Week 4 waiver wire roundup and initial player rankings
Week 4 waiver wire roundup and initial player rankings
My first stab at this week's rankings. Plus, recapping key injuries from Week 3 and what waiver wire options might be worth targeting.
If you’re here for Week 4 rankings, you can jump to those here and check back throughout the week, as they will update often. Keep reading for some injury updates and waiver wire suggestions.
🏥 Injury roundup and waiver targets
Percentages reflect how many teams have that player rostered in Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues.
Quarterback
Jordan Love (knee) may be cleared to play this week, depending on how practice goes. He really wants to be out there, but it’s too murky to say at this point … Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) aggravated his high-ankle sprain, though X-rays were negative. There’s a good chance he will miss Week 4.
Top available QB: “If you need a quarterback, [Geno] Smith [43%] needs to be a priority add. He looks like he could very well be a top-12 quarterback this season. Over the past two weeks, Smith has attempted 78 passes and has thrown for 616 yards,” writes RotoBaller’s Robert Lorge.
Other QB waiver options: Andy Dalton, CAR (10%); Sam Darnold, MIN (29%)
Running Back
Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, something Brian Robinson Jr. owners should be aware of … Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (knee) is week-to-week, giving Najee Harris, who, despite wearing a sling on his right arm in the locker room on Monday is expected to play, a slight fantasy bump.
Top available RB: Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Bucky Irving (49%) has earned more carries, so we can assume he’ll get just that. Irving already out-touched Rachaad White 12-11 in Week 3, and has 154 yards on 25 carries through three weeks. “Irving is still one of the top RB options on the wire and could eventually lead the team in several rushing categories,” writes ESPN’s Eric Moody.
Other RB waiver options: Rico Dowdle, DAL (44%); Cam Akers, HOU (36%); Roschon Johnson, CHI (7%); Braelon Allen, NYJ (46%)
Wide Receiver
Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on the Reserve/Injured list and will miss at least four games … a bit of a non-update, but since there were rumblings of an early return, I’ll mentioned that Cooper Kupp has already been ruled out for Week 4 … Nothing new on Deebo Samuel, but just a reminder he's expected to miss this week as well.
Top available WR: I usually don’t mention players who are less than 40% available, but I’ll make an exception for Jauan Jennings (66%), who had a huge performance with George Kittle and Samuel out. “I would start Jennings as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver against the Patriots if Samuel and Kittle remain out,” writes CBS Sports’ Jamey Eisenberg.
Other WR waiver options: Darnell Mooney, ATL (35%); Allen Lazard, NYJ (35%); Tutu Atwell, LAR (5%); Wan'Dale Robinson (23%)
Tight End
Trey McBride (concussion) is going through the concussion protocol and will need to clear it to play this week … Sam LaPorta (ankle) is considered day-to-day. Backup TE Brock Wright hauled in four of his five targets for 34 yards … Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) has a good chance of missing another game given he plays on Thursday.
Top available TE: “Within the context of this season, any tight end who delivers a 10-catch, 97-yard game is an immediate and urgent priority add,” writes Yahoo! Sports’ Andy Behrens of the Bears’ Cole Kmet (64%).
Other TE waiver options: Tyler Conklin, NYJ (22%); Hunter Henry, NE (44%)
Initial Week 4 fantasy football rankings
My Week 4 fantasy football rankings for PPR, Half-PPR, and Standard scoring formats will be updated throughout the weekend up until kickoff on Sunday.