Eric Moody, ESPN
The NFL is a “next man up” league and, by extension, your fantasy soccer league is as properly. You acquired your staff in the course of the draft, however it's the strikes you make because the season unfolds that can finally resolve in case you're playoff-bound or planning for subsequent season. Every week, we'll enable you establish the gamers out there in greater than 50% of ESPN leagues whose worth has taken a flip for the higher and ought to be added to your roster as starters or as sensible stashes for your bench.
Injuries are wreaking havoc throughout the league, particularly at quarterback — and Justin Herbert is simply the most recent instance. He aggravated his excessive proper ankle sprain in Sunday's sport in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers and left the stadium in a strolling boot.
Luckily, his X-rays got here again detrimental, however the Los Angeles Chargers will preserve an in depth eye on him this week. If you feel the influence of probably being with out both Herbert or Jordan Love (knee) this coming weekend otherwise you've misplaced Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) indefinitely, let's dive into this week's waiver wire.
We'll begin off with a bunch of quarterbacks who might help you climate these absences.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (rostered in 16.2% of ESPN leagues): Darnold is prospering in Kevin O'Connell's offense. He simply put up a season-high 23.3 fantasy factors in opposition to a tricky Houston Texans protection. Surprisingly, Houston blitzed him on solely seven of his 32 dropbacks, regardless that he is struggled in opposition to the blitz this season. Darnold has now thrown a number of TD passes in three straight video games, the longest streak of his profession. He's a midrange QB2 in Week 4 in opposition to the Green Bay Packers for fantasy managers in superflex codecs.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (27.8%): Smith did not must do a lot in opposition to the Dolphins, who're the one staff in the league to haven't held a lead for a single second this season. He completed with simply 11.3 fantasy factors. However, Smith did rating 17.8 fantasy factors again in Week 1 and 17.9 in Week 2. He's additionally a midrange QB2 in Week 4 in opposition to the Detroit Lions for these in superflex codecs.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.1%): Fields simply put up a season-high 18.4 fantasy factors in opposition to the Chargers on Sunday. Since coming into the league in 2021, he has 11 video games with each a passing and speeding landing, rating him third behind Josh Allen (21) and Jalen Hurts (17). The Steelers are 3-0 for the primary time since 2020 and that is the primary time Fields has received three straight video games in his profession. After this begin, it's going to be robust for Mike Tomlin to bench him for Russell Wilson. Fields might be seen as a borderline QB1 in Week 4 in opposition to the Colts.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (6.1%): Jones put up a season-high 19.4 fantasy factors in Week 3 in opposition to the Cleveland Browns. He's now had back-to-back video games with 18-plus factors, thanks in half to the breakout efficiency of rookie WR Malik Nabers. Nabers is the primary rookie WR to have posted 28-plus fantasy factors in consecutive video games since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014. Jones might be seen as a midrange QB2 in Week 4 in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys, a staff that simply gave up 25.9 fantasy factors to Lamar Jackson.
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Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (1.4%): Dalton placed on a present in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, racking up 24.5 fantasy factors. His prime goal, Diontae Johnson, had a career-high 122 receiving yards. The Panthers offense was clicking. Benching second-year QB Bryce Young seems to be prefer it was the appropriate name from head coach Dave Canales. Dalton could be a dependable QB2 for fantasy managers, so these in want of one other QB possibility in superflex codecs ought to positively scoop him up.
Quick hits
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (7.8%): Nix accomplished 69.4% of his passes and put up a season-high 19.3 fantasy factors in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even including in a speeding landing for good measure. He's not an important begin in Week 4 in opposition to the Jets, however as soon as bye weeks start, he could possibly be a stable QB2 streaming possibility in Week 4 in opposition to the Raiders.
Tim Boyle, Miami Dolphins (0.0%): Boyle stepped in for Skylar Thompson on Sunday after Thompson went down because of a rib harm. He is aware of Mike McDaniel's offense properly, so in deeper superflex leagues, fantasy managers ought to preserve him on their radar. With targets like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Boyle could possibly be value a glance. Alternatively, do not overlook Tyler Huntley (0.4%) if the Dolphins resolve to go along with him this week. He's a dual-threat QB who has averaged 14.0 fantasy factors per sport in the regular-season video games he is began.
