Last-minute fantasy football sleepers for Week 4

Week 4 is when the outlook of fantasy football seasons begin to take shape, and it wouldn't be a normal fantasy week without injuries and other surprises. Thankfully, the 2023 season has been flush with some pleasant surprises, and they might help you come away victorious this week.

Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs is a player who is just waiting to officially explode onto the scene. The pint-sized receiver was drafted 79th overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and immediately found chemistry with fellow rookie and starting quarterback Anthony Richardson. The two were playing catch in their hotel parking lot following the draft, and throughout the offseason there were reports that the duo continued to build chemistry.

Richardson is now back in Week 4 after missing Week 3 because of a nasty concussion, and their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams will likely be a high-scoring affair. And, although Downs has had a lower route participation than No. 2 receiver Alec Pierce in each of the Colts' first three games, he's had a larger target share than Pierce in those three games, and even rivaled Michael Pittman Jr. for the largest target share in Week 3.

The sophomore Pierce has mostly served as a deep threat with his 16.92-yard average depth of target, while Downs and Pittman have worked in the short and intermediate field. It's been clear that both Richardson and Gardner Minshew trust Downs, and there's no doubt he'll catch fire in the fantasy world once he starts getting into the end zone. Consider him as a fantasy flex option for Week 4.