Navigating the waiver wire in fantasy football is much like stepping up to the plate in baseball. You have to take plenty of swings, accepting that you won’t always hit a home run and that you cannot let the fear of striking out hold you back. Even the best hitters miss more than they connect, and that promising pickup, who initially looked like a fastball down the middle, can quickly turn into a slider in the dirt. The key is not to get discouraged by a whiffed waiver claim, but to keep swinging until you finally connect on that game-changing home run. With that in mind, here are the Week 4 waiver pickups primed to knock it out of the park!

Running Backs

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – We have mentioned Bucky Irving in the first two editions of this article, and we are still banging the drum for you to pick him up in your fantasy leagues. The problem is, time might have already run out. In his NFL debut, the rookie immediately flashed his potential, looking far more explosive as a runner than Tampa Bay’s starter, Rachaad White. After a quiet Week 2, Irving again showed his ability in Week 3’s tough loss to the Broncos, rushing nine times for 70 yards and catching all three of his targets for 14 yards. He is now averaging 5.93 yards per carry this season, while White lags behind at 2.23.

White remains effective in the passing game, but it is clear that Irving is the more efficient runner, and that gap in production and efficiency should lead to more opportunities moving forward. While Irving has yet to see double-digit carries or score a touchdown through the first three weeks, that is bound to change as the season unfolds as well. He is a priority pickup who should be rostered in all leagues as he heads into a Week 4 matchup against the Eagles, looking to further expand his role.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets – While the NFL’s oldest player helped spark the Jets’ offense in Week 3, the league’s youngest player, Braelon Allen, has been turning heads as well. Built like a brick wall, Allen has been a nightmare for defenders, who often bounce off him on contact. The 20-year-old running back has been a force through his first three weeks, showcasing his power both on the ground and in the passing game. After an impressive Week 2 performance, Allen took another step forward in the Jets’ dominant Week 3 win over the Patriots, rushing 11 times for 55 yards and catching all three of his targets for 13 yards. Initially only seen as a top-tier insurance policy in fantasy, Allen now appears to have a defined role even with Breece Hall fully active. Hall will remain the starter, but if Allen continues to see double-digit touches, his efficiency and physicality could carve out a fantasy-relevant role. Allen should be rostered in all leagues as he heads into a favorable Week 4 matchup with the Broncos, a game where the Jets are expected to be up big, potentially leading to even more opportunities for the young bruiser.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – In a game most Cowboys fans would rather forget, Rico Dowdle quietly strengthened his case as the team’s most valuable running back. Though modest on the ground, with eight carries for 32 yards, Dowdle’s real impact came in the passing game, earning five targets for the second consecutive week. He caught three of those for 24 yards, continuing to showcase his versatility. Dallas ran the ball only 16 times, with Dowdle taking half of those carries, a key development in the backfield. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott, who seemed to be the early favorite for lead duties, managed just three carries for six yards. With seven receptions for 53 yards over the past two games, if Dowdle continues to see a solid share of both rushing and receiving opportunities, his consistent production could quickly translate into real fantasy value. His next chance to capitalize on this momentum comes Thursday night in a favorable matchup against the New York Giants.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears – The guys joked about D’Andre Swift being the worst player in the NFL this season on Monday’s episode of the podcast. The problem is, they weren’t entirely kidding. While Chicago may have wasted a lot of money on Swift this offseason, they did at least find some productivity elsewhere in their backfield in Week 3. Roschon Johnson emerged as the Bears’ most productive runner, turning eight carries into 30 yards and catching four of five targets for 32 yards. Johnson not only outperformed Swift but also saw the most opportunities. Swift is starting to resemble “this year’s Miles Sanders,” while Johnson could become “this year’s Chuba Hubbard.” Johnson will aim to build on this breakout performance in a favorable Week 4 matchup against the Rams.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Emanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers –Though it seemed like the Packers had little depth behind starter Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson emerged in a big way during Week 3’s dominant win over the Titans. After minimal usage in the first two games, Wilson made the most of his increased role, rushing 12 times for 50 yards and catching both of his targets for 35 yards, including an impressive touchdown. While Wilson outperformed Jacobs in this game, Jacobs will continue to handle the majority of touches. However, the Packers have historically favored a two-back system to keep their lead runner fresh, which works in Wilson’s favor. With rookie MarShawn Lloyd still on injured reserve for at least three more weeks, Wilson could see an increased role moving forward. He is not yet a trustworthy start, but it will be interesting to see how his role develops in a pivotal game against the rival Minnesota Vikings. For now, Wilson is an intriguing speculative pickup in deeper leagues and the clear insurance policy to Jacobs should an injury occur.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – It might not sit well with most fantasy managers, but Arthur Smith could finally see his twisted vision of Cordarrelle Patterson as his starting running back come to life in Week 4. Despite approaching his 34th birthday, Patterson has continued to get snaps this season, and he has looked surprisingly effective. In Week 3’s win over the Chargers, he turned four carries into 33 yards and caught three of five targets for 15 yards. While these stats don’t leap off the page, the two backs ahead of him, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, both suffered injuries in this game. Warren’s knee injury could sideline him for an extended amount of time, while Harris was seen in a sling due to a shoulder issue.

