Fantasy football: Start-em, sit-em players for Week 4

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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots carries the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Sit-em: Mike Gillislee (NE) vs. Carolina

Another year and, again, the New England Patriots backfield is a fantasy football conundrum.

Mike Gillislee seems to be the short-yardage back and goal-line guy, but is that enough? LeGarrette Blount made it work last season, but it will be difficult for Gillislee to match Blount’s 18-touchdown 2016 season

Gillislee has been the most used running back so far by the Patriots, but yards have been hard to come by for him. He has yet to top 70 yards this season, and that is going to continue in Week 4. Carolina has not looked great to start the season, but linebacker Luke Kuechly is still a great tackler.

The Patriots are a passing team. Gillislee doesn’t catch passes. This doesn’t bode well for him this week or in weeks to come. James White and Rex Burkhead are going to get more playing time. There is the chance that Gillislee vultures a touchdown, but there are more reliable fantasy football options this week at running back.

Other options: Ezekiel Elliot (DAL) vs. Los Angeles Rams and Isaiah Crowell (CLE) vs. Cincinnati