While only six NFL teams have ever rallied from an 0-3 start to make the playoffs, things can get much more desperate for those of you in fantasy football leagues with a similar roster. Professional teams get 18 weeks to shape their season while the average fantasy league's regular season covers just 14, meaning the pressure to get on the board is mounting for fantasy owners still seeking their first win.
While last week's running back party of pickups offered some hope for teams in need of backfield help, this week's top pickups lean far more towards the receiver well. Let's take a look at the five top pickups that can help you win in Week 4 with all rostered percentages based on Yahoo! leagues.
5. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 4 - Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs
When in doubt in fantasy football, you could do worse for a bench spot than taking a shot on a rookie receiver. That position often has the easiest acclimation to the NFL and several of them emerge as fantasy contributors over the course of the season, with Colts' rookie Josh Downs emerging as a sleeper candidate over the past three weeks.
Downs, a third-round pick out of North Carolina, had his breakthrough game in Indy's upset of the Baltimore Ravens by catching eight passes for 57 yards. That effort produced a very tidy 9.7 points for those in half PPR leagues and the fact that the workload has come on 12 targets is encouraging.
If you have need of depth at receiver you could do worse than Downs, who is rostered in just two percent of leagues, and has shown good rapport with both backup Gardner Minshew and regular starter Anthony Richardson. Bye weeks are rapidly approaching and having a guy who is averaging just under 7 targets a game is an important roster filler.
4. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 4 - Houston Texans WR Tank Dell
We covered Dell in this space last week and 25 percent of the Yahoo audience heeded the call to pick him up. Those who listened to this advice were rewarded with a huge 5-145-1 day on seven targets, assuming they plugged Dell into the lineup.
The fact that this effort came on the road against a good Jacksonville team is a bright sign for Dell, who has clearly established himself as Houston's No. 2 receiving option behind Nico Collins. The fact that the Texans won today isn't something that should occur very often, opening up more potential for targets in games where C.J. Stroud has to play catchup.
Dell's explosive speed makes him a bit of a high ceiling lottery ticket for fantasy lineups with a higher floor if the target volume remains consistent. It certainly helps Dell's case that he has been productive and found pay dirt in consecutive weeks.
There is still an opportunity to get Dell in 70 percent of leagues, a figure that should shrink dramatically after back-to-back strong performances. Dell's growing connection with Stroud ensures he will remain in the flex conversation all season long and makes him a good WR3 filler for upcoming bye weeks.
3. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 4 - Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud
It feels like its been five years since we had a fantasy relevant Houston quarterback but Stroud is changing that conversation. Stroud just missed last week's column after a 384 yard effort against the Colts, but seeing him follow it up with another good game is strong enough evidence to check in at No. 3 on this week's pickup list.
Facing a stronger defense than he did last week in Jacksonville, Stroud responded by going 20-for-30 for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud doesn't scramble a ton but he usually takes off 3-4 times a game, adding another point or two on the ground that can be quite valuable.
Houston's skill position group is not elite by any means but possesses enough playmakers for Stroud to continue to be fantasy relevant all season long. There is a good case to add Stroud for teams who are dealing with injury concerns at QB (Joe Burrow), underachievers (Justin Fields) or inconsistency (Daniel Jones).
Stroud is rostered in 20 percent of leagues, a figure that should rise considerably given his situation and potential to be chasing garbage time points all season long. Matchups against the Steelers and Falcons in the next two weeks aren't too imposing so teams in need of help under center should eagerly claim Stroud.
2. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 4 - Los Angeles Chargers WR Joshua Palmer
Palmer was a popular pickup among fantasy owners last season after both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams got hurt early in the season. It didn't look like things would stack up in Palmer's favor this season with healthy returns from both stars and Los Angeles' decision to invest a first-round pick in rookie Quentin Johnston, developments that threatened to push Palmer way down the depth chart.
Things have trended in Palmer's favor as Johnston hasn't earned the trust of the coaching staff yet and Williams had to be carted off the field in the Chargers' 28-24 win over Minnesota with a knee injury. Palmer was targeted seven times in this game and caught four of them for 66 yards and a touchdown that came as the result of being perfectly positioned after a Vikings' defender failed to secure an interception, tipping into Palmer's waiting arms as he trotted into the end zone.
We are still awaiting word on the severity of Williams' knee injury but reports that he rode the team bus with his left leg in a brace are ominous for the upcoming future. Any significant absence would put Palmer back into the starting lineup for a team with an explosive quarterback and suspect defense, a recipe that usually leads to fantasy goodness.
Keep an eye on Williams updates before putting your claims in on Palmer, who is rostered in two percent of leagues. Palmer will be a must-start flex play or WR3 if Williams misses significant time.
1. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 4 - Miami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane
The Miami Dolphins have clearly become the most fun offense for fantasy owners to have stakes in this season. Tyreek Hill continues to rack up yards while Raheem Mostert has been the hero for RB owners with six touchdowns over the past two weeks, but Miami pulled another rabbit out of its hat today with the full unleashing of rookie running back De'Von Achane.
Savvy owners scooped up Achane late in their drafts but few likely started him in Week 3 after Mostert's explosion last week. That proved to be unfortunate as Achane racked up 203 rushing yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns while adding four receptions for 30 yards and another score.
There was plenty of garbage time to be had as the Dolphins blew out Denver 70-20, but Achane's game breaking speed was on full display when he broke off a 67-yard touchdown scamper late in the game. Even though Mostert has been off to a strong start, Achane's display of athleticism today has earned him more work going forward.
Achane is rostered in 40 percent of leagues but that figure should skyrocket close to 100 after this week, making this a true last call situation. Mostert also has a lengthy injury history so there is a chance Achane gets the RB1 role to himself eventually, which could make him a league-winner in formats where he's available.
