Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4: Target Romeo Doubs, Khalil Herbert, More
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images. Pictured: Romeo Doubs.
With another wild football Sunday in the rear-view mirror, it's time to assess the state of our fantasy teams and add (or cut) accordingly.
Whether you need a replacement for Mac Jones, insurance for Dalvin Cook, Michael Thomas, or Tua Tagovailoa, or just need a Week 4 streamer, make sure to check out The Action Network's top targets at each position — all of which are available in at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues — that you should prioritize come Tuesday night.
Note: Yahoo! roster percentages are reflected in parenthesis as of Monday and fantasy rankings are exclusive of the Monday Night Football game.
Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups
Fantasy Waiver QBs to Target
Marcus Mariota, Falcons (22% rostered)
Mariota was a fringe QB1 this week and nice streaming option given the matchup and his rushing potential. He completed 13-of-20 attempts for 229 yards, one touchdown, one interception and tacked on seven carries for four yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 27-23 victory over the Seahawks.
He is currently the QB15 heading into Monday night with one game left to play. Mariota has not scored under 15 fantasy points through three games and is worth a look, especially in deeper leagues. I will note that his upcoming schedule is not great, which could limit his upside.
Next three games: vs. Browns, at Buccaneers, vs. 49ers
Jared Goff, Lions (45%)
Goff came back down to earth in Week 3 in Detroit's heartbreaking 28-24 loss to the Vikings. He completed 25-of-41 attempts for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception and is currently the QB18.
It comes as no surprise to me that Goff's fantasy production is a bit erratic given how much the Lions lean on the run game. That said, he gets a solid bounce-back opportunity in Week 4 against the Seahawks, who have allowed 27 points in each of their last two games.
Next three games: vs. Seahawks, at Patriots, BYE
Zach Wilson, Jets (6%)
All signs point to Wilson being cleared to play for Week 4, which could make him an interesting add in two-quarterback and superflex formats. His rookie campaign was nothing to write home about, though the Jets have improved significantly on offense.
The additions of 2022 draft picks Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall and former Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin should absolutely boost Wilson's fantasy value. Even Joe Flacco was solid for fantasy in two of his three starts. Wilson could end up being a solid QB2 moving forward.
Next three games: at Steelers, vs. Dolphins, at Packers
Other quarterbacks to consider: Ryan Tannehill, Titans (16%), Geno Smith, Seahawks (9%), Jacoby Brissett, Browns (4%), Matt Ryan, Colts (33%), Jameis Winston, Saints (25%), Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (37%)
Fantasy Waiver RBs to Target
Khalil Herbert, Bears (49% rostered)
Herbert was near-perfect with David Montgomery exiting in the first quarter with an ankle injury. The backup had 20 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' last-minute 23-20 win over the Texans. He also caught both of his targets for 12 yards and is the RB1 by a significant margin heading into Monday Night Football in half PPR scoring.
Herbert was a popular waiver wire add after outperforming Montgomery in Week 1. He promptly fell off the radar in Week 2, which means he could be available in some of your leagues.
Montgomery is day-to-day and could miss the next game. Regardless, Herbert is by far the best running back add if available and is worth a premium bid for those playing in FAAB waiver systems. He is one of the best backups and has a soft schedule on deck.
Next three games: at Giants, at Vikings, vs. Commanders
Samaje Perine, Bengals (6%)
Perine outperformed star running back Joe Mixon in the Bengals' 27-12 win over the Jets. He had nine carries for 47 yards and two catches for 14 yards and a touchdown. He is currently the RB13 and could see an increased workload moving forward.
Mixon was sidelined briefly with ankle soreness, per head coach Zac Taylor, which led to Perine's big day. At a minimum, Perine is an extremely valuable and widely available backup. He could offer even more upside if Mixon is limited or out in the future.
Next three games: vs. Dolphins, at Ravens, at Saints
Mark Ingram II, Saints (26%)
Let me start by saying that there is a big gap between the first two running backs mentioned and the rest.
Ingram failed to take advantage of Alvin Kamara's absence in Week 2 and scored just five fantasy points in half PPR. He bounced back nicely and was used somewhat in tandem with Kamara in the team's ugly 22-14 loss to the NFC South-rival Panthers.
The Saints really couldn't get much going and were shut out through three quarters, though Ingram did log five rushes for 18 yards and a touchdown — good enough to be the RB28 with one game left to play.
Ingram is the clear No. 2 and should see more work if Taysom Hill (ribs) remains sidelined. Kamara was also questionable heading into this past game and has already missed time.
Ingram is a solid stash with Kamara's variable health — especially with a softer three-game home stretch on the horizon.
Next three games: vs. Vikings (in London), vs. Seahawks, vs. Bengals
Justice Hill, Ravens (0%)
Even with J.K. Dobbins returning, Hill had his best game of the year in Baltimore's exciting 37-26 win over the Patriots. He rushed six times for 60 yards, while Dobbins rushed seven times for 23 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards.
There was definitely optimism for Dobbins — who had not played since 2020 after suffering a torn ACL in training camp — especially with Kenyan Drake a healthy scratch. The fact that Hill was in the mix so often muddies the waters.
