Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints
Through four weeks, we are seeing a familiar Ingram, never the workhorse and always sharing snaps with multiple backs. I don't think we can put the blame on Ingram; a lot of it is Sean Payton's offense, which is a reason why I've never owned Ingram. But it's what we've expected from him. The Saints were in the red zone four times Sunday and Ingram didn't see the field. Instead, it was quickly emerging rookie Alvin Kamara who was able to slice and dice in the red zone. But Ingram remains the team's clear early-down back, and I don't think that will change. Even in recent years with the likes of Tim Hightower, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory around, Ingram has still lead the Saints in rushing five of the past six years and can be a good option with the right matchup, so I plan to KEEP Ingram.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Although the Panthers are 3-1, they have yet to establish an identity on offense. But one thing is for sure: Their defense is legit. Yes, Christian McCaffrey is a high-profile flashy player, but we know what Riverboat Ron Rivera loves the most is a stout defense and a run game. This is why Stewart is a player to KEEP and a player who can still be productive for your fantasy team. Stewart averaged .57 touchdowns per game over the past two years, and in four games in 2017, he has posted a goose egg. The Panthers' offensive line looks to have a solid foundation and Stewart is still getting plenty of touches despite the presence of McCaffrey, so he is due for a few touchdowns and can be a viable RB2 throughout the season.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Buffalo Bills
Matthews is now expected to miss a month following thumb surgery, and there is not enough upside to keep Matthews on your redraft roster. There are several better options at wide receiver for the coming weeks, and Matthews has only 13 targets through four games with the heavily grounded Bills. I will CUT ties with Matthews, who will once again be a disappointment TO his fantasy owners.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
After I typed Carr's name here, the news dropped about his injury and it appears to be more serious than a back spasm. Carr has a fracture in his back and it's unclear whether he'll be back after a week or out for as many as six weeks. The injury update makes it even more clear that cutting Carr shouldn't be a tough decision given that there are plenty of options on the wire to pick up. Carr does not have a friendly upcoming schedule and hasn't impressed yet this year, failing to top 275 yards passing through four weeks. CUT Carr loose and acquire ... well, just keep reading.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers
When Jordy Nelson went down in Week 2, Allison stepped in on 80 percent of Green Bay's snaps and saw five targets. In Week 3, he played in place of Randall Cobb and broke out with six catches for 122 yards. By now, we have all seen the brutal hit from Thursday night that Davante Adams took to the head that will almost certainly keep him out this coming week. That leaves Geronimo in a position that better suites his talents in the X position out wide. Allison may not be at the top of your waiver order, but ACQUIRE him if you need a plug-and-play for Week 5. The Packers will be in Dallas where the Cowboys were just worked over by Jared Goff and the Rams' offense.
Wayne Gallman, RB, New York Giants
The obvious top acquisition this week is Latavius Murray, who will step right in for Dalvin Cook, so lets take a look at some other running backs to target. Gallman may take over as the Giants' No. 1 back after a strong showing this past Sunday. Gallman was a top talent at Clemson, his offensive line still needs improvement. So for the next four weeks, which includes New York's bye, Gallman is probably not startable. But when the weather turns for the worse and the Giants' schedule eases up a bit, Gallman will be a player to ACQUIRE for his upside. However, if you are desperate for running back help right now, Wayne isn't the acquisition for you.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions
Despite facing the toughest defense against fantasy running backs in Week 4, Abdullah had his best game of the season and instilled confidence in his coaching staff that he can be the guy they have wanted him to be since drafting him. This week, he faces a good Panthers defense that gave up only 80 rushing yards versus the Patriots, but after that game, his schedule looks favorable. Fingers crossed that he can stay healthy, Abdullah is a player to ACQUIRE. You won't have to give up a ton to get him after his average day versus Carolina this Sunday, when his stock will have plateaued.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton used every way he could think of to get Kamara (only 46 percent owned in Yahoo as of Monday night) the ball last Sunday in London versus the Dolphins. Kamara had five carries and caught all 10 of his targets, taking one of those to the house with a very impressive run. The Saints have shown in the past that they can produce two starting-caliber fantasy running backs and if one running back goes down, the other quickly becomes a borderline RB1. Kamara is a great add, especially in PPR leagues, but he certainly can have value in all formats. Kamara clearly fits Payton's offense and has been productive sooner than I expected. ACQUIRE Kamara now before it's way too late.
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