Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 4
With the quarter pole approaching and bye weeks upon us, now more than ever, it is important to be mindful of your leagues’ waiver wire. A claim here and a roster tweak there could mean the difference between disappointment and a #FootClanTitle. Let’s take a look at some players that may be available to you going into Week 4. For the full discussion, check out the Waiver Wire Podcast that is available every Tuesday. As always, QBs will be featured in the QB Streamers Article.
Wide Receivers
John Brown (ESPN 73.1%, Yahoo 70%)
While mostly owned, you should check to see if the previous Brown owner became impatient with the young WR who has been dealing with concussion symptoms. The tables have now turned in Arizona, as Michael Floyd is now dealing with a concussion of his own and Brown is getting back to form.
Terrelle Pryor (ESPN 28.0%, Yahoo 25%)
T.P. showed some serious athleticism in Week 3 as he served as a QB, WR, and RB for the Cleveland Browns. He will continue to be heavily involved this coming week as Cody Kessler is still the official starting QB and Josh Gordon will not return from suspension until Week 5.
Jamison Crowder (ESPN 11.2%, Yahoo 17%)
In a crowded Washington receiving corps, the diminutive Crowder is quietly becoming one of Kirk Cousins’ most trusted targets. He is even receiving a healthy number of red one targets which is uncommon for a slot WR.
Michael Thomas (ESPN 57.1%, Yahoo 48%)
With Snead on the shelf and Fleener struggling to adjust to the Saints offense, Thomas has emerged as a big-bodied target for Drew Brees. Brees was excited about Thomas’ potential in the offseason, we are now starting to see why.
Steve Smith (ESPN 52.1%, Yahoo 39%)
Steve Smith has a fire inside of him that just will not be extinguished. He is on a mission to prove his doubters wrong, and now that he looks healthy, I for one will not bet against him.
Kevin White (ESPN 63.0%, Yahoo 49%)
The only force on this earth that can compare to Jay Cutler’s love for his #1 WR, is a backup QB’s love for a backup WR. Brian Hoyer seems to have built a strong bond with White and fantasy owners would be wise to take advantage.
Running Backs
Christine Michael (ESPN 74.9%, Yahoo 73%)
If you’ve slept on Michael you have probably already missed out on his woke-ness.
Jordan Howard (ESPN 15.9%, Yahoo 27%)
Jeremy Langford’s injury isn’t as bad as initially reported, but his ankle sprain is still likely to sideline the RB for 4-6 weeks. This opens the door for upstart rookie Howard to take control of the Bears rushing attack.
Dwayne Washington (ESPN 20.3%, Yahoo 23%)
Apparently, the Lions offensive line doesn’t run block for Theo Riddick, but they sure do for Washington. He will be the Lions primary rusher for the foreseeable future.
Paul Perkins (ESPN 1.9%, Yahoo 2%)
Orleans Darkwa (ESPN 5.1%, Yahoo 3%)
The Giants used a committee at RB even with Jennings healthy. Now that Jennings is ailing and Vereen looks to be out for the season, expect this backfield to be frustrating. I would prefer to take a flier on the rookie, Perkins if I was desperate.
Darren Sproles (ESPN 49.3%, Yahoo 40%)
Wendell Smallwood (ESPN 1.5%, Yahoo 2%)
The Eagles have a bye in Week 4, if you need immediate reinforcements, you will need to look elsewhere.
Tight Ends
Eric Ebron (ESPN 66.8%, Yahoo 79%)
Ebron seems to be in a constant state of being dinged up. However, that hasn’t stopped him from putting up 168 yards and a TD in 3 weeks. He will continue to be a contributor in one of the league’s top passing offenses.
Kyle Rudolph (ESPN 40.7%, Yahoo 43%)
Rudolph has always been talented but the way the Vikings have used him in years past made him TD dependent in fantasy. This is no longer the case. New Vikings QB, Sam Bradford, throws to the TE often, making Rudolph an intriguing play.
Cameron Brate (ESPN 0.9%, Yahoo 2%)
In the place of disgraced TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Cameron Brate steps into a favorable role. He gathered 10 targets in Week 3 and scored twice. He’s a strong lottery ticket for those of you in deeper leagues.
Dennis Pitta (ESPN 55%, Yahoo 62%)
Pitta is a favorite target of Joe Flacco. The chemistry between these two is strong as they are even besties off the field. Being a trusted weapon over the middle for Flacco, Pitta will deliver some solid stat lines.
Zach Miller (ESPN 42.1%, Yahoo 41%)
With Brian Hoyer at the helm of the Bears offense, Miller stepped up in a big way. It will be interesting to see if this continues if/when Jay Cutler returns.
Defense/Special Teams
Minnesota Vikings (ESPN 69.5%, Yahoo 86%)
This defense should be owned everywhere. Week 3 seemed to be a tough matchup for the Vikes against Cam and the Panthers… boy were we wrong. Start them every week with confidence.
New England Patriots (ESPN 64.5%, Yahoo 90%)
Bill Belichick and the Patriots take on division rival Bills this week.
Cincinnati Bengals (ESPN 88.4%, Yahoo 63%)
At home this week against the Dolphins.
New York Jets (ESPN 54.4%, Yahoo 42%)
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are dealing with several injuries to key pieces, you may be able to take advantage of them this week.