Week 4 of the NFL season is quickly approaching. No wonder fantasy football managers everywhere are making last-minute pickups to strengthen their rosters! Here are a few players to look out for based on potential impact, matchup and ESPN league availability. This article discusses key players including Ollie Gordon II, Romeo Doubs, Kareem Hunt, Geno Smith, Elic Ayomanor, and the Los Angeles Chargers defense, analyzing their current status and what they might bring to fantasy teams.
Ollie Gordon II is still relatively underloved, currently sitting as only 27.0% rostered in ESPN leagues. Serving as the backup to De’Von Achane, he has the opportunity to make an impact in the Miami Dolphins’ run game. This is where Gordon II injects a new, dynamic element to the offense. This new development could open up a potentially valuable path for fantasy managers looking for depth at the position.
Spotlight on Ollie Gordon II
Gordon II is more than content in his backup role, lapping up knowledge from Achane. Meanwhile, he’s preparing himself for his own opportunities to make plays during games. The Dolphins’ offensive scheme is predicated on maximizing the value of their running backs. He is eager to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.
His unique skill set would provide the type of speed and agility to maximize Achane’s transformational play style. As the season progresses, managers should monitor Gordon II’s usage closely, particularly in matchups where the Dolphins aim to exploit opponents’ weaknesses in their run defense.
Gordon II may not be a starter right away, but he has the potential to turn into a key asset. If Achane hits a wall or the Dolphins go with two back, signing Gordon II could be a huge win. Fantasy managers looking to fill out their RB depth shouldn’t hesitate to view him as a solid target.
Notable Wide Receivers: Doubs and Ayomanor
Romeo Doubs, currently rostered in 34.4% of ESPN league, is in line for an interesting matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Doubs has made a lot of plays this season and is on the verge of becoming a go-to option to whoever wins the QB battle. His combined big play ability and timely contested catch ability could pose a big challenge to the Cowboys’ secondary.
Yet the Packers are clearly trying to get Doubs more involved in the offense. This potentially adorable farm animal of a matchup would be the permanent crucial turning point for him. If he is opportunistic, he can give the team a significant lift on the scoreboard. It would lock him in as a must-start option in fantasy lineups going forward.
Elic Ayomanor, WR/ECR, Tennessee Titans Elic is presently rostered in 27.7% of ESPN leagues. So watch out for him—you never know where he’ll strike next, and he would certainly be a force for good! His preseason work has opened eyes to his potential among fantasy managers with the young talent quickly establishing a rapport with his QB. Ayomanor’s exceptional physicality and elite route-running traits help produce explosive yards after the catch. This all matters particularly as the Titans look to upgrade their passing attack.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo — Titans Okonkwo is only on the roster in 17.7% of leagues right now. He acts as a stout complementary option at tight end. Okonkwo has been flying under the radar up until this point, but his ability to deliver breakout performances at this level is unquestionable. Keep him in mind in deeper formats, or as a streaming play.
Running Back Insights with Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt, another big name to notice this week, is being rosters in 35.7% of ESPN leagues. Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, he possesses a wealth of experience and skill that can translate well into fantasy points. Because Hunt is equally capable in rushing and receiving roles, he would be a great asset for teams looking to add depth to the position.
As the Chiefs figure out what works best for them on offense, Hunt’s usage is going to depend a lot on game scripts. Whether or not he’s actually scoring may not matter as much — the fact that he can is what makes him so appealing to fantasy managers. Monitoring his usage is going to be the key here as the season progresses.
He currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. His capabilities as a quarterback can provide valuable contributions to fantasy teams, particularly if he continues to develop rapport with his receivers. In the end, Smith’s performance against these powerful defenses will be crucial for deciding whether he’s a workable starting option going forward.
Defensive Considerations: Los Angeles Chargers D/ST
The Los Angeles Chargers defense is currently the most owned D/ST in 47.4% of ESPN leagues. This week, they’re scheduled to beat the New York Giants. Beyond injuries, this matchup looks to be a favorable scenario for the Chargers’ defense, a unit that has flashed form throughout the year. Their propensity to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks is a recipe for huge fantasy points.
Defenses tend to play a larger role in fantasy matchups. How well are the Chargers going to be able to exploit any deficiencies on the Giants’ offensive line managers must determine. A big week this week would help make a dent in that perception and ensure that they remain a must-add defensive unit going forward.
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