Finding values at running back is going to be a little bit tougher than the last few weeks. There were no new injuries at the position, but some backfield situations were made a bit clearer. Check into FantraxHQ every Tuesday for the best RB options on your bench/waiver wire. Now enjoy our Week 3 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers.
Whether it’s to improve your own team or keep one of your league-mates from improving, you’ll want to check in with us weekly. Let’s get into it!
Week 4 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers
Running Back Sleepers
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins, ~16% owned
This one is obvious, and a no-brainer, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t highlight Achane. After one spectacular week, Achane thrust himself into the top five in running back scoring. The Miami Dolphins put up 70 real-life points vs. the Denver Broncos. Achane ran for 203 yards and 2 TDs on 18 carries, and caught 4 passes for 30 yards, and 2 TDs. It was an unforgettable performance for the speedy back out of Texas A&M. But don’t overreact….
Yes, the performance was special and deserves the proper attention. However, there are many other factors to consider. First, Jeff Wilson is on the IR currently and was the starting running back on the team before he got hurt. Will that be the case when he returns? Unlikely, but he will certainly get carries. Second, the Miami Dolphins will never score 70 points again. This is an elite offense, but the Broncos were horrendous, and that amount of points has been scored three times in the NFL. It’s safe to consider that an outlier. The offense runs through Tua, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. At the end of the day, you should want Achane on your roster, but don’t go spending all your FAAB on him. There will be other players to acquire throughout the course of the season.
Gary Brightwell, New York Giants, ~1% owned
Last week I said that Matt Brieda was the RB to own after Saquon Barkley went down. After their performance this past week, that was wrong. The Giants are going to be playing from behind, and in a lot of third and long situations going forward. That game script favors Brightwell more than it does Brieda. Last week he took 3 catches for 31 yards, and I expect him to get more touches going forward. You’ll be in rough shape if you have to start him, but he has a better chance at outperforming his projected points than Brieda, in my opinion.
2023 Week 4 RB Streamers
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers, 30% owned
Can I be honest with you for a second? I just traded Christian McCaffrey in one of my leagues for a haul. I believe he’s at his peak value right now, and the NFL has a 100% injury rate. He’s going to miss a game one of these days, and when he does, Mitchell will be there to accumulate his vacated touches. Hopefully it’s more of a bump/bruise situation that has CMC rested, more than hurt, but it’s highly unlikely that he plays 17 games on this loaded team. Pick Mitchell up now!
Devin Singletary, Houston Texans, ~35% owned
Don’t look now, but CJ Stroud and the Texans offense is…..good! They move the ball incredibly well, and Tank Dell and Nico Collins have shown themselves to be a formidable WR duo. The RB position is probably their weakest skill position performance thus far. After having a solid rookie season, Pierce has been off to a rough start. While Singletary has taken his limited touches and made them matter. Last week, he caught both of his targets and took nine carries, 41 yards. Look for him to get more touches going forward. He’s already at elevated ownership!
Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty
Got a beef with Bradlee’s Week 4 Running Backs Sleepers and Streamers? Let him hear about it in the comments below!