By Nan Jiang
A new week in the NFL means another 16 games of drama, and another chance to bolster your fantasy squad. Here are the players to look out for after Week 4. As always, the percentages listed are the percent of ESPN players who have each player rostered.
Quarterback
Joshua Dobbs (ARI, 2.1%)
It’s so hard to gauge what the Cardinals are this year. We all thought they were fighting for Caleb Williams at the beginning of the year, but they have been surprisingly competitive through four weeks. Sure, they haven’t been winning much, but they have scored a ton of points. At the helm of the offense, Joshua Dobbs is playing for his job, and it’s reflecting in his numbers. He has had three solid fantasy finishes in his last three games, and is a worthwhile streaming option for next week.
Baker Mayfield (TB, 12.7%)
The Bucs have also been a pleasant surprise this year, and we’re getting some vintage Mayfield performances. One concern going forward with the Bucs is the loss of star WR Mike Evans. We don’t know when Evans will be back, but Baker looked just fine throwing to Chris Godwin this last week in their 26-9 win against the Saints. Baker is probably a serviceable QB2 for the rest of the season.
Running back
Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN, 0.5%)
The loss of Javante Williams is a huge blow in Denver, especially after the Broncos seemingly found their stride in their Week 4 Tank Bowl win against the Bears. However, if there is a silver lining to all of this, it’s the chance to use rookie back Jaleel McLaughlin, and he has proved to be the latest of many rookie backs to completely break out these past few weeks. As of right now, he isn’t slated to be a starter for long, but McLaughlin is a worthy stash for next week.
Wide receiver
Jaylen Reed (GB, 22.3%)
Rookie receiver Jaylen Reed has been solid for the Packers this season. Christian Watson has only been back for one week, but it doesn’t seem as he’s taking targets away from standout rookie Reed so far. Reed had a solid performance this week, with 55 yards on three receptions. Against the Raiders next week, the Packers face an easier defense, and in a pickle, Reed is an able spot starter.
Jameson Williams (DET, 16.3%)
Williams will be back on the field for week 5 after his betting suspension, and now is a great time to grab the talented receiver. Williams hasn’t really gotten a chance to show his potential yet in his young career, as he finished with just one catch last season, but the Lions definitely have something cooking up for their former first round pick.
Tight end
Jonnu Smith (ATL, 0.4%)
The 11th best TE this season is owned by just 0.4% of people, while his compatriot on the Falcons, Kyle Pitts, is massively worse, coming in at 28th as he’s owned by 91% of people. The truth is, Jonnu is getting more looks than Pitts on the offense, and it’s a good chance to pick him up in a very volatile TE market. Pitts has been a massive disappointment thus far this season, and if the Falcons keep underutilizing him, Jonnu Smith will be a valuable fantasy piece.
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