I hope your teams did well last week. Mine are trending up. My dynasty squad got its first win—going from the runt of the litter in Week 1 to a top-4 scorer in Week 3—and another of my three teams posted the second-highest score. I went 2–1 overall, so all three teams are 1–2. It’s not the start I wanted, but how they finish matters more, and the good news is each roster has already flashed a high-scoring ceiling.
The worst news: I dropped Oronde Gadsden (TE, LAC) to make room for another player. Gadsden was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, so I figured it I could pick him back up later, but then he popped after Will Dissly got hurt. I’m still hoping to scoop him back up, but I’m not holding my breath.
One tweak this week: I’ve added each player’s cumulative line at the start of every blurb. For example, Geno Smith’s entry shows (67-106/831-4-4, 9/35-0), which means 67 completions on 106 attempts for 831 yards, 4 TDs and 4 INTs, plus 9 rushes for 35 yards and 0 TDs. Going forward I’ll keep these as rolling last-four-game totals for quick context.
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their name to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — “1st” being the toughest matchup, “32nd” the softest.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Waiver Adds - Week 4 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 4 by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
Geno Smith, LV vs Chi (30th, 8th, 9th, 14th) – Smith (67-106/831-4-4, 9/35-0) answered a three-interception game with three touchdowns, repeatedly connecting with Tre Tucker including a late 61-yard shot. The Raiders still allowed five sacks, so volatility remains part of the profile when protection breaks down. The Bears' secondary is the softest spot in this four-week stretch, which gives Geno a clean path to another spike week if the quick game stays crisp. You’re banking on efficiency more than volume and accepting the risk that turnovers reappear. He’s a high-ceiling QB2 for managers willing to ride the waves.
*Carson Wentz, Min vs Pit (29th, 13th, Bye, 10th) – Wentz (14-20/173-2-0, 2/4-0) handled business in his first start, finishing drives and letting the Vikings' hot defense keep the field short. With J.J. McCarthy expected to miss multiple weeks, Wentz should keep the chair for now, and Week 4 sets up clean with the Steelers ranking near the bottom against fantasy QBs. The travel game in Dublin is a wrinkle but the matchup is still favorable for another efficient line. Expect the Vikings to stay balanced, which caps raw volume, yet red-zone competency keeps him viable. He’s a priority Week 4 streamer with a planned pause for the Week 6 bye.
*Tyrod Taylor, NYJ @ Mia (31st, 32nd, 7th, 1st) – Taylor (33-47/253-3-1, 11/69-0) brought some spark, leading the team in rushing and tossing a pair of late touchdowns while pushing for a comeback. He also took hits and put one on the ground, which is part of the package when he extends plays. If Justin Fields clears the concussion protocol, Taylor returns to clipboard duty, but if he draws another start the next two weeks are the friendliest part of the runway. His legs raise the weekly floor and create streaming value even if the passing yardage sits in the 200s. Plan to use him only if he’s confirmed as the starter, then pivot quickly once Fields is back.
Sam Darnold, Sea @ Ari (16th, 23rd, 17th, 6th) – Darnold (52-74/663-4-2, 2/14-0) has been ruthlessly efficient, completing 70% and putting two touchdowns on the board again before taking the fourth quarter off. Seahawks’ balance limits attempts, yet the progression reads look comfortable and the ball is coming out on time. The Cardinals on a short week is perfectly serviceable if you need a steady 18–22 points rather than a shootout. The ceiling tightens when the Seahawks control game flow, so treat him as a stabilizer rather than a savior. Mid-level QB2 streamer who helps you avoid a zero.
Mac Jones, SF vs Jax (17th, 13th, 23rd, 4th) – Jones (53-80/563-4-1, 7/1-0) has been composed in two spot starts, leaning on Shanahan’s play-action and quick game to keep the offense on schedule. He aggravated a PCL sprain late in Week 3 and finished with a brace, while Brock Purdy is trending toward practice. If Jones gets one more start, the matchup is neutral and the supporting cast does a lot of the heavy lifting. If Purdy returns, Jones immediately loses all redraft value and can be released outside of deeper benches. Treat him as a short-term streamer only, and be ready to swap the moment San Francisco names Purdy.
