Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us, and the volume of rushes and catches for the various skill players comes more into focus with each passing Sunday. When it comes to DFS, volume is key, since more touches lead to both yards and possible touchdowns, resulting in higher-scoring fantasy players.
Each of the five players below should see plenty of touches in Week 4, but remain priced below $5,000 on DraftKings.
Nyheim Hines, Colts RB ($4,900)
As seems to be the case with most value running backs, the value comes mostly from pass-catching then rushing, especially with DraftKings’ point-per-reception format. Case in point: Hines, who has just 16 rushing attempts through the first three games, but who has enjoyed 12 receptions to start the season for the Colts. This past Sunday against the Titans, Hines trailed only wide receiver Michael Pittman for the team lead in catches and receiving yards.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons RB ($4,900)
Another example: Patterson. The Atlanta running back has 13 catches on the year to go with his 21 rushing attempts. On the aging arm of quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons have gone mostly to a dink-and-dunk passing game in 2021, and Patterson has benefited. He should continue to enjoy usage as a dual-threat against the Washington Football Team in Week 4.
Tim Patrick, Broncos WR ($4,900)
The Broncos’ receiving corps is looking more and more like a MASH unit. First, Jerry Jeudy goes down with a high-ankle sprain. Then, KJ Hamler tears up his knee and will miss the rest of the season. The remaining receivers, like Patrick, should benefit. He’s caught 12 of 13 targets for 174 yards and two touchdowns through three games.
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins WR ($4,900)
Waddle put up an unusual stat line last week: 12 catches for 58 yards. The yardage obviously wasn’t anything to get excited about, but on DraftKings, we’ll happily take 12 receptions. It seems Waddle may be the favorite target of quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who’s filling in for the injured Tua Tagovailoa. Week 4 could prove to be a good matchup for the rookie receiver facing the Colts, who rank just 24th in DFS against opposing wide receivers.
Noah Fant, Broncos TE ($4,300)
The same philosophy that applies to Patrick applies to the Broncos’ tight end. With fewer starters available, that should funnel targets to the top remaining pass-catchers. Fant stumbled through a poor week against the Jets, but averaged nearly 13 DFS points per game on DraftKings in the first two weeks. The Week 4 opponent, the Ravens, rank dead last in the NFL against opposing tight ends in DFS.