As we head into Week 4, after this weekend, we will be one-quarter of the way through the NFL season. With each week bringing a combination of emerging players, disappointing stars, and a lot of confusion and anger on who to start in their lineups, the fantasy season is in full effect. With a loaded slate of games on the docket, featuring some very intriguing matchups, let’s dive right into our weekly sleepers picks.
Brian Hill, RB, Atlanta Falcons
In an impressive performance in the Falcons 30-26 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 3, Hill had 10 touches for 80 scrimmage yards. With a 22-yard reception and a 35-yard touchdown run, the 23-year-old looked explosive as the backup to Todd Gurley. In a Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Hill should have plenty of opportunities for a career day. Green Bay’s defense has looked horrendous against the run this season, with over five yards given up per carry. As a team that runs a trio of backs, as Gurley cannot handle a true top back workload like past seasons. Hill has gotten over 75 percent of the snaps inside the 10-yard line this year. The Falcons will provide him ample opportunity for touchdowns and a strong week.
Gardner Minshew, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Many jumped off the Minshew hype train after a disappointing performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. However, the pieces are in place for him to have a bounceback performance on Sunday. With top receiver, DJ Chark returning to practice this week, look for the Jaguars to have all of their weapons in a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Winless in the young season, the Bengals have played their opponents tough. However, they still lack the talent to stop opposing offenses. For instance, they rank 24th in the league in total yards and 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. Against Cincinnati last season, Minshew had a strong performance, completing 15 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown. He finished as the number nine quarterback that week. Currently projected as QB16 for Week 4, Minshew should be in the high-end QB2/low-end QB1 conversation.
Mo Alie-Cox, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Falling out of the game plan last week, Alie-Cox trailed starting tight end Jack Doyle in targets after receiving an expanded look early on in the season. While only on the field for eight pass plays, Alie-Cox hauled in three receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Colts victory. With a matchup looming against the Chicago Bears in Week 4, he is great value at his TE19 rank. For three weeks, the Bears have allowed 75 percent completion to tight ends and the 12th most PPR points in the league. With Doyle being held reception-less the last two weeks, trust Alie-Cox as a TE2 with high upside as Philip Rivers and the offense should begin to click on Sunday.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston Texans
Cooks is beginning to establish himself as the lead receiver on the Texans. He now leads the team in targets with 18 through three games. As a result, Cooks should be in for a big day on Sunday against a young secondary in Minnesota. Coming into the game as the third-worst passing defense in the NFL, the Vikings young duo of Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler has struggled against opposing receivers through three games, allowing 277 passing yards and two touchdowns. Therefore, as he begins to build a rapport with star quarterback Deshaun Watson after landing in Houston in the offseason, expect Cooks to begin to post strong numbers. Starting with Week 4, where he is an appealing option for your WR3/FLEX spot.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Green Bay Packers
With the news that Allen Lazard is expected to miss time with a core muscle injury, Valdes-Scantling should be in for a significant share of the targets on Monday night against a depleted Falcons secondary. He is a prototypical deep threat, and the Falcons have allowed a league-high 15 yards per reception this season. This makes this the perfect matchup to start Valdes-Scantling on your team. With Davante Adams still banged up, a bye week ahead for Green Bay, and with Aaron Rodgers beginning to play like his MVP self early on in the season, start Valdes-Scantling as a risk-reward WR4/WR5 this week for the owners involved in deep leagues.
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