We’re almost a quarter into the 2024 season, and uncertainty reigns supreme in both the NFL and fantasy football. Offenses we had written off for dead, like the Panthers and Giants, showed signs of life on Sunday, while previously dominant units like the Texans and Saints struggled.
With so much in flux, finding a quality contributor off the waiver wire might feel overwhelming. Not to worry! As we enter Week 4, here are some sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS matchup, season-long matchup, or even a fantasy championship.
Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB Braelon Allen, New York Jets ($5,400)
There weren’t a ton of surprises during the Jets’ 24-3 drubbing of the Patriots on Thursday Night Football. New York dominated New England in all facets of the game, as expected. One takeaway for Gang Green is that rookie Braelon Allen could be a key piece of the offense going forward.
After an efficient two-touchdown day in Week 2 against the Titans, Allen’s encore performance saw his largest workload of the season (14 touches for 68 total yards). Granted, the Jets would have given starter Breece Hall ($7,800) a heavier workload if the game was close. That doesn’t mean you can’t roster two Jets RBs on what should be one of the game’s better offenses.
This week’s home matchup against the Broncos (NYJ favored by 7.5 points) bodes well for another big lead. If the Jets involve their young running back early and often, he can deliver flex-caliber numbers in deeper leagues.
TE Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders ($4,000)
Looking for a tight end on waivers at this point in the season is never a good thing. I’m not going to try to sell you on Zach Ertz solving all your problems at such a difficult position, but he’s probably being under-rostered.
Now on his 12th season in the NFL, Ertz isn’t the same target monster he was with the Eagles. However, he’s the clear no. 1 on the depth chart for a Commanders team capable of putting up some points. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels ($6,500) was impeccable on Monday night in Cincinnati, so fantasy managers should be scrambling to nab any piece of this potentially dynamic offense.
While Ertz’s stats this year don’t jump off the page (twelve catches for 128 yards), he’s second on Washington in targets with 13. Given his familiarity with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme, and the lack of reliable pass-catchers other than Terry McLaurin ($5,800), the veteran tight end should be more involved going forward.
QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos ($5,100)
It wasn’t a shock to see Bo Nix finally put it together against the Buccaneers on Sunday. The 24-year old rookie was one of the most mature passers entering this year’s draft class, a key reason why Denver took him 12th overall. It was only a matter of time before he put together a decent game (216 yards, 69.4% completion), even against a good Tampa Bay defense.
What really stood out in Week 3 was Nix’s scrambling ability. The Broncos QB ran the ball nine times for 47 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, his second rushing score of the season. Even if he’s had difficulty throwing it into the red zone (0 passing touchdowns), any dual-threat quarterback offers up enticing fantasy potential.
This week’s game against the Jets is a bit of a buzzkill. Although the secondary hasn’t been quite as dominant, this is still a defense that destroys rookie quarterbacks. In fourteen team or lower leagues, Nix isn’t startable for Week 4. Still, he’s someone that savvy fantasy managers might want to consider stashing on their bench.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson, Pittsburgh Steelers ($4,300)
Jaylen Warren ($5,100) has been held out of Steelers practice all week, as it’s looking more likely that a knee injury could force him to miss an extended amount of time. In his absence, enter Cordarrelle Patterson. The legendary return specialist has had mixed success on offense in the past as a RB/WR hybrid, but he has a golden opportunity in front of him in Pittsburgh.
In Week 3, Patterson saw his snap count jump to 34%, a 28% increase from the week prior. The veteran didn’t get a ton of carries but he was efficient, rushing for 33 yards on four attempts. Through the air, quarterback Justin Fields ($5,500) was able to find C-Pat on three different occasions.
Should Warren miss any amount of time, Patterson is an intriguing deep-league play. We’ve seen him have success as a change-of-pace receiving back before. A scorching-hot 3-0 start has led to a slower paced offense looking to chew clock. Although the Steelers are a good team, expecting dominance all season is a stretch. This team is sure to eventually get into pass-first situations, and that’s where Patterson could be used more than starter Najee Harris ($5,600).
The Steelers are modest 1.5-point favorites on the road against the Colts. If an elite Pittsburgh defense finally has a letdown game against Anthony Richardson ($6,300), Patterson could be in line for plenty of work in the second half.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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