Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Week 4

Heading into Week 4 Fantasy Football action, keep an eye on these top 10 sleepers entering favorable matchups.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

It is officially Week 4 of fantasy football. This week is going to change the rest of your season for the good or the bad, of course depending on how you play it.

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Week 4 marks the return of running back Le’Veon Bell. It also is the first time fantasy players will be on bye weeks and the unfortunate injuries continue.

Now, more than ever, it is important for you to strategically plan your lineups around team bye weeks, injuries and weekly matchups. However, most valuable fantasy football players are already drafted.

So, what do you do? This is the week to take a chance with a sleeper! Check out these top 10 sleeper picks for Week 4.

Next: 10. This quarterback wowed everyone last week

10. Trevor Siemian, QB, Denver Broncos

Last week, Trevor Siemian had his best NFL career game. Siemian finished Week 3 victorious with 312 yards on 23 passes and four touchdowns.

He brought home over 50 fantasy football points last week and was only projected 12. This week he’s projected 18 but, his Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup suggests otherwise.

The Buccaneers rank 29^th against opposing quarterbacks. They gave Carson Palmer 308 yards and three touchdowns for over 40 fantasy points. They also gave Case Keenum two passing touchdowns earning 30 points.

If Siemian follows this pattern, it’s his turn for a great fantasy football week. He is only owned in about 20 percent of leagues and should still be available to pick up.

Next: 9. He's the newest starting tight end

9. Cameron Brate, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After the Buccaneers released Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Cameron Brate stepped up as their number one tight end. After Week 3’s performance, I am wondering why he wasn’t their main target from the beginning?

Last week, Brate completed 5-of-10 targets. Four of those targets were in the red zone where he completed two touchdowns. He finished with 46 yards and a little over 20 fantasy football points.

This week he takes on the Broncos which raises some red flags, however, they lack in covering tight ends. The Broncos rank 11^th in most fantasy football points allowed to the position.

Brate is a TE2 option for your lineup and will offer a great value this week for any bye, injured or flex player. He’s owned in less than 10 percent of leagues and is definitely still available.

Next: 8. Last week's bust will have a comeback

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs for a touchdown past Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

8. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns

Isaiah Crowell has been keeping fantasy football owners happy. In Week 1 he brought in about 20 points and in Week 2 he earned about 30.

Unfortunately, last week Crowell was a bust against the defense of the Miami Dolphins who kept him to 79 yards on 15 carries. Crowell only earned about 12 fantasy points but, at least he reached double-digits!

This week’s game introduces Crowell to the Washington Redskins. Yes, the Redskins just beat the New York Giants, and had a great week but, can’t stop the run.

In the last three games, the Redskins allowed six touchdowns to opposing running backs. After a Week 3 bust, look for Crowell to strike back in Week 4.

Next: 7. He's a true sleeper this week

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) runs for a short gain after a missed tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Sean Spence (55) during the firs thalf at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Jerick McKinnon has stepped up his game with the absence of Adrian Peterson. However, this week’s game isn’t going to be an easy one which is why, he’s on this week’s sleeper list.

This week McKinnon takes on the Giants, who revamped their defense in the offseason. Actually, they are fifth in defending running backs; on average they only allow 3.2 yards per carry.

However, this is the first week of byes, and a ton of injuries and McKinnon’s athleticism is worth the risk! He’s averaging 15-20 carries per game and is out snapping Matt Asiata.

McKinnon is projected to earn about 20 fantasy points and is a great Week 4 sleeper pick.

Next: 6. There's still hope for this tight end

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) catches a touchdown pass against Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

6. Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears

Up until last week, Zach Miller has been a non-factor in fantasy football. It’s no shocker he’s owned in only about 15 percent of leagues.

However, with the right matchup Miller has the ability to bring in good points like we saw in last week’s game. He caught 8-of-9 targets for two touchdowns and 79 yards; He earned almost 30 fantasy points.

This week’s matchup could offer the same results. The Chicago Bears come face-to-face with the Detroit Lions who have offered tight ends five touchdowns this season.

Last week he was Brian Hoyer’s main target. With a matchup like this, Miller has an opportunity to have an explosive performance.

Next: 5. His passing yards out number his rushing yards

Sep 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovanni Bernard (25) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

5. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

If you drafted Giovani Bernard you would know you have to take the good with the bad. In the last three weeks, he’s only rushed for 50 yards.

However, he’s kept himself on rosters because he’s developed himself well into a passing game. He’s completed 16 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown; that’s crazy coming from an RB2.

This week, the Cincinnati Bengals play the Dolphins. The Dolphins have allowed the 30^th most yards in the NFL.

Keep in mind, he does play in a committee which means, he could lose snaps. However, if you need a flex position or bye week filler Bernard will be a good choice.

Next: 4. He hasn't had fantasy value since Week 1

4. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Most people right now will see Alex Smith and laugh, but remember this is the sleeper list. Owners thought they had a stud in Smith after Week 1’s explosive performance but, we haven’t seen that stud since that game.

In Week 2 he literally owned 3 fantasy football points. He had no touchdowns and only threw 186 yards. Last week, he barely reached 15 points; better than Week 2 but, still not great.

If Smith plays his cards right, this week’s game is in the bag. The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers who have allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL this season.

Smith is only owned in about 20 percent of leagues and should be available to draft. He’s a great Week 4 sleeper.

Next: 3. His Wildcat position increases his fantasy value

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a pass reception against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (22) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

3. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns

When owners drafted Terrelle Pryor, they had no idea what they in for. Last week, this receiver earned points from receiving and rushing.

Pryor altered quarterback roles in a Wildcat position rushing for 21 yards on four carries. He completed 8-of-14 targets for 144 yards. Pryor earned about 40 fantasy football points last week.

If Pryor continues the Wildcat scheme, he will see an increase in fantasy points. Not to mention, this week he takes on the Redskins.

The Redskins have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Pryor is owned in about 65 percent of leagues, grab him if you can!

Next: 2. He has an increased workload in Week 4

Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bears defeated the Browns 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears

Jordan Howard was sharing snaps with an injured Jeremy Langford until Langford was carted off the field with an ankle injury that will keep him out for several weeks. Like we saw last week, Howard is ready for the increased workload.

He had nine carries for 45 rushing yards. Howard also completed 4-of-6 passes for 47 yards. He earned 13 fantasy points but, keep in mind during the first half of the game, Langford was still playing.

This week, Howard will see a huge increase in snaps. He’s playing the Detroit Lions who are offering 5.1 yards per carry; the highest in the NFL.

This will be a breakout week for Howard; the opportunity and matchup are ideal. He’s hot on the market so hurry up.

Next: 1. This receiver will electrify this week

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) catches a touchdown pass during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tyrell Williams, WR, San Diego Chargers

Tyrell Williams is not an every week starter yet. Yes, his role has increased with Keenan Allen on injured reserve but, he is touchdown dependent and needs the perfect matchup like we saw in Week 2.

In Week 2, he completed 3-of-6 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. He earned a little over 20 fantasy football points that week.

However, last week, Williams was a huge bust. He completed 3-of-6 targets for 61 yards. If it wasn’t for his touchdown, he wouldn’t have reached double-digit points.

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Williams has a team-high of targets. His weekly matchup against the New Orleans Saints also adds more fantasy football value.