Joe Mixon looks to have a great game against the Browns this weekend.
Credit: @Joe_MainMixon
By: Collin Moran
There are some great matchups coming this weekend when Week Four in the NFL kicks off. Down below is a list of players who are not elite but may put up big numbers in their respective games, these players are considered sleepers and owners are strongly encouraged to consider starting them.
Joe Mixon, RB Cincinnati Bengals:
So far it has been hard to rely on the rookie to produce good numbers in fantasy, but a nice matchup against the Browns this week should help start things up. Mixon was drafted as high as the fourth round in many leagues and so far hasn’t even been a viable starting option, but he saw 18 carries in Week Three and new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor seems intent on getting Mixon heavily involved. Surprisingly, the Cleveland run defense has been much better this year than one might think, they have allowed only 3.1 yards per carry and two touchdowns to opposing running backs. Despite the Browns early season run defense success, this still figures to be a nice matchup for Mixon to finally break out. Expect around 20 touches for the rookie with a good chance to find the end zone.
Tyler Lockett, WR Seattle Seahawks:
It hasn’t been a great start to the season for the Seattle offense as they rank 13th in total yards but are only tied for 23rd in points scored. Quarterback Russell Wilson is completing only 57.4% of his passes and is averaging only 6.34 yards per completion, both are career lows and show that the passing attack needs to generate some big plays. Lockett is the best deep threat in the Seahawks’ passing attack and this could be the week he produces a long touchdown since the Colts defense has allowed a league high 14.2 yards per catch. The speedy wide receiver could be in for an even bigger game if teammate Doug Baldwin is unable to play this week. With or without Baldwin, view Lockett as a solid flex option with the chance of coming away with WR1 production in this nice matchup.
Wendell Smallwood, RB Philadelphia Eagles:
This is a risky addition to the list, but with the Chargers giving up the second most rushing yards per game, Smallwood could provide owners with a nice performance. In last week’s run heavy attack against the Giants, the second year running back tied for the team lead with 12 carries and provided the most yards by any running back in the game with 71. The Eagles have been known to lean more towards passing the football rather than running it, but if they stick with the same game plan, expect Smallwood to get his fair share of touches. He projects to be a flex start in deeper leagues this week and could get some nice yardage if all the right pieces fall into place, just don’t count on him getting any goal line carries with LeGarrette Blount in the mix.
Cam Newton, QB Carolina Panthers:
It is tough to say that Super Cam is considered to be a sleeper, but based on how bad he’s been this year, a lot of owners are probably sending him to the bench. I may be putting Cam in this piece just to advise giving him one last shot to prove he’s worthy to remain on rosters. It’s no secret that the former MVP has not been himself since the loss in Super Bowl 50, and while the first three games of this season have only been proving that to be true (Four interceptions compared to only two passing touchdowns), this could be a week where he comes through with a solid performance. Newton did have a great matchup last week against the Saints and failed to impress, but this week he faces a Patriots defense that let rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson get his first career 20 fantasy point game. New England has given up a league high eight passing touchdowns and 992 passing yards. Even if top wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin can’t suit up, Cam has enough weapons around him to make something happen. It is also worth noting that he produced his first rushing touchdown last week, a trend that will hopefully continue. Give the veteran one last shot in your starting lineup, and he fails this week he may be better off on the waiver wire.
Jared Cook, TE Oakland Raiders:
Since arriving in Oakland, Cook has seen a steady share of attention by getting at least four catches in each of the first three games this season. He was able to find the end zone for the first time last week against the Redskins and could eventually become one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets in the red zone. This week the Raiders travel to Denver to face off against the Broncos, and after their offense struggled to move the ball against Washington, this week’s matchup doesn’t bode well for the Oakland offense. Cook makes this list because the Denver pass defense has allowed seven touchdowns this season which is second highest in the league. If Derek Carr has trouble connecting with his wide receivers, he might look for Cook to help get the ball in the end zone. With all the injuries to tight ends around the league, the veteran pass catcher might be a good play this week for the solid Raiders passing attack.
Tyrell Williams, WR Los Angeles Chargers:
After a breakout sophomore year where he topped 1,000 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns, Williams’ start to this season has been somewhat disappointing. With Keenan Allen getting most of the attention in the Chargers passing attack, Williams is still searching for his first touchdown and has yet to top more than 54 yards in a game this season. This week presents a great opportunity for the third year wide receiver to break out of his slump when the Eagles come to Los Angeles in what should be a high scoring game. Philadelphia hasn’t had a great pass defense this season as they are in the Top-10 for pass yards allowed and let three Giants wide receivers get at least seven catches last week. So far this season, Williams is second on the team in targets and a solid performance is bound to come soon. Williams is a low end WR2 this week with a solid floor against the Eagles.
