With Week 4 on the horizon, let’s take a look at some underrated and risky fantasy football running back options for this week. You can also check out my full fantasy football running back rankings for Week 4.
Jaylen Warren:
Jaylen Warren is coming off his best performance of the season, totaling 176 yards from scrimmage against the Bengals in Week 3. Warren was a huge component of the Steelers’ big win against their divisional rival, and the Steelers’ offense looks much more efficient when Warren is involved in the game plan. After averaging 7.5 yards per carry against Cincinnati, it’s hard to believe the Steelers won’t run their offense through Warren against the Browns on Thursday Night Football this week. I see Warren having another big week in fantasy and being one of the key contributors within the Steelers’ offense in their short-week matchup versus the Browns on primetime.
Braelon Allen:
With Breece Hall potentially missing this week’s game against the Bears due to a thigh injury sustained last week, Braelon Allen is in position to start out of the backfield. Despite being a backup, Allen has contributed within the offense in recent weeks and even had a rushing touchdown in Week 2. Allen should be a high-upside fantasy option and one of the more underrated running backs in deeper fantasy leagues in Week 4.
Omarion Hampton:
Hampton and the Chargers have not had the strong start to the season they’d hoped for, with the Chargers starting 0-3 and facing an extremely tough next month of games. That starts with the Seahawks on the road this week, and it won’t be an easy challenge taking down the reigning Super Bowl champions now that Sam Darnold is back under center.
Hampton totaled just 5.6 fantasy points last week, rushing the ball 15 times for 56 yards. The Chargers have been committed to running the ball early this season, but the results simply haven’t been there, and the matchup versus the Seahawks may turn into a passing shootout with Seattle’s offense in strong form. Despite Hampton’s high potential, I’d consider him a risky fantasy option in Week 4 against a stout Seahawks defense at home.
D’Andre Swift:
I debated putting Swift in either the underrated or risky category, but I’m sticking with him as a risky fantasy option in Week 4 if Case Keenum is under center again. Keenum had an incredible return as a starter on Monday Night Football versus the Eagles, leading the Bears to a comprehensive 27-7 victory. Despite Keenum’s stellar performance, I’d be surprised if he continues that same form this week against the Jets.
Despite the Jets being a more favorable matchup, I think their defense will put a heavy emphasis on stopping the run and limiting Swift’s production. The Jets may opt to let Keenum beat them rather than let the Bears’ strong running game control the matchup. Conversely, with Keenum under center, there’s also potential for Swift to get more carries and catches than usual, but with multiple question marks entering this game, I’d consider Swift a high-risk, high-reward option in Week 4.
Go to our NFL page for more articles and updates like NFL Week 4 Picks!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
