NFL Week 4 DFS Sleepers

There was a healthy mix of hits and misses last week — Sam LaPorta and Deshaun Watson impressed while Kendre Miller, Zay Flowers, and Washington’s DST disappointed — so hopefully, it’ll be far closer to perfect in Week 4. 

With each week of football extra insight is gained. Now it’s time to put those thoughts into sleeper picks for Week 4. 

This weekly column will provide you with the information you need before choosing a sleeper in DFS. Prices are sourced from DraftKings and FanDuel.

Sleeper picks

Quarterback

Jameis Winston vs. TB, $5,300 on DraftKings, $6,500 on FanDuel

The Saints may not have Derek Carr as he recovers from his shoulder injury, but a revenge game for Jameis Winston should make for a far more interesting watch. 

Winston has cut the turnovers down and limited his downfield passing since joining the Saints and while his starts have come few and far between, there should be a lot of hope with Winston this week. He not only has two great weapons in Chris Olave and Michael Thomas — a bit familiar to a dominant receiver duo Winston had once upon a time in Tampa Bay — but the Saints also return Alvin Kamara. The starting running back hasn’t played in 2023 due to a three-game suspension. 

With all those weapons against a defense that struggles against the pass, Winston could be a sneaky DFS play this week.

Running back

Tyjae Spears vs. CIN, $4,700 on DraftKings, $4,800 on FanDuel

Tyjae Spears’ role continues to grow, especially in games where the Titans are trailing. Spears out-snapped Derrick Henry in Tennessee’s two losses this year. It hasn’t resulted in a tremendous fantasy week, but the role remains a promising one. 

That brings Spears to Week 4, a week after he received an entire drive to himself. With the Titans sitting as underdogs even at home, chances are good that Spears will see another game with at least 50% of snaps. 

The Tulane product has been efficient with his touches for the most part, though Spears was stifled in Week 3. On his limited touches, he’s averaged 6.7 yards per carry, the third-best mark in the NFL. If he can spring a play or two, he can have a strong fantasy day through the air as he works Tennessee’s many third downs. 

Spears is even more appealing on FanDuel at his cost, respective to other options available.

Wide Receiver

Tank Dell vs. PIT, $4,600 on DraftKings, $6,200 on FanDuel

Whether you view Tank Dell as a sleeper, or a value is irrelevant because DraftKings books seem to have completely forgotten about him at a $4,500 price tag. Don’t make the same mistake, though, at either book. 

Dell was mentioned in past DFS articles of mine, and it’s gone well, to put it lightly. The third-round rookie has quickly become a favorite of fellow rookie C.J. Stroud. With Noah Brown sidelined Dell has the same amount of PPR points as Tyreek Hill over the last two weeks, resting as the WR7. 

If it’s not broken — and the Steelers’ struggles in the secondary suggest it won’t break — don’t fix it. Dell should once more have the ceiling and floor to be a great DFS play at cost.

Tight End

Logan Thomas @ PHI, $3,100 on DraftKings, $5,000 on FanDuel

Sam Howell sure likes his tight ends. Only four teams have thrown to their tight ends more than the Commanders have in 2023, and that’s with starter Logan Thomas missing a game and a half with a concussion. 

Hopefully, Thomas can return for Week 4, renewed as the starter after he put up a solid 6-65-1 through about six quarters of football. If active Thomas will face the Eagles, who have allowed the second-most points to the tight end this season. 

With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson tied up with the Eagles' strong cornerback duo of Darius Slay and James Bradberry, Howell will look to one of his favorite big bodies across the middle in Thomas. Just make sure he clears the concussion protocol.

Defense

Houston Texans vs. PIT, $2,900 on DraftKings, $3,700 on FanDuel

The Texans' defense is such an interesting unit. From Will Anderson on the edge to an emerging Henry To’oto’o at middle linebacker, there’s a bright future in place for Houston. 

That hasn’t translated to a ton of success in 2023, though. But the team should get starting safety Jalen Pitre and — hopefully — Denzel Perryman back, providing a sizeable boost for a defense without much to lose. 

While the Steelers took a much-needed step forward against the Raiders this is still an offense that looks well short of expectations. Kenny Pickett has three interceptions in as many weeks and will still be without Diontae Johnson in Week 4. 

This play is about chasing lower ownership at a lower price, as there is admittedly more risk involved. But the turnover potential seems high in what could be a low-scoring affair in Houston.