Can you believe that after Monday we will have already made it through 25% of the fantasy football season? We’re getting to the point now where we have noticeable trends of players who consistently outproduce their expectations (like James White), defenses that you can confidently exploit by starting lesser players (such as Tampa Bay), and highly-talented players who haven’t lived up their expensive draft price (a la Kareem Hunt). At this early juncture in the season, some fantasy owners may still ignore these patterns and place too much faith in their underperforming high- or mid-round draft picks. Others might continue to lack confidence in lower-ranked players that have produced above expectations or have a juicy matchup. Fortunately for you, our featured experts know which trends to trust in this young season and have used them to identify which sleepers on your bench or the waiver wire can help you sneak out a win this week along with which studs could have a rough outing on Sunday.

Import your team to My Playbook for instant Lineup & Trade advice >>

Q1. Who is a player (non tight end) outside of our top 100 flex rankings that is a deep sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?

Taylor Gabriel (WR – CHI) vs. TB

“Gabriel is a sneaky flex play in Week 4 for those desperate in deeper leagues. He’s going up against a Tampa Bay secondary allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Just last week, the Bucs allowed 20 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns to Steelers wide receivers. Additionally, Gabriel’s targets have increased every single week. He has a 21 percent target share on the season, which most people wouldn’t expect.”

– Frank Stampfl (RotoExperts)

Ryan Grant (WR – IND) vs. HOU

“I believe Grant has WR3 potential this week, as the Colts will struggle mightily to run the ball against the Texans, meaning they’ll lean on a West Coast-style offense and move the ball via short passes. It just so happens that it’s Andrew Luck’s biggest strength right now, and given that Jack Doyle is likely to miss another week, Grant will be one of his primary targets. We saw the Giants exploit the quick, short passes against them last week, and they won. Grant is worth a shot in your flex if you’re looking for someone available in most leagues.”

– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

Kelvin Benjamin (WR – BUF) @ GB

“I don’t WANT to start him, but the Packers defense is extremely weak, and the offense should have no problems putting up points…unlike the Vikings last week. With that in mind, Benjamin should see double-digit targets, and if Josh Allen sparks the offense, even better. Benjamin might only catch half of those, but he is a decent flier who could potentially score on this defense.”

– Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Albert Wilson (WR – MIA) @ NE

“Wilson has not been a high volume guy this year, but he sure has been efficient while being used in unique ways. Now they face a Patriots defense that hasn’t done anything to stop anyone in the passing game. I expect Wilson to get an uptick in touches since he’s a big play threat waiting to happen on any given play.”

– Kyle Kontos (Double K Football)

Q2. On the flip side, what player inside the top 40 flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy owners this week?

Kareem Hunt (RB – KC) @ DEN

“This pains me to say, but Hunt is the player most likely to disappoint. He’s going up against a Broncos defense that allows just 3.3 yards per carry and 77.7 rushing yards per game. Also, a year after hauling in 53 receptions, Hunt has just one reception three weeks into the season. Because of Patrick Mahomes‘ playing style, Hunt isn’t seeing the same volume in terms of targets that he did a year ago. Unfortunately, Hunt looks like a touchdown-dependent running back heading into Week 4.”

– Frank Stampfl (RotoExperts)

Davante Adams (WR – GB) vs. BUF

“It’s tough to say that Adams will completely bust this week, but he’s likely to disappoint his owners based on what they’ve gotten over the first few weeks. He’s going to match up with Tre’Davious White in this game, a sophomore cornerback who was a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2017. He’s been shadowing a bit this year and held Stefon Diggs to just four catches for 17 yards on 10 targets last week. While it’s impossible to bench Adams, lower your expectations this week.”

– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

Marshawn Lynch (RB – OAK) vs. CLE

“The Browns defense has been pretty stout this year, and I expect this game to be on the lower side when it comes to scoring. Sure, Lynch has looked great, but he’s also had his touches limited with Doug Martin and Jalen Richard also getting touches. Lynch is pretty much a touchdown-or-bust running back right now, and in a game with few expected scores, that means fewer opportunities for Lynch to find his way into the end zone.”

– Kyle Kontos (Double K Football)

Golden Tate (WR – DET) @ DAL

“Tate could easily let down owners this week, especially in non-PPR. The Cowboys drag games out, both slowing their offense and, in turn, limiting the snaps and offensive opportunities for opponents. Kenny Golladay has taken over as the lead in Detroit, and with lower volume, Tate could have a decent, but not great Week 4, especially if he doesn’t find the end zone.”

– Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Thank you to the experts for giving their sleeper starts and duds for Week 4. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter if you’re not already doing so and check out our latest podcast below for more great advice.



Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | TuneIn | RSS