We are already entering week 4 of the NFL season and the landscape of fantasy football leagues is starting to take shape. A good way to sum up the start of the fantasy season is too many injuries, tight ends have been horrible, and Saquon Barkley is on track to win a fantasy football MVP award.
This is not a particularly strong waiver wire this week with multiple guys on this list being guys that should have been added last week. Some deep league options can become enticing with the injuries at multiple key positions. Let’s take a look at some of the best waiver pickups ahead of week 4.
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Jauan Jennings WR (SF)
If Jauan Jennings is somehow still available (36.1% rostered) in your league, you NEED to add him this time around. After being a hot pick-up last week, Jennings went for 11 catches for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out, he is a must-start weekly. He had more targets than Aiyuk last week and draws a favorable matchup against the Patriots this week.
Bucky Irving RB (TB)
For weeks now I have been preaching about picking up Bucky Irving and stashing him on your bench. He has been the better RB in Tampa Bay this season and now HC Todd Bowles says that Irving will earn more touches this week. Irving has established his presence as a 1st and 2nd down back, with increased touches on 3rd down he could become one of the best waiver adds of the season.
Cam Akers RB (HOU)
Akers was picked up in fantasy leagues last week with Joe Mixon potentially missing week 3 with an ankle injury. Unfortunately, the Texans left their offense in Houston and got dominated up front by the Vikings. This resulted in Akers averaging 2 yards per carry, but a receiving touchdown saved his fantasy day on his only reception. With Mixon’s timeline uncertain, Akers is a must roster until Mixon is back.
Quentin Johnston WR (LAC)
After a lost rookie season, Johnston is quickly quieting down all of the bust talk. His stats don’t necessarily jump out at you as he only has 10 catches for 133 yards. What has been noteworthy is that he is the 1st read on 31.6% of dropbacks, ranking 13th in the NFL while adding 3 touchdowns. With Herbert potentially out this week, it caps Johnston’s potential but down the stretch, he is due for a breakout game.
Rico Dowdle RB (DAL)
Despite limited outputs in fantasy terms, Dowdle has shown upside in the last two weeks. He has taken over the Cowboys backfield earning 22 more snaps than Ezekiel Elliot last week. The matchups against the Saints and Ravens were not favorable for running backs, expect him to have a breakout week against the Giants in week 4. A guy that you should target at a high priority on waivers or buy low by trading for him.
Jalen Nailor WR (MIN)
Nailor has filled in well for the injured Jordan Addison, recording a touchdown in 3 straight games. His volume will never be that high but his 1.88 air yards per route suggest he is the deep threat in this offense. If you want to rely on Nailor to continue beating teams over the top, he is a good pickup this week in fantasy.
Allen Lazard WR (NYJ)
Lazard is having a resurgent season with a healthy Aaron Rodgers back for the Jets. On the season he now has 11 catches for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rodgers trusts Lazard, and he will continue to get red zone touches down the stretch. His upside is limited though as he will never be a target hog, he is a good flex play going forward.
Braelon Allen RB (NYJ)
Allen is the premier handcuff to own in fantasy football right now. For 3 straight weeks, we have seen his touches increase despite having Breece Hall ahead of him in New York. On the season he is averaging 10.7 PPR points per game, making him startable for some teams at RB. If Breece Hall were to ever miss time the opportunity is there for Allen to get 25+ touches and win you your league.
Sam Darnold QB (MIN)
The Vikings have been impressive this season and it’s due to Darnold’s breakout season. He now has 657 passing yards while throwing 8 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. Darnold is the QB4 in standard QB leagues and is somehow only rostered in 16.7% of leagues. He has little rushing upside, but if he continues to play at this level, he needs to be starting every week.
Honorable Mentions
Justin Fields QB (PIT) Rostered: 24.1%
Andy Dalton QB (CAR) Rostered: 1.4%
Antonio Gibson RB (NE) Rostered: 31.7%
Cordarrelle Patterson RB (PIT) Rostered: 0.7%
Khalil Herbert RB (CHI) Rostered: 11.4%
Roschon Johnson RB (CHI) Rostered: 0.8%
Demario Douglas WR (NE) Rostered: 28.5%
Xavier Leggette WR (CAR) Rostered: 4.6%
Tutu Atwell WR (LAR) Rostered: 1.9%
Andrei Iosivas WR (CIN) Rostered: 7.1%
Mike Gesicki TE (CIN) Rostered: 29.2%
Tyler Conklin TE (NYJ) Rostered: 27.7%
Zach Ertz TE (WSH) Rostered: 19.6%
Cole Kmet TE (CHI) Rostered: 26.2%
Tennessee Titans DEF Rostered: 3.2%