*Russell Wilson, NYG vs LAC (12th, 25th, 10th, 7th) – Wilson (65-110/778-3-3, 16/94-0) crashed back to earth after his 450-yard eruption, finishing with 160 yards and two picks as the offense stalled. Brian Daboll stopped short of naming a Week 4 starter, which introduces real bench risk with Jaxson Dart and even Jameis Winston lurking. When he’s on, the vertical shots to Malik Nabers and company are still there, but the margin for error is thin behind a shaky line. The Chargers are beatable if he starts, though the leash could be short and a negative script would amplify mistakes. He’s a desperation QB2 for upside chasers, not a stability play.
Aaron Rodgers, Pit vs Min (3rd, Bye, 13th, 19th) – Rodgers (56-86/586-7-3, 6/3-0) keeps converting in the red zone, with two more against the Patriots in Week 3 and climbing to fourth on the all-time list for most career TDs. However, weekly yardage has been modest and he isn’t adding points as a runner, which keeps him dependent on red-zone execution with DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin. The Vikings are a tough draw this week, and a Week 5 bye complicates roster planning if your bench space is tight. In 1QB leagues he’s a matchup streamer best left on benches this week. In 2QB formats he remains playable, but you’re counting on continued red-zone efficiency more than raw volume.
*(S) Spencer Rattler, NO @ Buf (20th, 22nd, 18th, 30th) – Rattler (80-119/639-4-1, 10/53-0) managed the game in Week 3, but the Saints were blown out early and Tyler Shough handled garbage time. He's kept mistakes in check while the Saints ease him along with a conservative script. The early 4-to-1 TD to INT ratio is encouraging for his decision-making. The next step is steadier processing when trailing and under pressure before the staff widens the call sheet. For now his floor is stable but his ceiling is capped—the Saints haven’t shown much appetite for shootouts. He’s a matchup-dependent streamer in 1QB leagues rather than a plug-and-play starter. In deep benches and dynasty, keep holding.
Jake Browning, Cin @ Den (7th, 12th, 2nd, 9th) – Browning (40-59/381-3-4, 2/41-0) ran into a buzzsaw against the Vikings in Week 3, throwing a pick-six and struggling to climb out of an early hole. When the pocket holds and his first read is available, he can keep the Bengals’ offense on schedule, but the next few defenses are unforgiving and will stress protection while forcing tighter-window throws. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there's always big-play potential, but the Bengals may call a more conservative game to protect the ball. That’s not a great fantasy recipe outside of heavy Superflex formats. Emergency starter only until the schedule lightens.
(R) Cam Ward, Ten @ Hou (6th, 15th, 24th, 18th) – Ward (54-99/506-2-1, 7/20-0) flashed poise in stretches but opened with a pick that went the other way and spent much of the afternoon playing from behind. The rapport with Chig Okonkwo and Elic Ayomanor is encouraging, yet the Titans remain one of the league’s slowest, least explosive offenses. Houston is a stern test for a rookie, so expectations should stay in check for the short term. He remains a dynasty build and a speculative QB3 in deep Superflex where every snap matters. Redraft managers can leave him on waivers unless bye weeks force your hand.
*Marcus Mariota, Wsh @ Atl (4th, 12th, 30th, 32nd) – Mariota (15-21/207-1-0, 6/40-1) was steady in relief of Jayden Daniels, opening with a short rushing score and later sealed it with a late 43-yard catch-and-run to Luke McCaffrey. The Commanders kept the plan simple and leaned on the rushing attack, so Mariota attempted only 21 passes but completed 71% and avoided interceptions. Daniels’ knee sprain is considered short term, so this is a week-to-week play rather than a long runway. This week’s matchup against the Falcons is tough, yet the schedule eases after that, and his rushing provides a stable floor. He’s a 2QB/Superflex streamer only if Daniels sits.
