Waiver Wire Week 4: Top Pickups, Drops and Expert Analysis

You probably didn't expect to hit the waiver wire with aplomb heading into Week 4, but thanks to a plethora of injuries and underwhelming play, specifically at the running back position, there are plenty of potential saviors many of you will be looking at less than a month into the season.

The quarterback position has been marred by injuries at the top with extended absences for at least Tony Romo and Ben Roethlisberger, although Drew Brees could join them if the optimism about his shoulder injury ends up being a false front to mask a real concern about his future.

Plus, players like Ryan Tannehill, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater have failed to live up to expectations, which has also cut into the depth at the position. That's why Andy Dalton, Tyrod Taylor and Derek Carr have seen their values skyrocket in a short time.

At this point, you expect to find some gems at running back, but you don't want to need them so early in the season. Between the injuries suffered by DeMarco Murray, LeSean McCoy, Marshawn Lynch, Lamar Miller and Chris Ivory and the poor play of C.J. Anderson, Jeremy Hill and Justin Forsett, many fantasy owners are looking for any help they can get. Karlos Williams may provide that in a big way—or, should I say, continue to do that after a great start.

To make this process just a little more difficult, the first bye week is upon us, and it's a doozy. The Patriots are off this week, meaning you won't have the services of the top quarterback (Tom Brady), a top-five running back (Dion Lewis), a top-five wide receiver (Julian Edelman) and the top tight end (Rob Gronkowski). Plus, the Titans are also off this week, which dips into the much-needed depth at QB with Marcus Mariota and eliminates a key waiver addition in RB Antonio Andrews.

While most of these players are included to help you in Week 4, many will help you for much longer than that, which is why it's so important to work the waiver wire regardless of your position in your league's standings. You can never have enough depth, especially at the RB position, and you can't assume your key players will remain healthy all year. 

Welcome to yet another important week on the waiver wire.

Quarterbacks

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Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills 

Percent Owned: ESPN – 44.4, Yahoo – 39

You can skip this section if you listened to me before Week 1 or Week 2 when I had Taylor as one of the top quarterback pickups on those editions of my waiver wire article. Amazingly, Taylor is still available in more than half of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, but I highly doubt those ownership percentages will stay so low going forward.

Through three weeks, Taylor has had finishes in the top 15 and top five twice, which makes him a top-five QB on the season. He’s completed more than 74 percent of his passes and is averaging 32 rushing yards per game, putting him behind just Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson as one of the best rushing QBs in the league.

This week, he’ll face the New York Giants at home. The Giants have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game over the first three weeks, including a league-high 345 passing yards per game. Even if wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) isn’t available, Taylor has shown a great rapport with wide receiver Percy Harvin and is starting to develop chemistry with tight end Charles Clay. This could be your last chance to get Taylor before everyone realizes he’s a weekly starter. 

Week 4 Projection: 255-265 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 35-45 rushing yards

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals  

Percent Owned: ESPN – 39.4, Yahoo – 52 

Last season, the Bengals weren’t shy about featuring their rushing attack and minimizing how much Dalton meant to the offense on a regular basis. Thanks to the struggles in the backfield this season, specifically those of running back Jeremy Hill, Dalton has been asked to do more and has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.

Through the first three games, Dalton is a top-three fantasy quarterback and is trailing just Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers in fantasy points. He’s thrown just 92 passes but has eight touchdowns to one interception and even has a rushing TD, which came in the Week 3 victory over the Ravens, which helped keep the Bengals at a perfect 3-0.

The only concern for Dalton is the team’s upcoming schedule. After opening the season fairly easily (Raiders, Chargers, Ravens), he’ll be at home against the Chiefs and Seahawks before heading to Buffalo. Dalton has passed every test so far, but this stretch of games will likely determine just how well Dalton is playing.

Week 4 Projection: 260-270 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Percent Owned: ESPN – 44.2, Yahoo – 57

Flacco has had some fantasy-relevant numbers in the first three games, but the Ravens are still winless. Flacco is seventh in the league with 863 passing yards but has just four touchdowns to four interceptions. His numbers improved drastically after he went for just 117 passing yards and threw two interceptions in the season opener.

