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
- QB Jared Goff, DET (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- QB Russell Wilson, DEN
- QB Geno Smith, SEA (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- QB Tom Brady, TB
- QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIA (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- QB Justin Herbert, LAC
- QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- QB Matt Ryan, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- QB Andy Dalton, NO (waiver wire: 1%)
- QB Bailey Zappe, NE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
Quarterback Downgrade
- QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Brian Hoyer, NE (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (waiver wire: HOLD)
- QB Derek Carr, LV (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 5-10% OR LOWER PICKUPS)
- QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Marcus Mariota, ATL (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Matthew Stafford, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
- QB Carson Wentz, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 3-5% OR LOWER PICKUPS)
Running Back Upgrade
- RB Rachaad White, TB (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- RB Josh Jacobs, LV
- RB Breece Hall, NYJ
- RB Latavius Murray, DEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Derrick Henry, TEN
- RB Nyheim Hines, IND (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- RB Raheem Mostert, MIA (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- RB Rashaad Penny, SEA
- RB Miles Sanders, PHI
- RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL
- RB Isiah Pacheco, KC (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- RB Dameon Pierce, HOU
- RB Jamaal Williams, DET
- RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- RB Mike Boone, DEN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- RB Austin Ekeler, LAC
- RB Melvin Gordon, DEN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- RB Caleb Huntley, ATL (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- RB Brian Robinson, WAS (waiver wire: 3-5%)
Running Back Downgrade
- RB Javonte Williams, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
- RB Antonio Gibson, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 7-15% OR HIGHER)
- RB Justice Hill, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Jonathan Taylor, IND
- RB Leonard Fournette, TB
- RB Mark Ingram, NO (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB James Robinson, JAX
Wide Receiver Upgrade
- WR George Pickens, PIT (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF (waiver wire: 12-25%)
- WR Chris Godwin, TB
- WR Darnell Mooney, CHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- WR Corey Davis, NYJ (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- WR Devin Duvernay, BAL (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- WR Robert Woods, TEN (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- WR Mike Evans, TB
- WR Michael Gallup, DAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR Allen Lazard, GB
- WR Alec Pierce, IND (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR Brandin Cooks, HOU
- WR K.J. Hamler, DEN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN
- WR DK Metcalf, SEA
- WR Khalil Shakir, BUF (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- WR Jamal Agnew, JAX (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Jameson Williams, DET (waiver wire: 1%)
Wide Receiver Downgrade
- WR Treylon Burks, TEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Josh Palmer, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Rashod Bateman, BAL (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Richie James, NYG (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Allen Robinson, LAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 20-40% OR LOWER)
- WR Amari Cooper, CLE
- WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 3-5% OR LOWER)
- WR Diontae Johnson, PIT
- WR Jarvis Landry, NO (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Drake London, ATL
- WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 3-5% PICKUPS OR LOWER)
- WR Michael Pittman, IND
Tight End Upgrade
- TE T.J. Hockenson, DET
- TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT
- TE David Njoku, CLE
- TE Mo Alie-Cox, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- TE Will Dissly, SEA (waiver wire: 3-5%)
- TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (waiver wire: 1%)
- TE Gerald Everett, LAC
Tight End Downgrade
- TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
- TE Dalton Schultz, DAL (waiver wire: HOLD)
- TE Darren Waller, LV
Quarterback Upgrade
QB Tom Brady, TB - It's no surprise that once Brady had his full complement of receivers back, he had a big game. The defense rolling over for Kansas City also helped, creating a game script where the Bucs had to go extremely pass heavy. Brady is back to being a fantasy QB1 against the Falcons and going forward.
QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIA - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Bridgewater was productive in relief of Tua Tagovailoa and had a good connection with Tyreek Hill. It's hard to know if Tagovailoa will miss more than just Week 5, but another concussion could put Tagovailoa on injured reserve, if not end his season, so Bridgewater has speculative value in 1QB quarterback leagues and must roster value in 2QB/Superflex. Bridgewater would face the Jets next week if he's the starter.
