Fantasy football-Week 4 sleepers

Running Back Week 4 sleepers

Joseph Randle-Dallas Cowboys (FD-7,400, DK-5,500): Randle got off to a hot start last week in the Cowboys first week without Tony Romo running for three touchdowns in the first half.  The entire Cowboys’ offense struggled in the second half, and Randle didn’t get much going either finishign with 87 yards rushing on 14 carries.  This week, Dallas visits the Saints on Sunday Night Football.  Once again, I expect them to rely heavily on the running game as they try to get their offense going without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo.

Devonta Freeman-Atlanta Falcons (FD-7,200, DK-5,200): Freeman was the other big breakout star last week, but he still represents good value this week as well as he and the Falcons take on the Texans in Atlanta.  Freeman posted a massive 141 yards rushing with three touchdowns and added 52 yards receiving. He is lined up to be the feature back for Atlanta again as they are still without Tevin Coleman who is dealing with a rib injury.  Houston has allowed 15 fantasy points (ESPN Standard scoring) to opposing running backs in two of their three games so far this season.  Freeman may not be quite as much of a surprise as he was last week, but he is still very affordable as one of our week 4 sleepers.

Melvin Gordon-San Diego Chargers (FD-6,800, DK-4,900): Gordon still hasn’t found the end zone in his three-game NFL career although he has consistently produced over 50 yards on the ground even though he’s still in a timeshare with Danny Woodhead.  Gordon and the Chargers are back in sunny Southern California this week after an 0-2 trip to Cincinnati and Minnesota, but they should be lined up for a bounce back game against the Browns.  Cleveland has struggled against opposing running backs this season allowing big games to Chris Ivory in week 1 and Latavius Murray last week.  Look for Gordon to step up and produce this week especially if the Chargers play from ahead which should increase his workload.

Matt Jones-Washington Redskins (FD-6,300, DK-4,500): Jones had his massive breakout week 2 when he ran for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Rams.  He didn’t have a huge follow up to that last week though finishing with just 38 yards on 11 carries against the Giants and also losing a key fumble.  He looks lined up to bounce back today as the Redskins and Eagles play in adverse weather in DC.  Jones should get plenty of carries and looks to be establishing himself as the lead back over Alfred Morris.  Last week’s struggles should keep his ownership and cost down, but I think he’ll bounce back with a good week against the Eagles’ iffy defense this week.

Ameer Abdullah-Detroit Lions (FD-6,100, DK-4,100): The Lions backfield has been a disaster so far this season with Theo Riddick being the most consistent contributor even though his value is almost exclusively as a receiving option.  Joique Bell has missed practice all week and may not play on Monday night which will leave the work to Abdullah to carry the load.  The problem is that the rookie out of Nebraska has struggled since his week one breakout and has managed just 32 yards on his 14 carries the last two weeks.  In Monday night’s matchup against Seattle, he’s a high-risk play even though he will get an increased workload.  If you want a cheap gamble that goes against the crowd chasing Karlos (next option), Abdullah does have some upside, though, if Detroit can get their run game in gear against the Seahawks.

Karlos Williams-Buffalo Bills (FD-6,300, DK-3,400): The most popular option amidst the week 4 sleepers is likely to be Bills rookie Karlos Williams who will get the start today in place of the injured LeSean McCoy.  Williams has been impressive in his first three games in Buffalo when splitting time with Shady and has totaled 186 yards and three touchdowns on his 24 carries. While the potential for a big game is definitely there, a kouple words of kaution on Karlos: 1-this will be his first game getting a full workload and 2-the Giants have been good against the run this season holding opposing RB’s under 90 yards rushing in all three of their games.  Williams is still a good play (he was featured in my waiver wire pickups this week), but he’s far from a lock to go off this week.

Duke Johnson-Cleveland Browns (FD-5,400, DK-3,100): The Chargers have allowed the second-most fantasy point to opposing RB’s and Johnson is getting an increased workload in the Cleveland attack.  Last week he had as many touches as Isaiah Crowell and had six catches out of the backfield as the Browns’ preferred third-down back. In a matchup that should play to his favor, I like Johnson to have a good week and he could be the breakout back of the week if he gets enough of the work against the Chargers.

Thomas Rawls-Seattle Seahawks (FD-6,000, DK-3,000): Another interesting option that is toward the cheap end of the spectrum is Thomas Rawls who looked great last week against the Bears running for 104 yards on his 16 carries in relief of the injured Marshawn Lynch.  Lynch is questionable for this week’s contest and according to most reports he is trending towards not playing.  Rawls will get the early down work if Lynch is out, bit it is risky to put him in a lineup that locks since he could end up being just a backup to Lynch if Marshawn decides he is able to give it a go.

Week 3 Picks: Latavius Murray, Joseph Randle, Devonta Freeman, Chris Polk, Bilal Powell, James Starks, Fred Jackson

Next: Wide Receiver Week 4 sleepers