Duke Johnson heads this week's list of deep fantasy sleepers
Many fantasy football owners are still reeling from the injuries which have sidelined eight running backs over the past two weeks and a smaller group of primary receivers.
With no reasonable alternatives on fantasy waiver wires, some owners may need to roll the dice on a long shot or two to come out on top.
Here are some deep sleepers for Week 4 from The Fantasy Greek.
RB Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns
The Browns have featured Isaiah Crowell in the running game, giving him 45 rushes to Johnson’s 16. However, Johnson out-targets Crowell 17-4 in the passing game.
The Browns play the Washington Redskins, a team gashed by running backs for almost 500 yards from scrimmage and six rushing touchdowns. While Crowell should be in line for a big day, so should Johnson. Johnson posted a season-high 10 rushing attempts and five receptions last week, when 36 of the Browns' 74 offensive plays involved running backs. game. He should be in line for 75 all-purpose yards and a score.
Fantasy football rankings: Week 4
QB Blaine Gabbert, San Francisco 49ers
Gabbert has completed just 55.2% of his passes for 532 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. These numbers should be no surprise after playing the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks -- all three of which are in the upper half of fantasy defenses against the quarterback position.
This week, Gabbert plays a much more forgiving Dallas Cowboys team allowing an average of 296 yards passing and two TDs per game. Expect a big rebound in Gabbert’s numbers, making him a solid option in two-quarterback leagues.
RB Bobby Rainey, New York Giants
The Giants are missing their starting running back and their third down, pass-catching specialist. Orleans Darkwa is expected to start as a traditional, between-the-tackles rusher, while Rainey will fill in on passing downs.
This week’s matchup against the Vikings is better for Rainey. While the Vikings have allowed the least number of rushing yards, the unit has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards to running backs, including two receiving touchdowns.
WR Steve Smith, Baltimore Ravens
The wily veteran has quietly been increasing his production, culminating in eight receptions for 87 yards last week. He’s averaging slightly better than eight targets per week.
Smith is primed for a breakout game against an Oakland Raiders team allowing a league-worst 220 yards to the position each week, with five TDs. While defenses focus on stopping Mike Wallace and Dennis Pitta, Smith should be free to roam. Expect double-digit fantasy points in all formats.
Dez Bryant's hairline fracture downgrades Dallas offense
WR Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers
Since Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead were lost to injury, Williams has been the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, with his best game a 61-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 2.
Williams is due for a better game this week as the New Orleans Saints have been generous to second wide receivers with 15 receptions and 204 yards allowed in the first two games. In Week 3, the Falcons' Mohamed Sanu left early with a shoulder injury, but combined with No. 3 wide receiver Justin Hardy for five receptions, 57 yards and a TD. Williams is in line to top 100 yards receiving and score a touchdown. In PPR leagues, the performance should equate to double-digit fantasy points.
Tennessee Titans defense/special teams
In three games, including ones against the top passing offenses of the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders, the Titans are holding opponents to 19.0 points per game. Where they struggle is in creating turnovers.
This week, the Titans play the Houston Texans, who are among the top 10 in turnover differential and are struggling to put points on the board, averaging just 14 points per game. This should be the week the Titans defense breaks through.
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