Fantasy Football Week 4: Darren Sproles Is a Safe Start at Flex

Darren Sproles has looked great in his limited role with the Saints with a touchdown in each game this season, making him a great start at the flex position.

After a Week 3 performance of 14.5 points in NFL.com non-PPR fantasy leagues, he has proved that he deserves fantasy attention. Sproles has shown that he is one of the most explosive players in the league. 

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises is the playing time he's receiving after the Saints drafted Mark Ingram.

Ingram was expected to see the majority of the snaps in an offense that hasn't had a 1000-yard rusher since Deuce McAllister in 2006.  

The Saints have realized what an offensive weapon he can be and gave him 38 snaps last weekend—the most of any Saints back. With consistent performances, this number only looks to increase. The Saints haven't had a back with over 180 touches since McAllister in 2006, once again, so don't expect Sproles to get many carries. He only has eight this season.

Projecting his stats for the end of the season is tough as of now, but rest assured, they will increase by the end of the year. Expecting his carries to go up to about five or six per game isn't unreasonable, while sustaining the amount of receptions he currently receives.

With that increase in snaps, his fantasy output has a very high ceiling at the flex position.

In leagues that count return yards, he is a must-have and potentially has more value than the star running backs. He has about 300 punt and kick-return yards and one touchdown return, which adds a monumental amount of points to his value.

Sproles has a favorable Week 4 matchup against Jacksonville, who have a pretty porous secondary and have allowed a 100-yard receiver in each of their first three games.

The Jags have allowed a high number of yards after the catch (YAC) to opponents, which is something that should open up lanes for Sproles to continue his streak of scoring in every game thus far.

Look for him to score upwards of 15 points in non-PPR and non return-yard leagues, a serviceable amount for your flex position.