Fantasy football, Week 4: Percy Harvin on the rise

In just three games with the Buffalo Bills, Percy Harvin has proven to be much more than just a gadget player in Greg Roman's offense. As the Bills head into their Week 4 game against the New York Giants, Harvin has proven to be the Bills' top receiver, and a viable flex option for fantasy football owners this season.

Heading into the regular season, fans were a bit unsure about what to expect from Harvin. This did not have anything to do with Harvin's talent, but was related to the hip injury that plagued him throughout training camp and the preseason. The injury kept him from taking practice reps with Tyrod Taylor, leaving questions about the rapport that the two may have once the regular season got underway. Any concerns have been put to rest, as Harvin leads the team with 16 receptions for 192 yards through three games. While there is understandably plenty of time left this season, Harvin is currently on pace to finish the year with 85 receptions for 1,024 yards and five touchdowns. As a favorite target for Taylor, owners can expect Harvin to be targeted on a consistent basis in the coming weeks.

Harvin also provides a nice upside for his owners with the additional touches he receives each game. Through the first three games of the season, he has averaged eight yards per carry on his four rushing attempts. While Harvin may only receive a couple of carries each game, he does have five rushing touchdowns in his career - and with LeSean McCoy looking doubtful for Sunday, Harvin could see an expanded workload out of the backfield.

In addition to the rushes, Harvin is also one of the more dangerous kick returners in the NFL. With an average of 27.3 yards per return, Harvin has added five kick returns for touchdowns as well in his career. While Harvin's rushes and returns are not enough to carry him as an every week starter, they do provide additional value that could factor into owner's decisions at the flex position this weekend.

With things looking questionable for Sammy Watkins on Sunday, Harvin could be the Bills' go-to receiver against a Giants defense that has allowed Tony Romo, Matt Ryan and Kirk Cousins to pass for over 300 yards each to open the season. Sunday could be the day to start Harvin in what should be a favorable matchup for the Bills' passing attack.