Coming into Week 4 of the NFL season, there has been a lot of unexpected production from rookies and other lesser-known/forgotten players. Here’s a look at the top waiver wire pickups, by position, for Week 4.
Quarterback
QB: Baker Mayfield CLE (13% owned). After Tyrod Taylor went down with a concussion, Baker came into the game and proved the Browns were right for drafting him #1 overall. In contrast to Taylor’s indecisive quarterbacking, Baker came in with confidence. He accurately threw into tight windows and got the Browns their first win in 635 days.
Running Back
RB: Wendell Smallwood PHI (2% owned). With Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles out in Week 3, Smallwood entered the game. He displayed what he is capable of, rushing for a touchdown and 56 yards on just 10 carries. He also caught 3 passes for an additional 35 yards. I don’t expect him to be a long term producer this year, but with Ajayi (97% owned) still beat up and questionable for Week 4, Smallwood could be a great add.
RB: Chris Ivory BUF (6% owned). Lesean McCoy was held out Week 3 with a rib injury. During his absence, Ivory looked like a dominant running back against a very good Vikings defense. Ivory rushed 20 times for 56 yards, adding 3 catches on 4 targets for 70 yards. With McCoy’s Week 4 status in question, Ivory looks to be a good handcuff who can also provide standalone value.
Wide Receiver
WR: Calvin Ridley ATL (44% owned). After catching 4 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in Week 2, Ridley showed how dangerous he can be. With Marshon Lattimore shadowing Julio Jones for a majority of the game, Ridley was able to corral 7 passes for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is a must add in leagues where he is still available.
WR: Tyler Boyd CIN (17% owned). Like Calvin Ridley, Boyd topped his Week 2 production (6-91-1TD) with 6 catches 132 yards and a touchdown. With, AJ Green getting banged up on Sunday, Boyd will likely be Andy Dalton’s favorite target going into Week 4 against a beat up Falcon’s defense.
Tight End
TE: Rhett Ellison NYG (0% owned). With Evan Engram suffering a sprained MCL, his availability is in question for the coming weeks. After Engram went down, Ellison filled in admirably. He caught each of his 3 targets for 39 yards and a touchdown. If you’re one of the many fantasy players struggling at TE this year, Ellison could help boost your team until Engram returns.
TE: Dallas Goedert PHI (2% owned). Carson Wentz returned for the Eagles this week to a depleted wide receiver corps missing Alshon Jeffery, Mike Wallace and Mack Hollins. Benefiting from the team’s lack of reliable targets, Goedert looked impressive catching all 7 of his targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. Wentz should continue looking his way while the Eagles are banged up at wide receiver. Definitely a worthwhile add at a position lacking depth this year.
Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter for more fantasy football advice throughout the week @LonskiWilliam