QB Andy Dalton, NO - (waiver wire: 1%) - Dalton should be a hot pickup in 2QB/Superflex, as his performance may create a quarterback controversy even though the Saints lost. Dalton didn't have Alvin Kamara or Michael Thomas, but kept the offense moving and presents a safer option than Jameis Winston. We'll be watching the quarterback decision for the matchup with Seattle closely.
QB Jared Goff, DET - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Goff showed that he can be a very productive fantasy quarterback, even without his top running back and wide receiver. The Seahawks defense deserves some of the credit/blame as they will be a team we target when we set lineups, but Goff has been meshing well with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's playcalls behind a very good offensive line. He'll have a test against the Patriots this week, but has earned his starting fantasy quarterback stripes through four weeks.
QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert was off of the injury report and it showed in his play against the Texans, a defense that we will pick on when we set lineups. Even without Keenan Allen, Herbert was able to be very productive and should be considered a solid QB1 heading into a matchup with Cleveland.
QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Mike Tomlin hasn't committed to Pickett as the Steelers starter yet, and Pickett's three interceptions may influence him to go back to Mitchell Trubisky, but Pickett will be the starter again sooner or later. He got George Pickens involved and was much more decisive than Trubisky, a key behind a porous offensive line. Pickett scored twice on the ground and could make the Steelers quarterback role fantasy relevant.
QB Matt Ryan, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Ryan was very productive against the Titans, especially when throwing to his tight ends. Jonathan Taylor could miss some time, which will make the offense pass heavy heading into a Thursday night game against the Broncos. Ryan could be a viable streamer while Taylor is out, and maybe beyond.
QB Geno Smith, SEA - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Make no mistake, Smith's huge Week 4 was more about the matchup with Detroit than a true breakout game, but Smith has been steady and accurate all year, and he is throwing to two excellent wide receivers and a deep group of tight ends. He has favorable matchups coming up against the Cardinals and at least fits in a streaming approach. He has been a top 10 fantasy quarterback to date even with a dud against the 49ers in Week 2.
QB Russell Wilson, DEN - Wilson had a bounceback game against the Raiders, even scoring as a runner, and the team will be without their top running back for a while, so the offense should run through Wilson against the Colts on Thursday night. He's back in the starting fantasy quarterback conversation.
QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Wilson floundered for a bit against the Steelers, and he certainly won't catch a touchdown again for a while, but he got it together in the fourth quarter and led his team to a win. The surrounding talent is very good at wide receiver and running back even though the offensive line is down to third string tackles. Wilson is a weekly boom/bust play, but he could be valuable in the right matchup in 1QB leagues.
QB Bailey Zappe, NE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Zappe wasn't overwhelmed and almost led his team to a victory in Lambeau in relief of an injured Brian Hoyer. Mac Jones might be ready to play against Detroit this week, but if he isn't, Zappe will have low-end streamer appeal against the hapless Lions defense.
Quarterback Downgrade
QB Derek Carr, LV - (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 5-10% OR LOWER PICKUPS) - The Raiders got their first win in the game they leaned most on Josh Jacobs and the running game. That's bad news for Carr's fantasy value, but he could still have a solid streamer start against the Chiefs in what might be a shootout this week.
QB Brian Hoyer, NE - (waiver wire: DROP) - Hoyer left the game with a head injury. It's unclear if he'll be ready or needed to start in Week 5, but Bailey Zappe's performance may shake up the depth chart if the Patriots need to turn to a backup again.
QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jones left the Week 4 game with an ankle injury after he had successfully run for two scores in a run-heavy game plan. Even if he starts against the Packers this week, he'll be basically immobile, and it's not clear when his running ability - which is the source of whatever fantasy value he has - will be back at full strength. You can drop him in 1QB leagues.
QB Marcus Mariota, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Mariota wasn't very effective against the Browns, but the Falcons won. They won by running the ball, which is bad news for Mariota's fantasy prospects, but he is only an emergency play as long as he's the starter. The Bucs are up this week and their defense is smarting after the Chiefs put up 41 on them.