Running Backs
Jerome Ford, Cle @ Det (10th, 11th, 16th, 25th) – Ford (12/39-0, 10-11/30-0) has ceded the lead role to Quinshon Judkins (R) and didn’t log a carry in Week 3. He did, however, catch 4-of-4 targets and now leads Cleveland’s backs with 10 targets over the last two weeks. That passing-down niche matters on a Browns offense that has been conservative early and will funnel quick throws to backs when trailing. Expect light rushing most weeks, but his receiving keeps him in the PPR flex mix.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pit vs Min (11th, Bye, 2nd, 31st) – Gainwell (16/55-1, 7-10/30-0) has carved out short-yardage and red-zone work next to Jaylen Warren. That role can be frustrating for volume chasers, but it keeps weekly touchdown equity alive. Expect efficiency to swing with game flow. He is a touchdown-or-bust RB3 this week.
Justice Hill, Bal @ KC (15th, 24th, 1st, Bye) – Hill (5/-7-0, 7-9/66-0) was essentially a slot-back in Week 3, turning angle routes and check-downs into the Ravens' most efficient backfield touches. He will not lead in carries, yet his route share is live whenever the Ravens chase the game. The Chiefs Week 4 matchup is tough on the ground but can leak receptions to backs. He’s a PPR-only depth piece who can sneak into lineups when the Ravens project to throw.
*Miles Sanders, Dal @ GB (8th, 19th, 18th, 3rd) – Sanders (18/109-1, 6-6/13-0) saw a season-high 12 touches, but a chunk of that came in late garbage time while Javonte Williams stayed the clear lead back. His per-carry was fine, yet the role is still change-of-pace with limited passing-down upside. He profiles as a low-end RB3 or bye-week flex who needs either a positive script or a red-zone look to get there.
*Jeremy McNichols, Wsh @ Atl (6th, 5th, 28th, 14th) – McNichols (8/103-1, 0-0/0-0) made the most of a small slice, ripping a 60-yard TD and flashing the burst that has kept him on NFL radars. The Commanders are replacing Austin Ekeler’s lost production with a true committee, which includes Chris Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With a tough Week 4 ahead, he’s a at best big-play bench stash rather than a set-and-forget. If you’re swinging for upside in deeper leagues, he’s the Commanders back with the best chance to “steal” a week on one snap.
New, Unproven RB Handcuffs
In deeper leagues the RB wire gets barren fast. Sometimes you have to roster a back before he’s startable—someone with a credible path to the lead role or to more weekly touches if usage tilts or an injury hits.
*Emari Demercado, Ari vs Sea (23rd, 30th, 13rd, 8th) – Demercado (2/0-0, 0-1/0-0) gets a role bump with James Conner out for the season and Trey Benson (S) expected to headline the backfield. Demercado’s path is in the change-of-pace and passing game, where he has previously looked comfortable when called upon. He’s a bench add in deeper PPR formats while we see how the touch split settles.
*Devin Singletary, NYG vs LAC (5th, 27th, 12th, 21st) – Singletary (8/24-0, 1-1/-4-0) is the next man up for added work with Tyrone Tracy (S) sidelined two to four weeks, though Cam Skattebo (R) is expected to handle the lead role. Singletary isn’t a waiver-wire splash, but he is viable as a depth add in deeper leagues because he can pass protect, catch, and handle 6–10 opportunistic carries. His 2024 line (113/437-4 rushing, 21-28/189-2 receiving) is a good reminder that he can be functional in both phases when usage appears. Short term he’s a matchup-dependent PPR bench play while the Giants sort out touches.
*Hassan Haskins, LAC vs NYG (29th, 3rd, 25th, 13th) – Haskins (0/0-0, 0-0/0-0) hasn’t logged a 2025 touch, but with Najee Harris out for the season he slides in as the primary early-down backup to Omarion Hampton (R). Last year he flashed just enough power-and-finishing ability to matter in a pinch (2024: 34/89-2, 3-3/49-1), and that’s the lane he projects to occupy now: change-of-pace grinder with occasional short-yardage work. The rest of the depth chart looks more situational—Scott Matlock as a package fullback who can catch and block, and Nyheim Hines as passing-down insurance—so Haskins is the Chargers back most likely to inherit carries if Hampton ever misses snaps. In thin-waiver dynasty leagues he’s a perfectly sensible add, and Hampton managers might want to prioritize Haskins as the handcuff. He won’t be startable right away, but 6–8 carries are in play if the Chargers lean run or protect a lead, with touchdown chances tied to game script.
