MINNEAPOLIS — With JJ McCarthy sidelined by a high ankle sprain, the Minnesota Vikings have tapped veteran Carson Wentz to start in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a clean, efficient showing in Week 3, fantasy managers must decide: start Wentz or ride a safer option?
Key Points
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Start Confirmed: Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Wentz will start in Week 4. Reuters
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Injury Replacement: McCarthy’s injury opens the door; the Vikings are relying on Wentz’s experience. Reuters
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Past Performance Inflated: His Week 3 line (14/20, 173 yds, 2 TD) benefited from Bengals turnovers that created favorable field position. Reuters+1
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Fantasy Ranking Warning: Many experts and rankings grade him very low (e.g. “F” among QBs) for Week 4, citing limited upside. FantasyPros
What No One’s Talking About
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Turnover Dependency Risk
Wentz’s performance may regress in games where the defense doesn’t gift turnovers. His margin for error is smaller. -
Steelers’ Defensive Schemes
Pittsburgh has recently forced multiple interceptions and applied blitz pressure. Wentz’s ability to avoid mistakes under pressure will be tested. -
Target Redistribution with Addison Back
The return of Jordan Addison could siphon targets away from Jefferson and Hockenson, reducing volume and scoring potential for Wentz. -
Journeyman QB Profile Impacts Trust
His history of short-term QB stints may subconsciously influence in-game play calling and coaching trust—especially under adversity.
Conclusion & Fantasy Advice
Wentz has a decent upside in a matchup that allows for it, but his floor is low. If you’re chasing a matchup-based boost, he’s usable in QB2 / matchup lineups. But if you have a more consistent option, this might be a spot to bench him and wait until he’s in steadier circumstances.