Fantasy football advice, specifically on Latavius Murray, Will Fuller and Alshon Jeffery.
Murray Next Man Up in Minnesota
With dynamic rookie Dalvin Cook out for the season with a torn ACL, the Minnesota backfield is wide open. Former Raider Latavius Murray is the most likely candidate to pick up early-down work with Cook sidelined, and Jerick McKinnon will handle passing-down work. Murray has experience as a number one back, and McKinnon has always disappointed when given the opportunity to act as a lead back. Sam Bradford could return this week from his knee injury, which would allow the Vikings to return to a pass-heavy offensive attack, limiting the fantasy upside of either back. However, in fantasy football volume is key, and Murray should see 12-15 rushes and most of the goal-line work.
Returning Fuller a Weekly TD Threat
Rookie QB DeShaun Watson has revitalized the Texans offense, and that has bred fantasy value throughout the roster. While DeAndre Hopkins will continue to dominate the target share, the newly-returned Will Fuller carries huge touchdown upside. The second-year wideout will stretch the field while Hopkins draws defensive attention up the middle and shallow on the sidelines, and Watson’s big arm will allow him to take full advantage of Fuller’s explosive, breakaway speed. He already proved how valuable he can be in the red zone as well, posting a 4-35-2 in his very first week back from a collarbone injury. Fuller may be a boom-or-bust player, but his upside will make him a flex play almost every week as long as Watson continues to produce at a torrid pace.
Jeffery Hard to Trust
Alshon Jeffery is the unquestioned top wide receiver for Carson Wentz in Philadelphia, but that hasn’t yielded to type of fantasy production most owners expected when investing in Jeffery on draft day. The big-bodied receiver has disappointed through the first four weeks, catching just 17 total passes and averaging just 54 yards per game. He does have two scores, but they still haven’t gotten Jeffery close to WR1 production in three of the four weeks. Unfortunately for Jeffery and his owners, defenses have been able to key in on him with their top cornerbacks, as there is no other true vertical threat in the Philly offense. Things will not get any easier for Jeffery in Week 5, as he’ll draw perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson and the rest of the talented Cardinals secondary.
NFL Pickups of the Week
Devin Funchess, WR, Carolina Panthers – Funchess erupted against the lackluster Patriots secondary in Week 4, posting a 7-70-2 line. He should continue to see plenty of volume with Greg Olsen still on IR.
Alex Collins, RB, Baltimore Ravens – Collins has been the most explosive back in Baltimore by far, and he should continue to see meaningful touches if he can get his fumbling issues under control.
Tyler Kroft, TE, Cincinnati Bengals - With Tyler Eifert perpetually injured, Kroft seems to have earned Andy Dalton's trust as evidenced by his two-touchdown performance in Week 4. He's a good streaming option this week against Buffalo.
