We're at that point.
Four games into the season, a quarter of the season in the books, you can now officially start to freak out about your team if you want. Or rejoice. Or, as is often the best course of action, say "you know, I kind of like my team. Could improve here or there but ultimately, yeah, you know what, this team is better than 2-2. Or 1-3. I'm gonna make small adjustments here and there but ultimately, I'm gonna stay the course."
Whether you decide to stay put, blow it all up or fall somewhere in between, one thing you can no longer ignore. Four weeks in and it's time to bail on "names." There is probably no better example of the fact than that prior to the Thursday games, I am ranking 25 quarterbacks. And not one of them is named Tom Brady.
That is not an overreaction to Monday night. He's been bad all year long. Currently with the same number of fantasy points as Austin Davis. And Brady has played one more game! Five fewer points than Derek Carr. I know he plays better at home, but against a Bengals defense that has had two weeks to prep? No thank you.
The ranks reflect that Eli Manning (available in almost 60 percent of leagues) is back in the top 15, with Atlanta, Philly and Dallas on his dancing card the next three weeks. This is also the week that Bishop Sankey becomes usable in fantasy. And I am sticking by LeSean McCoy (sort of). Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are the No. 1 wide receivers on their teams by name only. Brian Quick is a legit WR3. And yes, Larry Donnell is a legit TE1.
Those of you who streamed San Diego last week can go ahead and hang on for at least one more week. Geno Smith, the Human Turnover, is coming to town. Meanwhile, the Panthers' defense has earned a total of negative-15 points the past two weeks. They were the second defense off the board in most leagues, but they aren't in the top 10 this week against the Bears. You're looking elsewhere if you own the Panthers.
A reminder that these rankings are based on ESPN 10-team standard scoring (non-PPR) leagues. They will be updated throughout the week, so check back often and be sure to download our daily fantasy focus podcast. We don't care if you listen, we just want the clicks. And, of course, tune in Sunday mornings for "Fantasy Football Now," 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2 and WatchESPN. Let's get to it.
Updated Saturday, 10:26 p.m. ET