Week 3 is in the books and the waiver wire is starting to heat up, with Week 4 serving up some serious value. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, underperforming stars, or just looking to stay ahead of the competition, now’s the time to make savvy adds that could pay off big. From breakout rookies to sneaky veterans, this week’s list has something for every roster.
We’ve combed through the stats, snap counts, and coach speak to bring you the most promising fantasy football Week 4 waiver wire pickups. These players aren’t just short-term fixes; they’ve got the potential to become weekly starters or high-upside stashes. So grab your coffee, open your app, and let’s dive into the top waiver wire adds that could help you win your league.
HEADS UP: Each player featured is rostered in roughly 50% or fewer leagues on Yahoo! at the time of publication.
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 4 WAIVER WIRE
QUARTERBACKS
GENO SMITH, RAIDERS (28% ROSTERED)
If you’re in need of a steady QB option, Geno Smith might just be your guy. He’s quietly put together two QB1 fantasy finishes in three games, and Week 3 was his best yet, thanks in large part to some glorious garbage time magic.
Smith lit up the stat sheet with 289 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 41-24 loss to Washington. All three scores went to Tre Tucker, who might be featured in this article, including a late 61-yard bomb that padded Geno’s fantasy total to a juicy 26.06 points, good for third-best among QBs.
Sure, it wasn’t all pretty (Week 2 was a three-pick disaster), but Geno bounced back in style. With a matchup against a banged-up Bears defense on deck, he’s not a week-winner, but he’s a solid plug-and-play with a safe floor. If your starter’s injured or you’re streaming QBs, Geno’s worth a look.
JAXSON DART, GIANTS (5% ROSTERED)
The Jaxson Dart era has officially arrived in New York, and Giants fans couldn’t be more ready for the spark. After weeks of watching Russell Wilson sputter (outside of Week 2), Brian Daboll handed the keys to the rookie who turned heads all preseason, tossing for over 370 yards and three touchdowns, running in another, and looking every bit like the dual-threat playmaker this offense has been missing.
Now, with Malik Nabers stretching defenses, Wan’Dale Robinson working the slot, and Darius Slayton flying deep, Dart steps into a loaded situation for his first NFL start against the Chargers. It’s a trial by fire—but the upside is too fun to ignore.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Jaxson Dart (5%), Matthew Stafford (31%), Trevor Lawrence (50%), Sam Darnold (19%), Dillon Gabriel (1%)
RUNNING BACKS
TREY BENSON, CARDINALS (52% ROSTERED)
With James Conner sidelined for the season, the Cardinals backfield just got a major shakeup, and Trey Benson is stepping into the spotlight. The second-year back has already flashed some juice this year, and now he’s got the runway to take off as Arizona’s lead back.
Benson’s been quietly more efficient than Conner in nearly every category (except scoring), and now he’s set to handle the bulk of the work, with Emari Demercado likely mixing in on passing downs. That kind of volume instantly puts Benson in the RB2 mix and makes him a top-24 option moving forward.
He’s racked up 170 total yards on 29 touches through three games, and while he hasn’t found the end zone yet, the opportunity is there. With only Demercado, Bam Knight, and practice-squad stash Michael Carter behind him, Benson’s got a clear path to fantasy relevance.
If Benson’s still floating out there in your league, scoop him up before someone else does. And don’t be shy about dumping the FAAB on him.
BLAKE CORUM, RAMS (17% ROSTERED)
Kyren Williams is still the lead dog in LA, but Blake Corum is starting to bark a little louder. After Sean McVay hinted at a more even split, Corum saw a bump in usage in Week 3, logging eight carries for 53 yards. Not bad for a guy still technically in a backup role!
While Williams handled most of the touches (22 to be exact), Corum looked sharp and efficient, and more importantly, he’s earning trust. He’s now totaled 97 yards and a touchdown over the last two games, and if anything happens to Kyren, Corum could instantly become a league-winner.
Even as a flex, he’s got juice. He’s one of the better backup RB stashes in fantasy right now, and with his role growing, he needs to be rostered in just about every league. Don’t wait for an injury to make the move, get ahead of the curve and grab Corum now.
OLLIE GORDON II, DOLPHINS (20% ROSTERED)
Ollie Gordon may have started the season quietly, but he made some noise in Week 3, scoring his first NFL touchdown and showing he’s ready for more. The rookie got nine carries for 38 yards and punched in a two-yard score against the Bills.
After just three total carries in the first two games, Gordon’s increased workload was a pleasant surprise. He wasn’t just a warm body out there, he looked solid and made the most of his touches. Lead back De’Von Achane still saw more work (and a bunch of targets), but Gordon’s role is clearly growing.