It is currently unclear if either will miss time, but if they do, Patterson is poised to be the next (old) man up. For now, he is a speculative add until more is known about Harris and Warren’s practice status throughout the week. With a favorable Week 4 matchup against the Colts, Patterson could offer unexpected value if injuries in the Steelers’ backfield persist.

UPDATE: Early reports on Tuesday indicate that Najee Harris, despite dealing with a shoulder injury, is expected to be fine and likely to play in Week 4. This reduces the appeal of adding Cordarrelle Patterson, but if Jaylen Warren is sidelined, Patterson could still see an uptick in usage.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Wide Receivers

Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers – Jauan Jennings was touted as a sneaky pickup in last week’s article, but few saw his Week 3 explosion coming. With Deebo Samuel out for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury, Jennings was set for more opportunities, which only grew when George Kittle was also ruled out with a hamstring issue. This left Jennings as the clear number-two option behind Brandon Aiyuk in a depleted offense. In Sunday’s tight loss to the Rams, Jennings became Brock Purdy’s favorite target, racking up 175 yards and three touchdowns, while hauling in 11 of 12 targets. If he collected dust on your bench on Sunday, don’t sweat it. You now have the top waiver pickup of the week without the hassle of burning a high bid. While WR1 numbers are far from likely to continue on a weekly basis, Jennings should be rostered in all leagues heading into a Week 4 matchup with the New England Patriots. 

Recommended FAAB: 0-20%.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons – After a breakout sophomore season finishing as the WR23 in 2021, Darnell Mooney had become nearly irrelevant in fantasy football over his next two seasons in Chicago. Fortunately, this year brought a fresh start with the Atlanta Falcons, and he is making the most of it. After a quiet debut, Mooney delivered strong back-to-back performances. In Week 2’s thrilling win over the Eagles, he caught three of seven targets for 88 yards and a touchdown. In Week 3, he built on that momentum, catching all eight of his targets for 66 yards. Mooney’s chemistry with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is evident, which is historically a promising development for his fantasy outlook moving forward. While Drake London remains the clear alpha WR1 in this offense, Mooney has emerged as the second option in a role many expected Kyle Pitts to fill. With improved quarterback play and enough talent around him to keep defenses honest, Mooney’s speed and deep ball tracking make him a big play waiting to happen. He is a priority pickup heading into a Week 4 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets – After an explosive Week 1 performance followed by just two catches for 11 yards in Week 2, Allen Lazard reminded us in Week 3 that his resurgence might actually be real. In a game where the Jets’ offense was firing on all cylinders, Lazard’s chemistry with Aaron Rodgers was on full display, as he caught all three of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. Following a disappointing first season in New York, Lazard now seems to be finding his stride with Rodgers back at quarterback. In 2022, he finished as the WR32 with the Packers but finished as the WR99 last year in his debut season with the Jets. Fortunately, just three weeks into this season, he is currently WR13 and tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns. With 11 catches for 148 yards and three touchdowns so far, Lazard is establishing himself as a key part of this offense, offering boom-or-bust potential as a flex option for fantasy lineups. His next test comes in Week 4 against the Broncos, where Patrick Surtain and the Denver secondary could focus on stopping Garrett Wilson, giving Lazard the chance to exploit defensive holes and hit on potential splash plays.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – After being featured in last week’s article, Andrei Iosivas deserves another mention following his standout performance in Week 3. Coming off a two-touchdown game in Week 2 for the Bengals, Iosivas showed that even when Cincinnati’s wide receiver room is fully healthy, he can still earn targets and contribute. Ja’Marr Chase finally had his first explosive game of the season, and Tee Higgins made his return from injury, but Iosivas managed to make his mark in Monday night’s loss to the Commanders. The young receiver hauled in five of seven targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Boyd, during his prime with Cincinnati, had several highly productive fantasy seasons playing alongside Chase and Higgins, and it is reasonable to think Iosivas could follow a similar path this year. His next challenge comes against the Panthers’ beatable defense, giving him a strong opportunity to help the Bengals chase their first win of the season.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers – Featured in last week’s article after the best game of his young career, Quentin Johnston followed it up with another solid outing in Week 3. Despite seeing only two targets in the Chargers’ loss to the Bears, Johnston made them count, turning them into 44 yards and a touchdown. He now joins the nine-way tie for the league lead in receiving touchdowns. While rookie Ladd McConkey out-targeted him by four in this outing, Johnston matched his yardage, thanks to a 27-yard touchdown from Justin Herbert in the first quarter.