QB Matthew Stafford, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Stafford is having offensive line and Allen Robinson problems, and he's just a matchup play. The Cowboys coming up this week is not a good matchup, but Stafford should be held with time for this offense to improve and Seattle and Arizona still on the schedule.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Tagovailoa went down in what was probably his second concussion in five days. The Dolphins will be extra cautious with his return now that the football world is paying close attention, and Tagovailoa's next concussion will probably result in a long absence, if not the end of his 2022 season. Still, this offense can manufacture passing numbers, so hold onto him if you can. Tagovailoa has already been ruled out for Week 5.
QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT - (waiver wire: DROP) - Mike Tomlin could go back to Trubisky in Week 5, but he would have the hook hovering behind him now and only be a desperation start, even in 2QB/Superflex leagues.
QB Carson Wentz, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 3-5% OR LOWER PICKUPS) - Even with 42 pass attempts and a touchdown, Wentz wasn't a viable Week 4 play. He's going to be worth a streamer start against the Titans this week, but is a very matchup sensitive play and shouldn't be in lineups against teams that are good at getting after the quarterback.
Running Back Upgrade
RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Allgeier had his most successful day yet as the Falcons running game carried them to victory against the Browns. Cordarrelle Patterson is out for at least four weeks, but Allgeier will be stuck in a committee, so he's only emergency depth for now, but with a chance for his value to grow on a team that is good at running the ball.
RB Mike Boone, DEN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Boone had the juice that we saw in the past when he was with the Vikings, although he also had a key error to end any chance of a comeback, and will still be sharing with Melvin Gordon and Latavius Murray for the rest of the season. Consider him a mere what the heck flex against the Colts.
RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL - Dobbins wasn't especially effective, but he scored twice against the Bills and his main competition for carries, Justice Hill, went down with a hamstring injury. Gus Edwards could be back soon, but Dobbins has moved up into solid RB2 status against the Bengals this week.
RB Austin Ekeler, LAC - Ekeler scored three times as the Chargers offense had a get right game against the Texans. None of the scores were goal line looks, so there's still the chance that Ekeler won't get those easy scores, but his value is back up into strong RB1 range in PPR leagues on the strength of this performance.
RB Melvin Gordon, DEN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Gordon had a costly fumble that was returned for a score and has had trouble hanging onto the ball this year, but the Broncos will have no choice but to turn to him at least some of the time with Javonte Williams out for the year. Gordon's value might not more than it was when he was sharing with Williams, and the signing of Latavius Murray complicates things further.
RB Breece Hall, NYJ - Hall is pulling away from Michael Carter and emerging as the #1 back in an offense that could improve if Zach Wilson's game settles down in year two. Hall has done enough to be considered a fantasy RB2 going forward and he could still be a hit at ADP if the Jets offense is decent.
RB Derrick Henry, TEN - Henry continues to trend up after a slow start. He had a strong day against a Colts run defense that was shutting down opponents going into Week 4, and the team is using him more as a receiver. He's back in the RB1 ranks after bottoming out in value after Week 2.
RB Nyheim Hines, IND - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Hines had his smallest output of the season in one of Matt Ryan's biggest games, but his value is still up as he replaced Jonathan Taylor when Taylor went out, and Hines is in line to lead the backfield on Thursday against the Broncos, who just got run over by Josh Jacobs.
RB Caleb Huntley, ATL - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Huntley ran strong in relief of Cordarrelle Patterson, but he's stuck in a committee with Tyler Allgeier even if with Patterson out for at least four weeks, and Damien Williams should be back soon. Still, a player that looked good in an offense that is effective running the ball is worth an end of the bench spot in deep leagues.
RB Josh Jacobs, LV - The Raiders finally focused their offense on Jacobs, and they beat a bitter division rival as a result. Look for the team to ride Jacobs going forward and potentially push his value to low-end RB1 range.
RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Mostert got the vast majority of snaps and touches in the Miami backfield in Week 4. Even though it didn't result in a big fantasy performance because Chase Edmonds scored again, Mostert is getting looks in the red zone and he should be considered strong bench depth at worst, with the possibility of getting hot as the Dolphins get more accustomed to Mike McDaniel's offense.
