Week 4 Fantasy Football Insight: Samuel vs. Egbuka – Start or Sit?

Fantasy managers face critical lineup decisions in Week 4 that could determine their season. Two wide receivers hovering on the start‑and‑sit line are San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka.

Each brings a distinct fantasy outlook for the upcoming slate of games, so here’s a breakdown of who to start and who to bench between the two this week.

Deebo Samuel

Samuel has posted solid production over the past three weeks, amassing nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns despite still establishing himself in the 49ers’ offense. His snap share has risen steadily: 42 % in Week 1, 60 % in Week 2, and 76 % in Week 3. With 49ers WR Mike Evans listed as a game‑time decision for Week 4, Samuel’s workload could increase further if Evans is sidelined against the Denver Broncos.

Even with Evans healthy, Samuel looks primed for a strong outing. Denver has allowed the eighth‑most passing yards per game (237.0) and its defense has given up 98 and 137 receiving yards to opposing WR1s in its last two contests.

Emeka Egbuka

Second‑year WR Emeka Egbuka was expected to have a breakout season after being promoted to the Buccaneers’ No. 1 receiver spot following Mike Evans’ trade to San Francisco. Through three games he has collected 13 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown, falling short of early fantasy expectations.

Egbuka’s struggles are not entirely his own doing. Tampa Bay’s passing game has been inconsistent, ranking sixth‑least in passing yards per game (185.0). The Buccaneers will attempt to revive their offense in Week 4 with rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels making his first career start in place of the injured Baker Mayfield, facing a Green Bay Packers pass defense that allows the 10th‑fewest passing yards (202.0) but has yielded strong performances to opposing WR1s—Garrett Wilson (57 yards, one TD) and Drake London (194 yards) in its last two games.

Final Verdict

When weighing Samuel against Egbuka for Week 4, Samuel should be started, while Egbuka should be benched.

Samuel benefits from a favorable matchup against a Denver defense that struggles against the pass and stands to see an increased role regardless of Evans’ availability. Egbuka, meanwhile, has shown inconsistent production and will be attempting to play with a rookie quarterback, making his fantasy outlook especially risky.

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