Week 4 DFS Cheapskate Plays is here to spotlight a few budget-friendly players who can help you stretch your salary cap without sinking your lineup.
We’re not chasing the “studs”. If I don’t mention the slate’s most expensive QB, it’s not because I think he’s a bad play; it’s because you don’t need me to tell you they will score the most points. The real purpose here is to dig for value, the affordable (cheap) options that make it possible to fit those high-priced studs into your build.
Of course, these picks come with more risk, and they don’t have the same floor as the proven stars. But when they hit, the payoff is huge. DFS is ultimately a game of points per dollar: a $4K player scoring 20 points (5x value) actually outperforms an $8K player scoring 24 points (only 3x). That’s why we hunt for these gems. They give you a better return on investment, even if they whiff more often.
Player prices are referenced from DraftKings, but the concept applies across all major DFS platforms.
Week 4 Cheapskate Quarterback
Jaxson Dart $4,500, NYG vs Chargers
If you’re hunting for a high-upside quarterback this week, Jaxson Dart is shaping up as a strong fantasy play. He just earned a perfect 100 on the Star-Predictor Score (SPS), the highest mark ever given to a quarterback, which suggests his skill set and college tape project to elite fantasy upside.
Dart wasn’t just a passer in college; he also produced as a runner. Over his Ole Miss tenure, he piled up 1,541 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in addition to nearly 12,000 career passing yards and 81 touchdowns across USC and Ole Miss. Those numbers highlight the kind of dual-threat upside that translates into fantasy scoring gold.
One of Dart’s strongest narrative angles is his chemistry with Malik Nabers, and Nabers has already planted the flag: “They’re gonna find a way to get 1 the ball.” That kind of statement from your WR1 is what fantasy managers love to hear, and I love the stack with Nabers this week.
Week 4 Cheapskate Running Backs
Omarion Hampton $5,900, LAC at Giants
After Najee Harris went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3, Omarion Hampton immediately seized full control of the Chargers’ backfield. Hampton logged 25 touches and 129 total yards (19 carries for 70 yards, 6 receptions for 59 yards, with a rushing TD) against a stout Denver Broncos defense.
Heading into Week 4, the consensus fantasy projection for Hampton sits at 13.2 points in PPR formats (with rushing projections of 17 attempts for 70 yards and 3 receptions for 20 yards), which I would deem as conservative given the Giants’ weak defense. His high snap share, backfield control, and immediate production make him an intriguing RB2 with upside this week.
Cam Skattebo $5,500, NYG vs Chargers
Cam Skattebo is a low-end RB2 target who could pay off big in Week 4 now that Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. In place of Tracy, Skattebo saw his workload surge. He handled 16 touches and played 59% of the snaps, finishing with 121 total yards and a touchdown (10 rushes plus 6 receptions) and clearly outsnapped veteran Devin Singletary.
For Week 4, analysts are projecting around 15.3 PPR points for Skattebo, given his expected expanded role in the backfield. He’s likely to see 16–20 total touches as the lead back in the Giants’ offense. Skattebo’s Week 3 breakout and now full trust from the coaching staff make him a compelling fantasy play this week alongside fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. I’m comfortable playing both in the same lineup, especially in cash games.
Week 4 Cheapskate Wide Receivers
Josh Downs $4,100, IND at Rams
Josh Downs makes for a tempting DFS dart throw this week, especially with Alec Pierce sidelined.
Though Downs hasn’t truly shown out yet this season, he has shown a knack for popping in spot weeks. Last year, he provided WR1 value over several weeks in the middle of the season while Michael Pittman Jr. struggled through a back injury. With Pierce out, the Colts are likely to lean harder on Downs and Pittman, which gives him sneaky upside in tournament builds.
Without Pierce commanding deep targets, Downs could see 6-8 targets or more, which gives him enough ceiling to win a slate if you get lucky on a score or big catch.
Tyquan Thornton $4,000, KC vs Ravens
Tyquan Thornton is shaping up as a sharp DFS dart this week, thanks to his explosiveness and favorable receiver-room dynamics. In Week 3, Thornton caught 5 of 9 targets for 71 yards and a touchdown, leading the Chiefs in receptions and receiving yards. That performance was a welcome encore to his 59 yards and a score in Week 2.
His early-season emergence is stark compared to his time in New England, where he rarely saw consistent volume or opportunity. Now, in Kansas City, he’s one of Patrick Mahomes’ preferred deep threats, and he’s capitalizing.
Crucially, Xavier Worthy is recovering from a shoulder injury, and I would expect him to be eased back in. That means Thornton should continue to see elevated snap share and target volume this week, giving him sneaky upside in tournaments. Especially in GPP lineups, Thornton’s deep speed and red-zone potential make him a high-ceiling, low-cost play.
Elijah Moore $3,700, BUF vs Saints
Elijah Moore is a low-key DFS sleeper this week, especially given how battered New Orleans’ defense has looked through three games. The Saints have given up big plays both through the air and on the ground, and their secondary lacks consistency.
Moore entered 2025 with post-hype appeal, after underwhelming stints with the Jets and Browns. While he hasn’t been a consistent producer recently, his route-running skills and experience make him a candidate for one of those spot breakout games. The mismatch potential against New Orleans adds to his intrigue in tournaments. If he draws a few extra targets and plays with aggression in the red zone, he could be undervalued.
In short, Moore’s path to value is narrow, but in a matchup like this, he’s a lottery ticket with better odds than the field.
Week 4 Cheapskate Tight End
Oronde Gadsden II $2,600, LAC at Giants
Oronde Gadsden II is suddenly flashing serious upside as a DFS sleeper this week after an electrifying Week 3 showing. In his NFL debut, Gadsden hauled in 5 catches on 7 targets for 46 yards, quickly becoming one of Justin Herbert’s go-to options. He posted a strong 3.1 yards per route run, placing him near the top among tight ends with similar volume.
Following that breakout, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t hold back praise, saying “there’s more good to come” and framing Gadsden’s performance as just the beginning. That kind of coach confidence often correlates with sustained opportunity and target increases in future games.
For your DFS builds, Gadsden now carries legitimate upside intrigue.
Week 4 Cheapskate Defense
Tennessee Titans $2300, TEN at Texans
The Tennessee Titans’ defense is shaping up as a viable DFS play this week, especially against a Houston Texans offensive line that’s been under siege all season. The Texans’ OL has allowed pressure on 42.3% of true dropbacks, ranking in the bottom five in the league. That breakdown in protection invites sacks, turnovers, and chaos in the backfield.
Meanwhile, in Week 1, the Titans’ defense throttled the Broncos’ offense, holding Bo Nix to just 176 passing yards with two picks while recovering two fumbles. Tennessee can dominate when the opponent’s attack struggles, which would be a good way to describe the 2025 Texans.
Cleveland’s defense is the popular basement play this week, making Tennessee a potential tournament-winning pivot.
For help filling out the rest of your lineup, check out the FSAN Rankings Page.