Fantasy Football Week 4: Under-the-Radar Receivers Poised to Break out

Three weeks into the NFL regular season, teams and players are starting to take shape. Fantasy owners are no longer going by preseason projections but rather what their players have actually done for them thus far.

Week 4 is just a day away, and owners are always looking for that diamond in the rough to start. Of course, everyone relies on his top-round picks to drive his team on a weekly basis, but it’s the lesser-known role players who will put your team over the top for a victory.

Today we’re going to look at under-the-radar receivers poised to have a huge Week 4.

Terrance Williams

The Dallas Cowboys’ Terrance Williams showed a lot of promise in his rookie season. So far this year, he really hasn’t done too much. Despite catching two touchdowns already, Williams only has eight receptions for 102 yards. As the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiver, fantasy owners expected much more.

Part of the reason Williams has taken a step back in 2014 is the Cowboys offensive scheme has changed so much from last year. It appears quarterback Tony Romo still isn’t completely healthy, so he’s been handing the ball off to DeMarco Murray quite often.

This week, that should change against New Orleans and its weak secondary.

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

Clearly, Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan knows what the Cowboys will be trying to do and should be preparing to stop it. He will most likely be packing the box with men while bringing a variety of blitzes as well.

If the Saints can slow down Murray, Dallas will be forced to pass the ball more. Ryan knows that a double-team on Dez Bryant is almost necessary, opening the door for a big week from Williams.

Look for the receiver to catch at least five passes and find the end zone again Week 4.

Allen Robinson

Although it’s never a popular decision to start too many Jacksonville Jaguars in fantasy, this week could prove to be different. Wideout Allen Robinson is ready to have a huge week and get his name out there.

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

The former Nittany Lion is fairly unknown, but that’s about to change. Last week, Allen caught seven passes for 79 yards against Indianapolis.

The 21-year-old rookie has seen his playing time significantly increase through each game. Robinson played 20 snaps in Week 1, 30 in Week 2 and 42 in Week 3. Now that he’s shown his talent, he should be a regular on the offensive side of the ball.

Another reason to like Allen is because the receiving corps in Jacksonville is so weak. Marquise Lee is hurt while the other two targets are Cecil Shorts and Allen Hurns. Robinson could easily surpass both.

Lastly, the quarterback delivering the ball is a huge factor. Chad Henne showed his ineffectiveness, and now first-rounder Blake Bortles has taken over. In only part of a game, it was evident how much better Bortles made this offense. He threw for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns.

If Robinson is available in your league, pick him up for a big week.

Keenan Allen

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Keenan Allen was nowhere near under the radar coming into this season. The Chargers receiver had a huge rookie campaign a year ago but has done next to nothing in 2014. Although he’s rated much higher than Robinson and Williams every week, he’s on this list because of how he’s performed to this point.

Allen has only 12 catches for 109 yards and no scores this year. Thankfully for his fantasy owners, that should change in Week 4.

San Diego probably has the most favorable matchup of any team this week as it takes on Jacksonville. Even though Bortles helps the Jags offense, he can’t do much for their sorry D.

In three weeks, the Jaguars have surrendered 34, 41 and 44 points, respectively. There’s no reason that trend should change in San Diego.

With Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead both out for the Chargers, Philip Rivers should be passing more often. Allen should feast this week and get his numbers back up to par.