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.

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Trevor Lawrence Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Dynasty | The 23rd overall pick in the draft, Brian Thomas, Jr., gives Trevor Lawrence a premier downfield threat. Dynasty Analysis: After losing Calvin Ridley to free agency, Lawrence was facing a dearth of receiving options like he hadn't seen in his three year career. Bringing in Brian Thomas, Jr. may even prove to be an upgrade for Lawrence as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing season. Lawrence was able to maintain a top 10 ranking among DLF rankers, but has been closer to dropping below his QB9 rank than rising back into the top five. The selection of Thomas might not move the needle for Lawrence's immediate dynasty value, but should give him every opportunity to outperform his projections.

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Keon Coleman Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Keon Coleman

Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills drafted FSU wide receiver Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Coleman was shut out of the first round but landed in a great spot, taken with the first pick of the second round by the Buffalo Bills. It's a dream scenario for Coleman, who lands with an elite quarterback in dire need of new weapons after losing so many this off-season. Coleman has work to do for sure but his landing spot is going to place him in the first round of virtually every rookie draft.

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Ladd McConkey Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Dynasty | Ladd McConkey was drafted by the Chargers with the second pick of the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: McConkey was taken early in the second round by the suddenly receiver-needy Chargers. A precise route runner with serious quickness, McConkey is going to be thrown into action early and often this season. He had a meteoric rise after the NFL Draft Combine and that, combined with a great landing spot, should keep him right around the turn of rounds one and two in rookie drafts.

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Xavier Worthy Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Kelce is the sneaky winner of the defending champs' first round selection of WR Xavier Worthy. Dynasty Analysis: Adding another burner opposite Marquise "Hollywood" Brown gives the Chiefs the fastest receiving corps in the league. While neither WR expects to command an overwhelming target share, the biggest benefactor will be TE Travis Kelce as he operates in the wide open spaces of the middle of the field. Kelce's dynasty value has been creeping downward due to his age (34), dropping from his long time throne as QB1 all the way to QB6 in DLF's dynasty rankings. With the field-stretching speedsters on the perimeter opening up the field, Kelce is a virtual lock to outperform most of the tight ends currently ranked ahead of him.

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Justin Herbert Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Justin Herbert

Dynasty | After getting a new left tackle in round one, Justin Herbert's stock continues to rise as the Chargers trade up for Ladd McConkey. Dynasty Analysis: Even after the team used it's fifth overall pick to protect Herbert's blindside, skepticism remained due to a lack of weaponry. But the Chargers moved up three spots to acquire a new top pass catcher (and Keenan Allen replacement in the slot), Ladd McConkey. The Chargers likely aren't done building the offense around Herbert, but with just those two draft picks, the franchise has made their quarterback a dynasty value. DLF's QB6 has QB1 overall upside with his own skillset and a little help from his supporting cast.

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Drake Maye Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots drafted Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: As expected, Polk was drafted right in the middle of a big receiver run in the NFL Draft, going to the Patriots early in round two. He was the tenth receiver taken but amazingly the 37th overall pick, which just shows the depth of this draft. Polk lands in a desirable spot as the Patriots depth chart at receiver is a mess. He'll need to grow together with Drake Maye but some patience could be rewarded here. Polk looks like a pretty solid pick in round two of conventional rookie drafts.

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Ja'Lynn Polk Apr 26 6:50pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

The New England Patriots selected Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk with the No. 37 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England has often been predicted to pick a wide receiver in Round 2 after landing their QB of the future in Round 1, and that's exactly what they did. Despite sharing the field with stud wide receiver Rome Odunze in 2023, Polk caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns during Washington's run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Given the weak wide receiver room in New England, he's another rookie wideout who could become his team's No. 1 wide receiver in short order. He has the ability to start at X-receiver immediately.

