The postponement of the Steelers-Titans and Patriots-Chiefs games throws a wrinkle into Week 4 with so many high-profile fantasy weapons now unavailable. And, of course, that’s on top of the now-customary slew of injuries owners have to try to overcome.
I believe my four sleepers will help get you through this bumpy NFL Sunday. As always, hit me up with any fantasy football questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy.
Greg Ward, WR, Eagles
Yahoo! League ownership: 9%
Draft Kings salary: $3,500
The old saying “the best ability is availability” holds truer than ever when it comes to Greg Ward. On Thursday he was literally the only healthy Eagles wide receiver who could practice. When you toss in the loss of Dallas Goedert, reliable offensive options for Carson Wentz are whittled down to Zach Ertz, Miles Sanders and Mr. Ward.
The undrafted sophomore was a sneaky fantasy star late in 2019 when Philadelphia’s WR corps was ravaged by injury, and answered the bell again this past weekend when he converted 11 targets into eight catches and a touchdown. The 25-year old is widely available, a steal in DFS contests, and should be started with confidence versus a mediocre 49ers defence.
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, 49ers
Yahoo! League ownership: 33%
Draft Kings salary: $4,800
Raheem Mostert is still not ready to play, which once again will create some tasty fantasy possibilities in the 49ers backfield. If you missed out a couple weeks ago on the Jerick McKinnon waiver wire rush, don’t discount what backup Jeff Wilson Jr. brings to the table.
Wilson exploded for 21.90 FPTs in PPR last Sunday with a rushing and receiving touchdown. The fact that both he and McKinnon produced strong fantasy days bodes well for the duo against the Eagles’ below-average linebackers. San Francisco is leaning more than ever on short passes with second-string QB Nick Mullens under centre, and that should mean plenty of work for the running backs.
[relatedlinks]
Greg Olsen, TE, Seahawks
Yahoo! League ownership: 22%
Draft Kings salary: $4,100
Greg Olsen as a fantasy relevant tight end in 2020? Kind of! The ultimate high-floor/low-ceiling choice for those with limited options at the position, Olsen has hit double-digit fantasy points in two of Seattle’s first three games.
Don’t be scared off by seeing that their opponent, Miami, has allowed the third fewest FPTs to tight ends so far this season. The Dolphins have been defending TEs who are non-factors on their respective clubs. In the 35-year-old, you hope to get a red zone touchdown, five receptions and 40 to 50 yards. It’s not an exciting play, but it is the safest desperation move available.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns
Yahoo! League ownership: 42%
Draft Kings salary: $5,800
Transformed from gunslinger to game manager so far this season, Baker Mayfield is learning yet another new playbook, and this one is super run heavy. However, this could be the game that No. 6 is unleashed.
I feel the stars will align for the Austin, Texas, native for a couple of reasons. First, the Cowboys defence is ranked 26th and is allowing the third-most fantasy points to QBs. Second, Dallas boasts the NFL’s most productive passing attack (383.3 yards/game), which will likely force a shootout.
(Also, Mayfield had some of his biggest non-professional moments at AT&T Stadium during his high school and college days. That ultimately may mean nothing, but it’s worth noting.)
Baker makes for a great contrarian DFS choice, and an upside streamer for season-long leagues.
2:10