Week 4 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

Photo: USA Today Sports

The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX (waiver wire: 5-10%)
2. QB Lamar Jackson, BAL
3. QB Marcus Mariota, ATL (waiver wire: 3-5%)
4. QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 3-5%)
5. QB Jacoby Brissett, CLE (waiver wire: 1%)
6. QB Jalen Hurts, PHI
7. QB Matt Ryan, IND (waiver wire: 1%)
8. QB Geno Smith, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)
9. QB Joe Burrow, CIN
10. QB Brian Hoyer, NE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Joe Flacco, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Mac Jones, NE (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
3. QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: DROP)
4. QB Justin Herbert, LAC
5. QB Russell Wilson, DEN (waiver wire: HOLD)
6. QB Patrick Mahomes, KC
7. QB Matthew Stafford, LAR

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Khalil Herbert, CHI (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. RB Jamaal Williams, DET (waiver wire: 50+%)
3. RB Alexander Mattison, MIN (waiver wire: 20-40%)
4. RB Cam Akers, LAR
5. RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL
6. RB Chase Edmonds, MIA
7. RB Justice Hill, BAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
8. RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE
9. RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
10. RB Breece Hall, NYJ
11. RB Derrick Henry, TEN
12. RB Dameon Pierce, HOU
13. RB Tony Pollard, DAL
14. RB Craig Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 3-5%)
15. RB Devin Singletary, BUF
16. RB Trestan Ebner, CHI (waiver wire: 1%)

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB David Montgomery, CHI (waiver wire: HOLD, SELL LOW)
2. RB Darrell Henderson, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
3. RB Javonte Williams, DEN
4. RB James Conner, ARI
5. RB Austin Ekeler, LAC
6. RB DAndre Swift, DET
7. RB Dalvin Cook, MIN
8. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 3-5% OR LOWER)

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 7-15%)
2. WR Zay Jones, JAX (waiver wire: 7-15%)
3. WR Chris Olave, NO
4. WR Kadarius Toney, NYG (waiver wire: 7-15%)
5. WR Russell Gage, TB (waiver wire: 5-10%)
6. WR Michael Gallup, DAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
7. WR Mack Hollins, LV (waiver wire: 5-10%)
8. WR Tyler Lockett, SEA
9. WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF (waiver wire: 5-10%)
10. WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
11. WR DeVonta Smith, PHI
12. WR Marquise Brown, ARI
13. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
14. WR Greg Dortch, ARI (waiver wire: 3-5%)
15. WR Richie James, NYG (waiver wire: 3-5%)
16. WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL
17. WR DK Metcalf, SEA
18. WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 3-5%)
19. WR Robert Woods, TEN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
20. WR Noah Brown, DAL (waiver wire: 1%)
21. WR DeVante Parker, NE (waiver wire: 1%)
22. WR Quez Watkins, PHI (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Sterling Shepard, NYG
2. WR Darnell Mooney, CHI (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 5-10% OR LOWER)
3. WR Robbie Anderson, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
4. WR Brandin Cooks, HOU
5. WR D.J. Moore, CAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
6. WR Nico Collins, HOU (waiver wire: DROP)
7. WR Ashton Dulin, IND (waiver wire: DROP)
8. WR Justin Jefferson, MIN
9. WR Jarvis Landry, NO (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
10. WR Mike Williams, LAC
11. WR Jakobi Meyers, NE (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
12. WR Allen Robinson, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
13. WR Michael Thomas, NO

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE David Njoku, CLE (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. TE Mark Andrews, BAL
3. TE Robert Tonyan, GB (waiver wire: 5-10%)
4. TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
5. TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)
6. TE Will Dissly, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Hunter Henry, NE (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Gerald Everett, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)
3. TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
4. TE Juwan Johnson, NO (waiver wire: DROP)
5. TE Isaiah Likely, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
6. TE Logan Thomas, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD)
7. TE Darren Waller, LV

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Jacoby Brissett, CLE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Brissett looks completely comfortable in Kevin Stefanski's offense and he has gotten David Njoku going with a big Week 3 game. He's a fine bye/injury/emergency quarterback in 1QB leagues, and his value continues to go up in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Joe Burrow, CIN - Burrow played more within himself and the limitations of his offensive line, and he had more success for fantasy and in real NFL terms. Thursday brings the Dolphins and a perilous matchup, but Burrow is in the top 10-12 quarterback mix this week.

