The Fantasy Football schedule is into Week 4 and some free agent pickups and sleeper options heading into the weekend include Roy Helu, Larry Donnell, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Matt Asiata, Terrance West, Hakeem Nicks, Steve Johnson, Branden Oliver and Jordan Matthews, as those names have the chance to step up due to injury or other reasons and they could be very solid performers for fantasy owners in their matchups.
Roy Helu, Lorenzo Taliaferro and Terrance West are strong RB pick up options, as Ben Tate has been banged up and that has given West a chance to shine, while Helu had a strong day in support of Alfred Morris last weekend. Taliaferro is going to get a chance to get starter carries with Justin Forsett with the Ray Rice situation and Bernard Pierce being injured and that could be a huge move for fantasy owners. The Ravens aren't looking to bring in new backs just yet and that means Taliaferro has the chance to keep things going.
Branden Oliver is a strong pick up for the future in deeper leagues, as he will have to get acclimated to the Chargers, but he could end up as a surprise with Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead injured. Woodhead is out for the season and Mathews is out for an extended period of time and now that gives Oliver a chance to step up with Donald Brown. It looks like Brown will be the main starter, but he will need rest at times and that opens things up for Oliver in the offense, which uses the RBs a ton out of the backfield.
Matt Asiata has been an option since Adrian Peterson went down with his issues and along with Jerick McKinnon he could be a solid option going forward. Asiata and Jerick McKinnon have been playing well overall with Teddy Bridgewater coming in at QB and now they face off against the Falcons, who have given up a ton of rushing yards through three games this season. Asiata has been getting the bulk of the carries and that should continue and it remains to be seen if Peterson will be back this season or at all.
Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell are still solid options even with Ben Tate coming back, while Helu plays on Thursday night and could be a surprise against the Giants. Alfred Morris isn't injured, but he is banged up and he could be slightly limited in the game on Thursday night. Taliaferro could be a solid option the rest of the season and while Bernard Pierce is coming back from his injury, he should still be getting carries along with Justin Forsett after rushing for 91 yards against the Browns.
Steve Johnson and Hakeem Nicks have the chance to step up, as Johnson is coming off of a strong game with 103 yards on nine catches, while Nicks may get more targets with injuries coming down for the Colts. Oliver is an option for teams in deeper leagues, as the Chargers loved to use Woodhead out of the backfield and now he is out for the season. Oliver was the backup and had 11 yards against the Bills and now he could get more touches as things move forward along with Brown.