In Fantasy Football, Week 4 has brought significant shifts, with some players rising and others falling in the rankings. One of the most notable changes is the impact of Andy Dalton on the fantasy outlook of several players.

Dalton stepping in has redefined the expectations for the Carolina Panthers' offensive stars. His veteran presence and steady play have given a boost to wide receivers like DJ Moore and tight end Hayden Hurst. Moore, who struggled somewhat with previous quarterback play, now sees a larger target share and improved catch rate, elevating him in the rankings as a reliable WR2. Hurst, who was on the fringes of fantasy relevance, is now a viable streaming option at tight end, thanks to Dalton's penchant for short, safe throws.

On the running back front, Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals is a clear riser. Despite a slow start, Mixon has shown flashes of his elite talent. His increased workload, coupled with a favorable upcoming schedule, places him firmly back in RB1 territory. Conversely, Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs sees a drop. His production has been inconsistent, and with emerging threats in the backfield, his touch count is in jeopardy, making him more of a risky flex play than a dependable start.

In the quarterback rankings, Justin Herbert’s stock has never been higher. After a phenomenal performance in Week 3, Herbert is now regarded as a top-tier QB1. His chemistry with his receivers, coupled with his ability to make plays with his legs, cements his status. On the other hand, Russell Wilson's fall from grace continues. His struggles to adapt to a new offensive scheme are evident, and his fantasy value plummets as turnovers and lack of production become a trend.

Wide receivers are also seeing movement, with rookie sensation Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings climbing rapidly. His explosive play and immediate rapport with quarterback Kirk Cousins have fantasy managers excited, making Jefferson a must-start WR3 with upside potential. Meanwhile, veteran star Julio Jones has seen a dip. Hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, Jones’ reliability is in question, relegating him to a WR2 or flex option depending on the matchup.

Tight ends have had their share of surprises. Darren Waller of the Las Vegas Raiders, previously a mid-round draft steal, has performed exceptionally well, pushing him into the upper echelon of TE rankings. His target volume and red zone usage make him a set-and-forget starter. Zach Ertz, however, has seen a downturn. The Philadelphia Eagles' offense spreads the ball more evenly, and with the emergence of Dallas Goedert, Ertz's opportunities have dwindled, making him more of a matchup-dependent play.

Defensive units also experience shifts in fantasy relevance. The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is a clear riser, consistently providing double-digit fantasy points through sacks and turnovers. Teams facing weaker or turnover-prone offenses see a substantial boost in defensive rankings. Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys' defense plummets due to injuries and poor performances, making them a unit to avoid in the coming weeks.

In summary, Week 4’s Fantasy Football rankings reflect both the stability veteran players can bring to a team and the volatility that injuries and changing roles can introduce. Keeping a close eye on these changes and adapting your lineup accordingly can be the difference between a win and a loss. Whether it’s leveraging the resurgence of players like Andy Dalton or navigating the complexities of running back committees, staying informed is key to fantasy success.