QB Brian Hoyer, NE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - We probably won't trust Hoyer in 1QB leagues except out of desperation, but in 2QB/Superflex he has value, since he will get an extended look as the starter while Mac Jones sits with a high ankle sprain. Hoyer is at least experienced, so it might not be a huge downgrade for the offense.

QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts had a massive fantasy game against Washington, and it was without the benefit of any big plays or touchdowns as a runner. That wasn't supposed to be part of the package this year. Hurts continues to be one of the biggest hits of fantasy drafts heading into a matchup with Jacksonville.

QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - Jackson has been one of the most productive passing quarterbacks in the league and he's third in the league in rushing. Not third among quarterbacks, third among all players. Jackson has been an unfair advantage in fantasy leagues so far, let's hope he can stay healthy with the Bills up next.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - The game looked relatively easy for Lawrence against a defense that frustrated Patrick Mahomes in Week 2. He has a stiff test this week against the Eagles, but it looks like Lawrence could be a low-end QB1 if the current trend continues.

QB Marcus Mariota, ATL - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Mariota got a win, which should extend his tenure as the starter for the Falcons. He also scored his second rushing touchdown on the year and got Kyle Pitts involved in good signs for his fantasy value this week against the Browns.

QB Matt Ryan, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - Ryan bounced back with a steady game against the Chiefs that still showed some of his flaws against pressure, but also demonstrated his ability to win in the fourth quarter. With Michael Pittman back, Ryan was a viable bye/injury/emergency quarterback, and he has a good matchup against Tennessee this week.

QB Geno Smith, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Smith had his best day this year as a downfield passer, but a late ill-advised throw cost his team a chance to win the game. He could help fantasy teams win games in Week 4 against a vulnerable Lions defense.

QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - The magic of Joe Flacco wore off as the Jets went down soundly to defeat against the Bengals. There should be no controversy about Wilson returning to the starting lineup this week. He has some running ability, he's surrounded by talent at wide receiver and running back, and he should be better in year two, but there's also a chance that he's still a complete disaster.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Whether it's the team not trusting Fields to throw or Fields not inspiring trust, the Bears just aren't going to throw the ball enough to support Fields fantasy value.

QB Joe Flacco, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Flacco was ineffective against the Bengals and gave the Jets no reason to hesitate putting Zach Wilson back in this week against the Steelers.

QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert surprisingly played and gutted out the best game he could against a Jaguars defense that is improving every week. He also might have lost his left tackle Rashawn Slater for a prolonged period. His outstanding center Corey Linsley is already hurt. The Texans are up this week and a decent matchup, but the going is getting tougher for Herbert.

QB Mac Jones, NE - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Jones has a significant high ankle sprain and is trying to avoid surgery, but will certainly miss multiple weeks.

QB Patrick Mahomes, KC - Mahomes was frustrated against the Colts and was a mediocre play for the second straight week after dominating the Cardinals in Week 1. Week 4 against the Bucs is going to be closer to a floor week than a ceiling week for Mahomes.

QB Matthew Stafford, LAR - The Rams did score a couple of touchdowns on the ground, but still 20 points against the Cardinals isn't encouraging for the prospects of Stafford being an everyweek fantasy start this year. He's not an autostart this week against the 49ers.

QB Russell Wilson, DEN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - We've seen Wilson go through cold streaks before only to get hot later in the season, but we also know to bench him in fantasy until he turns it on. The matchup against the Raiders is good, so he's a decent start if you don't have anyone who has been significantly outperforming him.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - Akers decisively led the team in carries and got the rushing touchdown this week. He also looked as good as he has since returning from achilles surgery last season. He's a flex play or RB2 in a stretch against San Francisco, but this split could remain tough to predict week-to-week.

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley looked as explosive as ever and led the Giants offense in targets by a large margin. He should continue to get an outsized share of the passing game with Sterling Shepard out for the year.

