Waivering: Week 4

Tue Sep 27 8:32am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Doubs is emerging as top target


The last week was a bit of a rough one, seeing some key players get hurt. That is why it is always good to plan ahead, especially with injury prone guys on your roster. Get the backups of these players, especially if they are quality players that can produce in an expanded role. Jamaal Williams, Khalil Herbert and Alexander Mattison are three players that are nearly on all rosters, so kudos to those owners for having them. You will see some waiver wire article, advocating grabbing these players, but there are nearly no leagues on this site where they are available. Getting key backups on your rosters is always a good strategy come draft day, especially when you start getting late in drafts and taking dart throws at players. Just something to keep in mind when drafting in 2023. 

QUARTERBACK

Marcus Mariota, Falcons. Mariota seems to make this list every week, but he deserves it. He keeps making plays in this offense. He has multiple touchdowns two of three games. He also has at least 18 fantasy points all three games. He is getting picked up more in leagues, but still out there in 58 percent of leagues. Mariota is worth a look as a streamer for fantasy teams.

Geno Smith, Seahawks. Smith scored a season-high 23.3 fantasy points last week. He hit the 300-yard passing mark and scored multiple touchdowns. He actually has multiple touchdowns two of three games. The Seahawks claimed to have taking the reigns off of Smith last week and it showed, seeing him take more chances down the field. He can help fantasy teams in the right matchup, like he has this week against the Lions. 

Zach Wilson, Jets. Wilson is expected to return from his knee injury this week. While he carries risk, there is some upside with Wilson, mainly because of the volume. Joe Flacco attempted 50-plus passes two of three games and attempted 44 in the other game he started for the Jets this year. Flacco averaged 51.7 passes per game. If Wilson can get that much work, he can help fantasy teams. He might be worth a pickup for quarterback needy teams. 

RUNNING BACK

Samaje Perine, Bengals. Joe Mixon struggled last week and also was banged up in the game. This could open the door for Perine to get a few more chances in the coming week. He played well last week, rushing nine times for 47 yards. He also caught two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown, scoring 14.1 fantasy points. He probably isn’t worth grabbing in all formats, but worth a look in deeper leagues and if you are a Mixon owner. Perine is available in 84 percent of leagues. 

Craig Reynolds, Lions. With D’Andre Swift possibly out, Reynolds moves to the backup role behind Jamaal Williams. And with the way the Lions rotate backs, Reynolds will have a role as long as Swift is out. He is wroth grabbing in deeper formats and using as a possible flex play. He has some potential in this offense, showing well in the preseason with his chances. 

RECEIVER

DeVante Parker, Dolphins. Parker had just a catch going into the Week 3 game, but an injury to Jakobi Meyers opened the door for Parker to play more. He took advantage with a huge game, catching five passes for 156 yards. He probably earned more playing time going forward - even with Meyers returns to the lineup. Parker has a solid track record and is available in 72 percent of leagues. 

Romeo Doubs, Packers. Doubs seems to be gaining the confidence of Aaron Rodgers every week. He had a breakout game in Week 3, finishing with eight receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. This could just be the start of things for Doubs in this offense. He is available in 48 percent of leagues. 

Mack Hollins, Raiders. Hollins got a chance for an expanded role in the offense with Hunter Renfrow out. He responded with his best game as a pro, catching eight passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. He has been getting more work lately, though, having at least five receptions two straight. Hollins could be a factor in this offense going forward - even when Renfrow is back. He might be worth a grab for fantasy teams, being available in 99 percent of leagues. 

Zay Jones, Jaguars. Jones had a huge game for the Jaguars last week, catching 10 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. This gives him double-digit fantasy points two of three games. He is producing in an offense that is coming to life in Jacksonville. Jones is available in 81 percent of leagues. 

Greg Dortch, Cardinals. Dortch just keeps making plays in the Cardinals offense. He has at least 13 fantasy points all three games this season. He had season highs in receptions (nine) and yards (80) last week. He has value to fantasy teams as long as DeAndre Hopkins remains suspended. This might be the last week to grab him, being available in 73 percent of leagues.

Devin Duvernay, Ravens. Duvernay keeps finding the end zone. He scored his third receiving touchdown of the season last week. He has yet to top 55 yards in a game but as long as he keeps scoring in this high-powered offense, he has fantasy value. Duvernay is not out there in many leagues, but available in 37 percent on our site. 

Isaiah McKenzie, Broncos. McKenzie has found the end zone two of the last three games. He got his most work of the season last week, catching seven passes for 76 yards on nine targets. He is emerging as a consistent target in the Bills explosive offense. McKenzie is still available in 67 percent of leagues. 

