Week 4 is officially in the rearview, and I honestly can’t remember a season quite like this one. Never would I have imagined that my Baltimore Ravens would be 1-3, with my MVP quarterback’s hamstring hanging on by a thread. From a tie on Sunday Night Football to the New York Giants winning without their superstar wideout, this week was flat-out weird.
Unfortunately, there was also no shortage of injuries. With bye weeks coming, it’s more important than ever to stay aggressive on the waiver wire and plan for upcoming schedules.
Let’s start with the big one: Malik Nabers tore his ACL and is out for the year. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson left Sunday’s matchup against Kansas City with a hamstring injury, and as of now, we’ve received no word on the severity from Ravens camp. Dallas RB Miles Sanders left the Cowboys' game with an ankle injury and did not return. San Fran WR Ricky Pearsall tried to battle through a knee issue but was eventually pulled. Chargers’ tackle Joe Alt suffered a high-ankle sprain, further testing an O-line that’s already battered.
For emphasis, look ahead at bye weeks and matchups. This week’s waiver wire features players who could truly swing the rest of your fantasy season.
For additional potential Week 5 pickups, check out ASL Founder, Leonard LaPadula's Streamers for the Desperate - Week 5 or ASL's Chris Hexter's Injuries & Opportunities - Week 5.
Quarterbacks
Jaxson Dart (23% Rostered, Yahoo)
While his passing still needs development, Dart showed flashes against a tough Chargers defense, running all over them like 2022 Daniel Jones. Losing Nabers is a big blow, but it may not matter much for his fantasy outlook. The Giants will continue dialing up designed QB runs, which gives Dart red-zone upside. He gets the Saints next — a defense that’s been mediocre so far. With an average depth of target of 7.1, Dart has room to grow into an every-week fantasy option.
Bryce Young (18% Rostered, Yahoo)
I know what you’re thinking — but hear me out. Yes, Young has been bad. But his next three opponents (Dolphins, Cowboys, Jets) are among the league’s worst against fantasy quarterbacks. His advanced metrics aren’t terrible either: per Player Profiler, he’s top 11 in red-zone pass attempts, air yards, and expected fantasy points. Those are all indicators of potential breakout games. Remember — a player doesn’t need to be an excellent NFL QB to be a useful fantasy QB.
Running Backs
Woody Marks (31% Rostered, Yahoo)
Last week, I told you to stash him. This week, it finally happened. Marks took over as Houston’s lead back, logging 17 carries for 69 yards, four catches for 50 yards, and two touchdowns while playing 56% of snaps. He passed the eye test, pancaked defenders in pass protection, and ranks 6th among RBs in yards per touch through four weeks. Next up is Baltimore, whose run defense has struggled. With half their starters hurt, Marks is in line for another big week.
Kendre Miller (9% Rostered, Yahoo)
This could’ve been Pittsburgh RB Kenneth Gainwell’s spot, but Miller is the better stash. The 220-pound rookie ran for 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and could see even more opportunity if RB Alvin Kamara is traded (rumored destination: Kansas City). Miller can catch passes and thrives in short-yardage situations — exactly what QB Spencer Rattler looks for when pressured. If he earns the backfield to himself, Miller is the type of player who can win fantasy championships.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Tolbert (4% Rostered, Yahoo)
With WR CeeDee Lamb sidelined, Tolbert is stepping into a bigger role. He posted 4 catches for 61 yards on 6 targets in Sunday night’s thriller and flashed highlight-reel ability on the sideline. While not a volume play, he’s a boom-or-bust flex who can score on any given week. Dallas’ shaky defense guarantees shootouts, and the Cowboys will get creative with Tolbert on end-arounds and screens.
Elic Ayomanor (31% Rostered, Yahoo)
Titan's rookie WR Ayomanor isn’t filling up the stat sheet yet, but he’s proving to be reliable. The Titans are trailing in almost every game, which means QB Cam Ward will continue throwing. Ayomanor ranks 5th in the NFL in end-zone targets and consistently leads Tennessee in looks. He’s not quite a WR2 yet, but in favorable matchups, he’s a strong flex option.
Tight Ends
Brenton Strange (28% Rostered, Yahoo)
Every time I watch Jacksonville, Strange stands out as a dynamic athlete. The stats back it up: he’s top 10 in targets and yards among tight ends. The only thing missing is touchdowns. With QB Trevor Lawrence targeting him seven times over the past two games, he’s trending toward a breakout. Don’t fear his next matchup against Kansas City — if the Jags fall behind, Strange will see plenty of garbage-time looks.
Tommy Tremble (1% Rostered, Yahoo)
We’ve already discussed QB Bryce Young’s upside, and Tremble ties directly to it. The athletic Notre Dame product went 5 for 42 with a touchdown on 8 targets last week. Carolina’s schedule sets up well for soft defensive matchups, and Tremble could emerge as Young’s go-to big target. If you’re desperate at TE, he’s a worthwhile flier for the next few weeks.
