Week #4 Waiver Watch Of Truth
Welcome back to the Waiver Watch of Truth. Let’s dive right in and take a look at the top options on Waivers this week.
Quarterbacks
CJ Stroud, Houston Texans (31% rostered) – A repeat mention in the waiver column, Stroud showed Week 2 wasn’t a fluke, throwing for 280 and 2 against Jacksonville on the road in Week 3. The Houston offense is really struggling to run the ball which has led to a ton of passing volume for Stroud. He passed 44 and 47 times in Weeks 1 and 2 respectively, and while he only threw 30 passes in Week 3, the Texans were up big on Jacksonville most of the game. Stroud should continue to be a high volume passer and has shown more than capable this season.
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints (2% rostered) – One of the most fun fantasy QBs from yesteryear has returned to action as we saw Derek Carr unfortunately leave Sunday’s game early to a shoulder injury. We’re not exactly sure on the extent of Carr’s injury at the moment, but if he misses time Winston can provide some production in Superflex leagues. We’ve seen Winston in the past throw up some huge numbers with his gunslinger mentality, and with weapons like Olave and Thomas at his disposal, you could do a lot worse.
Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (5% rostered) – Another veteran stepping in due to injury, Dalton had a fantastic day in Seattle in Week 3, throwing for 361 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bryce Young is dealing with an ankle injury which could sideline him for a few weeks and if Dalton gets another start, he gets a very favorable matchup at home against the Vikings.
Running Backs
Devon Achane, Miami Dolphins (47% rostered) – It’s a light week for waiver pickups, but the unquestioned headliner is Miami rookie BR Devon Achane. The Dolphins selected the explosive Achane in the 2023 NFL draft and was a pre-season darling. He struggled with some injuries throughout the off-season and missed the first week of the NFL season. After appearing in Week 2 but only getting 1 carry, Achane exploded on the scene in Week 3 for 233 total yards and 4 touchdowns. He is the unquestioned #1 add this week if available, but we can’t expect numbers even close to his Week 3 output each week. As the season goes on, we could see Achane become more involved, but Raheem Mostert has looked incredible this season and still expects to be the lead back. At best you’ll probably get a 50/50 split between the two, but in the Dolphins’ explosive offense that should be enough to be usable week in and week out.
Achane is probably the only RB worth adding this week honestly, but here’s a list of guys that are highly owned already, but double check and add if they’re available.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears – Snap percentage has increased every week. Seems like a matter of time before he’s the lead back.
Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts - Showed out in a tough matchup against Baltimore. One more week of bell cow usage before Taylor returns.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans – Highlighted several times this year. Continues to earn more work – 56% of snaps in Week 3. Cincy and Indy up next.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars – Back in good graces of coaching staff after a zero touch Week 2. Got a goal line plunge TD in Week 3. High upside handcuff.
Wide Receivers
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (48% rostered) – Dell’s name has been mentioned a few times this year in the waiver column, and this will most likely be the last time you can acquire him if he’s still even out there. Dell has gotten 7+ targets in each of the last two games and showed his big-play ability with 145 yards and a touchdown in Week 3. He looks to be a full-time player in a Houston offense that’s been much better than expected this season. Dell has some tough matchups ahead against Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Orleans and then a bye, but his explosiveness is too much to keep on the bench, especially as injuries continue to hit usual starters.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (51% rostered) – The first round rookie has struggled to get on the field this season, playing under 30% of the snaps in each of the first three games. An unfortunate season ending injury to Mike Williams should give Johnston more opportunity. Johnston is seemingly coming along slowly this year, but he should be thrust into action and see an increase in opportunity as we expect him to at least be on the field in 3 WR sets going forward for Los Angeles. He’s not someone I would pick up and start immediately, but absolutely worth stashing on the bench to see if he can make the most of his new opportunity.
Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers (5% rostered) – With all the buzz surrounding Johnston, the sneaky name to see an uptick in production from Williams’ injury is Josh Palmer. He’s been consistently on the field this year alongside Williams, and I would expect Palmer to step up into the #2 role for LA. He’s already been playing above 50% of the snaps this season and has gotten 5+ targets in each of the last two weeks. If you want to buy a piece of the Chargers’ offense Palmer will most assuredly be cheaper to acquire, and probably goes through waivers unclaimed.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers (58% rostered) – Old man that no one wanted this season, Thielen has quietly put together back to back monster weeks with 20 and 35 points in each of the last two weeks. The Panthers’ passing game gets a bump as long asDalton is the starter, and Thielen seems to be the main benefactor. He gets a juicy matchup in Week 4 against Minnesota.
Tight Ends
Not much to add from the TE position this week, but a few guys that are highly owned worth double checking on.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions – Leads the NFL in catches and yards at the TE position. Touchdowns should come.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots – Quiet week against the Jets’ tough D but should have weeks more in line with early season production.
Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers – Continues to get more work and Jordan Love looks like the real deal.
D/ST Play of the Week
Last week’s play of the week was the Kansas City Chiefs, and if you were lucky enough to grab them, they are absolutely my #1 play again this week at home against the Jets.
Los Angeles Chargers – If you weren’t able to get the Chiefs last week, or can’t get them this week, I like the Chargers to have a decent day on the road against the Raiders. The Raiders’ offense has looked rough this year and the Chargers are 6-point favorites in a game with a 47.5 Over/Under, implying the Raiders only score about 21 points. Los Angeles has been a decent option this year, hitting double digit fantasy points in each of the last two games. Can’t hold Week 1 against them as we’ve now seen how explosive the Dolphins are. The Raiders’ offense is a far cry from Miami, so I expect Los Angeles DST to be a solid option this week.
Good luck on the Wire all and as always, stay true.