Russell Gage, Bucs. Gage was the go-to target for the Bucs in Week 3, catching 12 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He got a monster workload. He also had five receptions the previous week, giving him 17 receptions his last two games. With the Bucs hurting at receiver, Gage should continue to have a big role in the offense in the coming weeks. Gage is still out there in 47 percent of leagues. 

TIGHT END

Will Dissly, Seahawks. Most thought Noah Fant was going to be guy at tight end for the Seahawks, but that hasn’t been the case. Dissly has been the better play. He has touchdowns two of three games and multiple receptions every game. He is probably a touchdown dependent play, but as long as he is scoring, fantasy teams can take a chance on him as a streaming play. 

Jelani Woods, Colts. Woods played just eight snaps the first two games of the season and didn’t catch a pass. This wasn’t the case last week, catching two touchdown passes. He is a huge target that could be getting more chances in the offense going forward. He is a huge target that could be a factor in the red zone. Woods might be a touchdown dependent play, but he has some potential because of his skill set, making him a potential waiver wire grab at a thin position.  

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Player Notes
J.K. Dobbins Apr 17 7:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Apr 17 3:50pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles concluded pre-draft visits with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean this week. Philly is clearly interested in adding defensive back talent to its defense after allowing 252.7 passing yards per game last year (second-worst). The organization holds the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is right in the range where Arnold and DeJean could be selected. Arnold, a 2023 first-team All-American, racked up 20 pass deflections and six interceptions over the last two seasons. DeJean totaled 13 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his final two collegiate campaigns, and he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return. Both players are considered top cornerback prospects in this cycle, so Philadelphia would make a great landing spot for either one as James Bradberry (30 years old) and Darius Slay (33 years old) have likely seen their best days in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Apr 17 3:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has not yet reported to voluntary offseason workouts this week, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The 27-year-old is seeking a contract extension after posting 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns last season. He led the team in receiving yards last year, and he has done so in four of the last five campaigns. He's due to make $6.2 million in 2024. Although Slayton is far from a fantasy football superstar, he's been productive at times -- making this a situation worth monitoring. He should be a top wideout target in New York's offense once again, though they might take a wideout in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could take on a larger role.

From RotoBaller

Cam Brown Apr 17 3:30pm CT
Cam Brown

Free-agent linebacker Cam Brown is signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Brown spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In his first 60 NFL games, the 26-year-old accumulated 35 tackles (24 solo) and two forced fumbles. He posted seven special teams tackles last season, which is where he will likely contribute for the Fins in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Apr 17 1:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. McMillan was a three-year starter in college and is projected to be a Day 2 selection in the upcoming NFL draft next week. The 22-year-old ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February and also has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. In his career with the Huskies, McMillan had 164 receptions for 2,143 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 38 games played. Even though Cincy still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins around, they are expected to take a receiver in this year's draft. They have three Day 3 picks, including two third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 97.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Apr 17 1:30pm CT
Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins will exercise the fifth-year option for linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), according to general manager Chris Grier. The former 18th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, Phillips has been an integral piece for the Dolphins defense since he entered the league three years ago. He set a Dolphins rookie record with 8.5 sacks in 2021 and had seven sacks in 2022 before playing in only eight games in 2023 because of an Achilles tear. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career-high 14 sacks. The Dolphins expect Phillips to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 campaign. Miami can't afford for Phillips to regress after his injury after losing Christian Wilkins this offseason. If healthy in 2024, Phillips should be on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Apr 17 1:20pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has impressed fans after showing up to voluntary offseason workouts this month looking to be in excellent shape physically. Already one of the most impressive offensive rookies in 2023 with the most yards per rush (7.8) with a minimum of 100 attempts, his fantasy stock is soaring heading into his sophomore campaign this fall. Achane stands at only 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, but he packs a punch and is one of the fastest players overall in the NFL already. The only knocks on the 22-year-old are that he missed six games with injury, and that Raheem Mostert, who scored 21 total touchdowns in 2023, is still around. Achane had 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (four starts). Even with Mostert around, Achane, when healthy, has some of the most upside of any RB in the league.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Bo Nix

The New York Giants visited with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler this week, according to sources. The Giants continue to do their due diligence on the QB position ahead of this month's NFL draft at all levels of the draft. Nix is a potential first-round pick, but he's not expected to go as early as New York's sixth overall pick. Rattler is seen as a mid-round selection. The G-Men have six picks in this year's draft with one in every round other than the seventh. They continue to say that Daniel Jones (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is their starter when healthy, but they are wisely planning to have better depth behind him in 2024 and beyond if he gets hurt again or disappoints this fall.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Brock Bowers

