Tag: waiver wire picks

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Green Bay, Detroit

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

Priority Free Agent

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

At this point, it probably doesn’t matter what kind of declaration head coach Anthony Lynn made about Tyrod Taylor (chest) getting his job back when healthy. He’s not a dynamic quarterback and lacks the moxie Herbert brings through his play. Players lose their jobs to injury often, and coaches say things that aren’t reality just as frequently. Los Angeles is simply a better, more explosive team with Herbert leading the charge. In the coming weeks, LA faces a battered New Orleans secondary, followed by the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders leading into the Week 10 bye. Three of those games are likely wins, and Herbert’s play would give Lynn an out for his comments about Taylor. That said, don’t invest too much in the young passer, but he has all of the tools to succeed. Furthermore, the Bolts are likely to pass more without RB Austin Ekeler (hamstring) in the lineup.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $1-2

1-week plug & play

Nick Foles, Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Maybe this segment header should be “1-week plug your nose” due to this recommendation. The Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off Foles looking like he and his receivers couldn’t possibly be farther apart in chemistry and the Bucs getting looted by a rookie quarterback. LA’s Justin Herbert threw for 290 yards and three scores on 20-for-25 passing vs. a defense that looked like it was turning the corner vs. the position. In Week 4, on a short week’s rest, that favors the offense. The Bears have plenty of receiving options for Foles, provided he can connect, so there is definitely a risk-reward decision to be made here. Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford are on bye weeks, and a couple of other presumed starters after the fantasy draft season are now suspect plays, which makes Foles a viable option in a pinch. At least you can land him on the cheap, and he did carve up Atlanta just two weeks ago. There’s hope here.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $0-1

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers

Jackson came in cold off of the bench after Austin Ekeler (hamstring) was lost for the day — and what will be significantly longer. The 6-foot, 199-pound Jackson missed the past two games but now has a chance to share serious touches with Joshua Kelley after losing out the No. 2 gig to the rookie. Versus Tampa Bay, Jackson barely moved the ball, rushing for only nine yards on his six carries, adding 12 yards on a pair of grabs. The matchup was awful, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt. New Orleans gave up two scores to running backs in Week 4 vs. Detroit, bringing the season total to five offensive TDs in four outings. Ahead for Jackson includes the Saints, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders. He should have modest flex utility if for no reason other than so many backs have been injured already.

Availability: 55%
FAAB: $4-6

D’Ernest Johnson, Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to miss about six weeks (five games with the bye), and the Kevin Stefanski offense will look to involve two backs regularly. Kareem Hunt entered Week 4 with a late-week chest injury, so it’s likely that played a role in his 11 total carries to Johnson’s 13. The latter ran for 95 yards and will draw some attention on the wire. He’s worth a look for desperate owners after the way we’ve lost running backs in 2020, but his strong play really could have been a confluence of events that disappear. Hunt’s injury and Dallas’ impressively awful defense likely contributed a great deal to Johnson’s output. Ahead: Indy, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, bye week, and Houston … not particularly the best of schedules.

Availability: 98%
FAAB: $3-4

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Reggie Bonnafon, Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Note: The Falcons have not played in Week 4 at the time of this writing.

Bonnafon lost his job in the offseason as the top backup to Christian McCaffrey, but he was added to the active roster and delivered on his 12 touches in Week 4. The Panthers exposed Arizona’s defense for the second week in a row after Detroit did, albeit in different ways. Bonnafon, playing sidekick to Mike Davis, ran 10 times for 53 yards and chipped in an aerial score to cap off a two-catch, 18-yard bonus through the sky. He draws a favorable matchup again, and while Davis will see the bulk of the action, Bonnafon having a role worthy of a flex play is about all gamers can hope for after yet another week of losing top running backs to injury. And if he performs well once again, gamers may have an option for another few weeks while McCaffrey remains out.