Receivers
Tre Tucker, LV vs Chi (30th, 14th, 29th, 13th) – Tucker (13-20/211-4, 2/11-0) just erupted for 3 TDs and now faces a Bears defense that has given up chunk plays. He finally saw steady volume—20 targets over three games—rather than just a couple of gadget looks. If the Raiders give Geno Smith time, Tucker’s speed and growing route tree give him a clear path to another big day. He’s a priority add with real Week 4 upside.
Tyquan Thornton, KCC vs Bal (21st, 27th, 23rd, 28th) – Thornton (9-18/171-2, 0/0-0) led the Chiefs in receiving in Week 3 while Xavier Worthy continued to rest. He even had a second touchdown overturned on review. If Worthy sits again, Thornton should keep a near-every-down role with a few designed touches and red-zone chances from Patrick Mahomes. If Worthy returns, Thornton becomes a boom-or-bust WR4.
Tory Horton (R), Sea vs Ari (25th, 12th, 27th, 19th) – Horton (5-8/64-1, 0/0-0) is the Seahawk's the third option and he’s producing on a small, defined role. The Seahawks don’t throw a ton when they control the game, yet the staff keeps dialing up a few first-read plays for Horton. On a short week he’s a thin streamer, but he’s worth holding in deeper leagues.
*Sterling Shepard, TB @ Phi (16th, 2nd, 6th, 23rd) – Shepard (11-15/153-0, 0/0-0) delivered 80 yards and continues to be the steady slot option while the Buccaneers navigate injuries. Even if Mike Evans (hamstring) and/or Chris Godwin (ankle) return to action, Shepard’s short-area role should keep him involved on third downs. He’s a short-term PPR helper with a stable target floor.
Luther Burden (R), Chi @ LV (28th, Bye, 26th, 17th) – Burden (5-7/103-1, 1/7-0) flashed his after-catch burst with a 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown. He remains behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, so the targets will be streaky. If you’re chasing ceiling in deeper leagues, he fits as an upside WR4 while the Bears expand his role and route tree.
Elic Ayomanor (R), Ten @ Hou (19th, 25th, 28th, 24th) – Ayomanor (10-18/107-2, 0/0-0) has scored in back-to-back games and his snap share is climbing. The Titans play slow and conservative, so weekly volume will swing, but he’s winning on short and intermediate routes and getting looks near the goal line. Add in dynasty; in redraft he’s a matchup-driven WR4.
*Calvin Austin, Pit @ Min (1st, Bye, 9th, 15th) – Austin (8-15/126-2, 0/0-0) has earned Aaron Rodgers’ trust, especially in high-leverage spots, and the scores have followed. The Steelers still funnel the outside work to DK Metcalf, but Austin’s quick-game usage and increasing red-zone involvement keep him in the streaming mix. It’s a tough Week 4 matchup, yet 5–7 targets with a splash-play shot is reasonable.
Parker Washington, Jax vs SF (6th, 13th, 2nd, 20th) – Washington (9-20/110-0, 0/0-0) saw 11 targets and a season-high snap share. With Dyami Brown leaving early and Travis Hunter (CB/WR) playing heavy defense, Washington has settled in as the Jaguars’ chain-mover. The matchup tightens this week, but the role trend is real. PPR WR4 with a sneaky floor.
KaVontae Turpin, Dal vs GB (4th, 22nd, 3rd, 26th) – Turpin (8-12/129-1, 1/4-0) keeps getting designed touches, and his downfield role grew with CeeDee Lamb sidelined. If Lamb sits, Turpin’s routes and targets expand and he carries one-play touchdown potential. If Lamb plays, Turpin falls back to a splash-play WR5.
