It’s hard to believe we are already entering NFL Week 4. It seems like the 2021 NFL season just started, and now we are almost a quarter of the way through.
Last week there was a slew of studs that ended up as Week 3 duds. While some of those players were injured during the game, the majority just failed to show up. You can find these players if you scroll down to the bottom of this article.
When you can’t depend on your studs, you must hit on your sleepers if you want to end the week on a winning note. This is where I come in. I’ve been fairly hot picking my fantasy football sleepers so far, so let’s keep it rolling in Week 4.
Please note that all NFL Week 4 odds and lines below are current as of Tuesday, September 28.
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers Projections for Week 4
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Quarterback
Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team @ Atlanta Falcons
- Football Team-Falcons Total: 47.5 via BetMGM
- Over 47.5 (-110), Under 47.5 (-110)
I’ll tell you what, I’m in on Taylor Heinicke. He’s not giving the starting QB job back to Ryan Fitzpatrick, nor should he. If there is a future franchise quarterback on the Football Team’s depth chart, his last name is not Fitzpatrick.
Heinicke has appeared in five games since Week 16 of 2020. In three of those contests, he’s scored 20+ fantasy points and thrown for over 300 yards twice. Heinicke has accumulated 24+ fantasy points in both of his starts this season as well, recording 548 passing yards with five total touchdowns and three interceptions.
Heinicke appears poised for another strong performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. The Falcons are allowing the sixth-most FPPG to enemy signal-callers (27.6) and second-most touchdown passes (eight). Look for Heinicke to finish with around 20-25 fantasy points, making him a solid starting option this week.
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Deep QB Week 4 Sleeper: Joe Burrow, Cincinatti Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jaguars-Bengals Total: 46 via BetMGM
- Over 46 (-110), Under 46 (-110)
Joe Burrow hasn’t had a huge fantasy year so far, ranking as the QB20 with 50.5 points. Look for him to pick it up against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are one of the NFL’s worst defensive teams this year. Jacksonville’s defense is allowing the 13th-most FPPG to quarterbacks (24.9), including the sixth-most passing yards (935).
The matchup alone makes Burrow startable, especially considering that he’s already thrown seven touchdowns this year. Coming off a highly efficient Week 3 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, look for Burrow to have another big game against the Jaguars’ porous D.
Also Consider: Daniel Jones, New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Running Back
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Ravens-Broncos Total: 44 via BetMGM
- Over 44 (-110), Under 44 (-110)
There are only a handful of backfields where both running backs are viable fantasy starters, and the Denver Broncos have one of them. Both Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams are solid fantasy options as flex plays with RB2 upside.
Williams has seen steady usage this year, getting 14+ touches per game. Those touches helped translate to 15.2 PPR points against the New York Jets last week, which gives him some momentum heading into Week 4.
Williams will look to have a similar performance against a Baltimore Ravens defense that has been vulnerable to the run this year, yielding the fifth-most FPPG (29.5) to running backs this season. They have also given up the most rushing scores (five) and second-most total scores (six) to the position.
That bodes well for Williams, who already has six red zone carries and found the end zone against New York last week. Consider Williams a quality flex option in PPR formats with an RB2 ceiling if he scores in Week 4.
Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
- Bills-Texans Total: 47 via BetMGM
- Over 47 (-110), Under 47 (-110)
I like both Devin Singletary and Zack Moss this Sunday against the Houston Texans. Not only is this a terrific matchup, but both Buffalo Bills backs have been busy and are returning quality fantasy production in PPR leagues.
Singletary has 11+ PPR points in two of three games while Moss accumulated 17+ points both times he suited up. Both backs have also recorded at least 10 touches in all of their games this year.
Although Singletary has the edge in volume, Moss seems to have a nose for the end zone. Moss has three scores in two games, while Singletary’s lone touchdown came in Week 2.
The Texans are allowing the 10th-most FPPG (26.3) to running backs, surrendering 10+ PPR points to three different backs in three games this season. This should be one of those games in which both Moss and Singletary finish with double-digit PPR points, although Moss has a higher ceiling due to his usage in the red zone.
