Fantasy Football: Week 4 Watch List Candidates
Scouring the waiver wire can be a daunting and time-consuming task due to the sheer amount of talent that is usually available in a league each and every week. The purpose of this article is to identify players who should be put on watch lists so that fantasy owners can be proactive and aware of potential free agent gems over the course of the 2018 regular season. Keep in mind that the names listed below are owned in a small percentage of leagues, but nonetheless offer statistical upside and therefore warrant our attention. Week 3’s edition consisted of names like Christian Kirk and Josh Rosen. Now, let’s look ahead to Week 4’s players to watch.
WR Julian Edelman, Patriots (83% Owned)
First and foremost, Julian Edelman should be rostered in all leagues. That discrepancy alone makes him an exception to be listed as a watch list candidate as he is slated to serve the final part of his four-game suspension this week. During his absence, New England has struggled to move the ball on offense. In fact, the team’s leader in receptions (14) over three weeks of action in 2018 is James White. Upon his return, Edelman figures to become the focal point of the Patriots passing attack alongside Rob Gronkowski as it has been in the past. Remember, Julian has registered at least 92 catches in three of his last four campaigns. The 32-year-old wide receiver even posted two 1,000-yard seasons over that span as well. Stash Edelman now before he is eligible to return in Week 5.
TE Dallas Goedert, Eagles (12% Owned)
Based on his second-round draft pedigree, it was clear that Dallas Goedert was a talented tight end coming out of South Dakota State. His fantasy impact as a rookie was in question due to the presence of Zach Ertz, but Goedert emerged in Week 3 to the tune of 7 receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown as Carson Wentz made his triumphant return from a torn ACL. It is unreasonable to expect that level of output from Goedert on a routine basis, but his output and target share is worth monitoring as the Philadelphia Eagles remain decimated with numerous injuries on offense.
QB Josh Allen, Bills (8% Owned)
Seemingly out of nowhere, Josh Allen managed to defy logic and flourish against a stout Minnesota defense in Week 3. The rookie out of Wyoming completed 15 of 22 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 carries for 39 yards and two scores on the ground for Buffalo. The 7th overall selection in this year’s draft has already exceeded expectations and should continue to elevate his fantasy stock with the Bills as the season progresses. While he should not be relied on as a weekly starter with such a small sample size of success, Allen needs to be placed on watch lists or even stashed in the event that he maintains his current pace of production.
TE Hayden Hurst, Ravens (3% Owned)
This former college baseball star opted to turn pro in football based on his success at South Carolina State on the gridiron, but he has missed all three of Baltimore’s games to date after undergoing a foot procedure before the regular season began. In his absence, the Ravens have implemented a committee approach at tight end. Hurst recorded no fewer than 44 receptions and 550 yards over his final two collegiate seasons, so his presence has been missed for Joe Flacco and company thus far. Fortunately, Hurst returned to practice this week in hopes to suit up for Sunday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since he is approaching a return and his eventual rookie debut, Hurst warrants a speculative add in most formats.
RB D’Onta Foreman, Texans (5% Owned)
Before tearing his Achilles in 2017, it appeared as if D’Onta Foreman was in line to supplant Lamar Miller as the starting running back for the Houston Texans. In fact, Foreman posted an impressive 78-327-2 rushing line as a rookie last season across merely ten appearances. He was placed on the PUP list to begin 2018 but is eligible to return in Week 7. While he has been sidelined, Miller has posted rather pedestrian lines of 44-176 / 8-54-1 as a rusher and receiver, respectively. Foreman is not expected to make an immediate impact when he eventually returns, but now is the time to proactively acquire him before the consensus realizes he is available in such a large number of leagues.