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is visiting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Bowers also has visited with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this week, so he's making the rounds with interested club's with the NFL draft coming late next week. Even after missing his pro-day workout with a minor hamstring injury, the 21-year-old is projected to be a top-15 pick in this first round next week after dominating as a pass-catching tight end in college with the Bulldogs. Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons, even after missing a big chunk of 2023 due to an ankle injury. It's probably unlikely the Bolts would take Bowers fifth overall, but if he did end up in LA, we could easily see him being fantasy relevant in Year 1 after the team lost pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Deuce Vaughn Apr 17 12:13pm CT
Deuce Vaughn

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Royce Freeman Apr 16 8:10pm CT
Royce Freeman

The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Trent Taylor Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Trent Taylor

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent wide receiver Trent Taylor to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday. It will be a reunion between the two sides after the Niners selected Taylor in the fifth round (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech. The 29-year-old pass-catcher spent the first three years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before two years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went catchless on two targets in 17 games (zero starts) for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Taylor is most likely to pitch in on special teams for the 49ers after Ray-Ray McCloud left in free agency this offseason. In his six NFL seasons, Taylor has 87 receptions on 137 targets for 834 yards and three touchdowns, with most of the production coming in his first two seasons with the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 16 3:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed just one game last season, but he dealt with multiple injuries to his lower and upper body that could have affected his play in 2023. In a media availability on Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick said he did not feel 100% healthy until March. "When March hit, I felt really good, like lifting and doing everything like totally normal," Lawrence said. "But until March, I'd say that's when I started to feel like 100%, do stuff that I normally do." The 24-year-old threw for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and the Jaguars lost a Week 18 game against the struggling Tennessee Titans that would have sent them to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars alike, but a healthy Lawrence could yield better results in 2024. The team has uncertainty at the wide receiver position after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but they are likely to add weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lawrence figures to have a low-end QB1 upside, though he's likely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashard Higgins Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Rashard Higgins

Veteran wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are signing one-day contracts with the Cleveland Browns to retire with the organization, the team announced on Tuesday. Higgins was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and racked up 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 games from 2016 to 2021. He spent the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers but did not log a snap. Kirkey was a 2014 third-round pick by the Browns and played for the team until 2019 before brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. Overall, he secured 779 tackles, 16.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 passes defended in 114 career games.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.

From RotoBaller

Matt Ryan Apr 16 3:20pm CT
Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason on a four-year, $180 million deal, setting them up to have above-average quarterback play for the first time since Matt Ryan parted ways with the organization. However, the team is not done adding to the quarterback room. "We're definitely gonna add a quarterback," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "We're not going to into the season with two arms." The team has Cousins and Taylor Heinicke on the roster, but most teams carry between three and five quarterbacks in the offseason. It's unlikely that Atlanta will consider a first-round quarterback in this year's class, but they could begin to take fliers on signal-callers as soon as Round 2 begins. Cousins will turn 36 years old before the start of the 2024 season, so throwing a dart on players like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would make sense if they fall to the second round. On Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt, and Joe Milton III are potential project options to consider. Although any quarterback Atlanta adds can be safely ignored in single-quarterback formats, they might be worth rostering in deep superflex and two-QB setups considering Cousins' age and the major Achilles injury he is coming off of.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Apr 16 3:13pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle is having his fifth-year option exercised. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle has strung together three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, so this is hardly a surprise. While his 72/1,014/4 year was a bit of a disappointment in 2023, Waddle has still shown a lot of ability and could be a player who excels later in his career when Tyreek Hill moves on. While not in the elite level of receivers, Waddle still makes for a solid WR2 target in dynasty leagues and this move ensures we'll have at least two more seasons of him in Miami.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Deshaun Watson Apr 16 3:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) told reporters on Tuesday that he is "throwing full speed" with no limitations on motion or velocity. The 28-year-old said he's making 40-yard and 60-yard throws while following his doctor's lead, and the plan is for him to participate in OTAs in late May or early June in some capacity. However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback and the organization are likely to be careful with him during that time and focus on getting him 100% ready for training camp. Watson was limited to just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he has only played in 12 total games over the last three years. Although it's been a long time since he has delivered strong fantasy numbers, his QB21 price tag in early FFPC drafts makes him worth taking a flier on for the 2024 campaign.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Apr 16 2:13pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb is not attending the latest series of voluntary workouts. Dynasty Analysis: This really isn't much of a story as few expected Lamb to be around until he gets a contract extension. He's entering the last year of his deal and is inevitably going to be one of the league's highest paid players after a 135/1,749/12 season. Lamb is quickly putting some heat on players like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson to be the overall WR1. Dynasty managers shouldn't be concerned until the season draws closer.

From Dynasty League Fantasy