Running backs
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32.8%): The Broncos' protection shut down the Bucs offense Sunday, however the important thing takeaway was Irving main Tampa Bay with 12 touches, in contrast with Rachaad White's 11. This season, Irving has performed on 31 snaps per sport whereas White has seen the sphere for 44, however their 2024 contact totals are a lot nearer (39 for Irving, 43 for White). The similar sample reveals up in fantasy factors, with Irving at 23.2 and White at 28.4. Irving remains to be one of many prime RB choices on the wire and will ultimately lead the staff in a number of speeding classes.
Cam Akers, Houston Texans (35.1%): The sport obtained away from the Texans early, and Akers was bottled up when Houston tried to get its working sport going. He did end with 10.0 fantasy factors, because of a receiving landing. Neither Joe Mixon (ankle) nor Dameon Pierce (hamstring) practiced final week and each had been dominated out for Sunday's sport. It's no assure that both shall be prepared this week in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Akers is value rostering in case he will get one other alternative to steer the Texans' committee in opposition to Jacksonville.
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Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (37.4%): Dowdle led the Cowboys' backfield with 9.0 fantasy factors. It's a bit crowded in that huddle, with Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn all getting touches. That's the unhealthy information. The excellent news? The Cowboys' offensive line ranks in the highest 10 in run block win fee. Through three video games, Dowdle has 31 touches, in contrast with Elliott's 24 and Vaughn's 9. Dowdle is the one it's best to roster. With the Giants up subsequent in Week 4, we'll see if Dallas offers Dowdle much more touches.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (28.0%): The rookie led the Jets' backfield with a season-high 55 speeding yards in opposition to the New England Patriots on Thursday evening. He additionally had a season-high 14 touches. Was this simply because the Jets had a commanding lead? It's arduous to say. Still, Allen is value rostering to see if he'll be persistently featured in the Jets' committee. Allen can also be producing 2.6 yards after contact per speeding try this season, which is larger than Breece Hall's 2.0.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (29.6%): The Raiders had been steamrolled by the Panthers, however one eye-opening stat stood out: Mattison led Las Vegas in snaps performed, with Zamir White ending third behind Ameer Abdullah. While White had 10 speeding makes an attempt, it was Mattison who had the extra productive fantasy day, scoring 13.4 factors because of a speeding landing. This has been the pattern early this season, with Mattison racking up 35.7 fantasy factors, in contrast with White's 14.8. Mattison has a extra numerous talent set, making him value stashing to see if the Raiders give him extra touches in opposition to the Browns in Week 4.
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers (1.9%): Wilson has solidified his function as Josh Jacobs' backup, particularly with MarShawn Lloyd now on IR because of an ankle harm. Wilson has been making performs for the Packers, ending with a season-high 14 touches and 16.5 fantasy factors in Green Bay's blowout win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Jacobs has seen 18-plus touches in two of the staff's three video games this season. If he had been to overlook any time, Wilson would step in and tackle that workload.
Quick hits
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (0.8%): He was lively for the primary time this season in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts and led the Bears' backfield with 30 speeding yards on eight makes an attempt. With D'Andre Swift struggling this season, stashing Johnson won't be a nasty thought.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (6.2%): Tracy had a season excessive in each snaps and touches in opposition to the Browns on Sunday. He's positively value stashing in your bench. If Devin Singletary, who has had no less than 17 touches in two straight video games, misses any time, Tracy may make a right away influence.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (1.7% rostered): Jordan Mason has had no less than 21 touches in three straight video games for a 49ers offense that ranks third in complete yards per sport. So why not stash Guerendo in your bench? He's subsequent in line if Mason misses any time.
Tyler Badie, Denver Broncos (0.0%): Badie completed with 9 speeding makes an attempt for 70 yards in opposition to the Bucs, averaging a formidable 7.8 yards per carry, albeit boosted by a 43-yard run in the fourth quarter. No one has a agency grip on the beginning job in Denver, so why not stash him you probably have the area? It could possibly be value seeing what occurs subsequent.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (9.6% rostered): The solely groups with a better rushing-play share than the Bills are the Packers and the New Orleans Saints. If James Cook misses time, Davis may step in and assist fill that void for Buffalo.
