Week 4: Deep League Pickups

QB Shaun Hill, ---

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The name Shaun Hill does cause Pavlovian-like drool from fantasy owners, but the former Maryland Terrapin just gets the job done for the Niners and is a decent bye week option, especially for Kurt Warner, Donovan McNabb and Matt Ryan owners in need of a Week 4 quarterback. Hill faces a Rams defense that has five TDP this season, and that total includes their Week 2, zero TDs allowed performance against the Redskins. Even without Frank Gore in the lineup, the Niners will continue to emphasis the run, but Hill showed last week he could score in the red zone with two touchdown passes and the coaches will likely lean on him even more now without their star back. Do not expected a bonanza of points, but Hill will not shoot you in the foot either.

RB Jerome Harrison, DET

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Recommending a Browns player for fantasy owners right now is like touting Mackenzie Phillips for relationship advice, but Jerome Harrison has a chance to shine if Jamal Lewis sits out for the second straight week. With Jamal Lewis on the sideline in Week 3, the Browns turned to Harrison over rookie James Davis and he racked up 52 yards on 16 carries before they went exclusively to the passing game in their blowout loss to the Ravens. The speedy Harrison also caught five passes for 33 yards in Week 3 and should be a contributor in the passing game the rest of the way regardless. If Lewis (hamstring) sits another week, Harrison has a chance to post solid numbers against the Bengals in what could be a trap game for their cross state rivals and give him a leg up on getting the starting gig should the Browns start planning for the future.

RB Maurice Morris, ---

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ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Lions starting RB Kevin Smith is "week to week" after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 3, opening the door for former Seahawks back Maurice Morris to get the start against the Bears in Week 4. Not a great matchup and the shifty Morris has not always stepped up to the challenge when given a start, but he should make some plays in the passing game, making him an option primarily in PPR leagues. Monitor the situation, but the Lions have some momentum coming off their first win in forever and those good vibes should lend themselves toward another solid game from the offense.

WR Bryant Johnson, ---

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The second receiver on the Lions gets the benefit of seeing scant double teams with defenses so focused on Calvin Johnson lined up on the other side. So far, Bryant Johnson is taking advantage of that space, hauling in four catches in two separate games this year. That includes a 4-73-1 line against the Redskins in Week 3, hauling in an early 21-yard touchdown pass in the Lions upset win. Despite finally reaching the winners circle, the Lions will still be trailing more often than not and throwing to keep up. As long as Matthew Stafford keeps his head above water enough, Johnson will have opportunities to continue his solid start and makes for a bye week WR3.

WR Mike Sims-Walker, ---

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Sims-Walker burst on the scene with 100+ yards and a score in Week 2 and he kept it going with another six grabs for 81 yards in Week 3. Still, he remains unowned in more than half of fantasy leagues, but that likely will not be the case after he goes up against a Titans secondary that has allowed seven touchdown passes and an average of 297 yards through the air this season. Factor in upcoming games against the spotty Seahawks and Rams secondaries and Sims-Walker is a nice WR3/flex option in most leagues and even a WR2 option in 14+ team leagues.

TE Kevin Boss, ---

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For this specific week I think Vernon Davis against the atrocious Rams defense is the best likely free agent tight end available, but for those that need to go deeper, look at the Giants' Kevin Boss. So far, the Boss man has not been a factor, totaling six receptions for 102 yards, but he also has not faced the hapless Chiefs defense. The Giants' week 4 opponent has allowed Todd Heap 5-74-1 in Week One and Brent Celek dominated them for 8-104-1 this past week. Look for Boss to join those two in finding the end zone this week and at least be more involved in the passing attack.

PK Steven Hauschka, ---

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Hooray for Hauschka! The Ravens offense has gone from historically pedestrian to flat out scary through three weeks, racking up 103 points -- second in the NFL. Do not expect them to continue posting 30+ points a week, but behind their improved young QB, stout offensive line and versatile ground game, the Ravens should have no problem moving the ball the rest of the way. That should mean more field goal opportunities for Hauschka, who has hit four of five this year and is perfect on 13 extra points.

San Francisco

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The Niners' defense has been more of a success in the real world than the fantasy version, but that should change this week against the lowly Rams (regardless who takes the snaps from center). Laurent Robinson is out for the season, Donnie Avery has been MIA, Marc Bulger is simply beat up and now Kyle Boller might get the start this week. If that does not scream fantasy defense points, nothing does. Look for the Niners to add to their total of four picks and six sacks on the season -- perhaps in a big way.

Washington

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There is doom and gloom in the Nation's Capital following the Redskins' unimpressive home win against the Rams and last week's embarrassing road loss to the Lions. On top of that, Albert Haynesworth is dealing with a hip flexor and his status is to be determined. Still, there are players on the defensive side of the ball that can make plays and this week they get to face second-year QB Josh Johnson making his first NFL start. The Redskins are better in leagues that focus on yards allowed as they are not the best at turning their opponents over; for those in need of a spot start, they make a decent option this week even if Haynesworth is not at 100%.