Availability: 90%
FAAB: $1-2

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

Priority Free Agent

Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos

No one entered the year excited for the Brett Rypien-to-Tim Patrick connection, yet here we are. While it is anyone’s guess whether Rypien remains the starter beyond a week or more, as Drew Lock (shoulder) is nearing his return, Patrick has some staying power. The Broncos lost their No. 1 receiver in Courtland Sutton, and the 6-foot-4 Patrick brings some necessary height to this passing attack. He has shown flashes in his three pro seasons of being several types of receiver, including anything from a jump-ball option to a deep threat. After scores in consecutive games with different quarterbacks manning the offense, Patrick catching 10 of 11 looks shouldn’t go unnoticed. He has at least five targets in his two other contests this season. So many injuries to RBs and WRs have forced gamers to get creative and play mashups few people could have seen coming. With injuries to Noah Fant (ankle) and slot receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring), Patrick is a WR3 or flex in PPR possibly the rest of the way.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $2-3

Scotty Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No Chris Godwin (hamstring) last week opened the door for Miller to see more work. He overcame injuries of his own and was among the favored options for Tom Brady in a comeback win, posting a line of 5-83-1 on seven looks. The Bucs also lost TE O.J. Howard (Achilles) for what should be the remainder of the year, pending further tests, and running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) joined Leonard Fournette (ankle) on the mend. Miller is a pure slot receiver, and we’ve all seen how much TB12 loves going there with the ball. Ahead, Tampa draws the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants over the next month. While it’s unclear how long Godwin will miss, no Howard opens up more action for sure. Chicago gave up lines of 5-81-0 and 5-47-0 to slot receivers in the opening two games, but Russell Gage was knocked out of the Week 3 game for Atlanta after three targets, and the Colts have no credible slot receivers. Miller is a reasonable flex play due to bye weeks.

Availability: 54%
FAAB: $2-3

Watch list

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears

Keep tabs on him for now. Mooney has potential for a roster spot after seeing nine targets (5-52-0) in Week 4 in a matchup in which the tight end position had a tough go of it and a week after losing RB Tarik Cohen (knee). In Week 2, vs. the New York Giants, Mooney found the end zone on his 3-36-1 day. There was a forgettable two-for-19 outing on five looks sandwiched between. In the right setting, with the ideal matchup for receivers, Mooney could be money. Watch his role vs. the Buccaneers this week.

Availability: 77%

Tight Ends

grab & stash

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This one really could be a watch list for many gamers, depending upon the league settings. Brate has been a reliable veteran option and even found the end zone in Week 4 on his lone target. It’s painfully obvious the Rob Gronkowski-Tom Brady reunion tour isn’t selling out fantasy venues anymore, and it was O.J. Howard as the more productive of the two tight ends. Howard is expected to be lost for the year after the team fears he tore his Achilles tendon, and Brate could make for a viable starting option if this Gronk-free zone continues as it has for three of the first four weeks. Brate presents a logical gamble for a touchdown when the matchup looks particularly strong on the outside. That said, don’t be shocked to see the loss of Howard and current injury situation with Chris Godwin (hamstring) force Tampa into getting Gronkowski more involved.

Availability: 82%
FAAB: $0-1

Kickers

Priority Free agent

Rodrigo Blankenship, Indianapolis Colts

We covered him in an earlier release as a recommended acquisition, so this is merely a reminder. He is available in under half of leagues polled, and the rookie has attempted at least three field goals in each of his four outings this year, converting at a rate of 85.7 percent. The Colts are still a work-in-progress offense, and Philip Rivers is in obvious decline. Drives stall out, and that’s where “Hot Rod” comes into play as a key factor.

Availability: 54%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play

Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears

Yep, dipping the old bucket into this well once more … hopefully it will come up with something better than murky swamp water. Despite a great matchup in Week 4, Succop was barely playable in fantasy. The Chargers forced Tampa to score TDs and not settle for three — which, admittedly, is hardy the Bruce Arians style anyhow. This week, though, with so many injuries on the offensive side of the ball, it may be a necessity to accept three on the road vs. a defense that has been good but not great. Kickers have attempted at least three field goals in each game vs. the Bears in 2020. Suck it up and roll with Ryan one more week. (Okay, that was lame. But you should start him.)

