What to do with Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman in Week 4 fantasy football

Game status: Phillip Lindsay is INACTIVE for Week 4.

Game day update: Phillip Lindsay is unlikely to play on Thursday in Week 4, according to Tom Pelissero.

Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon racked up 34 carries through Weeks 1 and 2, but was limited to eight against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. Tampa Bay has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, so there’s a chance Gordon could bounce back against the New York Jets in Week 4.

Gordon is likely to get the bulk of the work on Thursday, but Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman remain in the conversation. Lindsay would normally be Gordon’s backup, but he is dealing with a toe injury. He was limited in practice all three days this week and is questionable for the game.

Fantasy Football analysis: Broncos RBs Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman

Gordon has gotten most of Denver’s rushing attempts while Lindsay has been out with a toe injury and has also been involved in the passing game. He has 51 touches to Freeman’s nine, so it’s clear that Gordon is viewed as much more valuable. New York has a middle of the road team against the run, so there’s a good chance Gordon will see an uptick in carries. Lindsay has been a limited participant in practice this week and could take the field in Week 4. It’s unclear what his workload will look like after missing two games, but monitoring his status will be important.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Gordon will likely be more productive against a less skilled defensive line, so I’d start him and sit Freeman in Week 4. If Lindsay plays, Gordon is still the play and continue to wait and see what kind of workload Lindsay earns.