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Keon Coleman Apr 26 6:30pm CT
Keon Coleman

The Buffalo Bills have selected Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the No. 33 overall pick (second round) in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 20-year-old was rumored to have a chance at being drafted in the first round, but Buffalo traded back twice and still landed him. The 6'4", 215-pound pass-catcher is a contested-catch specialist and racked up 18 touchdowns in his last 24 games with Florida State and Michigan State. With Stefon Diggs gone to Houston, Coleman could step in right away and act as Josh Allen's No. 1 wide receiver. This is a great landing spot, and Coleman is very much in the first-round conversation of upcoming rookie drafts in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Apr 26 6:30pm CT
Ladd McConkey

The Los Angeles Chargers selected University of Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday. McConkey is viewed as one of the best route runners in this wide receiver class, and the Chargers had a dire need at wideout after moving on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason. Although McConkey's numbers over the last three years aren't all that impressive (119 receptions for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns), it's worth noting he battled injuries as a senior, and he dominated at the NFL Combine. With Quentin Johnston struggling to make an impact as a rookie, McConkey could make a run to be Justin Herbert's go-to target.

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Deebo Samuel Apr 26 5:20pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers have listened to calls on All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, but sources are saying that the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots are considered highly unlikely to trade for him. After the first round of the 2024 NFL draft was completed on Thursday night, a report surfaced that the Niners were more likely to trade Samuel than Brandon Aiyuk. There has been a lot of trade talk around both Aiyuk and Samuel this offseason, and the Niners' first-round pick of receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 on Thursday night made it look like a trade was more likely to happen. The Bills and Patriots have the first two picks in the second round, respectively, so if neither of them can pull off a trade for Samuel before Round 2 starts, they could both go with pass-catchers in what is a deep and talented class in 2024.

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Brian Callahan Apr 26 4:00pm CT
Brian Callahan

Former Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL draft. Tennessee had a glaring need at left tackle, but Latham played on the right side for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. However, Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Latham is eager to play on the left side and has the traits to do so. Tennessee had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, but with Latham, second-year guard Peter Skoronski, and newly signed center Lloyd Cushenberry starting up front, the unit could be one of the biggest improvers in 2024. This bodes well for all of Tennessee's fantasy-relevant offensive skill players.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Apr 26 3:40pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is seeking a reworked deal that includes more guaranteed money, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapaport. The 36-year-old has three years left on his current deal, though the Rams have a potential out following the 2025 season. The four-year contract that he signed ahead of the 2022 season included $130 million in total guarantees. The Super Bowl-winning QB has been present at voluntary workouts this offseason and a holdout does not appear to be imminent, but this is a situation worth monitoring. After posting nearly 4,000 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions en route to a playoff berth in 2023, Stafford believes he has plenty left in the tank.

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MarShawn Lloyd Apr 26 3:30pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Former Southern California and South Carolina running back MarShawn Lloyd is viewed as a top-five running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero believes he could be the first ball carrier selected. The 23-year-old missed his entire freshman season at South Carolina with a torn ACL and handled just 196 touches for 1,021 yards and 12 total touchdowns over his next two seasons. He transferred to Southern Cal for the 2023 campaign and posted 820 rushing yards (7.1 YPC), 232 receiving yards (17.8 YPR), and nine total touchdowns. He turned heads at the 2024 NFL Combine with a 4.46 forty-yard dash time at 220 pounds, and in a weak running back draft class, that might have been enough to push him into the RB1 spot for some NFL squads.

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Spencer Rattler Apr 26 3:20pm CT
Spencer Rattler

Former Oklahoma and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler was once viewed as a potential first-round pick after being a five-star recruit in the high-school class of 2019. His career did not go as expected, but he's thought to be the next-best quarterback on the board in the 2024 NFL draft. The first round saw six signal-callers selected in the top 12 picks, and any other teams looking to take a flyer on a quarterback likely have Rattler on their radar. The Around The NFL staff at NFL.com expects the 23-year-old to be selected in Round 3, but the run of quarterbacks on Day 1 could push him up to Round 2. Rattler threw for 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 48 games with the Sooners and Gamecocks.

