Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleepers for Week 4
Aug 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Eagles won 17-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
As fantasy football owners head to Week 4 action and byes begin, these top 10 sleepers could help lead the way to victory
It’s been a surreal start to the regular season as injuries continue to pile up. Some are out for significant periods of time while others are banged up and are just a big hit away from being sidelined. When it comes to fantasy football, owners should continue to hit the waiver wire to find those hidden gems in situations where, out of nowhere, their number is called this week to deliver.
With players ahead of them on the depth chart either hurt or having a decline in their play, Week 4 will once again feature running backs entering favorable matchups. This is usually the time where offenses will want to put in a potent ground game to help alleviate the pressure off of their quarterbacks.
It’s important to see what these second and third options on the depth chart have to offer. The best teams know how important depth is and for fantasy owners everywhere, these could be the hidden gems to rock with the rest of the season.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 sleepers heading into Week 4 action.
10. Dwayne Washington, RB — Detroit Lions
Many fantasy owners were excited last week to see if running back Dwayne Washington of the Detroit Lions would rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much to warrant a starting spot.
Last week against the Green Bay Packers, Washington totaled just 38 rushing yards on 10 carries and failed to score a touchdown. Actually, he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1. But this time around, he’s entering a favorable matchup.
As he prepares for a Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears, this is a favorable contest that should have Washington show off his power running and ability to keep those chains moving. Fantasy owners should use Washington as a flex option this week. Don’t expect him to hit the century mark in rushing yards, but he will find the end zone at least once or twice against the Bears.
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
9. Bilal Powell, RB — New York Jets
Yes, the New York Jets put up such an embarrassing loss last week to the Kansas City Chiefs, fantasy owners probably removed the majority of their players from their lineups. They played sloppy football to the point of no salvation.
But, that’s all in the past now as the season continues. The Jets are preparing to welcome the Seattle Seahawks to MetLife Stadium to try and impress the home crowd this week.
It won’t be easy but expect to see the Jets simplify their game plan and go back to what actually works. Running back Bilal Powell has hardly been used this season and well, will more than likely be a difference maker in this matchup.
Powell is an easy flex option in Week 4 as last season, he made a name for himself being a dual-threat option out of the backfield. Expect a big game out of him as the Jets will have a bounce back game against the Seahawks and leave victorious.
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
8. Quincy Enunwa, WR — New York Jets
If you’re unfamiliar with wide receiver Quincy Enunwa of the Jets, start to appreciate him. Don’t let last week’s loss to the Chiefs fool you, he’s going to have a breakout season for the Jets.
So far this season, Enunwa has totaled 183 receiving yards, 17 receptions, and a touchdown. Last week Enunwa put up a dud of a game, which was a forgettable experience. But that can be warranted to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and his offensive woes.
As Enunwa should be able to put up a solid game against the Seahawks, he’s easily a WR2 in Week 4. Make no mistake about it, Enunwa will shine and surprise many this week.
It’s undoubtedly risky for fantasy owners to consider putting him into their starting lineup, but it will be well worth it when all is said and done.
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
7. Terrelle Pryor, WR — Cleveland Browns
Things truly can’t get any worse for the Cleveland Browns, right? Well, they’re 0-3 so far this season and are going through quarterbacks faster than a New York minute.
As they prepare for Washington Redskins this week, something has to finally go right for the Browns. Luckily for fantasy owners, this is the time they actually push the envelope and win their first game of the season on the road.
Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has been doing everything in his power to put this team on his shoulders and at least be competitive. It’s admirable since you can tell he has the passion and unique skill-set to make everyone around him player harder.
Expect to see Pryor put on a clinic, but this time, straight to victory. He’s the last dynamic player on a team that has yet to find its identity. Pryor would be best utilized as a flex option this week.
6. Trevor Siemian, QB — Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos continue to impress despite all throughout the offseason, analysts, and fans wrote them off due to losing so much talent. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, however, blocked out all the negativity and simply went to work.
Siemian hasn’t exactly been playing remarkable football but behind a potent rushing attack and the incredible defense of the Broncos, he’s been getting the job done. Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Siemian totaled 312 passing yards, 23 completions, and four touchdowns.
This week, the Broncos face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which will see Siemian continue his momentum from Week 3. The defense of the Buccaneers hasn’t been great at all as Siemian should have a field day against this unit.