*Jalen Tolbert, Dal vs GB (4th, 22nd, 3rd, 26th) – Tolbert (6-12/40-0, 0/0-0) logged six targets after the Lamb injury and should remain in the rotation if Lamb misses. His deeper routes give him two-play paths to relevance, but the floor is thin. Deep-league plug only and mainly a contingency bid.
Adonai Mitchell (S), Ind @ LAR (20th, 28th, 25th, 7th) – Mitchell (4-8/41-0, 0/0-0) didn’t catch a pass in Week 3, but his snaps climbed and Alec Pierce entered the concussion protocol. If Pierce is out, Mitchell becomes the primary outside receiver opposite Michael Pittman and gets more shots down the field. He's a thin streamer, yet the role expands quickly if Pierce sits.
Luke McCaffrey (S), Wsh @ Atl (5th, 7th, 30th, 32th) – McCaffrey (4-4/75-1, 0/0-0) scored his first NFL touchdown and could see another small bump in volume if Terry McLaurin’s quad limits him. Washington mixed personnel heavily last week, and McCaffrey’s versatility keeps him in those groupings. Deep-league stream if the injuries linger.
Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz, Hou vs Ten (10th, 26th, Bye, 32nd) – Schultz (11-15/96-0) just posted season highs in targets and yards as the Texans leaned into the pass. He’s not popping big plays, but he soaks up chain-moving targets, which suits his profile. Treat him as a steady TE2 now, with a chance to climb when the matchups loosen.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten @ Hou (12th, 21st, 5th, 9th) – Okonkwo (12-16/120-0) led the Titans in receiving last week and has settled into a steady 4–6 targets as Cam Ward’s safety valve on crossers and outs. The Texans aren’t pushovers and game script often pushes the Titans to throw more than they want. That volume keeps him a solid TE2 with spike-week potential if red-zone looks show up.
*Oronde Gadsden (R), LAC @ NYG (22nd, 23rd, 30th, 18th) – Gadsden (5-7/46-0) looked like the Chargers’ only true pass-catching TE with Will Dissly (knee) out, working the flats and seams and creating yards after the catch. The raw snap share wasn’t massive, but the routes they gave him were purposeful. If Dissly sits again, this matchup is friendly enough for 4–6 short targets with some YAC upside. He’s a viable streamer in PPR, with a chance to stick if his role grows.
Noah Fant / *Drew Sample, Cin @ Den (11th, 28th, 27th, 31st) – Fant (12-14/80-1) is in the concussion protocol after exiting in Week 3. If he’s cleared, he remains the primary receiving TE for the Bengals and profiles as a back-end TE1/high TE2 given the upcoming slate. If he’s out, expect Mike Gesicki to take most of the routes while Drew Sample (3-6/27-1) handles more blocking work and the occasional goal-line look.
Austin Hooper, NE @ Buf (25th, 2nd, 19th, 10th) – Hooper (6-7/76-0) plays a modest, reliable role for the Patriots—think 2–4 targets, mostly underneath, plus pass-pro snaps. Only start Hooper if you are in a pinch in Week 4 against a soft Bills defense, then back on the bench in Week 5 unless injuries open more work.
Hunter Long, Jax vs SF (20th, 3rd, 32nd, 16th) – Long (3-4/18-1) is on the field in specific packages, including near the stripe, which is why he already has a score despite limited volume. Stream only if you’re chasing a touchdown in TD-heavy formats.
Kickers
Matt Prater, Buf v NO (29th, 12th, 22nd, Bye)
Jason Meyers, Sea @ Ari (11th, 20th, 3rd, 1st)
Will Reichard, Min@ Pit (6th, 7th, Bye, 27th)
Chad Ryland, Ari v Sea (13th, 18th, 2nd, 8th)
John Parker Romo, Atl v Wsh (10th, Bye, 9th, 4th)
Defense / Special Teams
Carolina Panthers @ NE (30th, 23rd, 19th, 25th)
Washington Commanders @ Atl (27th, 16th, 6th, 19th)
Chicago Bears @ LV (28th, 9th, 21st, 1th)
Seattle Seahawks @ Ari (10th, 12th, 4th, 24th)
Indianapolis Colts @ LAR (18th, 28th, 10th, 16th)