Frey’s Fantasy Focus: Week Four Free Agents
Josh Frey
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If you go searching for free agents this week, hopefully it isn’t for running backs. I don’t see many surprise running backs going off this week. However, there is a gold mine at wide receiver, and with many starters either out or limited once again, it is a good week to take advantage of these players. As always, percentages represent how many ESPN leagues have these players rostered.
Brandon Aiyuk– 49ers WR (22.9%)
The 49ers proved last week that they can roll just about anybody on the field and still run a competent offense. It speaks volumes about Kyle Shanahan as a coach, and the preparation that this entire team has done to make sure they are all equally ready.
With most of San Francisco’s starters out, it was rookie wideout Aiyuk who stepped up against the Jets. He had 11 targets in week three and scored a rushing touchdown. With many starters out again in week four, I would expect a similar workload for Aiyuk against Philly.
Jeff Wilson Jr.– 49ers RB (24.2%)
I know, two 49er picks could be risky. This one is reliant on the Niners injury report for the rest of the week. Tevin Coleman is for sure out this week, and it is possible that RaheemMostert is out again. However, the biggest storyline here is that San Francisco may be down ANOTHER running back this week in Jerick McKinnon after suffering a rib injury against the Jets.
If all three are out, Wilson becomes a must-start this week. He had 13 carries in week three, two touchdowns and reeled in 54 receiving yards. He was not efficient on his carries, even though he pounded into the endzone on one, but his workload and threat of scoring makes him a great flex option.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling– Packers WR (29.9%)
Valdes-Scantling was a no-show in week three’s matchup with the Saints, but this is mainly due to Rodgers’ early deep connections with fellow wideout Allen Lazard.
However, in the previous two weeks, Valdes-Scantling has been Rodgers favorite deep target, reeling in over 22 yards per reception. With a favorable matchup against the Atlanta secondary that has given up the third most fantasy points to wide receivers, he is a good flex option, especially if Adams were to sit out again.
Keelan Cole Sr.– Jaguars WR (24.5%)
Cole had touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season, and he has not had fewer than five targets in any game. Cincinnati has been surprisingly good against the pass this year, but I have a feeling the Jaguars come back this week hungry to prove themselves after an embarrassing Miami loss. With Chark being limited or out again this week, Cole is set up to get plenty of targets once again.