With a Monday night matchup against the Jets coming up, Gordon could be in line for another decent dose of action. He’s shaping up to be a sneaky flex play and a valuable stash with upside if Miami decides to keep mixing him in.
If you’ve got room on your bench, Ollie’s worth a look.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Rachaad White (44%), Kenneth Gainwell (10%), Tyler Allgeier vs. WAS (39% ), Woody Marks (9%), Kareem Hunt (31% rostered), Chris Rodriguez Jr. (5%), Kyle Monangai (13%), Emari Demercado (0%), Zavier Scott (1%)
WIDE RECEIVERS
LUTHER BURDEN III, BEARS (11% ROSTERED)
Luther Burden isn’t someone you’re plugging into your lineup just yet. But, he’s definitely someone you want stashed on your bench. The rookie wideout gave us a glimpse of his sky-high ceiling in Week 3, turning just three targets into 101 yards and a touchdown. Oh, and he added a little bonus with a seven-yard rush too.
HC Ben Johnson said he wanted to get Burden more involved, and he backed that up with action. Burden only played 29% of the snaps, but when he was on the field, he made it count, highlighted by a 65-yard flea-flicker TD and a 29-yard grab that helped set up another score.
He’s still behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in the pecking order, so there will be quiet weeks. But Burden’s explosive ability makes him one of the most intriguing upside stashes on the waiver wire. If his snap count starts climbing, you’ll want him already on your roster.
TRE TUCKER, RAIDERS (4% ROSTERED)
I’m not a Tre Tucker believer, but he just dropped the biggest fantasy performance by a wide receiver this season: eight catches, 145 yards, and three touchdowns.
The real story here is Tucker’s usage. He’s playing over 90% of the snaps and has now delivered two strong fantasy outings in three weeks. In Week 3, he torched Washington with two short scores and a 61-yard bomb from Geno Smith as the Raiders tried to claw their way back.
Through three games, Tucker’s rocking a 13-211-4 line on 20 targets, and with a juicy matchup against the struggling Bears defense on deck, he’s got a real shot to keep the momentum going.
DARNELL MOONEY, FALCONS (45% ROSTERED)
It wasn’t the prettiest stat line, but Darnell Mooney was busy in Week 3, drawing a team-high 11 targets and hauling in four catches for 44 yards in a rough 30-0 loss to Carolina. That kind of volume is hard to ignore, especially for a player who’s still ramping up after missing Week 1 with a shoulder injury.
Mooney’s efficiency wasn’t great, but he was second on the team in both catches and yards, and clearly part of the game plan. With a matchup against Washington coming up, he’s a sneaky flex option with blowup upside if you’re in a pinch.
He’s not a must-start yet, but Mooney’s target share and growing role make him a solid stash with potential for more. If you’re looking for a WR with volume and upside, Mooney’s worth a look.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Elic Ayomanor (21%), Christian Kirk (34%), Troy Franklin (43%), Romeo Doubs (32%), Cedric Tillman (37%), Tory Horton (2%), Dontayvion Wicks (3%), Tyquan Thornton (3%), Kayshon Boutte (23%), Rashod Bateman (32%)
TIGHT ENDS
HAROLD FANNIN JR., BROWNS (44% ROSTERED)
Here’s your weekly Harold Fannin Jr. blurb! The rookie didn’t light up the box score in Week 3, but he quietly stayed involved, catching three of four targets for 25 yards in the Browns’ gritty win over Green Bay. It was his lowest output so far, but the rookie third-rounder still tied for third on the team in targets and receptions, showing he’s a steady part of the passing game.
Fannin’s role isn’t flashy yet, but he’s clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff. With a road matchup against the Lions coming up, Cleveland may need to open things up offensively, which could mean more opportunities for Fannin to shine.
He’s not a plug-and-play starter just yet, but he’s a solid stash in deeper leagues and someone to monitor closely. If his snap count and usage trend upward, he could become a sneaky flex option with upside.
ISAIAH LIKELY, RAVENS (16% ROSTERED)
Isaiah Likely might’ve missed the first few games with a foot injury, but don’t forget about him.
Mark Andrews was underwhelming through two weeks, but woke up on Monday Night Football. The Ravens coaching staff has been hyping him up since the offseason, and if Andrews continues to struggle, Likely could see a decent target share in an offense that lacks pass-catching playmakers.
If you’re streaming tight ends, there are safer floor plays out there. But, if you’re chasing upside, Likely is your guy. He’s got the talent, the opportunity, and the buzz.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Brenton Strange (25%), Chig Okonkwo (31%), Dalton Schultz (19% rostered), Oronde Gadsen II (0%)
DEFENSES (DST)
Check out our weekly Defense Streamers article for a full breakdown.
