Surprising Top Fantasy Scorers Through Week 4
Through the first four weeks of the season, there are a few names atop the leaderboard that will surprise you. Although this is the norm in a fantasy world, the cream will rise to the top, and don’t you forget that. While I’m pointing out some of the unusual leaders of the young season ill be noting those you should sell high on and those who may be able to retain a top fantasy spot.
Dalvin Cook (sustainable)
Cook’s ability to produce for the Minnesota Vikings has seemingly never been in question. In his rookie year, he exploded in the first three games of the season after receiving such high praise in the offseason. Cook now enters 2019 with a clean bill of health and a chip on his shoulder. Sitting at third on the list in points scored in both standard and PPR leagues with 82.4 points, Cook has a good lead on the number four running back.
However, Dalvin has had his injury issues throughout his career. Week one of his NFL career Cook broke the rookie franchise record by rushing for 127 yards on 22 carries, passing Adrian Peterson. Then in week four against the Lions, Cook tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season. Dalvin also didn’t play in five games during the 2018 season due to a hamstring injury and was very limited in some of those contests as well.
Lamar Jackson (sustainable)
There were significant questions about Jacksons ability to throw the ball effectively in the NFL coming into his rookie season. These questions and concerns were valid as he is known for using his legs the best. During his time in Louisville, his completion percentage was 61.2; by the end of his rookie season, he had a completion percentage of 58.2. This lead to the doubts about his ability to last in the league, but rightfully so.
As of right now, Lamar Jackson is the highest scoring quarterback in the NFL, sitting four points above Patrick Mahomes and is toting a 64.5 completion percentage. Even in Raven’s losses, he is still delivering monster fantasy numbers. John Harbaugh has built his team and game plan around Jackson, and this is why Lamar’s pass attempts are tied for 16th in the league at 134 through four games. On the flip side, he is tied for first in touchdowns thrown and only has two interceptions on the season.
Evan Engram (sell high)
After a disappointing 2018 season totaling three touchdowns on 45 receptions, Engram finds himself atop the leader board for tight ends through week four. With his new rookie quarterback, Daniel Jones, Evan has become a crucial piece in the Giants offense. He has already collected more than half of the targets he saw all last season, and has a new career-long touchdown, going for 75 yards.
Engram’s success relies on the arm of Daniel Jones, who looks much better than anyone had anticipated. Can the rookie keep up his positive play throughout the season? It’s hard to tell; we’ve seen rookies start hot and burnout down the stretch only to leave you begging for more production. I’m not saying this WILL be the case, but it is too early to say that it won’t.