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Jaycee Horn Apr 26 2:00pm CT
Jaycee Horn

The Carolina Panthers officially picked up the fifth-year option for standout cornerback Jaycee Horn on Friday, according to sources. Despite playing in only six games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury, Horn will have his fifth-year option picked up. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick by Carolina in 2021 out of South Carolina had 27 tackles (20 solo) and five passes defensed in his six starts last season. He's only played in 22 games in his first three years in the league due to injuries, so picking up Horn's fifth-year option was far from a guarantee. In his three years in the NFL, Horn has produced 85 tackles (60 solo), four interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 22 starts. The Panthers are taking a bit of a gamble and are hoping the defensive back can avoid the injury bug moving forward.

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Deebo Samuel Apr 26 1:40pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The Buffalo Bills have interest in trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, according to league sources. Now that the first round of the 2024 NFL draft is in the books, Niners wideout Brandon Aiyuk is less likely to be traded than Samuel, who has a 2025 salary cap number over $20 million. Not only are the Bills extremely desperate for a receiver after trading Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, but they acquired extra picks in this year's draft by trading down twice late in the first round on Thursday night. A move to Buffalo would immediately make Samuel the team's top wideout for Pro Bowl quarterback Josh Allen and allow him to retain plenty of fantasy value given his after-the-catch abilities. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 26 1:30pm CT
Drake Maye

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was taken third overall in this year's NFL draft by the New England Patriots on Thursday night, will initially compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job in 2024. The Patriots also have former fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke on their QB depth chart. "To go back to Bill [Belichick's philosophy], I don't think many rookies are ready to just jump in and play," first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said. "At the end of the day, our philosophy is the best players will play. We will compete and the best player will start." The 21-year-old started 26 games over the last two years for the Tar Heels and threw for 8,018 yards, 63 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Maye was more productive in 2022 and has plenty to work on. Meanwhile, he has a pretty weak supporting cast in the receiver room, so fantasy managers taking the leap on him in dynasty/keeper leagues will want to be patient.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Apr 26 1:20pm CT
Tony Pollard

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks had the best pre-draft interview of any young prospect Jones has spoken to in 30 years. "We got him high, high (on our board). He's a good player," Jones said. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are getting close to a reunion with running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team's top RBs right now are Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn after Tony Pollard left in free agency this offseason, so Dallas is definitely looking to add to the position in both free agency and the draft. Brooks could come off the board at No. 56 overall to the Cowboys and could be in line to see a substantial backfield role in his first year in the NFL if he were to land in Dallas. At this point in his career, Zeke is merely a complementary weapon. The biggest question mark with Brooks is that he's coming off a torn ACL.

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Stefon Diggs Apr 26 1:20pm CT
Stefon Diggs

The Buffalo Bills traded down twice on Thursday night to drop out of the first round of the NFL draft and now hold the 33rd pick, the first selection in the second round. There are a few players they really like who are under consideration, but they've already received calls from teams considering trading up. After trading down twice on Thursday night, the Bills moved up 38 spots in the later rounds with their first trade and 59 spots with their second swap. Buffalo was criticized heavily for trading back twice late in the first round, only to see both the Chiefs and Panthers take receivers with those picks. The Bills are desperately in need of receiving help after trading Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, but they could still select one they are high on at No. 33 overall.

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Deebo Samuel Apr 26 1:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The New England Patriots had preliminary trade discussions on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel prior to the start of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, according to a source. Niners receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been in trade talks all offseason, but Samuel's name has surfaced of late, and a report on Thursday night suggested he's now more likely to be dealt by San Fran than Aiyuk. The 49ers also took wideout Ricky Pearsall with their first-round pick (31st overall) on Thursday night, suggesting they could be beefing up their receiver room in the event they trade one of Samuel or Aiyuk. The Patriots are desperate to add a receiver, especially after taking rookie quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the first round. Samuel's fantasy stock would take a big hit if he were to move to New England.

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