Guiding Your Fantasy Football Team to Victory: Week 4 Predictions
Fantasy football is a game of strategy and foresight. While drafting a strong team is the first step, the real determinant of success is the moves you make throughout the season. Injuries, performance oscillations, and other unforeseen circumstances can drastically change a player’s value. In this article, we will navigate the current NFL landscape and explore the waiver wire for the upcoming week.
A Glimpse into the Injuries
The NFL is a war of attrition; injuries are unfortunately inevitable. One such casualty is Justin Herbert, who recently sustained a high right ankle sprain. With Herbert, Jordan Love, and Tua Tagovailoa potentially sidelined for the following weekend, we have compiled a list of quarterbacks who could help fill these gaps.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (16.2% rostered on ESPN)
Darnold seems to be flourishing under Kevin O’Connell’s coaching, recently achieving his season’s highest of 23.3 fantasy points against the Houston Texans. He is a good QB2 option against the Green Bay Packers for the upcoming week.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (27.8% rostered)
Smith didn’t need to overexert himself against the Dolphins, finishing with 11.3 fantasy points. However, he scored 17.8 and 17.9 points in the first two weeks, respectively, making him a decent QB2 option against the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.1% rostered)
Fields recently scored a season-high of 18.4 fantasy points against the Chargers. He comes in third behind Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts with 11 games of both passing and rushing touchdowns since 2021. He makes a good QB1 option against the Colts in the upcoming week.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (6.1% rostered)
Jones recently scored a season-high of 19.4 fantasy points against the Cleveland Browns. His performance has been boosted by rookie WR Malik Nabers. Jones is a potential QB2 option against the Dallas Cowboys in the upcoming week.
Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (1.4% rostered)
Dalton put up an impressive performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 24.5 fantasy points. His performance makes him a reliable QB2 option for managers.
Other QB Options to Consider
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (7.8% rostered) and Tim Boyle, Miami Dolphins (0.0% rostered) are worth considering for future matchups.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32.8% rostered)
Despite the Broncos shutting down the Bucs offense, Irving led the team with 12 touches. He is one of the top RB options on the wire.
Cam Akers, Houston Texans (35.1% rostered)
Akers finished with 10.0 fantasy points against the Dolphins, thanks to a receiving touchdown. He could lead the Texans’ committee against Jacksonville in the upcoming week.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (37.4% rostered)
Dowdle led the Cowboys backfield with 9.0 fantasy points. He is worth considering for the upcoming match against the Giants.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (28.0% rostered)
Even though the Jets had a leading position against the Patriots, Allen led the Jets backfield with a season-high 55 rushing yards.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (29.6% rostered)
Despite losing to the Panthers, Mattison led the Raiders in snaps played and had a productive fantasy day, scoring 13.4 points.
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers (1.9% rostered)
Wilson has been making plays for the Packers and would be ready to take on the workload if Josh Jacobs misses any games.
Other RB Options to Consider
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (0.8% rostered), Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (6.2% rostered), Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (1.7% rostered), Tyler Badie, Denver Broncos (0.0% rostered), and Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (9.6% rostered) are worth stashing for potential future opportunities.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (36.0% rostered)
Jennings provided a significant performance for the 49ers, finishing with 12 targets and 46.5 fantasy points. He should be your top priority if you need a wide receiver.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (42.7% rostered)
Johnston scored 12-plus fantasy points in consecutive games and is serving as the Chargers’ top receiver. He is a good flex option against the Kansas City Chiefs in the upcoming week.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets (34.3% rostered)
Lazard has a good rapport with QB Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay. He could have another productive game against the Broncos.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (14.8% rostered)
Even though Nabers has commanded a huge target share this season, Robinson has still been productive. He is on the flex radar against the Cowboys in the upcoming week.
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (33.5% rostered)
After a solid Week 1 against the Browns with 14.5 fantasy points, Cooks has totaled just 7.2 points over his past two outings. However, Cooks ranks just outside the top 10 in routes run and could be a viable option against the Giants in the upcoming week.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (28.5% rostered)
Douglas led his team with nine targets and scored 14.8 fantasy points against the Jets in Week 3. He is a good option for bench depth.
Other WR Options to Consider
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (4.0% rostered), Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (9.5% rostered), Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (20.0% rostered), Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams (1.9% rostered), and Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (26.3% rostered) are worth considering.