Since then, Flacco has had two big fantasy performances in Oakland and at home against the Bengals. He’s thrown for at least 360 passing yards and two touchdowns in each of the last two games, despite having a very weak receiving corps with one high-end player, wide receiver Steve Smith.

You have to separate fantasy and reality when it comes to Flacco’s numbers compared to the win-loss total. However, both could turn out to be positives when the Ravens hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in the first three weeks and make you score to stay with their high-powered offense, which now turns to Michael Vick to replace an injured Ben Roethlisberger (knee). 

Week 4 Projection: 300-310 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Percent Owned: ESPN – 19.8, Yahoo – 25

Don’t look now, but the Raiders have a winning record and multiple players who belong not only on fantasy rosters but also in starting lineups. That includes Carr, who is starting to look like a legit quarterback early into his second season. He’s a top-12 QB over the first three weeks of the year and will have a great chance to keep that up with the Raiders facing the Bears in Chicago on Sunday.

Carr has thrown for at least 314 yards in his last two games and has five touchdowns to just one interception during that span. Carr has found a quick connection with rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper and has another reliable threat in veteran WR Michael Crabtree. Plus, third-year running back Latavius Murray has been a helpful contributor, which only adds to an offense that has looked balanced and dangerous.

Heading on the road to Chicago doesn’t seem like such a daunting task since the Bears are clearly in rebuilding mode, with defensive end Jared Allen and linebacker Jon Bostic leaving the team via trades this week. The Bears have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks so far. 

Week 4 Projection: 275-285 passing yards, 2 touchdowns

Droppable Players: Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Stafford

Running Backs

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Karlos Williams, Buffalo Bills 

Percent Owned: ESPN – 23.6, Yahoo – 26

If you already picked up Williams to be the handcuff to LeSean McCoy, you’ll likely be using that handcuff in Week 4, as McCoy is expected to sit out this week and possibly longer, depending on when his balky hamstring heals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. If you are in desperate need of a running back and you don’t have McCoy, Williams still holds a lot of value.

The rookie had scored in the first two games, but he did so with just six carries in each. In Week 3, McCoy played just 52 percent of the snaps, as the Bills had things well in hand against the Dolphins. That allowed McCoy to rest and Williams to see 32 percent of the snaps in an expanded role. He came through with 110 yards and another score on 12 carries. He’s averaging 7.8 yards per carry with 186 yards on 24 carries for the season. 

Buffalo faces the New York Giants in yet another home game in Orchard Park, New York. The Giants have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs this season, so this shouldn’t be considered a scary matchup for Williams. The rookie could be one of the best fantasy options out there this week if McCoy does indeed sit, and he would still have value if McCoy plays. 

Week 4 Projection: 19 carries, 85-95 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown

Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks 

Percent Owned: ESPN – .2, Yahoo – 3

Many of you probably never heard Rawls’ name before checking out this look at the waiver wire, and if you did, it probably happened sometime on Sunday when you were trying to figure out what was happening with Marshawn Lynch. He dealt with a calf injury last week but now has a hamstring injury on top of that, according to head coach Pete Carroll, via Sports Radio KJR's Curtis Crabtree. 

With Lynch limited to just 16 percent of the snaps, the Seahawks looked to Rawls to pick up the slack, and he did so in a big way. He led the backfield with 51 percent of the snaps (Fred Jackson had 31 percent). Rawls carried 16 times for 104 yards and is making the Seahawks look very smart for parting ways with both Robert Turbin and Christine Michael.

If Lynch can’t go, Rawls would likely lead the way once again, this time against a Detroit Lions defense that has been mostly average against running backs in the first three weeks of the season. Amazingly, an undrafted rookie could play a prominent role in both fantasy and reality this weekend. That’s actually pretty cool.

