The first quarter of the season is over, and most teams, excluding the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, have played four games.
Defensive depth charts continue to change weekly. Injuries and performance issues have seen some players emerge as surprisingly effective fantasy performers (Russell Allen comes to mind) and other big names have struggled mightily out of the gate (I'm looking at you, Jared Allen). Let's keep moving forward in our quest to locate the perfect sleeper options for Week 5.
LINEBACKERS
Craig Robertson, OLB, Cleveland at New York Giants: Showing excellent versatility as a situational linebacker, Robertson has been a pleasant, fantasy surprise. Through four weeks, he has more than 25 total tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended. There are concerns that when James-Michael Johnson returns from injury that Robertson will fade back to the bench, but I'm not buying it. The kid has earned his playing time and it will continue in a nice matchup against the Giants in Week 5.
Calvin Pace, OLB, New York Jets vs. Houston: Pace returns to the sleeper list for a second consecutive week as the Texans are coming to town. Houston is an excellent matchup for linebackers, and Pace put up a respectable Week 4 performance, mainly due to a sack and forced fumble. Look for better tackle numbers in Week 5 for Pace as Arian Foster and company pound the rock at the Jets defense.
Melvin Ingram, OLB, San Diego at New Orleans : Ingram has been getting close to the quarterback in his rookie campaign; he just hasn't finished the deal, yet. He has been credited with eight quarterback hurries and deflected two passes through four games. Look for Week 5 to be his coming out party. He's being utilized as a pass rushing specialist and the Saints love to throw the ball. Ingram will see increased playing time and the Saints are a mess right now. That equates to a very productive fantasy week for the rookie.
Koa Misi, LB, Miami at Cincinnati: Misi is a matchup play this week as he struggles in coverage but plays well against the run. His snap count will be up this week against the Bengals, after playing a season-low 38 snaps last week against the Arizona Cardinals. He did contribute a couple of big plays last week with a forced fumble and 1½ sacks. Solid tackle numbers and the potential for a big play or two in Week 5 make Misi a very nice sleeper candidate against Cincinnati.
Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Washington vs. Atlanta: Kerrigan is the last...