Carnell Tate’s usage has been climbing for three straight games, and he just put up a career-high 15.8 expected half PPR points in Week 4. We’re talking about a player whose results have been mixed, sure, but the overall trend is absolutely up, up, up. Cam Ward is slinging some “wow” throws Tate’s way, often out of structure, and Tate’s getting targeted exclusively 5+ yards downfield. Talk about real volume. Even with some high throws and offbeat timing, the go-ball explosives are coming. This dude even drew a double-move penalty from All-Pro S Kyle Hamilton! Right now, Tate is operating as the WR34, but his usage is at WR22 levels to start his career, and it doesn’t look like Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson, or anyone else is going to take away his alpha status.
The Doubs Rollercoaster Hits a High Note and B-Rob’s First-Half Snaps
Talk about a rollercoaster year: Romeo Doubs has been all over the place, but Week 4? That was a total smash. He played great, save for one super low ball that he unfortunately tossed into the air for an interception. But seriously, the highlights were huge: a skinny-post touchdown, a clutch 4th-and-3 slant win, and a ridiculous one-handed fade touchdown. That’s a WR8 finish for the week on WR11 expected half PPR points. Plus, Mack Hollins went down with a calf injury around halftime for the Patriots, which means Drake Maye is running out of options to throw to. Doubs’ value is definitely trending up, and you can see it in his expected half PPR points which have climbed every single week: 2.6, 5.2, 6.7, and then a massive 15.4. That jump from 6.7 to 15.4? Yeah, that’s not just luck, that’s real.
And let’s talk about Brian Robinson Jr. for a second. If you snagged him early in your draft by accident, hey, there have been way worse picks, right? The Falcons are using “B-Rob” *before* garbage time, people! He’s getting multiple runs in a row in the first half of games to spell Bijan, and that absolutely includes goal-line work if he’s out there on those previous plays. It’s been enough to make him the RB19 on RB40 usage this month. He’s had 5.9 and 12.7 expected points in these Michael Penix Jr. starts, which puts him in the same conversation as Blake Corum or Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a deep-league RB3 option. Honestly, he should be almost 100% rostered as one of the most obvious insurance plans out there.
Downs Faces an Uphill Battle
Josh Downs is a guy who you can get excited about. He’s good! But you also can’t have sky-high expectations for him right now, mainly because of the state of the Colts’ offense. Their pass protection has seriously regressed, and Daniel Jones, coming back from that Achilles tear, just isn’t going to have the same arm talent this year. The Colts are going to be living in the dink-and-dunk world, which, to be fair, plays right into Downs’ strengths. The problem? Defenses know exactly what’s coming. That proved to be a major issue against the Commanders last week, where Downs was the WR78 on WR78 usage. He’s got talent, no doubt, but that offense is making it tough for him to truly shine.
So, as we head into Week 5, keep an eye on these polarizing names. Doubs looks like he could keep that Week 4 fire going, Tate’s usage is screaming ‘breakout,’ and B-Rob is getting opportunities that can turn into real fantasy points. This is where you make or break your fantasy season, so stay locked in!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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