Week 4 Projection: 16 carries, 80-85 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

Bilal Powell, New York Jets

Percent Owned: ESPN – 24.4, Yahoo – 16

We’ve rarely talked about Powell in the fantasy world, but that hasn’t been the case this season, specifically in the last two weeks. Chris Ivory came into Week 3 with groin and quad injuries, and despite being active, he didn’t play, leaving the lead-back duties up to Powell. While head coach Todd Bowles said he expects Ivory to play in Week 4, it’s not worth making any assumptions this early in the week.

The Jets will cross the pond to face the Dolphins in London on Sunday morning, although that shouldn’t affect Ivory’s status, even with the team traveling earlier than usual for the game.

Powell should have value whether Ivory plays or not, although his volume would increase if Ivory had to sit again. Miami has been average against running backs and has allowed just five receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown to the position. Powell has 13 receptions for 76 yards and 131 yards on 34 carries in the first three games. He’s likely a RB3/flex option at best in Week 4. 

Week 4 Projection: 10 carries, 38 yards; 4 receptions, 32 yards

Antonio Andrews, Tennessee Titans

Percent Owned: ESPN – .1, Yahoo – 1

Making moves on the waiver wire can be troublesome if you have a short bench or can’t afford to stash a player because you have other pressing needs at another position. However, if you have the room, you might want to take a look at Andrews, even though he’s off this week.

In Week 3, Andrews was on the field for 28 percent of the snaps, which was less than running back Dexter McCluster (44 percent) but more than Bishop Sankey (22 percent). Has Sankey fallen out of favor already? It certainly looks like it. Andrews ran for 49 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and added a reception for 12 yards on two targets.

A hamstring injury kept Andrews out of action for the first two weeks, but his importance to the team was on full display in Week 3. He’s a prime candidate to lead the Titans on the ground going forward. 

Week 4 Projection: bye week

Droppable Players: Reggie Bush, Christine Michael, Benny Cunningham

Wide Receivers

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Rishard Matthews, Miami Dolphins

Percent Owned: ESPN – 16.1, Yahoo – 33

If you picked up Matthews per my suggestion before Week 3, you probably weren’t too happy with me for most of the game, but thanks to some garbage-time production, Matthews had big numbers for the second straight week and became a pretty nice fantasy asset to own just three weeks into the season.

Not only has he outscored teammate wide receiver Jarvis Landry for fantasy, but he’s also in the top 12 of fantasy points at the position. After posting six receptions for 115 yards in Week 2, Matthews followed that with six receptions for 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Most of that came with the Dolphins trailing in the loss to the Bills, but it all counts the same for fantasy.

The Dolphins take on the Jets in London on Sunday. Despite their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the Jets remain a top-10 defense against fantasy wide receivers, so Matthews won’t have it easy. However, he looks like he’s among the top two options for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, along with Landry, in this offense, which has clearly been great for his fantasy value.

Week 4 Projection: 6 receptions, 77 yards

Marvin Jones, Cincinnati Bengals

Percent Owned: ESPN – 19.2, Yahoo – 21

The Bengals sorely missed Jones last season, but his presence along with the strong play of quarterback Andy Dalton has the Bengals looking like they have an above-average passing attack. They have legitimate contributors outside wide receiver A.J. Green, as Jones has made clear in the last two weeks.

Against the San Diego Chargers in Week 2, Jones was able to haul in two of his five targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. He was a lot busier in Baltimore facing the Ravens, finishing with five receptions for 94 yards with a touchdown on eight targets.

I don’t want to go overboard on Jones hype, especially since he has just nine receptions through three weeks. However, he’ll have a chance to be very productive at home against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon, as they've given up the most fantasy points to WRs this season. That makes it a great opportunity for him to build on what’s been a productive start to the year.

Week 4 Projection: 5 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown

Percy Harvin, Buffalo Bills

Percent Owned: ESPN – 56.9, Yahoo – 55

We know Harvin has been more of a tease than a consistent producer for much of his career, especially during his time with the Seahawks and Jets, but it’s hard to ignore the start he’s off to in Buffalo. He’s caught the eye of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and the two have developed a pretty good connection over the first three weeks.

