This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
To roster some top-tier players in tournaments, you will need some lower-priced sleeper options.
Here are our fantasy football value picks for Week 4 on FantasyDraft. Pair some of these players with your top options to make a stars and scrubs lineup, hopefully earning some big money in Week 4.
QUARTERBACK
Tyrod Taylor, $12,900 vs. NYG
There are nine quarterbacks priced higher than Taylor for Sunday's slate on FantasyDraft, but there are only three quarterbacks who average more fantasy points per game this season. On the surface, this makes him a value pick again in Week 4. If you dig deeper, his value is even higher than it seems. Through the first three weeks, Taylor succeeded against the Colts, Patriots and Dolphins by registering nearly 69 total fantasy points. These three defenses are ranked in the middle of the NFL in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. In Week 4, Taylor faces the Giants, who have given up the most passing yards in the NFL through three games. With this matchup and Taylor's high floor as a dual-threat quarterback, he makes for a top value play on FantasyDraft.
RUNNING BACK
Devonta Freeman, $10,500 vs. HOU
Freeman is likely to see the lion's share of the work at running back again in Week 4 with Tevin Coleman (ribs) out. In Week 3, Freeman was one of the top finishers with 45.3 points on FantasyDraft against the Cowboys. Of course, he scored three touchdowns and caught five passes, which seems unsustainable. But he is the bellcow in Atlanta for the time being, which makes him a value play at just $10,500. Thirteen running backs are priced higher than Freeman, and considering the expected volume for the Falcons' back, that is far too cheap. He faces the Texans on Sunday, who have been very good against the run this season. But the volume is too attractive to worry about the matchup, which makes Freeman a top value again in Week 4.
Theo Riddick, $6,000 at SEA
Riddick and the Lions have a tough matchup in Week 4 as they travel to Seattle, but this could work in his favor as a pass-catching back. Riddick has scored at least 8.6 fantasy points in every game this season, and has 13 catches in the last two games. With FantasyDraft's scoring system being a full PPR format, Riddick has value as a minimum-priced play at running back. With the Seahawks defense preventing anything down the field and the pass rush being after Matt Stafford, expect the Lions to dump the ball off to him on passing downs. That is exactly what happened in Week 3 against the Broncos when Riddick caught eight passes for 66 yards, and Seattle has a similar defense. If you want to save money against the cap, Riddick is one of the few options worth rostering at minimum price.
WIDE RECEIVER
Pierre Garcon, $10,000 vs. PHI
Keep an eye on the weather in this game, as there seems to be a different outlook every few hours. But in the chance that the hurricane stays in the ocean, Garcon has an excellent matchup as a value play at wide receiver. He will more than likely be guarded by Byron Maxwell, who has been one of the worst cover corners this season, allowing Julio Jones and Terrence Williams to score a few touchdowns. Garcon is the Redskins' top option in the passing game, and is a solid option in a full PPR scoring system like FantasyDraft's. He has at least five catches in each game this season, and his floor is 11.4 fantasy points this season. At just $10,000, it is hard to find another option that sees as many targets (27) as Garcon in a good matchup. His upside is limited, but his floor makes him a solid WR2 or WR3 in cash games.
TIGHT END
Jordan Reed, $9,100 vs. PHI
Two Redskins' pass catchers? Yes. Reed has been more like a wide receiver than a tight end for Washington as he has caught 19 passes for 241 yards this season. He has six catches or more in each of the Redskins' first three games and has 80 yards or a touchdown in each as well. Considering he is third in targets behind Greg Olsen and Rob Gronkowski, yet costs way less makes him a top value play until his price rises. The Eagles have allowed 16 catches to tight ends so far this season, so if the weather holds up Reed has a good matchup.
DEFENSE
Arizona Cardinals, $6,400 vs. STL
The Cardinals returned two interceptions for touchdowns last week and they have three touchdowns on the season. That is just a bonus considering they are still one of the top scoring defenses without the touchdowns factored in. In all three games, the Cardinals have two sacks each. They have picked off seven passes in these three games and forced three fumbles. In Week 4, the Cardinals will face Nick Foles and the Rams. The Rams are third in the NFL in allowing opposing fantasy points to defenses/special teams this season, as they struggle to score points and have a quarterback that has turned the ball over three times in three games. Expect the Cardinals defense to be highly owned.
