As the highest-scoring fantasy running back, Jamaal Charles figures to be the safest RB option on Draftpot this week
Week 4 is here, and we have some more fun and exciting matchups. With that being said, we do have a shorter slate since it is the first week with teams on the bye and the early game on Sunday in London. Let’s take a look at my top plays for Week 4.
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Tournament Lineup
Quarterback
Andy Dalton (CIN) – vs. KC
Some may think this pick is out there when taking into consideration no salary cap, but Dalton has scored the third most fantasy points for quarterbacks this season. Combine that with the matchup against the Chiefs, who have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and you have a good, sneaky tournament play.
Running Back
Jamaal Charles (KC) – at CIN
With three weeks of the NFL season in the books, Charles leads all running backs in fantasy points scored. As we saw last Monday night, Charles is capable of scoring multiple touchdowns regardless if the Chiefs are winning or losing. The Bengals have not allowed a rushing touchdown yet this season, however, I expect that to change this week when the Chiefs come to town.
Frank Gore (IND) – vs. JAC
Here is another sneaky tournament play to use in your lineup this week. The Jaguars have allowed the third most fantasy points to running backs this season. Also, it has been reported that Andrew Luck’s shoulder has been bothering him. I expect the Colts to have a more balanced approach this week and feed Gore the ball more often than normal.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Green (CIN) – vs. KC
Green had a phenomenal game in Week 3 (10 receptions, 227 yards, two touchdowns) against the Ravens. He makes for a great stack with Dalton this week since the Chiefs have also allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Julio Jones (ATL) – at HOU
My chalk wide receiver pick is once again Julio Jones. Jones is currently the best receiver in the league and has a decent matchup against the Texans. Not many people know this, but the Texans currently have the quickest offensive pace in the league. Compare that to the Falcons who have the third quickest pace in the league. This game should be high scoring, which should equate to numerous scoring opportunities for Jones.
Amari Cooper (CHI) – at CHI
My under the radar receiver pick this week is Cooper. He is Carr’s favorite target, and the Raiders have an excellent matchup against an awful Bears defense. The Bears have allowed seven touchdowns to receivers this season, the second-most in the NFL.
Tight End
Greg Olsen (CAR) – at TB
Olsen finally had a great game in Week 3, accumulating eight receptions, 134 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints. While he faces the Buccaneers who have allowed the fifth-fewest points to tight ends this season, that statistic is a little misleading since the Bucs faced Benjamin Watson in Week 2 and Garrett Graham in Week 3. Neither tight end is heavily involved in the passing game like Olsen. Olsen should continue to see a high amount of targets in an offense that lacks receiving weapons.
Flex
Matt Forte (CHI) – vs. OAK
Forte is like Jamaal Charles in the sense that he is not only a bell cow running back, but he is also heavily involved in the passing game. Forte should have a large workload in a decent matchup against the Raiders, regardless of if the Bears are winning or losing.
Randall Cobb (GB)–at SF
Cobb had a huge Week 3 performance with seven receptions for 91 yards and three touchdowns. He gets a great matchup in Week 4 against a 49ers defense that allows a great deal of fantasy points to receivers. The Packers have a high expected point total (28.25). Therefore, Cobb could very well have another great performance.
Defense/Special Teams
Arizona Cardinals DST – vs. STL
The Cardinals defense has scored the second most fantasy points this season. They also have a great matchup at home against a struggling Rams offense.
Kicker
Steven Hauschka (SEA) – vs. DET
Hauschka is one of the most accurate kickers in the league and should have plenty of opportunities to put up some points this week.
Cash Lineup
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (GB) – at SF
Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league and has a great matchup. Do not overthink this pick.
Running Back
Jamaal Charles (KC) – at CIN
Charles is an elite running back who is heavily involved in the passing game.
Matt Forte (CHI) – vs. OAK
Similar to Charles, Forte typically receives frequent targets out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones (ATL) – vs. HOU
Jones is the best receiver in the league, especially with this matchup.
Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) – at BUF
Beckham is Manning’s favorite target and is matched up against an inconsistent Bills secondary.
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) – vs. MIN
Thomas finally scored in Week 3 and has another decent matchup this week.
Tight End
Greg Olsen (CAR) – at TB
With Gronkowski on the bye, Olsen is your safest pick at the position this week.
Defense/Special Teams
Seattle Seahawks DST vs. DET
The three givens in life – Death, taxes and the Seahawks’ defense at home.
Kicker
Steven Hauschka vs. DET
As noted in my tournament lineup, Hauschka is an accurate kicker and should have ample opportunities to put up points.
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Kaz Kalita is a correspondent at FantasyPros. You can find more of Kaz’s work at DraftStars.net, and you can follow him @draftstars_kaz.