We could be looking at some kind of committee in the making, which wouldn't be the worst idea for the Ravens' long term given Dobbins' injury risk. Hill is a viable backup who is widely available.
Next three games: vs. Bills, vs. Bengals, at Giants
James Cook, Bills (40%)
The Bills' backfield continues to be a headache for fantasy.
In Buffalo's loss to Miami, Devin Singletary led the tripartite committee with nine carries for 13 yards and caught a whopping 9-of-11 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown. Zack Moss saw four carries for 46 yards and caught a pass for six yards; Cook saw one carry for three yards and caught 4-of-5 targets for 37 yards.
The rookie's 40 all-purpose yards isn't enough to put him on the fantasy radar in the near term, though I like his involvement in the passing game. He has solid long-term value as he has the talent to separate himself in this committee. He is worth an add in deeper leagues.
Next three games: at Ravens, vs. Steelers, at Chiefs
Jaylen Warren, Steelers (9%)
Warren didn't post the strongest stat line, but he did look solid in the Steelers' 29-17 loss to the Browns on Thursday night. He saw four carries for 30 yards and caught his lone target for three yards, taking a firm backseat to Najee Harris.
On the eye test alone, Warren is a good rusher on a team with an anemic passing attack and banged up No. 1. He could be a fantasy star if Harris were to miss any time, which seems possible given his frequent appearance on Steelers injury reports.
Next three games: vs. Jets, at Bills, vs. Buccaneers
Other running backs to consider: Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (15%), J.D. McKissic, Washington (26%), Eno Benjamin, Cardinals (12%), Craig Reynolds, Lions (0%)
Fantasy Waiver WRs to Target
Russell Gage, Buccaneers (42% rostered)
Gage was in last week's main waiver wire column and my lookahead waiver wire article with so many Tampa Bay receivers dinged. He capitalized on the absences of Chris Godwin (hamstring), Mike Evans (suspension) and Julio Jones (knee) and caught 12-of-13 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' underwhelming, 14-12 loss to the Packers.
There were other receivers in the mix, including Breshad Perriman, who caught 3-of-4 targets for 44 yards, Cole Beasley, who caught 3-of-4 targets for 12 yards and Scotty Miller, who caught 1-of-5 targets for four yards. Gage, though was definitely the standout of the bunch.
He clearly has a strong rapport with Tom Brady and is the WR7 in half PPR heading into Monday night. Evans will return from his one-game suspension next week, so I don't expect him to see 13 targets moving forward.
That said, there are multiple injury question marks with other members of this depth chart. Gage could be the No. 2 until Godwin returns and offer WR3/flex value.
Next three games: vs. Chiefs, vs. Falcons, at Steelers
Romeo Doubs, Packers (25%)
Doubs also made it into the lookahead waiver article with multiple Green Bay receivers popping up on the injury report. Rookie Christian Watson and veteran Sammy Watkins both sat out the Packers' Week 3 contest against the Buccaneers with hamstring injuries and opened up an opportunity for Dobbs to break out.
He led the team in every receiving categories and caught all eight of his targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. Dobbs — who garnered significant hype during the preseason — is currently the WR11 for the week.
He was likely dropped in a number of leagues after a disappointing start to the season. I would scoop him up in any league if he's available, especially with the chemistry brewing between him and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have a friendly stretch of games coming up, which could lead to more big performances from Doubs.
Next three games: vs. Patriots, vs. Giants, vs. Jets
Mack Hollins, Raiders (2%)
Hollins has been a sneaky start in each of the last two weeks. In Week 2, he caught 5-of-8 targets for 66 yards and finished as the WR41. He followed that up with eight catches on 10 targets for 158 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 24-22 loss to the Titans.
In contrast, $140 million Davante Adams caught 5-of-10 targets for 36 yards and a touchdown. Hollins has 14 catches on 19 targets for 240 yards and a touchdown on the season, and he leads all Las Vegas receivers (including Adams) in yardage.
It's worth noting Hunter Renfrow missed Week 3 with a concussion, though Hollins is looking like a solid add regardless — especially if the winless Raiders are going to be playing from behind frequently.
Next three games: vs. Broncos, at Chiefs, BYE
Isaiah McKenzie, Bills (42%)
Playing in an electric Bills offense, McKenzie was a hot sleeper name this past offseason. He was quiet in Week 2, failing to capitalize on the absence of No. 2 wideout Gabriel Davis. But he bounced back big time in Week 3, hauling in 7-of-9 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown.
He was the second-most targeted receiver on Sunday and is currently the WR10 for the week. This could be a situation where McKenzie and Davis go back and forth and alternate fantasy relevance.
Still, I'm high on the Bills' high-volume passing game and love the upside that Josh Allen offers all of his pass catchers. McKenzie is worth an add to see how the wide receiver platoon in Buffalo develops.
Next three games: at Ravens, vs. Steelers, at Chiefs
George Pickens, Steelers (40%)
For the most part, Pickens has been quiet through the first three weeks of his rookie campaign. He was the WR116 and WR82 in the first two games and was held to just one catch in each of those contests.