Availability: 77%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Los Angeles Rams at Washington Football Team

A week after recommending the Rams vs. the New York Giants, here we are once more to take advantage of another favorable opponent. In fact, LA could be retained for several weeks following this game. The Washington offense remains more or less futile, even after cutting down its turnovers last week. Sure, it played Baltimore, but 17 points on the board is threatening a season-high for this team. In the last three games, Washington has served up seven fumbles lost and three interceptions thrown, which pairs nicely with a fresh helping of sacks allowed (3.25, on average).

Availability: 42%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play

Arizona Cardinals at New York Jets

No team has given up more fantasy points through the first four weeks than this offense, and the action has come in many forms. What isn’t necessarily encouraging, however, is there has been one huge (19-point) fantasy showing by Indy mixed in with 5, 1 and 6 points scored by enemy fantasy defenses. Another issue: Arizona has been awfully sad on defense in the last two games. That’s why we look forward and not backward in fantasy. The team will be motivated after consecutive losses in winnable games, and the Jets have struggled to protect Sam Darnold, allowing three per game, on average. Pressure tends to create mistakes, and that is one thing Arizona did well in the first three games (11 QB takedowns).

Availability: 57%
FAAB: $0-1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: none

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Seattle Seahawks

No team has permitted more yards through three weeks than the Seahawks, and injuries to defensive backs Quinton Dunbar, Neiko Thorpe and now star Jamal Adams makes this a matchup in which Fitz can work his magic. The journeyman has been his typically erratic self in 2020, but his weaponry is finally coming around. Preston Williams is only getting healthier after tearing his ACL last year, DeVante Parker (hamstring) is nearing 100 percent, and wideout Isaiah Ford has stepped up of late. TE Mike Gesicki is finding his groove in a new offense, too. If nothing else, while it may include some interceptions, Fitzpatrick could be forced to play keep-up with Russell Wilson and amass serious yardage to go with a few TDs.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $1-2

WATCH LIST

Nick Foles, Chicago Bears

At the time of this writing, Matt Nagy has not officially named Foles the starter for Week 4, but it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion with the dichotomous difference in play between Foles and Mitchell Trubisky. Chicago has enough weapons to keep Foles relevant, should he stay healthy, but the upcoming matchup will be the weather vane. Indianapolis has a quality defense with a strong, proven system. Foles has floundered more than enough as a starter to believe last week’s relief appearance is just who he is as a player — great in a pinch, rarely reliable as the entrenched signal caller. After Indy, Tampa Bay comes to town and is another tough opponent — watch how he performs from a afar for at least Week 4 prior to investing.

Availability: 67%

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks

Starter Chris Carson suffered what is being described as an ankle sprain in Week 3 and will be week-to-week, making Hyde a must-own in fantasy. He’s currently rostered in nearly two-thirds of leagues polled, but he has a pair of favorable matchups prior to a Week 6 bye. It should be presumed we’ll see Carson in Week 7 at Arizona. Week 4 is a trip to Miami, and the Minnesota Vikings come to town in Week 5. Neither defense has found its way just yet against RBs.

Availability: 38%
FAAB: $4-6

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

It wasn’t pretty, but Wilson found the end zone twice in Week 3 after the 49ers lost Raheem Mostert (knee) and Tevin Coleman (knee) in the second game of 2020. The duo of Wilson and Jerick McKinnon will share the chores for now, and both backs get utilized interchangeably in this system. Wilson ran for only 15 yards on 12 carries and found the end zone, but his 3-54-1 line in the passing game gives hope. His value is directly tied to Mostert and Coleman’s health. The latter is on IR and will be eligible to return in three weeks. Mostert’s injury was described as minor. Wilson should be added for the short term and is a fringe play vs. Philly in Week 4 and much more appealing in Week 5, should the Niners need him still at that point.

