In DFS and yearly fantasy leagues, the key to winning is finding production where others overlook it. Many players are not reliable fantasy performers, but circumstances or matchups make them a good fit in a given week. Pinpointing these players can win matchups or, in the case of DFS, win money. Here are some players to consider slotting in for week 4 fantasy matchups.
Quarterback
Brian Hoyer CHI vs. DET DK Salary - $5,000 FD Salary - $6,000 3.1% ownership
The pass defense for the Lions has been awful early this season. They have allowed 10 touchdown passes and only intercepted one pass. This week the already weak defense will likely play without Ezekiel Ansah and DeAndre Levy. This should add up to Hoyer having some time to throw, although the Bears line is not good. The Bears are not going to win games with Hoyer at the helm, but he has shown throughout his career that he can put up numbers. Whether or not Alshon Jeffery suits up this week, Hoyer should drastically outperform his DFS price and could be worth a start in yearly leagues.
Running Back
Dexter McCluster SD vs. NO DK Salary - $3,500 FD Salary - $4,500 4.6% ownership
McCluster did not make much of an impact in his first week with the Chargers, catching 2 passes for 9 yards on 3 targets. This week San Diego will be at home for the Saints dreadful defense. On the surface it is a dream matchup for Rivers and the rest of the offense. Dig deeper and the Chargers may be without three starting linemen from an already sloppy offensive line. Right about now, you're saying, "But McCluster is on the Chargers too". That is true, but Rivers should be looking to dump the ball off quickly with that porous line in front of him. That could mean a decent number of targets for the new passing down back.
Justin Forsett BAL vs. OAK DK Salary - $3,800 FD Salary - $5,800 66.7% ownership
This is a name that will probably be wiped from the vernacular of fantasy owners soon. Week 4 may be the last time that Forsett gets a decent number of looks as Kenneth Dixon is about to return to the fold, maybe as soon as week 5. For the moment, Forsett should have as good a chance to produce as he has had all season. The Raiders are third worst in the league in rushing defense, allowing 136 yards per game on the ground. While Terrance West will see about half the carries, Forsett should have a couple of receptions versus an Oakland pass defense which is also awful.
Wide Receiver
Jamison Crowder WAS vs. CLE DK Salary - $4,200 FD Salary - $6,000 45.1% ownership
The Redskins offense has not been setting the world on fire, but Kirk Cousins has been racking up passing yardage. Jamison Crowder has been one of the early season benefactors of Cousins aerial assault and is looking like the Redskins number one receiver at the moment. Enter a Browns' defense that cannot stop slot receivers (worst in the league) and there is a high chance for a big game out of Crowder. On top of that, Vegas has Washington with the highest implied point total of the week at 26.75. This is the week to start Crowder and not just in PPR leagues.
Kevin White CHI vs. DET DK Salary - $3,400 FD Salary - $5,500 61.4% ownership
Despite the hype coming out of last year's draft, White has not had great results early in his NFL career. Last week was his best game so far and he only had 62 yards receiving. In week 4, the Bears may be without Alshon Jeffery against one of the most forgiving pass defenses in the league (as discussed with Brian Hoyer above). White has all of the physical ability needed to be a dominant receiver if he can get the mental aspect of the game. If Hoyer zones in on the young receiver, this could be the game of the year for White. For the truly brave DFS player, Hoyer and White can be stacked leaving a ton of salary available for some studs.
Tight End
Jason Witten DAL @SF DK Salary - $4,500 FD Salary - $6,000 83.1% ownership
The brand name still exists, but Witten's production has not justified the hype in quite a while. Week 4 stacks up as a game where he could buck that trend, however. The Cowboys will be without their top receiver as Dez Bryant is injured. The Cowboys will be facing a weak pass defense in San Francisco and Dak Prescott is a fan of short to intermediate passes. Most likely someone has Witten on their roster in most leagues, teams with him on the bench should consider starting him in this one. This week could be a throwback to when Witten was a top tight end.
Hunter Henry SD vs. NO DK Salary - $2,700 FD Salary - $4,500 26.8% ownership
For players in yearly leagues looking for a player with more likely availability, Henry is your man. Future hall of famer Antonio Gates is unlikely to play this week leaving the door open for the rookie to get a second start in a row. Henry put up decent numbers in week 3, although he lost a fumble late in the game. Like McCluster above, Henry may be a frequent outlet for Rivers in this one. Even the Saints should be able to get a bit of a pass rush going against the decimated Chargers offensive line. Henry is a sneaky choice for tight end production in what could be a shootout in San Diego.