His Week 3 stat line, however, doesn't tell the entire story: He caught 3-of-7 targets for 39 yards. One of those receptions was an Odell Beckham-esque one-handed grab that had many proclaiming it as the catch of the year.
Pickens' upside will remain capped opposite Mitch Trubisky, whose days may be numbered as the Steelers' starting quarterback. For now, the second-round Georgia product is a bench stash with potential long-term value for those playing in keeper formats.
Next three games: vs. Jets, at Bills, vs. Buccaneers
Zay Jones, Jaguars (10%)
Jones led Jacksonville in all receiving categories in Sunday afternoon's surprising 38-10 victory over the Chargers. He reeled in 10-of-11 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown and is currently the WR5.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence spread the love around, as Christian Kirk and Marvin Jones Jr. also had nice days for fantasy and found the end zone.
It looks like Jones is developing into the Jaguars' No. 2 behind Kirk, which could be a much better distinction than previous seasons with Lawrence playing at a high caliber. He could end up being a nice flex option for managers in need of receiving depth.
Next three games: at Eagles, vs. Texans, at Colts
Greg Dortch, Cardinals (17%)
The Cardinals did not look good in their 20-12 loss to the Rams. Quarterback Kyler Murray recorded a paltry 32.8 quarterback rating in the effort, though his career-high 58 attempts did boost his receivers.
It was mostly the Marquise Brown show, as the former Raven hauled in 14-of 17-targets for 140 yards. Dortch was also heavily involved and caught 9-of-10 targets for 80 yards. It was his third game in a row with double-digit fantasy points in half PPR and he is currently the WR27 for the week.
Dortch is a solid WR3 option as the Cardinals' slot man, so long as Rondale Moore (hamstring) remains sidelined and Murray continues to chuck the ball gratuitously.
Next three games: at Panthers, vs. Eagles, at Seahawks
DeVante Parker, Patriots (25%)
Parker tallied one catch for nine yards in Week 1 and laid a goose egg in Week 2. But he exploded against the Ravens with five catches on 10 targets for a whopping 156 yards — he is currently the WR9 for the week.
I would have put Parker higher in priority, but part of his uptick in targets had to do with Jakobi Meyers (knee) missing the game. Additionally, with quarterback Mac Jones suffering a high-ankle sprain, it becomes less clear what role and how much upside the former Dolphin would have in a Brian Hoyer or Bailey Zappe-led offense.
Next three games: at Packers, vs. Lions, at Browns
Other wide receivers to consider: Josh Palmer, Chargers (27%), Laviska Shenault, Panthers (1%), K.J. Osborn, Vikings (6%), Josh Reynolds, Lions (0%), Tre'Quan Smith, Saints (0%), Marquez Callaway, Saints (0%)
Fantasy Waiver TEs to Target
Tyler Conklin, Jets (21% rostered)
Conklin has quietly been a nice fantasy play at a position know for its volatility. He is the TE4 in half-PPR scoring through three games behind only Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz.
He didn't find the end zone in Week 3, but was targeted heavily and caught 8-of-8 targets for 84 yards. His target share has been impressive thus far and I expect that to continue once Zach Wilson takes over for Joe Flacco. Conklin is a nice streaming option for managers lean at the position.
Next three games: at Steelers, vs. Dolphins, at Packers
Logan Thomas, Commanders (37%)
Heading into Week 3, Thomas was a borderline TE1 play after posting two nice games. He was a dud, however, as was the entire Washington offense in the team's 24-8 loss to the Eagles.
Thomas was barely involved as the Commanders were held scoreless until a fourth-quarter safety. He caught just two passes for five yards in his worst game of the year. I do think better days are ahead, though this is the unfortunate reality of using players who depend on Carson Wentz — there will be good days and there will be abysmal days.
Thomas was the TE10 last season on a per-game basis and should capitalize in garbage time. He has a nice schedule coming up and will be on the streaming radar once again.
Next three games: at Cowboys, vs. Titans, at Bears
Jelani Woods, Colts (0%)
Woods wowed in the Colts' 20-17 upset of the Chiefs. He logged his first two career catches (on three targets) for 13 yards and two touchdowns and is the TE4 heading into Monday night.
Woods was one of my favorite prospects coming out of the 2022 draft and a deep sleeper I had my eye on. The third rounder from Virginia is an absolute unit, standing at 6-foot-7 and 259 pounds (think: Martellus Bennett). Scouts reported he has good blocking skills and hands — attributes that were clear as day on Sunday.
I hope he takes over the position completely from Mo Alie-Cox, though that may be a lofty wish in Woods' inaugural season. Regardless, he should be on your radar in deep leagues or keeper leagues as a potential star in the making.
Next three games: vs. Titans, at Broncos, vs. Jaguars
Other tight ends to consider: Robert Tonyan, Packers (29%), Evan Engram, Jaguars (26%), Will Dissly, Seahawks (1%), Geoff Swaim, Titans (0%), Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (4%),
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