Week 4 Fantasy Sleepers: Unheralded Players Who Will Deliver Huge Performances

Week 4 may seem a bit early for fantasy owners to start getting desperate, but an 0-3 start can understandably cause some to throw conventional thinking to the wind. This is especially true in deeper leagues as there may not be many options available to turn things around.

Most owners are probably dealing with a weak spot on their roster that is holding them back. While there may not be a permanent fix available for those troublesome situations, it is possible to get by from week to week with patchwork fill-ins. Luckily, there are several such options to consider in Week 4.

Here are three unheralded players that may be on the waiver wire or at the depths of your bench, but will come through with surprisingly strong fantasy performances this week.

Terrelle Pryor

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor has taken the NFL by storm over the first couple weeks of the season, but he is far from a sure thing in fantasy terms. Pryor has a tough test on his hands against the Denver Broncos on Monday night to close out Week 3, but he has an ideal matchup ahead of him in Week 4. The Washington Redskins are in the bottom three against both the pass and the run this season, so Pryor should be in line for his best game as a pro.

Pryor's passing could still use some work as he has 343 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions through two games, but he is a true dual threat. Pryor is among the league leaders in rushing with 162 yards on the ground, and he rivals the likes of Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III in that regard. Pryor is far more talented than Tim Tebow, but what he is doing right now seems very similar to what Tebow did for the Denver Broncos a couple years ago.

According to Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune, Pryor has energized the team with his play.

That doesn't necessarily translate to fantasy-worthy production, but he was excellent in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, and serviceable last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington's defense has offered absolutely no resistance this season, and Pryor has the type of skill set that should prove troublesome.

If you're having issues at quarterback or in need of a second starter in a two-quarterback league, don't hesitate to start Pryor in Week 4.

Week 4 Projection: 245 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 90 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown

Isaiah Pead

After deciding to part ways with longtime starting running back Steven Jackson, it was clear that the St. Louis Rams' backfield situation would be a work in progress this season. Daryl Richardson was solid if unspectacular over the season's first two weeks, but he missed the majority of Sunday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys. According to ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner, Richardson aggravated a foot injury, which opened the door for backup Isaiah Pead.

Richardson's status for Week 4 is uncertain, but since the Rams have a short week before hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, his prospects don't look great. Assuming Richardson is unable to go, Pead should be in line for the bulk of the touches out of the backfield. While Pead was subpar as a runner on Sunday with six carries for 20 yards, he did manage seven receptions for 43 yards, which makes him an intriguing play in point-per-reception leagues.

The Niners are generally thought to be great against the run, but that hasn't been the case over the past two weeks. The Indianapolis Colts ran the ball down San Fran's throat on Sunday to the tune of 179 yards. Pead isn't as good of a pure runner as Ahmad Bradshaw or Trent Richardson, but he is a versatile guy who should give the 49ers some trouble. Since quarterback Sam Bradford likes to check the ball down to his backs, look for Pead to do plenty of damage in the passing game.

Week 4 Projection: 60 rushing yards, eight receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown

Marlon Brown

After two straight games with a touchdown to open his career, undrafted rookie wide receiver Marlon Brown was dealt a dose of reality in Week 3. While the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Houston Texans, Brown caught just two passes on three targets for six yards. That may cause some fantasy owners to give up on the dynamic youngster, but his Week 4 matchup could very well lead to a monster game.

The Ravens will take on the Buffalo Bills, who are currently decimated by injuries in the secondary. That allowed New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith to torch the Bills for 331 yards and two scores in Week 3. Wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill both broke 100 yards as reserve corners Justin Rogers, Nickell Robey and converted safety Aaron Williams couldn't get the job done.

According to Mark Belcher of the Bills' official website, corners Stephon Gilmore and Ron Brooks missed Sunday's game due to injury, as did safety Jairus Byrd. Also, cornerback Leodis McKelvin injured his hamstring early in the game and never returned. It is unclear which of these players will suit up in Week 4, if any, but Brown figures to draw single coverage regardless with Torrey Smith on the other side.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco likes to take shots down the field more than perhaps any signal-caller in the game, so big plays will be available to Brown this weekend.

Week 4 projection: Six receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown

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