Wide receivers
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Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (36.0%): Jennings stepped up huge for the 49ers (and fantasy managers) with Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle each dominated out for Sunday's sport in opposition to the Rams. He completed with 12 targets and a formidable 46.5 fantasy factors. In reality, Jennings made 49ers historical past as simply the second participant, alongside Jerry Rice, to report 10 receptions and three receiving touchdowns in a sport. If you want a large receiver, he ought to be your prime precedence. Just keep watch over the supply of Samuel and Kittle for Week 4 in opposition to the Patriots, as both may have an effect on Jennings' goal quantity.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (42.7%): Johnston has now scored 12-plus fantasy factors in consecutive video games. However, he has acquired solely eight targets throughout that point. Still, he is stepping up because the Chargers' prime receiver whereas Joshua Palmer offers with elbow and calf accidents. Whether Herbert or one other quarterback is underneath heart in Week 4, the staff will lean closely on the working sport. It ranks fifth in rushing-play share. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnston is finest seen as a flex possibility in deeper codecs.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets (34.3%): Lazard has nice chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers from their time collectively in Green Bay. He has scored 13-plus fantasy factors in two of three video games this season, thanks to a few receiving touchdowns. Lazard and Garrett Wilson have run an identical variety of routes, however Lazard's 1.74 receiving yards per route is barely higher than Wilson's 1.58. Rodgers likes to unfold the ball round, so he does not rely solely on Wilson and Breece Hall. With Pat Surtain II anticipated to shadow Wilson in Week 4, Lazard may have one other productive sport in opposition to the Broncos.
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (14.8% rostered): Though Nabers has commanded an enormous goal share this season, Robinson has nonetheless been productive. He has seen eight-plus targets twice in three video games and scored double-digit fantasy factors in every of the previous three. In Week 4 in opposition to the Cowboys, Robinson shall be on the flex radar, particularly as Dallas focuses on slowing down Nabers.
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (33.5%): After a stable Week 1 in opposition to the Browns with 14.5 fantasy factors, Cooks has totaled simply 7.2 factors over his previous two outings. But this is one stat it's best to know: Cooks ranks simply outdoors the highest 10 in routes run. He's additionally going through a Giants staff in Week 4 that ranks among the many prime 10 most beneficiant defenses in phrases of WR fantasy factors allowed.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (28.5%): Douglas led his staff with 9 targets and scored 14.8 fantasy factors in opposition to the Jets in Week 3. The Patriots' passing sport is much from splendid, rating close to the underside of the league in each makes an attempt and yards. Still, Douglas has run the second-most routes for New England, simply behind Hunter Henry. Need bench depth? Don't overlook him.
Quick hits
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (4.0%): He has now put up 12-plus fantasy factors in back-to-back video games with Jordan Addison out. The solely Vikings participant who has run extra routes than Nailor? Justin Jefferson.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (9.5%): He made his 2024 debut in opposition to the Bears on Sunday, ending with 5 targets and 5.2 fantasy factors, working principally from the slot. The goal quantity was encouraging, however Anthony Richardson's 20 passing makes an attempt and 50% completion fee weren't as promising.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (20.0%): The Panthers' offense seemed energized with Dalton underneath heart, however Adam Thielen's hamstring harm was a blow. If it is critical, Legette may see extra snaps and targets in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.
Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams (1.9% rostered): Atwell noticed 5 targets and scored 13.3 fantasy factors in the Rams' comeback win over the 49ers. While he did not play as many snaps as Demarcus Robinson, he ran an identical variety of routes. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp each sidelined, the Rams want all of the go catchers they'll get.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (26.3% rostered): With Malik Willis at quarterback, the Packers have leaned extra on the working sport. Doubs is averaging 7.0 fantasy factors per sport, however he has seen simply 12 complete targets. Still, he leads the staff in routes run, which may sign extra alternatives forward.
Tight ends
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (27.7%): Conklin set season highs with 6 targets, 5 receptions, 93 receiving yards and 14.3 fantasy factors. He has been on the sphere for a excessive share of the Jets' offensive snaps. In reality, solely Wilson and Lazard have run extra routes than Conklin. He appears to have a stable rapport with Rodgers, and there is a good probability that continues at dwelling in opposition to the Broncos in Week 4.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (26.1%): Kmet tied with Rome Odunze for the lead in targets in opposition to the Colts, getting 11 seems to be. He completed with 10 receptions and 25.7 fantasy factors. This season, Kmet has run the third-most routes on the Bears. Rookie QB Caleb Williams has realized that concentrating on Kmet over the center is a great transfer. Looking forward to Week 4 in opposition to the Rams, Kmet might be seen as a stable TE2 possibility.
