In case you missed it, we officially launched Bleacher Nation Fantasy earlier this month. The revamped app – formerly known as the Fantasy Life App – is a social platform where users can gather fantasy football advice and receive the fastest breaking news alerts in business. I know it sounds like I was told to write that sentence with a gun to my head, but it’s seriously true! I made some key waiver wire pickups before other league-mates last year because of the alerts.
The new app also features two brand-new fantasy games where you can win money. The real stuff, not the Monopoly stuff! One style of play is “Rivals,” which is where you pick between pre-selected matchups in a 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 format. Take Team A or Team B, make your entry, and wait to see if you’re a winner. The other play style is a more standard H2H format, where you have to construct a team to beat our pre-selected team.
Each week I’m going to give out three of my favorite Bleacher Nation Fantasy Rivals picks because … well … why the heck not! I’ve enjoyed playing the new format, I’m hoping this encourages you guys to join me!
By the way, please remember I am not a self-proclaimed fantasy expert. I’m merely a guy who enjoys watching football and winning fantasy games. I bet we have that in common!
You can learn more about the new games – AND DOWNLOAD THE APP – here.
My Top BNF Rivals Picks – Week 4
Receiving Yards
Team A: Marvin Harrison
Team B: Terry McLaurin (+10)
Who am I going with? Team A
I can understand the Terry McLaurin appeal, especially after he posted 100 yards on only four receptions against the Bengals. Jayden Daniels also may have had his breakout game, which could lead to only good things for McLaurin moving forward.
Nevertheless, I still lean toward taking Marvin Harrison Jr. in this matchup. He and Kyler Murray have put together strong back-to-back weeks after a disappointing Week 1. He tallied a solid 64 yards on 11 targets last week against Detroit after exploding for 130 yards against the Rams in his second career game. Murray is clearly starting to build trust with the first-round pick, and the two now have a very favorable matchup against a Commanders defense that has allowed the second-most passing yards per game.
As for Terry, he faces an Arizona defense that has been slightly better than expected. McLaurin also had less than 22 yards in each of his first two games, so it’s not out of the question that he comes back down to earth a little in this one.
Fantasy Points
Team A: Baker Mayfield + Sam Darnold + Aaron Rodgers
Team B: Caleb Williams + Andy Dalton + Jared Goff (+4)
Who am I going with? Team A
Picking between two teams of three quarterbacks is tough. If one player stinks it up or hands off too many times in the endzone, it could sink the entire ship. However, I still think it’s hard not to take a chance on Team A in this specific Rivals contest.
To be sure, this is far less about the players on Team A and far more about the players on Team B. Caleb Williams simply hasn’t found his footing yet behind a horrific o-line in Chicago. He’s thrown only one touchdown through three weeks, and the Bears’ playcalling in the red zone has been straight trash. While I’d love as a Bears fan for this to be his breakout week, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the offense struggle again.
Meanwhile, Andy Dalton can’t possibly do it twice, right? I know he is fresh off throwing 319 yards and three touchdowns, but I have to imagine the Bengals will be far more prepared than the Raiders. Cincinnati has allowed the 8th-fewest passing yards to begin the season despite their 0-3 record. Jared Goff could be the one that screws this all up if the Lions’ offense gets going, but he’s also thrown only three total touchdowns to begin this season.
Team A has two of the Top 5 leaders in total touchdowns thrown thus far. Sam Darnold has already found the endzone eight times, while Baker Mayfield’s growing chemistry with his receivers has led to six scores. Add in Aaron Rodgers, who is on some extended rest and looked a lot more comfortable in the Jets’ big win over the Patriots, and Team A could cruise this week.
Fantasy Points
Team A: Jahmyr Gibbs + Jordan Mason
Team B: Alvin Kamara + James Cook
Who am I going with? Team B
All things considered, this one could be close. Jordan Mason may end up finding the endzone more than once against the Patriots, while Gibbs faces a Seahawks defense that is still waiting to show the influence of head coach hire Mike MacDonald. At the same time, the Patriots have been surprisingly stout against the run this season, allowing only the fifth-fewest yards on the ground per game. And Gibbs remains very much in a platoon with bruising back David Montgomery, who typically gets a lot of red zone work.
Alvin Kamara and James Cook, on the other hand, have zero competition. They are both workhorse backs who have at least found the endzone three times this season. But I also think the real difference-maker could be Kamara’s pass-catching ability. Derek Carr isn’t afraid to check it down, and Kamra has surpassed at least 40 yards receiving in each of the past three games. Considering Bleacher Nation Fantasy operates on a PPR basis, I love that.