Flex Options for Week 4 (Fantasy Football)

When non-marquee names score TDs, it can really bolster a line-up, and Week 3 had plenty of those moments. Unfortunately for the RBs and WRs, Week 3 Sunday was reported as the day with the most TE TDs in NFL history. Juwan Johnson had three TDs and did not share any with Devaughn Vele. Denzel Boston caught the two-point conversion after watching his TE score a TD and not the other way around. Xavier Hutchinson and Blake Corum had unexciting workloads, but their days included watching their TEs score TDs.

You know who else watched his team’s TE score a TD? Emmett Johnson, but it turns out he watched most of the game because apparently Kenneth Walker does not share. Take your pick of “close but no cigar”, “right church, wrong pew”, or “barking up the wrong tree” as our attention shifts from Week 3 to Week 4. NFL history suggests Week 4 will not have as much scoring usurped by TEs, so let’s look at RBs ranked outside the top 24 and WRs ranked outside the top 36 in the Fantasy Footballers weekly rankings for potential starters.

Here are some names to consider:

Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are ready to put the Washington Commanders loss behind them, and possibly no one more than Price, who had a first-quarter fumble. Despite only having five carries in Week 3, Price leads all Seattle RBs in rushing yards, yards per rush attempt, and is tied for RB targets. Seattle and the 12s are hosting the floundering Los Angeles Chargers. After playing the Cardinals, Raiders, and Bills, there have only been two times the Chargers have ended a quarter of play with a lead. This bodes well for Price as the Seahawks should be in the position to chew up the clock all game. RBs squaring off against the Chargers are averaging six targets per game in addition to decent rushing success. Price, ranked RB29 for the week, will have the home crowd behind him with a clear path to outperforming his rank.

Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard‘s workload has been steadily increasing for a Tennessee Titans team whose best football may still be yet to come. Week 3 saw Pollard have a season-high 21 touches, most excitingly including four receptions on four targets. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is no stranger to using RBs in the passing game, and Pollard has a history of supplementing his rushes with receiving work. The Baltimore Ravens have shown some vulnerability in the short passing game. Should Cam Ward send some passes his way in addition to the regular rushing work, Pollard has a path to outperform his rank of RB 30.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are being led by an offense that continues to spread the ball around. Meyers saw a season-high eight targets in Week 3 with two targets in the red zone. Meyers leads the team in catch percentage and has double the yards after catch as Parker Washington. With Brian Thomas Jr. only receiving one target in Week 3 after an underwhelming Week 2, there is evidence Trevor Lawrence may be shifting his attention more to Meyers. The Cincinnati Bengals appeared to have good WR coverage in Weeks 1 & 2, but gave up three TDs to Steelers WRs in Week 3. Head Coach Liam Coen’s offense should be able to exploit the cracks in the armor of the Bengals’ defense, leaving Meyers with a clear path to beat his WR40 ranking.

Kalif Raymond, WR, Chicago Bears

There were concerns with the Chicago Bears pass catchers entering Week 3 due to an injured Caleb Williams, but Case Keenum’s swan song performance showed the effectiveness of the offense. What is remarkable is that Kalif Raymond‘s role in the offense is no fluke, regardless of QB. Averaging over six targets per game for the season, Raymond is second on the team in targets. The Bears will be hosting the New York Jets, who have allowed five receiving touchdowns in three games this season. The Jets’ defensive scheme appears dedicated to neutralizing opposing top receivers while allowing regular opportunities for the remaining pass catchers. Entering the weekly rankings as the WR54, Raymond should have the opportunity to volume his way to success. Bonus: If the Jets give Luther Burden top receiver coverage, it could also spell success for Rome Odunze, ranked WR37.

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Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

To quote NBA Jam, this pick comes to you “from downtown!” With Lemon currently ranked at WR62, this one is a vibes play. The Philadelphia Eagles offense has had its struggles, and the first-round rookie has had a slow start to the season following hamstring issues. Each week, as Lemon acclimates to the offense, his play has improved in ways not being captured in the box scores. Lemon has steadily worked his way up to second on the team in routes run for the year. He leads the team with a 78% catch percentage, with only one target not caught all season. Game film shows improvement in creating separation and finding space in the defense, particularly in the second half of Week 3. It is only a matter of time before Jalen Hurts begins capitalizing on those opportunities; the breakout is on the horizon. The Los Angeles Rams are a formidable defense, but getting the ball out quickly to short and intermediate routes may be just what Lemon needs to have a standout performance. Bonus: For those same reasons, Dontayvion Wicks has the chance to outperform his rank of WR38 while DeVonta Smith sees top coverage.