Week 4 Waiver Wire Adds: Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season is in the books, and that means it’s time to look at waiver wire pickups. Most leagues’ waivers process on Wednesday, so this article will be posted every Tuesday afternoon. The percentages next to a player’s name explain what percentage of an FAAB budget should go toward that player in a 12-team PPR format.
Quarterbacks
Andy Dalton (CIN, 1-2%)
Although he disappointed in Week 3 by posting only 14 fantasy points (four interceptions did not help), Andy Dalton is now matched up against a depleted Atlanta defense that has given up 27.6 and 44.4 points to opposing quarterbacks in the last two weeks. The Falcons are missing a few key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, so fire up Dalton in the game with the second-highest total (51) this week.
Baker Mayfield (CLE, 0-1%)
The most efficient quarterback in college football history dazzled in his professional debut, topping 200 yards in a little over one half of play. With a plethora of weapons at his disposal and facing the Oakland Raiders’ league-worst pass rush, Baker Mayfield is a streaming candidate in Week 3.
Running Backs
Javorius Allen (BAL, 10-12%)
Despite his efficiency woes, the Ravens continue to get Javorius Allen involved, this time giving him 54 percent of snaps in Baltimore’s win over Denver. Allen has scored three touchdowns on the ground as Baltimore’s goal-line back of choice, and he has 17 targets in three games. He won’t be efficient, but he’s a flex in deeper PPR leagues as long as the Ravens feature him.
Aaron Jones (GB, 3-5%)
Aaron Jones made his triumphant return to the football field in Week 3 after missing the first two games due to a suspension, and he quickly re-established himself as the most talented runner in Green Bay. Jones averaged 3.67 yards after contact against the Redskins and clearly outplayed his running back counterparts in 2017 before an injury derailed his rookie campaign. The volume isn’t there yet, but cream rises to the top, so Jones is a worthwhile investment.
Name to monitor: Darren Sproles (PHI)
Wide Receivers
Tyler Boyd (CIN, 10-12%)
Tyler Boyd built upon his Week 2 stat line of 6/91/1 by posting 6/132/1 in Week 3. Boyd is clearly the No. 2 wideout ahead of John Ross and has massive upside if AJ Green’s injury sidelines him for a couple games. Boyd is likely owned at this point, but he’s worth splurging for if he’s still available.
Calvin Ridley (ATL, 5-7%)
Calvin Ridley introduced himself to the nation in Week 2, scoring three times en route to a massive fantasy day. Still, the rookie out of Alabama finished third among Falcons wide receivers in snaps behind both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. He’s worth an add because of his gaudy numbers, but temper expectations. He’ll likely go for more than 5-7 percent in most leagues, and I’m fine with missing out on him.
Antonio Callaway (CLE, 3-5%)
Antonio Callaway has established himself as the Browns No. 2 WR after playing 81 percent of snaps in Week 2 and 90 percent in Week 3. Callaway notched 10 targets against the Jets as the Browns played catch-up after falling behind early. With Mayfield starting, the whole Browns offense has upside, so the talented rookie is worth an add this week. He also makes for an intriguing daily fantasy start this week at only $4,300 on DraftKings.
Christian Kirk (WAS, 1-3%)
Christian Kirk saw eight targets in Week 3 but finished third among Cardinals wideouts in snaps behind Larry Fitzgerald and Chad Williams. His Week 3 performance might earn him more snaps and Josh Rosen’s promotion makes Kirk worth a prospective add.
Names to monitor: James Washington (PIT), Courtland Sutton (DEN)
Tight Ends
O.J. Howard (TB, 5-7%)
Cameron Brate is the only obstacle in the way of OJ Howard’s ascension to stardom. After looking like a non-factor through two games, Brate totaled four targets on 42 percent of snaps in Week 3. Howard still managed eight targets, and the 2017 first-round pick has awe-inspiring upside if Brate fades away. Even with Brate in the picture, Howard looks like a low-end TE1 or high-end TE2 even with Brate.
David Njoku (CLE, 3-5%)
A rising tide lifts all boats, and that’s what’s happening in Cleveland right now with Mayfield leading the team. David Njoku has an 81st percentile SPARQ-x score and was a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, so he has massive upside if the Browns offense can ignite under this year’s No. 1 overall pick. Njoku had only two targets in Week 3 after totaling 14 in the previous two games, but his upside warrants a waiver claim.
Ricky Seals-Jones (ARI, 1-3%)
The Cardinals offense is a mess, but Ricky Seals-Jones has played at least 84 percent of snaps in each of the first three weeks. The targets were there during the first two weeks (six targets both weeks) but dropped in Week 3 as Arizona’s offense ground to a halt. If the Cardinals offense gets going under Josh Rosen, RSJ makes for a sneaky fantasy play.
Names to monitor: Vance McDonald (PIT)
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