RB Trestan Ebner, CHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - While David Montgomery is out, Ebner should be the backup to Khalil Herbert in a run first offense. Ebner is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

RB Chase Edmonds, MIA - Edmonds looked like he might be droppable last week, but he scored twice on the ground this week. This backfield will be fluid in usage or at least unpredictable in the short term, but Edmonds should be considered a flex on Thursday against the Bengals.

RB Breece Hall, NYJ - Hall was even more involved in the passing game in Week 3 and he outsnapped Michael Carter for the first time this year. We'll see how he riffs with Zach Wilson in the passing game, assuming Wilson returns this week. Consider Hall a flex play, especially in PPR.

RB Derrick Henry, TEN - Henry wasn't quite his old dominant self in Week 3, but he scored and he was heavily involved in the passing game, in a great sign for his weekly floor going forward. He has the stiff Colts run defense next week, but Henry's Week 3 gives us reason to leave him in no matter the opponent or expected game script.

RB Khalil Herbert, CHI - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Herbert was running players over and providing intensity to the Bears offense after David Montgomery went out on Sunday. We don't know the severity of Montgomery's injury yet, but Herbert played well enough to throw into question whether Montgomery will be the starter when he is healthy.

RB Justice Hill, BAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Hill was explosive on limited touches and appears to be in a committee with J.K. Dobbins, who he outplayed in Dobbins first game back. Dobbins could knock off some of the rust, but he could also remain less effective than Hill and the same goes for Gus Edwards, who could return in Week 5. Hill is a speculative add/hold, but the Ravens offense is going to get more run lanes if Lamar Jackson keeps playing at an all-world level.

RB Alexander Mattison, MIN - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Mattison scored in relief of Dalvin Cook, who separated his shoulder again in Week 3. The expectation is that Cook will play with a harness in Week 4, and he has handled heavy workloads and produced well with a harness before, but the chances of a larger complementary workload or further injury to Cook went up significantly this week.

RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL - One week after splitting with Tyler Allgeier in a losing game script, Patterson marauded through the Seahawks defense in a winning game script. It will be tough to justify putting Patterson on your bench unless he has two duds in a row. The Browns are up next.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - Pierce got in a groove and was solidly productive against the Bears, even scoring a touchdown. He's an RB2/flex play against the Chargers this week and going forward.

RB Tony Pollard, DAL - Pollard had his second straight fantasy worthy start with a 100-yard game on Monday night. He has been a solid RB2 when the Cowboys offense isn't smothered, and Dak Prescott's return will only improve his prospects.

RB Craig Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - The Lions might be without D'Andre Swift for a game or more, so Reynolds moves up to the #2 back behind Jamaal Williams. He's just a what the heck flex against the Seahawks, but if Williams gets hurt, Reynolds will have significant value. This offense is helping the value of all of the players attached to it.

RB Devin Singletary, BUF - Singletary was a huge part of the passing game and he is starting to take over the backfield in terms of snaps while the game is in question. He should be considered an RB2 in PPR leagues heading into a matchup with the Ravens.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - Stevenson was more effective than Damien Harris down the stretch and he is going to be a bigger factor in the passing game than Harris. This offense could take a hit while Mac Jones is out, but not a big one as Brian Hoyer is one of the most experienced backups in the league. Stevenson is a good flex against the Packers and he'll be an RB2 in good matchups.

RB Jamaal Williams, DET - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Williams scored twice for the second time in three games and D'Andre Swift is likely to miss some time with a shoulder injury. Williams is looking like this year's James Conner with a better offense and earlier arrival time.

Running Back Downgrade

RB James Conner, ARI - Conner is looking like a low floor/low ceiling RB2 with the Cardinals offense and running game sputtering. Perhaps things will get better if Conner is being affected by the ankle injury that ended his Week 2 early, but he isn't known for his durability, so that's probably not the last time he'll be on the injury report.

RB Dalvin Cook, MIN - Cook suffered yet another shoulder injury in Week 3. He is supposed to play with a harness in Week 4 and he has produced well with one in the past, but this regime may handle the issue differently than Mike Zimmer did. Cook risk of re-injury or a smaller workload has gone up.

RB Austin Ekeler, LAC - Now it's time to get worried about Ekeler. The Chargers offensive line is likely losing it's left tackle, Justin Herbert is banged up, and the team can't establish the run. Ekeler is still an everyweek play, but we are relying on short receptions to make our week with him.

RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - We won't be surprised if Henderson bounces back in usage and effectiveness against the 49ers, but then again, Cam Akers could keep the touch advantage in a backfield that was a 50-50 split in snaps in Week 3. Don't drop Henderson, but we can't start him until he gets hot.

RB David Montgomery, CHI - (waiver wire: HOLD, SELL LOW) - Montgomery was ruled doubtful to return pretty quickly with a knee/ankle injury and Khalil Herbert looked like he should be the starter regardless of Montgomery's health. It's not clear when Montgomery will return or what his value will be.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 3-5% OR LOWER) - Mostert still led the Dolphins backfield in snaps, but Chase Edmonds got the goal line carries and Mostert was ineffective on his touches. This backfield is going to be unpredictable, but the offense is on the rise, so consider Mostert a desperation play who could become more valuable if his backfield partner gets hurt.

RB DAndre Swift, DET - Swift will miss some time with a shoulder injury, but it won't require surgery and might not land him on injured reserve.

RB Javonte Williams, DEN - The Broncos offense was miserable against the 49ers, and Javonte Williams didn't get the goal line carries or the majority of running back targets. He's just a boom/bust RB2/Flex lacking the boom right now. Maybe the matchup with Las Vegas will help get the offense going.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Marquise Brown, ARI - Brown went off in PPR leagues with the Cardinals trailing throughout once again. He'll have three more games before DeAndre Hopkins returns to claim a large slice of the passing production pie.

WR Noah Brown, DAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Brown looked good again on Monday night and has earned the #3 wide receiver job when Michael Gallup comes back, which should be next week. Gallup's snaps will likely be limited when he returns, so we might get one more good week out of Brown before his value window closes.

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper has established himself as the #1 target for Jacoby Brissett and Brissett is playing better than anyone expected, so consider Cooper a WR2/WR3 going forward. The matchup against the Falcons should be a good one for his production.

WR Greg Dortch, ARI - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Dortch had another big game in the loss to the Rams. He's now a low end WR2 in PPR leagues through three weeks, although Rondale Moore will be back soon, and DeAndre Hopkins soon after that to close his window of production, at least until more injuries strike the Cardinals wide receiver room.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Doubs was asked to play a larger role this week with fellow rookie Christian Watson out and Sammy Watkins on injured reserve and he rose to the occasion. Watson could be back soon, but Doubs clearly has chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and should carry at least what the heck flex value with room to grow as his development continues.

WR Russell Gage, TB - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Gage was a target hog with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Julio Jones all sitting. Evans will be back this week, and Godwin soon after, so his PPR window of relevance is shrinking, but Gage is worth a bench spot after showing his upside when asked to play a larger role.

WR Michael Gallup, DAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Gallup wasn't ready to go in Week 3 as the team hoped, but he should be back for Week 4 and Dak Prescott will return soon to boost Gallup's value further.

WR Mack Hollins, LV - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Hollins showed his Week 2 wasn't a fluke with a massive Week 3 that was good for the second best week by any wide receiver on Sunday. He is always on the field and defenses are going to use their best resources on Davante Adams and Darren Waller. Hunter Renfrow will be back to split the target tree further, but it's hard to argue with Hollins production to date.

WR Richie James, NYG - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - James hasn't been overly impressive with his opportunity, but he is getting a steady dose of targets and has at least desperation play value. Kadarius Toney could cap James production when he is healthy, but with Toney, getting back to full strength for any duration isn't a given. James is suitable bye/injury/emergency PPR depth with room to grow on volume alone now that Sterling Shepard is out for the year.

WR Zay Jones, JAX - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - It's time that we give credence to the summer reports that Zay Jones has a good rapport with Trevor Lawrence. Jones leads the Jaguars in receptions and has the look of a solid WR3/Flex in PPR leagues as an important part of a high percentage pass offense.

WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL - You don't have to agonize about whether to start Lamb while Dak Prescott is out after his second straight good performance with Cooper Rush. The Commanders are up next and Lamb is at worst a solid WR2 with another value bump coming when Dak Prescott returns in a few weeks.

