With Week 4 in the books, it’s again time to look at the players who excelled in fantasy football despite mainly being unowned.
The player must have been owned in less than 25 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues to be eligible. One quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and one tight end will be highlighted each week.
QB - Sam Darnold, Panthers (18.0%) - 301 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 35 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Yes, your NFL leading rushing touchdown leader through four weeks is Darnold with five. He had the same amount in his first 38 games through his previous three seasons with the Jets.
He had eight catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns this past weekend, adding to his top-10 credentials, and has found solid chemistry with QB Sam Darnold. https://t.co/2JQqmWry4v
— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) October 5, 2021
RB - Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles (24.7%) - 31 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 6 receptions, 58 receiving yards
A fifth-round pick in 2021, Gainwell’s run cut the Eagles’ deficit to five with an early fourth-quarter score from seven yards out. He played a season-high 39% of the offensive snaps in Week 4 according to Pro Football Reference.
My Week 5 Waiver Wire column
— Justin Boone (@justinboone) October 5, 2021
Damien Williams, Trey Lance, Dalton Schultz, Darnell Mooney, Samaje Perine, Kenneth Gainwell, DeVante Parker, Alex Collins, Sam Darnold and over 50 other players mentioned as possible adds. (Will be updated after MNF) https://t.co/3y64ZKSu5R pic.twitter.com/dQaaQrktJN
RB - Jeremy McNichols, Titans (2.0%) - 11 rushing yards, 8 receptions, 74 receiving yards
While he will never get a load of carries as long as Derrick Henry is healthy, quarterback Ryan Tannehill looked him for often out of the backfield. His eight receptions easily surpassed his previous career-best of three he recorded in a few instances over his first 23 games.
Jeremy McNichols is the RB16 so far in Week 4 of 2021, just as 2017 Russell Clay expected.
— Russell Clay (@RussellJClay) October 4, 2021
WR - Randall Cobb, Packers (13.7%) - 5 receptions, 69 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
With Marques Valdez-Scantling placed on injured reserve, Cobb showed why quarterback Aaron Rodgers wanted him back on Green Bay. Week 4 marked his first multiple touchdown day since September 28, 2015.
Really fun #ClubhouseLive tonight with @AllenLazard and @ajdillon7. Lazard praised the play of Randall Cobb. Dillon said his confidence continues to grow. And Lazard said he's still waiting for an invite from Dillon to check out @mydoorcounty. Show replay: https://t.co/OfbqMxzXXL pic.twitter.com/JOYOkwbCPI
— Brett Christopherson (@PCBrettC) October 5, 2021
WR - Van Jefferson, Rams (5.4%) - 6 receptions, 90 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
With six targets in each of his last two games, expect Jefferson to be added in a bunch of fantasy leagues heading into Week 5. The second-round pick in 2020 scored from 14 yards out in the first quarter to give him his second touchdown of the season.
Van Jefferson was the highest-graded Rams player with at least 10 snaps, according to PFF. Stafford and Kupp were on the lower side, as was Leonard Floyd https://t.co/ObDUj7KSx5
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) October 4, 2021
TE - C.J. Uzomah, Bengals (0.7%) - 5 receptions, 95 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
It was quickly the best game of Uzomah’s seven-year career in the NFL. It was his first multi-score game, and his 95 yards were 36 more than his previous best of 59.
Next: I've got #Bengals Line w/ Lap, 6-9pm @700wlw
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) October 4, 2021
6:06 Opening thoughts on 3-1
6:20 Zac Taylor
6:36 CJ Uzomah
6:45 The Play
6:55 Sounds of victory
LISTEN https://t.co/dNBZrsyCrN pic.twitter.com/yx5kwOzqcx