To date, Harvin has reeled in 16 catches for 192 yards and a touchdown on 18 targets, which makes him a top-30 fantasy wide receiver. Clearly that’s good enough to have on fantasy rosters and possibly start.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) was unable to finish Week 3, and head coach Rex Ryan admitted Watkins might not be able to play in Week 4, per Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. That would be yet another boost for Harvin’s fantasy value. Plus, the Bills are facing the New York Giants, and they’ve been a below-average defense against wideouts.

Week 4 Projection: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown

Droppable Players: Markus Wheaton, Nelson Agholor, Andre Johnson, Marques Colston, Charles Johnson

Tight Ends

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Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills

Percent Owned: ESPN – 14, Yahoo – 18

The love for the Bills is all over the waiver wire this week and continues after Clay scored for the second straight week in a win over his former team, the Miami Dolphins. After posting three receptions for 19 yards and a score against the Patriots in Week 2, Clay followed that up with five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown in Week 3.

With wide receiver Sammy Watkins battling a calf injury, the Bills need all the help they can get in the passing game, so Clay looks like one of the top options along with wide receiver Percy Harvin.

The Bills face the New York Giants in Week 4, and what a great matchup it is for Clay. The Giants have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in the first three games, although they’ve held tight ends out of the end zone in the last two weeks after giving up three scores to the Dallas Cowboys in the opener.

Week 4 Projection: 5 receptions, 58 yards, 1 touchdown

Droppable Players: Dwayne Allen, Larry Donnell

Defenses

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Cincinnati Bengals

Percent Owned: ESPN – 25.5, Yahoo – 20

With most of the best defenses already owned and looking at great matchups, we'll focus on one of the best teams in the league taking on a shaky passing attack.

The Bengals are riding high at 3-0 with everything clicking on both sides of the ball. They’ll be the favorite this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.

Kansas City’s passing attack, led by quarterback Alex Smith, has sputtered in the last two weeks after starting strong against the Houston Texans in Week 1. They’ve struggled to utilize tight end Travis Kelce, and the one bright spot in the loss to Green Bay was wide receiver Jeremy Maclin’s touchdown, which ended a drought for Chiefs WRs that dated all the way back to the end of the 2013 season.

The Chiefs have allowed 14 sacks in three games, including seven against the Packers in Week 3. The major concern is stopping running back Jamaal Charles, which isn’t easy for any team, but even if he produces, the Bengals should still be able to limit what Smith does, although Smith is pretty good at limiting himself without any help.

Week 4 Projection: 2 interceptions, 3 sacks, 20-24 points allowed

Kickers

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Josh Brown, New York Giants

Percent Owned: ESPN – 29, Yahoo – 38

I had Brown as one of my two suggested kicker pickups last week, and he ended up coming through in a big way. He made all three of his field-goal attempts and his three extra points to score 12 points in the win over the Washington Redskins.

This week, the Giants head north to take on the Buffalo Bills. While Buffalo’s defense has played well, they’ve still given up eight touchdowns in three games, so they’re not completely shutting their opponents down. The Giants can give their secondary some trouble with Odell Beckham Jr. this week.

I wouldn’t expect the Giants to score a bunch in this matchup, but they should get enough opportunities for Brown to have another productive week.

Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona Cardinals

Percent Owned: ESPN – 16.4, Yahoo – 9

Kicking on a team with one of the best offenses in football is usually a boost to a kicker’s fantasy value; that’s been the case for Catanzaro in the early part of this season.

He leads the league with 16 extra points (17 attempts) and has been a top-12 fantasy kicker despite just two field goals on the season. That’s out of Catanzaro’s hands, especially when the team scored two defensive touchdowns last week and had a special teams touchdown and a defensive touchdown in Week 2.

More opportunities should be coming from Catanzaro, including this week, with a beatable matchup against the St. Louis Rams at home.

Fantasy leaders and snaps counts provided by NFL.com. Targets provided by ESPN.com.