WR Tyler Lockett, SEA - Lockett has had two very good weeks in a row and it's possible that he'll be more valuable than DK Metcalf. The Seahawks are going to let Geno Smith pass often, and he'll get the vulnerable Lions secondary this week.

WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - McKenzie is still splitting the slot snaps right down the middle with Jamison Crowder, but he is obviously the target that Josh Allen trusts more of the duo. His upside is capped by the shared role, but if Crowder gets hurt, McKenzie has upside to go along with his weekly what the heck flex value.

WR DK Metcalf, SEA - Metcalf finally scored and had a solid game that will give us enough confidence to use him a good matchup against the Lions this week.

WR Chris Olave, NO - Olave continued to get a ton of aspirational targets from Jameis Winston, and some of them connected in the fourth quarter. Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry are banged up, so consider Olave a must start against the Vikings and an upside WR3/Flex once Thomas and Landry are healthy.

WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Osborn was barely involved in the pass offense until the end of the game this week and all he did was make a big play to set up the game-winning touchdown, which was thrown to him. He's on the field about 70-75% of the time, so Osborn is at least a what the heck flex against the Saints and he justified carrying him on rosters in typical leagues.

WR DeVante Parker, NE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Parker had a massive game with Jakobi Meyers on the sidelines, and we would have him higher on the waiver wire list if Mac Jones wasn't set to miss time with a high ankle sprain. Parker is still worth an add in deep leagues to see if downfield shots to him remain in the game plan with Brian Hoyer at quarterback.

WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Reynolds and D.J. Chark are both on the field for the majority of the offensive snaps, but it is Reynolds that is making more of his opportunities, perhaps because he has a lot more experience with Jared Goff. The Seahawks are up this week and Reynolds deserves consideration as your WR3/Flex.

WR DeVonta Smith, PHI - Smith took his turn as the #1 receiver against Washington, with a massive game that showed his ability to win downfield when coverage is tight. After a Week 1 dud, Smith is now a must start going into a matchup with the resurgent Jaguars.

WR Kadarius Toney, NYG - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Toney isn't healthy enough to play yet, but Sterling Shepard went down with a season-ending knee injury, so when Toney is ready to play, assuming he's out of the doghouse, there will be a lot of targets for him to soak up.

WR Quez Watkins, PHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - With Jalen Hurts clearly making strides as a passer and the Eagles offense really confounding opponents, remember that Watkins is the team's deep threat and worth a desperation play in any given week. If A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith go down, Watkins will be fantasy relevant, so he's worth a bench spot in deep leagues as an injury upside hold.

WR Robert Woods, TEN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Woods had his biggest target total and stat line to date against the Raiders this week. He is probably best suited as depth on your PPR bench, but his value is on the rise as he rounds into form after he tore an ACL last year. The Colts are up next.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Robbie Anderson, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - It was fun for that week when we thought Anderson might be fantasy relevant again after Baker Mayfield found him for a 75-yard score against busted coverage.

WR Nico Collins, HOU - (waiver wire: DROP) - There was some buzz that Collins could have a second year breakout with fellow second year quarterback Davis Mills, but Mills is spreading the ball around and Collins isn't making a fantasy impact.

WR Brandin Cooks, HOU - Cooks was so reliable for us last year while the Texans were breaking in a rookie quarterback, but he hasn't been as good for fantasy in Davis Mills second year. He's a player to hold and hope he gets hot on your bench with the Chargers up this week.

WR Ashton Dulin, IND - (waiver wire: DROP) - The Colts must not have been that impressed with Dulin's 5-79 performance in Week 2, because he went back to being a bit role player with Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce back on the field.

WR Justin Jefferson, MIN - Jefferson's Week 1 made him look like a league winner, but Weeks 2 and 3 have made him look like a barely flexworthy wide receiver. The hopes of Jefferson getting schemed up against linebackers and safeties like Cooper Kupp have fizzled out. Keep going to Jefferson, but lower expectations.

WR Jarvis Landry, NO - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Landry suffered a foot injury that is not expected to be serious, but he is behind Chris Olave in the target pecking order and Tre'Quan Smith showed some downfield prowess when he replaced Landry.

WR Jakobi Meyers, NE - (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Meyers missed Week 3 with a knee injury and Mac Jones is likely to be out for multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain. He's not worth carrying through the rough waters ahead in short bench leagues.

WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 5-10% OR LOWER) - It's painful, but Mooney doesn't appear to have anything beyond desperation play value until the Bears run something like a modern NFL era pass offense.

WR D.J. Moore, CAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Moore was a forgotten man again in Week 3. You have to just hold him on your bench and hope the Panthers can figure out a way to better leverage his talents.

WR Allen Robinson, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Robinson has had two duds out of three, and the Rams offense isn't looking too hot to boot. After an offseason filled with high hopes, Robinson is just a what the heck flex against the 49ers.

WR Sterling Shepard, NYG - Shepard was lost for the season on a non-contact injury that came when he was jogging at the end of a play. It's one of the freakiest freak injuries you'll ever see and our heart goes out to him as he had just come back from an achilles injury.

WR Michael Thomas, NO - Thomas left the game with a toe injury that doesn't appear to be serious, and it's not on the same side as his problem ankle. We'll see if he's ready to go against the Vikings this week.

WR Mike Williams, LAC - Williams at least caught a touchdown, but the Chargers offense has arrows pointing down all around. Consider him a WR3/Flex against the Texans, but temper expectations, especially if Keenan Allen is ready to play again.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Mark Andrews, BAL - Andrews didn't get a lot of downfield targets, but he was Lamar Jackson's main man in the red zone and he caught a touchdown with Devin McCourty draped all over him, which should only solidify the connection when it's time to score. He passed Travis Kelce in fantasy points per game this week and may not look back.

TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Conklin is TE3 in PPR leagues, although he's nine points behind TE1 and five points behind TE2. C.J. Uzomah is back, but that didn't stop Conklin from racking up catches in a Week 3 loss. We'll see how Zach Wilson's return affects him.

TE Will Dissly, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Dissly led the Seahawks tight ends in snaps and caught a score for the second time in three weeks. If you need a tight end off of the waiver wire this week, consider Dissly against the Lions.

TE David Njoku, CLE - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Jacoby Brissett and the Browns finally targeted Njoku heavily in Week 3 and he came through with a huge performance. He should be in lineups against the Falcons this week.

TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Pitts didn't exactly win the week for us, but he did more than enough to merit a spot in lineups after the first two weeks only eroded our confidence. The Browns are up next. We'll see if they decide to put Denzel Ward on him or leave Ward on Drake London, which could free Pitts up for another good game.

TE Robert Tonyan, GB - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Tonyan's snap count and targets are steadily going up week by week. He should figure into the Packers red zone offense and round into form. You could do worse than playing Tonyan in Week 4 against New England.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Gerald Everett, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Donald Parham didn't return this week, but Everett was a box score dud nonetheless. The Chargers offense lost their left tackle and their quarterback is banged up, so Everett probably isn't going to be of much use for us going forward.

TE Mike Gesicki, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP) - One week after Gesicki made a spectacular touchdown catch and was used more in the passing game, the Dolphins barely used him in Week 3. Maybe they'll figure it out and read some of his scouting reports from Penn State, but until then he's probably too frustrating to roster.

TE Hunter Henry, NE - (waiver wire: DROP) - If you're waiting for Henry to arrive this year, it's not going to happen. Even without middle of the field surgeon Jakobi Meyers out, Henry was barely heard from.

TE Juwan Johnson, NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Johnson looked like a stable part of the Saints pass offense, but he was overlooked in Week 3 even though Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas left the game with injuries. He can be dropped.

TE Isaiah Likely, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Likely's value is going down as Josh Oliver caught a score this week and Devin Duvernay was back from a concussion. He could be fantasy relevant in time, but that time isn't now, despite a few potential breakout moments earlier this season.

TE Logan Thomas, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Thomas was quiet along with the rest of the Washington offense in Week 3 and he wasn't a frequent target in garbage time. He's still a borderline TE1, but the Commanders need to be more competitive for him to be a safe play.

TE Darren Waller, LV - Waller not only did not do more with Hunter Renfrow out, he was actually outproduced by fellow tight end Foster Moreau. We'll stick with Waller, especially with Denver up next, but this is a development to monitor, as Josh McDaniels has had success with two tight end offenses in the past.