Availability: 57%
FAAB: $3-4

1-week plug & play

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs

J.J. Taylor saw 11 carries in Week 3, and Sony Michel ran wild on his nine totes, but it was Burkhead who was the most productive back, find the end zone thrice. Now, the major caveat here is what happens with James White, whose status is unclear as he tends to personal matters after a car accident killed his father and left his mother seriously injured. Burkhead’s 10 targets in Week 3 cannot be ignored in the event White is absent once again, because KC’s offense is poised to force the Pats into a pass-heavy script.

Availability: 62%
FAAB: $2-3

Wide Receivers

Priority Free Agent

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

The first-round rookie hauled in a 71-yard catch-and-run TD after blown coverage on a play-action pass from Kirk Cousins. Working predominantly from the slot, Jefferson finished with seven grabs for 175 yards and said score. He was highly productive in a pro-style offense at LSU last year, so there’s huge potential playing for a team with such a porous defense. Explosive play is just what Minnesota needs, even if it comes from poor coverage, but removing that score leaves Jefferson with a noteworthy line of 6-104-0. He should be given an add in all formats, but gamers must be patient in understanding his production could be be all over the place. Houston has been pretty good vs. WRs in the first three games, largely because its run defense is awful, but drool-inducing matchups with Seattle and Atlanta are on the docket before the Week 7 bye.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $6-8

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders

Shaking off hip and thumb issues entering Week 3, Beasley capitalized on a fine slot matchup and a first-half injury suffered by John Brown (calf). The Raiders present a reasonable matchup for gamers looking to fill a void in PPR scoring, and Beasley clearly has Josh Allen’s eye, dating back to last year. In Week 5, when bye weeks resume, the Bills face Tennessee, a defense that had no answer for Minnesota rookie slot receiver Justin Jefferson in Week 3. Depending on the severity of Brown’s injury, Beasley may stick around several weeks with matchups vs. KC and the New York Jets running through Week 7.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers

This one may turn into a longer stay than the one-week matchup vs. the Niners. San Fran could be without its top three cornerbacks for this one, but opportunities for Ward to see more work persist on Philadelphia’s side. The Eagles will be without WR Jalen Reagor (thumb) and likely TE Dallas Goedert (ankle), who is expected to miss some time. Alshon Jeffery may not be ready quite yet, and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) exited last week with an injury of his own. All of that helped lead to Ward — a late-season savior of sorts for the Eagles — to snare eight of his 11 targets, good for 72 yards and a score. After this reasonable matchup, the Steelers and Ravens are on the schedule, which may seem daunting, but someone has to catch the ball. Ward’s roster stay probably doesn’t live longer than two weeks for most situations, unless bye weeks force gamers into desperation mode.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $2-3

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The towering rookie exploited the Philadelphia defense after wrestling the starting lineup away from John Ross, who ended up a healthy scratch in Week 3. Higgins caught five of his nine targets from fellow rookie Joe Burrow, resulting in 40 yards and a pair of scores. Overall, Jacksonville hasn’t been all that good of a matchup for receivers, but allowing a TD per game to the position thus far is encouraging for a wideout whose game will revolve around finding paydirt. And, in fairness, the level of WR competition vs. the Jags has been suspect so far. Higgins has a pair of tough opponents (BAL, IND) after this one, so he’s probably a bench candidate for a few weeks, regardless of how he plays in Week 4.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills

Even though Renfrow and LA Rams receiver Cooper Kupp couldn’t be much different in style of play and physique, it’s worth noting Kupp owned the Bills out of the slot in Week 3. The Jets’ Jamison Crowder — much closer in nature to Renfrow — did the same in Week 1. Renfrow will once again be the likely leading receiver for Derek Carr if Buffalo handles TE Darren Waller like New England did in Week 3. In addition, the Raiders may be without WRs Henry Ruggs (knee, hamstring) and Bryan Edwards (ankle). Another TD from Renfrow may be asking too much of him, but the second-year wideout has a good chance of posting double-digit PPR stats without scoring. The Chiefs are ahead after the Bills, and Renfrow could be useful in that one, too, prior to Vegas’ bye.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $2-3

