We’re already one month into the season, can you believe it? You blinked and are already having to fill your lineup with replacements thanks to injuries at just about every position.
Back by popular demand this season: the top five sleepers of each week. Maybe it’s a guy you haven’t heard of. Maybe he’s a rookie or seeing a recent uptick in usage? Perhaps he’s filling in for an injury? Regardless, more times than not, last season, these picks ended up on the right side of the ball.
What you may need is that extra oomph to start someone you’re on the fence with.
Last week, we saw Giants’ QB Russell Wilson, Chiefs’ RB Isiah Pacheco, Packers’ WR Dontayvion Wicks, Raiders’ WR Jakobi Meyers and Cowboys’ TE Jake Ferguson make the list.
At least I helped you in the tight end category, right? Right?
To help you make these decisions, this article contains my top five sleepers of the week, and why.
Editor’s Note: These selections rank Tier 4 or lower on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 4 SLEEPERS
Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Vs Chicago Bears
Geno Smith is coming off his best game of the season and can keep it rolling against the Bears, who are allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks so far this season.
Smith racked up over 30 fantasy points, tossing for 289 yards and three touchdowns one week ago. Three scores are not out of the possibilities in Week 4, especially with a healthy receiving corps all-around.
I wouldn’t be surprised if running back Ashton Jeanty had his best game of the season against the 27th-best run defense, but in what should be a back-and-forth high-scoring affair, there’s enough for Smith to go around.
Smith ranks in Tier 4 (QB 17) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets
@ Miami Dolphins
The winless Jets and Dolphins get to face off on Monday night’s early slate national stage. Aren’t we lucky?
Looking at the Dolphins’ patterns so far this season, they allow not only a lot of fantasy points to running backs, but they also allow them to guys that aren’t viewed as the team’s No. 1 option.
In Week 2 against New England, Rhamondre Stevenson saw a season-high 11 carries (54 yards) and added 88 yards on five catches. In Week 1 against Indianapolis, rookie D.J. Giddens had a season-high 12 carries (41 yards).
Breece Hall is a must-start in RSJ’s opinion, but Allen could build off his best week of the season in a favorable matchup for deeper leagues.
And if not this week, the Jets host Dallas at home in Week 5, where he can try again.
Allen ranks in Tier 6 (RB 45) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Vs Los Angeles Chargers
Not only did Cam Skattebo have another high-usage game in Week 3, but he came alive in the passing game, too.
Skattebo combined for 60 rushing yards (10 attempts) and 61 receiving yards (six catches), while again scoring a touchdown.
The Giants have turned to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, and with running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. already ruled out (shoulder), Skattebo will be on the field more and available in emergency situations.
I don’t really care that the Chargers have the fourth-best run defense because Skattebo has too many positives as a dual-threat to bench.
Skattebo ranks in Tier 4 (RB 18) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
@ Dallas Cowboys
This is Matthew Golden’s breakout week.
Dallas allows the most fantasy points to receivers in the NFL and has not stopped any offense through the air.
Golden has the chance to solidify his title as the Packers’ No. 1 receiver heading into their Week 5 bye, setting him up for a positive rookie season overall.
His targets have been concerning through three games (eight combined), but he should see his most targets and yards in this matchup.
I also think Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs could pop off and be used in deeper leagues, but I am going to trust that Green Bay does want to use its first first-round receiver in decades as its top option.
Golden ranks in Tier 5 (WR 32) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vs Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver Chris Godwin is officially questionable to make his season debut, and even if he does, I’d be shocked for him not to be limited in some fashion.
With Mike Evans (hamstring) on injured reserve, rookie Emeka Egbuka would be the team’s top option.
While Egbuka has 14 catches and three touchdowns through three games to begin his career, we have seen the Bucs use the fifth-year tight end in times of desperation.
When Evans and Godwin were both either limited or out last season, Otton posted 18 PPR points in three of four games (CBSSports).
I think the zero targets against the Jets in Week 3 are an outlier in what was a funky game overall. With many better tight ends on the shelf, Otton could be a valuable streamer who faces bottom-third defenses in weeks 5-8, too.
Otton ranks in Tier 5 (TE 25) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
Bonus Unit: Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
vs Tennessee Titans
Returning readers will find this as bonus content, and you new eyes simply see the first installment of “Bonus Unit” this season without needing to work for it.
While Woody Marks is not a “unit” he is my bonus content pick this week.
Backup running back Marks has slowly been slicing into Nick Chubb’s playing time and the backfield will face a Titans defense that allows the third-most fantasy points so far this season to rushers.
I wish Marks were more involved in the passing game, but this may be the week he sees more looks. Regardless, his stock is rising after slowly climbing the snap count to begin the season and seeing just three less than Chubb in Week 3.
I’ll stand by divisional games being wacky, and in a game where Chubb should explode in the matchup, it could very well be the trending back instead.
Marks ranks in Tier 6 (RB 47) on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings.