Deep RB Week 4 Sleeper: Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys
- Panthers-Cowboys Total: 50.5 via BetMGM
- Over 50.5 (-110), Under 50.5 (-110)
I guess we can call Chuba Hubbard a deep sleeper since this will be his first game as a starter. He’ll be filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) on a team that heavily features its running backs on the ground and through the air.
Mike Davis was fantasy-relevant last season when McCaffrey went down, so Hubbard should be similarly useful for fantasy squads. Hubbard finished with 10.9 PPR points last week, carrying the ball 11 times for 52 yards while hauling in 3-of-5 targets for 27 yards.
Royce Freeman will spell Hubbard, but only sporadically. He saw six carries for 17 yards (3.4 yards per carry) in Week 3, while Hubbard averaged 4.7 yards per tote.
Accordingly, Hubbard should see most of the touches against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, giving him a high PPR floor. He’s a great plug-and-play option this week, especially if you have McCaffrey.
Also Consider: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angles Rams; Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers
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2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Wide Receiver
Marvin Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Jaguars-Bengals Total: 46 via BetMGM
- Over 46 (-110), Under 46 (-110)
If you read below, you’ll see that I love the Bengals’ defense this week. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t love Marvin Jones to produce in fantasy.
Jones has recorded a 17/194/2 line on 28 targets this season while managing 12+ PPR points per game. He’s garnered 8+ targets in each game as well, so expect his usage to continue this week.
While the Bengals’ defense has played well this season, they are surrendering the 10th-most PPR points to wide receivers (41.0) this season. Assuming Burrow plays well, which we think he will, then Trevor Lawrence will be forced to throw to keep up, which should yield more fantasy goodness for Jones.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Marvin Jones has established himself as one of Trevor Lawrence’s top targets, making him a top Week 4 fantasy football sleeper. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Buccaneers-Patriots Total: 49 via BetMGM
- Over 49 (-110), Under 49 (-110)
With James White (hip) out, there will be more targets to be had for the New England Patriots’ pass-catchers. Jakobi Meyers already has 29 targets and is emerging as Mac Jones‘s go-to receiver. While he has yet to score, Meyers already has 19 receptions for 176 yards.
Meyers should continue to be heavily involved in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are expected to defeat the Patriots handily. That should cause New England to abandon its run-heavy approach rather early and take to the skies, resulting in ample opportunities for Meyers.
The Buccaneers also present a favorable matchup for Meyers, as they are allowing the most FPPG (66.9) to wide receivers this year. Look for Meyers to garner plenty of volume in Week 4, giving him a nice floor in PPR formats.
Deep WR Week 4 Sleeper: Olamide Zaccheaus, Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Football Team
- Washington-Falcons Total: 47.5 via BetMGM
- Over 47.5 (-110), Under 47.5 (-110)
If you must dig deep, look for Olamide Zaccheaus on the waiver wire and start him. Over the past two seasons, Zaccheaus has done nothing but produce when given the chance.
Since the beginning of last year, Zaccheaus has played in four games in which he’s drawn 6+ targets. In three of those games (including last week), Zaccheaus has registered 12+ PPR points.
In last week’s win over the New York Giants, Zaccheaus put up a 3/32/1 line on his six looks. With Russell Gage (ankle) sidelined, Zaccheaus also played the second-most snaps (43) and ran the second-most routes (28) of Atlanta wideouts. If Gage misses another game this week, Zaccheaus could have another respectable fantasy outing.
Also Consider: A.J. Green, Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams; Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Tight End
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Buccaneers-Patriots Total: 49 via BetMGM
- Over 49 (-110), Under 49 (-110)
Another Patriots player who may benefit from White’s injury is Hunter Henry, who has yet to make much of an impact in his first season with New England. That could change in Week 4, however, as the Patriots will need to throw the ball to keep pace with the Bucs.
Given New England’s preference for short throws, Henry and Jonnu Smith should see additional targets. Henry has caught 10 of the 13 passes thrown his way this year, so he’s earned some trust from Jones.
With Tampa Bay surrendering 15.4 PPR points to opposing tight ends this season, Henry beings a quality PPR floor in Week 4.
