As we head into Week 4 of the NFL season, fantasy football owners are looking for any edge they can get. One way to do that is to identify players who are undervalued and have the potential to break out. Here are a few players who could be worth adding to your team this week.
One player who has been flying under the radar is running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt has been splitting carries with Nick Chubb in Cleveland, but he has still been productive. In three games this season, Hunt has rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 10 receptions for 78 yards. With the Browns facing the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, Hunt could be in for a big game. The Falcons have allowed the most rushing yards to running backs this season, so Hunt should have plenty of opportunities to find the end zone.
Another player who could be worth adding is wide receiver Christian Kirk. Kirk has been a consistent target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. In three games this season, Kirk has caught 18 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. He is currently the Jaguars’ leading receiver and is averaging over 10 targets per game. With the Jaguars facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, Kirk could be in for another big game. The Eagles have allowed the most passing yards to wide receivers this season, so Kirk should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
Top Performers for Week 4
Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings)
Justin Jefferson has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL this season, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. In Week 4, Jefferson caught 10 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught at least six passes in every game this season, and he has scored a touchdown in three of the four games. Jefferson is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and he is one of the best receivers in the NFL.
Derrick Henry (RB, Titans)
Derrick Henry is back to his old ways. In Week 4, Henry rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns on just 20 carries. He is now averaging over 100 yards per game this season, and he has scored seven touchdowns. Henry is one of the most powerful running backs in the NFL, and he is a key reason why the Titans are one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC.
Josh Allen (QB, Bills)
Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP level this season. In Week 4, Allen threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 42 yards and a touchdown. Allen is now averaging over 300 yards passing per game this season, and he has thrown 14 touchdowns. Allen is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is a big reason why the Bills are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Up-and-Coming Players to Consider
These players may not be household names yet, but they have shown flashes of brilliance and could be poised for breakout performances in Week 4:
Players with High Upside
| Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Walker III | RB | Seattle Seahawks |
| Christian Watson | WR | Green Bay Packers |
| Romeo Doubs | WR | Green Bay Packers |
| Treylon Burks | WR | Tennessee Titans |
Walker has been efficient with his touches so far, averaging over 5 yards per carry. He should see an increased workload against the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Watson and Doubs have both flashed their potential in the Packers’ high-powered offense. Watson has averaged 20 yards per reception, while Doubs has shown a knack for making big plays in key moments.
Burks is a physical receiver who has struggled with consistency early on. However, he has the talent to be a star, and he could be on the verge of a breakout game against the Indianapolis Colts, who have a vulnerable pass defense.
Strategy to Navigate Injuries
Avoid Injured Players
Prioritize healthy players with consistent playing time. Injured players often face uncertain recovery timelines and may not be able to contribute to your fantasy team’s success.
Monitor Injury Reports
Stay informed about the latest injury news through official team updates and reliable fantasy sports sources. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start and which to bench.
Consider Bye Weeks
Teams have bye weeks throughout the season, during which they do not play. Factor in bye weeks when selecting players to ensure you have enough viable options for each week.
Look for Emerging Players
When key players are injured, it can create opportunities for lesser-known players to step up and earn increased playing time. Keep an eye on these potential breakout candidates who could provide solid fantasy production.
Waiver Wire Adds
Monitor the waiver wire for available players who can fill the void left by injured players. Consider adding players with upside and potential for increased usage.
Table: Common Fantasy Injuries and Their Respective Recovery Timelines
| Injury | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Ankle Sprains | 1-4 weeks |
| Hamstring Strains | 2-6 weeks |
| Knee Injuries (ACL/MCL Tears) | 6+ months |
| Concussions | 1 week – Indefinite |
| Broken Bones | 4-12 weeks |
How to Capitalize on Favorable Matchups
Week 4 of the NFL season presents an opportunity to leverage favorable matchups for your fantasy lineup. Identifying teams facing weaker opponents can give you an edge in scoring points and winning matchups.
Quarterbacks
Consider quarterbacks facing defenses that rank in the bottom half of the league in passing yards allowed and touchdowns surrendered. Look for players with a high upside, such as:
- Justin Fields (CHI) vs. Giants (29th in passing yards allowed)
- Matthew Stafford (LAR) vs. Cowboys (25th in touchdowns allowed)
Running Backs
Target running backs with strong volume against defenses that struggle to stop the run. Consider players like:
- Derrick Henry (TEN) vs. Colts (30th in rushing yards allowed)
- Saquon Barkley (NYG) vs. Bears (22nd in rushing yards allowed)
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Look for wide receivers and tight ends who face defenses without top-tier coverage players. Consider players such as:
- Davante Adams (LV) vs. Seahawks (28th in passing yards allowed)
- Travis Kelce (KC) vs. Buccaneers (24th in touchdowns allowed to tight ends)
Defenses
Target defenses playing against offenses that are struggling or have lost key players. Consider teams like:
- Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) vs. Jaguars (32nd in total offense)
- Carolina Panthers (CAR) vs. Cardinals (26th in passing yards)
Kickers
Look for kickers with a high scoring potential in games with high over/under totals. Consider players like:
- Evan McPherson (CIN) vs. Jaguars (over/under 47.5)
- Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Buccaneers (over/under 45)
Rankings and Projections for Top Options
8. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (WR)
Week 4 Projections: 6 receptions, 75 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 1 rushing attempt, 15 rushing yards
Week 4 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks (ranked 23rd in pass defense DVOA)
Samuel has averaged 6.5 targets, 5.5 receptions, 62.5 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns in the past two weeks. With Trey Lance back at quarterback, Samuel should continue to thrive in an offense that caters to his versatile skillset. The Seahawks have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making Samuel an intriguing option as a flex play or even a low-end WR2 in Week 4.
| Player | Week 4 Projections | Week 4 Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Deebo Samuel | 6 receptions, 75 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 1 rushing attempt, 15 rushing yards | Seattle Seahawks (23rd in pass defense DVOA) |
Best Survivor Picks for Week 4
Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us, and it’s time to make some tough decisions about your fantasy football lineup. Here are a few players who could help you come out on top this week:
Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott is coming off a huge performance against the Washington Commanders, and he has a great matchup this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are allowing the most points to quarterbacks in the NFL, so Prescott should be in line for a big day.
Running Back: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley has been on fire lately, and he should continue to produce against the Chicago Bears. The Bears are allowing the second-most points to running backs in the NFL, so Barkley should be in line for a big day.
Wide Receiver: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Kupp is the best wide receiver in the NFL, and he should have another big day against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are allowing the most points to wide receivers in the NFL, so Kupp should be in line for a big day.
Tight End: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL, and he should have another big day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are allowing the most points to tight ends in the NFL, so Kelce should be in line for a big day.
Defense/Special Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they should have a great matchup this week against the New York Jets. The Jets are one of the worst offenses in the NFL, so the Steelers should be in line for a big day.
