We’re on to Week 4. Almost a quarter of the way through the season now. Hopefully, you have found yourself on the winning side more often than not. However, with the way things have gone you’ve probably experienced an injury or some frustration with your team.
As many people may say “you don’t win your league at the draft”. This means the waiver wire is always an important asset to utilize. As always I’ve tried to identify some of the more popular waiver wire adds, some deeper league options, and some to keep an eye on up until your waivers run.
Now every league may be a little different, but I will be looking at players who are on 50% or less of teams across Yahoo and ESPN platforms. I will also include some players who might be above 50%, but are worth the look to see if they’re available in your league.
Week 4 Waiver Wire: Possibly taken, but worth a look
Mike Davis (RB, CAR)
Davis ownership has increased significantly after waivers ran last week, but still on 80% or less teams on both ESPN and Yahoo. In week 2 he rushed 13 times for 46 yards, but also had 8 receptions (9 targets) for 45 receiving yards and a touchdown. Carolina faces Arizona and Atlanta in the next two weeks, which Davis should continue to get the receiving work.
Darrell Henderson (RB, LAR)
Henderson still is in less than 80% of teams on Yahoo and ESPN. He had a strong Week 3 performance as he rushed 20 times for 114 yards and 1 touchdown. He was the beneficiary of Akers being out and definitely took advantage of his opportunity. McVay still may look to have a committee approach, but if Henderson continues to run like he did last week he should continue to see the work.
Joshua Kelley (RB, LAR)
Kelley appeared to fall victim to the Chargers falling behind as he saw a drop in total touches. He rushed 8 times for 43 yards while adding in 9 yards receiving on 2 receptions. He also lost a fumble in the game. If your hurting for starters, Kelley can be utilized, but you may want to stick to games that the Chargers are favored to win.
Week 4 Waiver Wire: On less than 50% of teams
Jared Goff (QB, LAR)
Goff threw for 311 yards and two pass touchdowns while also rushing twice for 4 yards and a touchdown. He now has scored 3 total touchdowns in back to back weeks. Goff also gets the Giants and then Redskins in Weeks 4 and 5. If you’re streaming he may be a solid two-week play. He is on over 60% of teams on Yahoo, but under 50% in ESPN Leagues.
Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN)
The rookie receiver had quite the breakout game in Week 3 as he caught 7 receptions for 175 yards and a receiving touchdown. Minnesota has not looked great and their defense has given up at least 28 points in the last three weeks, which doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon. This puts them in a position to need to throw the ball and after Week 3 Jefferson should warrant more attention from Kirk Cousins.
Alex Tafaro Adds: Bisi Johnson did not receive a target in week three and Jefferson has officially taken over the number two role in Minnesota behind Adam Thielen. Jefferson may not be a weekly starter but pending the matchup can make a positive impact for your fantasy team moving forward.
Allen Lazard (WR, GB)
Lazard stepped up big in Week 3 for the Packers and caught 6 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. He appeared to benefit most from Davante Adams missing action in Week 3, but there still is volume in the passing game to go around even with Adams’ return. Aaron Rodgers has averaged 35 passing attempts over the last three weeks and the Packers face off against Atlanta in Week 4, which should be another shoot out. Lazard is worth an add.
Tafaro Adds: Everything looks good for the Packers on offense. Rodgers looks healthy and rejuvenated, Aaron Jones is a star, Adams (when healthy) commands attention and still performs, and Lazard has established himself as the Packers number two option at WR. Most importantly, the Packers feel like a legitimate threat to score every time they touch the football. Lazard has performed exceptionally well through three weeks and should remain a weekly flex option regardless of Adams’ availability.
Tee Higgins (WR, CIN)
Joe Burrow appeared to be looking Higgins’ way in Week 3 as he managed 5 receptions (9 targets) and 2 touchdowns. The Bengals appear to want to throw the ball (or need to) as Burrow has averaged 47 passing attempts through three weeks. Higgins slides in as the 3rd or 4th option on this team so it might be hit or miss, but if your in a deeper league or struggling with injuries he could be worth picking up to see how it plays out.
Myles Gaskin (RB, MIA)
It may not be pretty or fun to have a Dolphins running back, but Gaskin continues to get more work in the running game. He rushed 22 times for 66 yards. He also caught 5 receptions for 29 yards. The Dolphins will face off against some tough defenses coming up, but if you’re in need of someone to start it’s tough to look past the volume Gaskin has been getting.
Tafaro Adds: Gaskin is a decent floor, low ceiling option at running back who should be a viable flex option week in and week out. Jordan Howard is nothing more than a goal-line back for Miami, and Matt Breida clearly seems to be slotted as Gaskins direct backup. Gaskin is averaging 13.1 points through three weeks (PPR) without scoring a touchdown.
Carlos Hyde (RB, SEA)
Russ is cooking in Seattle, but if you watched this game Chris Carson left with an injury. As of Monday, it doesn’t sound like it is too serious, but should Carson miss some time Hyde looks to step into Carson’s role. He’s not worth losing a high waiver priority on or bidding a bunch of FAAB, but it is worth monitoring Carson’s status if you’re in need of a running back in Week 4.
Mo Alie-Cox (TE, IND)
Cox had another good outing in Week 3 as he caught all 3 of his targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. He looks to be involved in the passing plan and Rivers has targeted him 9 times in the last two weeks. Cox is a very large man, which also helps boost the red zone potential.
Tafaro Adds: Philip Rivers has utilized the tight end position well his entire career and coupled with the aging oft-injured Jack Doyle and underwhelming Trey Burton, Alie-Cox now entering his fourth season in the NFL, is a prime candidate to “break-out”. Those in need of assistance at the tight end position should strongly consider Alie-Cox as their number one waiver claim.
Robert Tonyan (TE, GB)
Tonyan has scored in two straight weeks now and caught all 5 of his receptions for 50 yards. His production has come after getting the start with Josiah Deguara sidelined. If you’re in need of someone at the tight end position, it’s worth it to keep an eye on Tonyan.
