Tyler Higbee could emerge as a significant threat from the slot for the Los Angeles Rams in their Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles after showing a surge in usage last week. The Eagles have allowed the third most fantasy points to slot receivers through three weeks, presenting a rare opportunity for Higbee, who ran routes on 72 percent of LA’s dropbacks in Week 3 and saw 11 targets, including nearly half his routes from the slot.
The Eagles defense has surrendered high adjusted yards per attempt on slot throws, ranking behind only the Colts and Ravens. This vulnerability has benefited receivers like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and now Higbee could join that list if Terrance Ferguson, who has an ankle injury, misses the upcoming game. Higbee led the Rams in first-read targets against Denver, which underlines his growing role in the offense, particularly from the slot position.
Colby Parkinson remains a possible obstacle to Higbee’s increased involvement if his knee improves, though Parkinson only ran 12 routes and received a single target last week. For now, Higbee’s expanded presence in the slot offense appears more likely to continue, giving him a chance to capitalize against an Eagles defense that has struggled to contain slot receivers consistently.
The Rams are not the only team with intriguing slot matchups in Week 4. The Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin and Buffalo Bills’ Stefon Diggs face the Indianapolis Colts, a defense that has allowed the highest target rate to slot receivers and the second highest completion rate over expected on slot throws. Diggs, in particular, ran 77 percent of his routes last week and 60 percent of those from the slot, positioning him for a strong showing despite Washington’s overall modest passing volume.
Meanwhile, Malik Washington of the Miami Dolphins could see increased targets against the Minnesota Vikings, who have faced a high volume of slot throws. Washington runs about half his routes from the slot, and if the Dolphins fall behind against the Vikings’ stout defense, he may be called on to catch up the game’s pace, especially if Caleb Douglas misses another contest.
On the flip side, Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens faces a tougher Week 4 slot matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who allow the lowest slot target share and rank 18th in adjusted yards per attempt on slot throws. Likely operates predominantly from the slot, running 75 percent of his routes there, which could limit his opportunities against a defense that has been stingy in that area.
Boundary matchups also offer intriguing options. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ted Hurst, who runs 66 percent of his routes on the boundary and has been an air yards leader, faces the Green Bay Packers’ defense. The Packers allow the 11th highest expected points added (EPA) per target and the tenth highest adjusted yards per attempt on boundary throws, which could provide Hurst with chances for big plays despite Jalon Daniels making his first NFL start at quarterback this week.
In contrast, the Indianapolis Colts’ Josh Downs, who excelled in Week 3, confronts a less favorable matchup in Week 4. Despite his strong performance with Alec Pierce sidelined, Downs’ upcoming game does not present an ideal environment for continued high production.
Tyler Higbee’s expanded role in the slot last week and the Eagles’ ongoing struggles in that area set up an intriguing fantasy and tactical angle for the Rams’ Week 4 game. If Ferguson cannot play, Higbee’s involvement could increase further, making him a player to watch closely as the Rams look to exploit one of the NFL’s weaker slot defenses.
According to Yahoo Sports.
