After a Week 3 of historic scoring (70 points by the Dolphins!) the waiver wire has some tantalizing names to analyze. The key to getting these waiver wire wonders is to be a week early on them (Tank Dell was on this list last week), so make sure to think ahead and look below at who the next breakout waiver wire performer will be.
Now that it is Week 4 we have a big enough sample size to start knowing who is for real in 2023. If you have a high-drafted player who isn’t performing, don’t be afraid to cut him because of his draft capital, just view it as a sunk cost. Don’t be so caught up with trying to make Justin Fields a thing that you miss out on C.J. Stroud or you think this is finally Kyle Pitt’s year so you don’t go after Sam LaPorta. Below Is a list of players to add at each position.
Week 11 fantasy advice: Player rankings | Players to add | WRs to start
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Week 4 waiver wire pickups and players to stream
Pickup of the week – De’Von Achane
If you had Achane on your bench like me you felt a big amount of FOMO this week with his 203 yards and 2 TDs on the ground while also adding 4 catches for 30 yards and another 2 TDs. The good news is he finally looked fully healthy for the first time this year and looked as speedy as advertised coming out of Texas A&M.
While the Dolphins backfield is very crowded you want to have every piece of that offense you can get your hands on, especially with Achane’s home run threat. Miami looks to be easily the best offense in football this year making Achane a potential RB2 with upside the rest of the year.
Week 4 waiver wire: Quarterbacks
Top pick – Jordan Love (GB)
Could finally get his main weapons back soon and he has nice matchups with the Lions and Raiders the next two weeks. If Christian Watson and Aaron Jones are back he is a must pick up.
Next – C.J. Stroud (HOU)
Easily the most impressive rooking throwing the ball, Stroud has had to throw at such a rate that he is becoming fantasy-relevant. With three legit WRs Stroud has the weapons to make some noise in fantasy, especially once he starts throwing more TDs. Put him on your bench to see if he continues this all season.
Stash – Sam Howell (WAS)
There is a chance that the Bills put out the blueprint to stop Sam Howell but there’s also a chance he’s a young QB who had a really bad day. Howell makes the list as his next two opponents are Philadelphia (giving up the most points to QBs in all of fantasy) and Chicago (maybe the worst team in the league right now?), so if you’re desperate he’s a worthwhile add.
Check to see if available
Russell Wilson wasn’t bad in the blowout to Miami and now gets the Bears and their high school defense this week. Jameis Winston will get the start with Carr out of action, he has the weapons to have a big day but is hard to trust. Matthew Stafford has looked solid so far this season and could blow up once Cooper Kupp is back, worth a bench stash if you don’t trust your starting QB.
Week 4 waiver wire: Running backs
Top pick – Jerick McKinnon (KC)
McKinnon showed why he is such a prize to have on your bench this week, at anytime he can explode in the Kansas City offense. While he is part of a committee the Chiefs have enough points to go around.
Next – Jaylen Warren (PIT)
He is still only owned in 62% of ESPN leagues but should be owned in a lot more, especially if you are the Najee Harris owner. Warren clearly looks like the more explosive back and should at work get a 50/50 split with Harris if not take over the RB1 duties in this backfield.
Stash – Tyjae Spears (TEN)
While his stats aren’t great he did out snap Derrick Henry this week. Expect to see Spears get more work in an offense that needs all the firepower it can get.
Check to see if available/others of note
Justice Hill/Gus Edwards both may be out with injuries this week making blasts from the past Melvin Gordon and Kenyon Drake fantasy relevant for deep leagues. If someone dropped him after he got hurt and Swift had his big game, make sure to get Kenny Gainwell on your roster. Zach Charbonnet might be the best handcuff in fantasy football, if you want a lottery league winner go grab him. Matt Breida is a desperate add if you need a spot starter, Seattle is an easier matchup for him and the G-men this week.
Week 4 waiver wire: Wide receivers
Top pick – Tank Dell (HOU)
Last week I told you to stash Tank but hopefully, you did one better and played him. Dell went off for 5 catches, 145 yards, and a TD. With the Texans not able to run the ball and a subpar defense it looks like wheels up for the Texans passing offense in fantasy this year, all aboard!
Next – Joshua Palmer (LAC)
Palmer had 4 catches for 66 yards and a TD this week, getting more playing time once Mike Williams got hurt. It unfortunately appears to be a season-ending injury for Mike Williams which should lead to a lot more opportunities for Palmer. Quentin Johnston should also be rostered and may be a better long-term add than Palmer.
Stash – Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN)
Mims continues to impress in the limited snaps he gets, so continue to stash him as he continues to play more. The Broncos just gave up 70 points last week so expect them to be in lots of shootouts this season, with a heavy number of pass attempts.
Check to see if available/others of note
Tutu Atwell still isn’t rostered in enough leagues if you see him out there at least stash him to your bench or even flex spot. Romeo Doubs had another phenomenal game and is pushing into the starting flex category. Adam Thielen has had two monster games in a row, if you need a spot start pick him or DJ Chark up off waivers.
Week 4 waiver wire: Tight ends
Top pick – Donald Parham Jr. (LAC)
Donald Parham looks to be a big part of the Chargers red zone offense this year, especially with Austin Eckler sidelined. It now also appears Mike Williams could be out for the season with a knee injury opening up more targets and opportunities for Parham. He has always had the size to be a dominant red zone tight end, now it appears he is adding the football IQ to the mix as well.
Next – Luke Musgrave (GB)
Jordan Love once again missed Musgrave on a long pass that could have ended up as a touchdown. When those long throws to Musgrave start hitting, he will become a must-start TE, at least until Watson and Aaron Jones are back.
Stash – Jake Ferguson (DAL)
With five receptions this week, Fergy is getting more and more involved in this Dallas offense. Throw him on your bench if you’re not happy with your starting TE.
Check to see if available/others of note
David Njoku was dropped in lots of leagues but with Nich Chubb out he is worth rostering if the Browns start throwing more. While not exciting Zach Ertz should see lots of targets now that he’s back healthy. Sam LaPorta should be rostered in every league now.
Week 4 waiver wire: Defense/Special Teams
Top pick – Chiefs D/ST: They played the Bears last week so they might already be rostered but if not they are a must-pick-up this week going against the Jets and turnover-prone Zach Wilson.
Next – Bengals D/ST: They just had a really nice game against the Rams on Monday Night Football and now get a Titans offense that looks old and lost. Grab them as a nice start this week.
Stash – Commanders D/ST: They have a tough matchup this week against the Eagles but next week get the Bears on short rest. If you have a roster spot stash Washington for a nice week 5 play
Check to see if available – Patriots D/ST: The Pats have had a very solid start to the season and after Dallas this week has some nice matchups. If they get dropped this week make sure to pick them up. Broncos D/ST, I know they just gave up 70 points but they also get the Bears this week. If you don’t have anywhere else to go for a defense hold your nose and grab the Broncos.
Week 4 waiver wire: Kickers
Top pick – Jake Elliott (PHI): Always my favorite kicker
Stash – Don’t ever stash a kicker, ever.
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