FanDuel NFL 2018: Week 4 lineup

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against Da'Norris Searcy #21 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 31-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

FLEX: Giovanni Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals- $6,400

Defense: Los Angeles Chargers- $4,400

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon missed last week’s game, after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to clean up the knee. As a result, Bernard took his place and was productive.

The 26-year old back carried the ball 12 times for 61 yards and one score in the team’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. He also contributed in the pass game, reeling in five passes for 25 yards. Bernard accumulated 17.1 fantasy points, finishing in the top-10 at the position.

Bernard has a solid Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed 88.2 fantasy points to opposing running backs, four-most in the league. On average, backs are totaling 82.33 yards against Atlanta.

Furthermore, they have given up the most receptions and second most receiving yards to running backs this season. In their last two games, they have allowed running backs to catch 34 passes for 233 yards and one score.

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, there is a possibility Mixon returns against the Falcons. Even if Mixon is ready to return, the Bengals won’t rush him back to action, making Bernard the play at the position.

Defensively, the Chargers will be a popular pick and should be, as they face the San Francisco 49ers at home. The Chargers are giving up the second-most points per game in the league, but that should change with their Week 4 matchup.

It’s unfortunate that the 49ers lost Jimmy Garoppolo, but each team will reap the benefit of not having to go against him. After Garoppolo went down with the injury, C.J. Beathard replaced him. In five career starts, Beathard has a 1-4 record. He has thrown for 1,430 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions.

The 49ers have also hosted a bunch of free agent quarterbacks. Bottom line, whoever gets the start will struggle. Expect the Chargers to force turnovers and limit the 49ers to few points.