Week 4 Sleepers: Playmakers Sure to Shine for Your Fantasy Squad

As the smoke settles on the controversy that ended Week 3, it is time to start planning your fantasy roster for Week 4. 

We have seen a number of surprises in the first few weeks of the season, so it is time to start thinking outside the box when you are going to get on your computer to look at what is going to happen in the NFL this weekend. 

As you scour the Internet to figure out what you are going to do, here are some of the playmakers who will do very well for your squad this weekend. 

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

While he is not exactly lighting up the scoreboard, Smith has found his niche as a quarterback and that makes it easier to determine his fantasy value. 

This weekend the 49ers have the luxury of traveling to New York to take on a Jets team that does not have Darrelle Revis. 

Smith is far more efficient than he is spectacular, but the 49ers have taken some of the reins off and opened up the passing game. He threw 35 passes against Minnesota last week and 31 two weeks ago against Detroit. 

We don't know what to expect from the Jets after the deflating loss of their best defensive playmaker. They did have to play without him in Week 2 due to a concussion, but the team knew he would be coming back. 

Now that they know Revis won't be coming back, expect some residual effects for the rest of the secondary. 

Tashard Choice, RB, Buffalo Bills

Given the state of the Buffalo Bills' running backs right now, Choice appears to be the best and most viable option. 

According to the Associated Press (via Sports Illustrated), Fred Jackson could come back this week with C.J. Spiller recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 3. 

Since no one knows what to expect from the top-two runners, Choice would seem to be worth a fantasy risk. It also helps that Choice looked good with 91 yards on 20 carries against Cleveland last week. 

Don't be fooled by New England's seventh-ranked run defense. Two of the Patriots' first three opponents were Tennessee (32nd in rushing) and Arizona (27th). 

As long as Choice at least gets an opportunity to play this weekend, he should be good for yardage and possibly a touchdown. 

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints

Saints running backs are very hit-and-miss in the fantasy world. Thomas is right at the forefront of the fickle nature that this offense utilizes its running backs, as he is talented enough to be a consistent 1,000-yard back, yet rarely asked to do that. 

If there were ever a week for the Saints to make a concerted effort to run the ball, this would be it. Their current strategy on both sides of the ball isn't working. They need to change things up to get off the schneid against an angry Green Bay team. 

Given the Packers' lack of depth up front, Thomas could be the beneficiary of a different strategy the Saints implore. If they do, fantasy owners who put some eggs in the Thomas basket will feel vindicated. 

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