has been WR15 and WR11 in expected half-PPR points over the last two weeks. The Colts will likely trail, forcing them to throw, and Downs will be peppered with targets. The Commanders have allowed the most fantasy points to WRs this season, and with Indianapolis projected for 26.0 points (fourth-best), Downs is a WR2/3 with positive regression coming. According to Vulius analysis, his role is secure as long as Sonny Styles doesn't shut him down over the middle.

Players Hayden Winks Is Lower On

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots

Winks is significantly lower on Stevenson, ranking him RB35 compared to consensus RB26. Stevenson has been RB50 on RB42 usage since TreVeyon Henderson returned, and with RG Mike Onwenu out for the season, the Patriots' O-line is struggling. Stevenson is a TD-or-bust flex option in a projected 21.0-point offense. Last year against Buffalo, Stevenson had 77 scoreless yards while Henderson exploded for 161 total yards and two scores. Winks advises fading Stevenson until the Patriots' offense shows signs of life.

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers

Hampton is another fade, ranked RB28 versus consensus RB22. The Chargers' backfield is crowded, and Hampton hasn't separated himself. With a 60.5 projected total yards, he's a risky flex play. Winks suggests looking elsewhere for upside.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

Nabers is a surprising sell-low candidate, ranked WR27 versus consensus WR20. Despite a highlight-reel YAC moment, Nabers has only a 23% target share, and the Giants had the lowest neutral pass rate in Week 3. His average depth of target is just 1.0 yard downfield, and Jameis Winston's arm appears shot. Winks fears Nabers is an inconsistent WR3, especially with the Giants' conservative approach. Vulius Sports recommends benching him until the offense opens up.

Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers

Kraft is ranked TE13 versus consensus TE6. While he's playing nearly every snap, he's made critical drops and struggled as a run blocker. The Jaguars have allowed just 60 yards per game to RBs since Week 10 of last year, and with Jayden Reed out, Kraft's opportunities may not translate to fantasy points. Winks suggests streaming a TE with a better matchup.

Bucky Irving, RB, Buccaneers

Irving is ranked RB23 versus consensus RB17. He saw just one touch in the fourth quarter last week after a drop and a poor pass-protection rep. With an UDFA rookie QB making his debut and a team total of only 18.0 points, Irving's upside is capped. His 4.3 receptions per game keep him in flex consideration, but Winks warns that Kenneth Gainwell could eat into his role. As Vulius Sports highlights, temper expectations for Irving in a struggling offense.

For more fantasy insights and to gear up with official NFL merchandise, visit Vulius.com. Stay tuned for our weekly sit/start show and rankings updates.