1-week plug & play

Brandon Powell, Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers

How desperate are you feeling? The Falcons could be without two of its top three receivers in Week 4. Julio Jones (hamstring) was inactive in Week 3, and that game saw Russell Gage (concussion) go down. He is in jeopardy of having to sit out vs. the Pack. Green Bay’s offense is clicking, and it will be all hands on deck for the battered Falcons after blowing late leads in consecutive weeks. Dallas is the only team to have surrendered more receiving scores to WRs through three games in 2020, and Powell has a shot at relevance after seeing four targets in Week 3.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0-1

Tight Ends

1-week plug & play

Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons

The fourth-year pro has finally earned a chance to show his skills, and it has resulted in a touchdown each of the past two weeks. He has eight total targets, going for 75 yards on his seven grabs, and Tonyan now draws the second-best fantasy matchup of Week 4 for his position. No team has given up more touchdowns than Atlanta when facing tight ends, and if WR Davante Adams (hamstring) isn’t ready, Aaron Rodgers will have to look elsewhere. Tonyan is a brilliant gamble for a touchdown in Week 4. Afterward, the Packers go on bye and return to a rocky schedule for tight ends. Even with another strong showing by Tonyan, don’t be afraid to drop him after Week 4.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $1-2

grab & stash

Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears

The seasoned veteran still can find the end zone with the right matchup, and he should have four total TDs in 2020, if not for coming up just shy a few weeks back. At any rate, the upcoming tilt with Indianapolis isn’t one of those “right” matchups. Graham’s 10 targets in Week 3 may seem enticing, but Chicago was in catch-up mode vs. a defense that is horrendous against the position. In a pinch, Graham can be deployed for a flier TD gamble, but it really shouldn’t be this week. Add him for depth at this time.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $0-1

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

LA’s defense is just good enough to stymie opponents in the Chargers’ territory. Only Minnesota has granted more field goal attempts to the position than the Bolts’ 11 faced, and only three PATs against ranks as the second fewest entering Monday night’s game between Baltimore (fewest) and KC. Tampa Bay’s inconsistent running game and work-in-progress passing attack should struggle to consistently score touchdowns vs. this defense, especially if Chris Godwin (hamstring) sits again.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $0-1

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings

Going back to the well once again … it was mostly dry in Week 3 after recommending Fairbairn vs. the Steelers, but expecting Houston to score three touchdowns wasn’t part of the equation. The Vikings have given up a least a pair of field goal attempts in each game this year, including an insane six last week. It wasn’t so fluky, though, since Indy kicked four of them the prior week. Trust Fairbairn once more. The matchup is an insane 70.6 percent better than the league average for fantasy points allowed.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Denver Broncos at New York Jets

Defensive life has been rough without Von Miller and A.J. Bouye, but the Broncos have a chance to right the ship vs. the death spiral that is the 2020 Jets season. Sam Darnold threw a pair of interceptions that went the other direction in Week 3, and there are no weapons to speak of around him right now. Furthermore, it’s a short week for New York to regain some of its injured targets, and we’re approaching the point in which even lowly fantasy defenses, like Denver, need to be considered vs. New York.

Availability: 75%
FAAB: $0-1

Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants

Picking on the New York teams wasn’t the intent, but when your offense cannot make anything happen vs. the visiting, injury-ravaged 49ers, all hope is lost. The Giants were without Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard, sure, but something, anything would have been understandable from Daniel Jones and Co. Anyway, the Rams have five takeaways in the past two games and seven total sacks in three games after not recording one against the Eagles in Week 2. Much like with the Jets, we’re approaching the territory where any fantasy defense with a hint of life is a strong play vs. the G-men.

Availability: 51%
FAAB: $0-1