By: WeKnowFantasy
It took until week three of the NFL season, but the injury bug finally hit hard, opening the door for some potential waiver wire adds headed into week four. If you saved up your FAAB its time to spend big on some high-quality backups if they’re available in your league. Read below to see which highlighted players I’ll be putting waiver wire bids in for.
Week 4 Suggestions
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (Carolina Panthers) - Owned in 12% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: vs. ARI
Mayfield hasn’t been super impressive this season, but his week four matchup at least puts him into streaming consideration. Mayfield takes on the Arizona Cardinals who have allowed seven passing touchdowns in three games this season. The Arizona defense can certainly be taken advantage of, and they’ll be traveling across the country for an east coast game. The last time Arizona traveled to the eastern time zone came in week six last season when they faced… Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield threw for 235 yards and a pair of touchdowns that day. Mayfield has thrown a touchdown pass in each game so far this season.
Other options: Jameis Winston (29%), Marcus Mariota (25%)
Runningbacks
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PPkNvFfetsK4bxFsD43dqISZuOE=/1400x1400/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23978847/1242621939.jpg
Alexander Mattison (Minnesota Vikings) - Owned in 37% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: @NO
Its officially that time of the year again, time to submit waiver bids for Alexander Mattison, perennial backup running back for the Minnesota Vikings. Lead runner Dalvin Cook dislocated his shoulder last week, and even though he may not miss any time, its still a good idea to grab and stash Mattison in case Cook’s shoulder is worse than initially reported. Mattison has averaged over four yards per carry when given an opportunity this season.
Khalil Herbert (Chicago Bears) - Owned in 25% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: @NYG
Another running back that got bit by the injury bug – David Montgomery – left the game early last week with a knee/ankle injury. In stepped Herbert who delivered a monster performance as one of the top running backs of the week. Herbert ran the ball 20 times for 157 yards and a pair of scores against the Houston Texans. Montgomery will likely miss time, making Herbert a plug-and-play for the near future. I’d spend big on this guy. He seems to be the real deal.
Other options: Jaylen Warren (5%).
Wide Receivers
Joshua Palmer (Los Angeles Chargers) - Owned in 36% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: @HOU
Palmer is definitely flex-worthy if Keenan Allen is off the field and maybe even when he’s on it. Palmer is in a high-efficiency offense and this week gets the porous secondary of the Houston Texans. With superstar quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm, Palmer has racked up 17 targets over the past two games. Palmer is worth stashing and playing whenever Allen or Mike Williams are on the mend.
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2022/08/20020223/USATSI_18895287-1024x683.jpg
Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers) - Owned in 16% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: vs. NE
Doubs may be the Packers top option at wide receiver. His preseason hype has been validated, as he caught all eight of his targets for 73 yards last week against a stout Tampa Bay secondary. Doubs had four more receptions than any other Packers wide receiver and nearly 30 more receiving yards. With Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball and looking for his new go-to receiver, Doubs is certain to keep getting targets. He’s certainly worth a bid.
Other options: Zay Jones (9%), George Pickens (39%).
Tight End
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns) - Owned in 33% of ESPN leagues
Week 4 Matchup: @ATL
Njoku had a career game last Thursday night, catching nine balls on 10 targets for 89 yards and a touchdown. Njoku had never had more than seven receptions in a single game, but caught seven passes in the first half of Thursday night’s victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This could be a one-off performance, but it could also be possible that Jacoby Brissett has found his safety valve in the Cleveland offense. Either way, Njoku is worth a look, especially against Atlanta who has allowed an average of six receptions and 73 yards per matchup against the tight end position.
Other options: Tyler Conklin (12%).