Injuries continue to mount across the league as we head into another pivotal week of the fantasy football season. With key players sidelined, now is the perfect time to target emerging talent and fill those critical roster gaps. In this fantasy football Week 4 waiver wire breakdown, we’ll highlight the top 10 pickups to strengthen your starting lineup and add depth to your bench.
Don’t miss out on these potential breakout stars—set your sights on them before your competition does.
Others to Consider: RB Rico Dowdle, TE Tyler Conklin, WR Michael Wilson, RB Emanuel Wilson, WR Mike Williams, WR Calvin Austin, WR Demario Douglas, WR Tutu Atwell, WR Jalen Tolbert, QB Andy Dalton, RB Justice Hill, WR Tre Tucker
Note: Roster % based on Yahoo and Sleeper
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 4 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
Tier 4: Best of the Rest
10. Allen Lazard, WR New York Jets (30% Yahoo, 39% Sleeper)
When someone has a serious connection with a QB like Aaron Rodgers, you’d be silly to ignore them. Allen Lazard made his way over from Green Bay to New York to follow his QB and has been rewarded with three touchdowns in as many weeks. Defenses are focusing most of their attention on Garrett Wilson, which they should be, and Lazard is making the most of his opportunities in single coverage.
9. Jalen Nailor, WR Minnesota Vikings (11%, 22%)
While Jordan Addison has dealt with an ankle injury, Jalen Nailor has filled in nicely as the WR2, scoring in every game so far this season. He clearly has some chemistry with Sam Darnold, and while the usage numbers aren’t exactly eye-popping, his results speak for themselves. This offense is buzzing, and the Nailor is reaping its rewards.
Tier 3: Unsexy But High Usage
8. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR New York Giants (20%, 34%)
Malik Nabers is getting all the attention in the Giant’s offense, and rightfully so. However, don’t sleep on Wan’Dale Robinson, who is the clear WR2 for Daniel Jones. The usage is legitimate, with 24 targets and 15 receptions through three games. But we want to see the yardage numbers increase, as Robinson has had a pretty low aDOT. Mostly a YAC guy; these numbers should improve as the offense hopefully ascends and Nabers begins to command double teams.
7. Sam Darnold, QB Minnesota Vikings (30%, 38%)
We are unsure how many people saw this coming, but Sam Darnold has come out on fire through the first three weeks of this season. QB whisperer Kevin O’Connell has Darnold looking like the promising prospect we saw coming out of USC, as he has multiple touchdown passes in every game so far this season. With Justin Jefferson and various weapons to target, Darnold will likely have some pretty good passing days, but he has looked great thus far.
Ride the hot hand.
6. Darnell Mooney, WR Atlanta Falcons (26%, 43%)
Darnell Mooney, the clear WR2 in Atlanta’s offense, looks relatively reliable as the Falcons start to put it together. There was a huge scare in Week 1 when the offense looked anemic under Kirk Cousins, but now it looks like everyone’s settling into place, especially Mooney. Money has seen fifteen targets over the past two games while continuing to play the big play threat he had been early in his career.
Tier 2: High-Upside Targets
5. Justin Fields, QB Pittsburgh Steelers (16%, 27%)
Justin Fields is finally putting it together in his stable new home as the Steelers’ starting QB. While the Steelers are a run-first offense, Fields is getting time in the pocket to make plays with his arms and legs, showing signs of his Konami upside. His legs have always been the great separator and what can propel Fields into elite fantasy territory. As he gets even more comfortable in Pittsburgh, you have to imagine he’ll start having more designed runs called. Expect to see more of Fields with Najee Harris (arm) and Jaylen Warren (knee) currently banged up.
4. Cole Kmet, TE Chicago Bears (41%, 46%)
It was a slow start to the season for Cole Kmet, playing only 48% of snaps in the opener. Since then, he’s returned to a regular high-usage role with 77% and 81% snaps these last two weeks. Kmet really found his groove with Caleb Williams this week, totaling 10-97-1 on 11 targets. The Bears’ offensive line has struggled, so Williams doesn’t have a lot of time to throw. Kmet can be the ultimate safety valve as this offense tries to figure it out.
The veteran could be the answer to your tight end blues.
Tier 1: The FAAB Buster(s)
3. Braelon Allen, RB New York Jets (36%, 46%)
While the rookie’s usage remains low, Braelon Allen seems to be getting touches on a high percentage of the snaps that he actually plays. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that Allen is a talented back who can explode when given the lead role. Despite his limited touches, he’s even showing signs of being a ‘handcuff with benefits‘ in the backup role. Allen will benefit from the Jets playing with the lead while also looking to keep Breece Hall fresh.
2. Jauan Jennings, WR San Francisco 49ers (32%, 44%)
Lord have mercy. Did Jauan Jennings make the most of his extended usage in Week 3? The 49ers are littered with injuries to Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, leaving a gaping target share for Brandon Aiyuk and Jennings to feast. The result: a monster 11-175-3 line on 12 targets for the player who did not just sign a four-year, $120 million deal. Obviously, Jennings won’t replicate this historic day again, but he could still put up fantasy-worthy numbers even when Deebo returns.
1. Bucky Irving, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35%, 44%)
The hype is building, but there’s still time to buy low on Bucs RB Bucky Irving. He’s only playing around 30% of the snaps, but he’s been super efficient when given the ball, averaging 6.16 ypc. For comparison, current starter Rachaad White is averaging a pathetic 2.12 ypc. White has always been fantasy-relevant based on his sheer usage and stellar PPR work, but his inefficiency is beginning to creep up on him. The signs point toward Irving eventually taking over this lead-back role for Tampa Bay with potential goal line work.