Deep TE Week 4 Sleeper: Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
- Bills-Texans Total: 47 via BetMGM
- Over 47 (-110), Under 47 (-110)
Bills TE Dawson Knox is off to a solid start in 2021. Following 8.1 and 9.2 PPR point outings in his first two games of the year, he popped for 14.9 in Week 3 against Washington and ended last week’s slate as the TE9. He’s now scored in each of the past two weeks and has 4+ targets, 4+ receptions, and 41+ yards in two of three games this year.
Knox will get the Texans in Week 4 and face a defense that is surrendering 18.9 PPR points per game to enemy tight ends (fifth-most). Houston’s defense has allowed five different tight ends to drop 8.7 PPR points on them, including two in the double-digits. Look for Knox to stay hot and potentially find the end zone again.
Also Consider: Tyler Conklin, Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns; Dan Arnold, Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Kicker
Dustin Hopkins, Washington Football Team @ Atlanta Falcons
- Washington-Falcons Total: 47.5 via BetMGM
- Over 47.5 (-110), Under 47.5 (-110)
Dustin Hopkins has been one of the best fantasy kickers in 2021, tying for eighth with 9.7 FPPG. Although he only notched three points last week as Washington was man-handled by Buffalo, he should see more opportunities in Week 4 against Atlanta’s suspect defense.
With Heinicke playing well and sustaining drives, Hopkins should get at least a few field goal chances and extra points against the Falcons, giving him a solid floor for Week 4.
Also Consider: Graham Gano, New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints; Nick Folk, New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 4: Defensive Team
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jaguars-Bengals Total: 46 via BetMGM
- Over 46 (-110), Under 46 (-110)
The Bengals are off to a strong start on both sides of the ball this year, especially on defense where they look much improved. Their defense has averaged 7.7 FPPG over the first three weeks and is coming off a 12-point performance against the Steelers in Week 3.
Cincinnati will be in a great spot to replicate that performance against Jacksonville during Thursday Night Football. The Jaguars have already committed nine turnovers through three weeks, so the Bengals can be counted on for at least one takeaway here. They’ve already accumulated four to go along with 10 sacks, making them a strong starting unit at home against a rookie quarterback in a short week.
Also Consider: New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants; Tennessee Titans @ New York Jets
- Want more Week 4 fantasy football advice? Check out our Week 4 Fantasy Football Best Waiver Wire Adds.
NFL Week 3 Fantasy Football Recap
NFL Week 3 Disappointments:
- QB Justin Fields (3.9)
- RB Nick Chubb (8.4)
- RB Jonathan Taylor (8.2)
- RB David Montgomery (7.5)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (6.0)
- RB Damien Harris (2.2)
- RB Ty’Son Williams (2.2)
- WR Tyreek Hill (9.7)
- WR Courtland Sutton (8.7)
- WR Tyler Lockett (7.1)
- WR Robert Woods (6.1)
- WR Marquise Brown (8.3)
- WR Julio Jones (7.7)
- WR DeAndre Hopkins (5.5)
- WR Allen Robinson (4.7)
- WR Sterling Shepard (3.6)
- WR A.J Brown (0.3)
- TE Rob Gronkowski (9.9)
- TE Kyle Pitts (5.5)
- TE T.J. Hockenson (3.0)
- TE Cole Kmet (2.1)
- TE Evan Engram (2.1)
NFL Week 3 Injuries to Monitor:
- RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring)
- RB James White (hip)
- WR A.J. Brown (hamstring)
- WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring)
- WR Darius Slayton (hamstring)
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ribs)
- TE Rob Gronkowski (ribs)
Anthony’s Accountable
This is a recap of my plays from last week (skill position players only). I consider a sleeper a hit if the player scores 10+ PPR points (15+ for QBs):
- QB Kirk Cousins (25.12)
- QB Daniel Jones (16.54)
- RB Nyheim Hines (18.9)
- RB James White (0.6), Injured
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (16.2)
- WR Ja’Marr Chase (22.5)
- WR Sterling Shepard (3.6), Injured
- WR Rondale Moore (2.4)
- TE Tyler Higbee (15.0)
- TE Gerald Everett (10.4)
- TE Jack Doyle (2.0)