Siemian is easily a QB1 this week, start him as he could very well have an even better outcome this time around.
Sep 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) catches a pass behind Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
5. Sammie Coates, WR — Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s easy to see why wide receiver Sammie Coates hasn’t exactly had a red-hot start in his rookie season. He has the skill-set and speed to deliver big results but as always, patience is key as he finds his role on offense for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s hard to make an impact when wide receiver Antonio Brown is on your team but this is the week that Coates finally proves his worth to the fantasy world. Coates is set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 action.
Despite the Chiefs coming off a huge home win against the Jets, their defense won’t be able to contain the speed and excellent route-running of Coates. Since the Steelers were embarrassed last week thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles, expect to see Coates be a difference maker this time around.
Fantasy owners should use Coates either as their WR2 or at the very least a flex option. He’ll find the end zone at least once or twice against the Chiefs.
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) runs back to the sideline during the second half against Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Ryan Tannehill, QB — Miami Dolphins
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has actually benefitted tremendously from new head coach Adam Gase. He’s been known to have a knack for developing the strengths of his quarterbacks and putting them in a position to succeed.
So far, Tannehill still has a lot of work ahead of him but he’s developing a better rhythm in his check downs. It’s not perfect since he already has four interceptions on the season but one can see his improvement.
This week, the Miami Dolphins hit the road to face a tough Bengals team which will test Tannehill’s development under Gase. Considering that Tannehill has had performances of 387 passing yards in Week 2 and 319 in Week 3, expect another aerial assault.
Tannehill will surprise many this week with another big performance through the air but expect more touchdowns than interceptions for him in this matchup.
Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jeremy Hill, RB — Cincinnati Bengals
As the Bengals are ready to welcome the Dolphins to Paul Brown Stadium, expect to see wide receiver Jeremy Hill put up a clinic. Unfortunately for the run defense of the Dolphins, they won’t be able to keep him in check in Week 4.
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The Dolphins’ defense has done a terrible job at containing running backs so far this season. Since the Bengals are coming off a tough loss to the Broncos, they will go back to basics.
Which simply means establishing the run and letting Hill put in some serious work against a defense that he should be able to consistently get the upper hand on. Hill has the speed and power to be an x-factor in this matchup.
Expect to see Hill dominate in this contest straight to earning MVP of the game. It’s his time to shine, especially at a time when his team needs a bounce back win bad. While the yardage hasn’t been there and may not be there again on Thursday night, Hill should be able to find the end zone against this Dolphins defense searching for answers.
2. Zach Miller, TE — Chicago Bears
Things sure aren’t pleasant in the Windy City. The Chicago Bears are all out of sync and are looking dysfunctional so far this season.
There is, however, a bright spot that fantasy owners can consider to be their TE1 this week or even as a flex option. Tight end Zach Miller put up a fantastic performance last week against the Dallas Cowboys.
Sure, the Bears lost but Miller ended the game totaling 78 receiving yards, eight receptions, and two touchdowns. He looked pretty solid against the defense of the Cowboys and even though the Bears lost, he proved he can be worth a fantasy start here and there.
This week, the Bears welcome the Lions to Soldier Field and fantasy owners better believe Miller will see a ton of reps come his way. The offense of the Bears needs a spark to save the season since they’re 0-3 on the year.
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) gets tackled by Cleveland Browns running back Rajion Neal (43) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bears defeated the Browns 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jordan Howard, RB — Chicago Bears
Like they always say, when the opportunity comes, seize the moment and never look back. Such is the case for running back Jordan Howard of the Bears who is now thrusted into a starting position due to injuries to those above him.
Howard is a natural born playmaker and if the Bears want to have a shot at beating the Lions, their offense has to wake up. With big plays from Miller and a commitment to the run, there is no reason why the Bears can’t leave this game victorious.
It won’t be easy as the defense of the Lions is very capable at stopping opposing running backs but something has to give. The Bears are o-3 and simply can’t start the season 0-4 as fantasy owners should expect some fight out of this team in Week 4 because of this.
Overall, Howard is a must-start this week since he should be able to have a huge game and surprise many. Fantasy owners should consider starting him since these Bears will finally wake up and effectively save their season with a big win in Week 4.