After a disappointing rookie season, Johnston appears to be finding his footing, emerging as the team’s top deep threat and touchdown target. However, Justin Herbert aggravated an ankle injury during the game, which could impact Johnston’s value if Herbert is forced to miss time. Johnston’s next chance to build on his resurgence comes in Week 4 against the Chiefs, ahead of the Chargers’ bye in Week 5. While his potential is exciting, Herbert’s health raises concerns, making it wise to consider other waiver options this week depending on the quarterback’s availability.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys – Rico Dowdle wasn’t the only under-the-radar Dallas Cowboy to show potential in Week 3’s forgettable loss to the Ravens. Jalen Tolbert, after making little impact in his first two NFL seasons, is quietly emerging as a key target for Dak Prescott in his third year. Tolbert caught six of nine targets for 82 yards in Week 2, a breakout performance that put him on the fantasy radar, though many questioned its sustainability given his limited production to that point. He followed it up with another solid outing in Week 3, hauling in three of five targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. Beyond CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys lack proven depth at receiver, and Cooks, nearing the end of his career, has been outperformed by Tolbert so far. Through three weeks, Tolbert has posted two more receptions and 61 more yards than Cooks, positioning himself as a contender for the WR2 role in Dallas. He will have another chance to solidify his status in a favorable matchup against the Giants in Week 4. While it is still far too early to declare Tolbert’s true breakout, he is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings – The Sam Darnold-led Vikings are rolling, and Jalen Nailor has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the quarterback’s surprising play to begin the season. With injuries to TJ Hockenson and Jordan Addison, more opportunities have opened up, and Nailor has stepped in as the second option behind Justin Jefferson, who remains as dominant as ever. Nailor has now scored in three straight weeks, but his overall production is less inspiring. He is averaging just over 35 yards on three catches per game, which is not cutting it for reliable fantasy consideration. While his scoring streak is promising, his fantasy value is heavily touchdown-dependent. If he stops finding the end zone, his production will likely leave fantasy managers disappointed. Furthermore, once Addison returns from his ankle injury, Nailor’s role could shrink significantly. He is a potential short-term option in deeper leagues, but it is tough to envision him providing consistent value moving forward.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Tight Ends

Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears – Though the Chicago Bears’ offense has had few bright spots, Cole Kmet delivered a standout performance in Week 3’s loss to the Colts. After minimal involvement in the first two games, Kmet erupted for 10 catches on 11 targets, racking up 97 yards and a touchdown. Despite concerns about his fit in Chicago’s new system, Kmet proved he can overcome those doubts and be a focal point in the offense. While it is unlikely that he will consistently see that many targets, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been airing it out at an unusually high rate, which could keep Kmet more involved than most tight ends. Like many at his position, Kmet is somewhat touchdown-dependent, but his upcoming matchups against the Rams, Panthers, and Jaguars offer promising opportunities leading up to Chicago’s Week 7 bye. With so many tight ends struggling this season, Kmet provides a glimmer of hope for fantasy teams desperately searching for answers.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets – After a quiet start to the season, Tyler Conklin broke out in a dominant Week 3 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night. The burly tight end hauled in five of his six targets for 93 yards, showing clear chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, especially when plays broke down and the veteran quarterback scrambled. Conklin led the team in receiving yards and ranked second in targets, positioning himself as a key weapon in this evolving offense. While this performance is promising, it is important to temper expectations. Conklin recorded only two catches for 16 yards in the first two weeks, raising concerns about his consistency as a fantasy asset. However, with a favorable schedule ahead, starting with a prime matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 4, his fantasy outlook is looking up.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

Final Thoughts

This season has had its share of ups and downs, but the lows undoubtedly seem more painful than usual. Offensive production is down across the board, tight end consistency is practically nonexistent, and injuries to key players feel more frequent than ever. However, even if you are currently sitting *uncomfortably* at 0-3, fantasy football is not baseball — three strikes doesn’t mean you are out. 

On the podcast, the guys often mention examples of teams that started winless, only to turn things around and win their league. The key is to keep swinging, even if you are behind in the count. Step up to the plate, give it your all, and aim to make a real impact in the week ahead. You never know when one of your desperation swings will connect for a home run that gets your team back in the game.