RB Latavius Murray, DEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Murray was signed off the Saints practice squad by the Broncos, and they might trust him more than Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone once he gets up to speed in the offense. He's as likely (or more based on how he ran in Week 4 for the Saints) as Gordon and Boone to be the running back you want from this offense - if there is a back we end up wanting at all.
RB Isiah Pacheco, KC - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Pacheco is running with great vigor and young legs, and appears to be the most dangerous runner in the Chiefs backfield. He will likely need an injury to Clyde Edwards-Helaire to matter in fantasy leagues, but that's not a stretch to envision. He had his highest snap share of the year and Jerick McKinnon had his lowest in Week 4.
RB Rashaad Penny, SEA - Penny was magnificent in a rematch with the team that he posted his biggest game of 2021 against - the Detroit Lions. He scored twice from distance and got the first down to clinch the game. Penny is running hot and should be in lineups against the Saints.
RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - Pierce not only broke a 75-yard score, but he caught six passes in the loss to the Chargers. He's looking like a strong RB2 and hit even at an ADP that rose sharply the farther we went into fantasy draft season.
RB Brian Robinson, WAS - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Robinson is going to return to the field this week after suffering two gunshot wounds before the season started in an attempted robbery. He'll be in a messy three-man committee, but should get goal line carries and could see his value grow.
RB Miles Sanders, PHI - Sanders scored twice and got 27 carries as the Eagles leaned on him in bad conditions during the win over Jacksonville. He's a boom/bust low-end RB1 now with an easy matchup against the Cardinals up next.
RB Rachaad White, TB - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - White played a bigger role in the passing game than Julio Jones and Russell Gage, and he had as many carries as Leonard Fournette. They did both have only three, but White is looking more effective on his touches and we could be seeing this turn into a committee.
RB Jamaal Williams, DET - Williams broke a 51-yard touchdown run and scored another time from close in during his first game without D'Andre Swift. He'll be a strong RB2 start against the Patriots if Swift misses Week 5, as expected.
Running Back Downgrade
RB Leonard Fournette, TB - Fournette is looking ineffective as a runner and not as explosive as Rachaad White as a receiver, in a bad sign for his value. He should still be a startable RB2/Flex against Atlanta, but he's probably not going to live up to ADP this year, and could be pushed into a committee by White sooner than later.
RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 7-15% OR HIGHER) - Gibson's usage dropped off in Week 4, and Brian Robinson is due back in Week 5. Gibson is only emergency depth at this point, but he is accomplished and Robinson's effectiveness is an unknown, so don't drop Gibson for just anyone.
RB Justice Hill, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Hill was running well against Buffalo, but left with a hamstring injury. Once he returns, Gus Edwards will probably be playing, so Hill's window of possible value has closed. He could still be a hold in dynasty leagues where bench size allows.
RB Mark Ingram, NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Ingram left Week 4 with an injury and Latavius Murray looked better than him once Murray entered the game. Ingram's path to value is getting tougher to climb.
RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: DROP) - McKinnon is losing ground to Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the Chiefs backfield. His snap share dropped significantly and his role is narrow in the offense. There will probably have to be two injuries in the Chiefs backfield for him to have value.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Patterson got off to a decent start and scored, but barely played in the second half. Both of the running backs who relieved him played well, which is a good sign for the quality of this Falcons running game, but Patterson went on injured reserve, which means he'll miss at least four weeks. Whether we should hold him in typical leagues will be based on what other information we get about his injury. He's droppable in short bench leagues.
RB James Robinson, JAX - Robinson is still a solid RB2 for our fantasy teams, but in Week 4 we got a dose of reality that he won't be the favored back when the team is trailing. Good thing the Jaguars play the Texans this week in what should present a much more favorable game script for Robinson.
RB Jonathan Taylor, IND - Taylor came out of Week 4 with an ankle injury and he was contained by the Titans and held to fantasy dud output. Taylor probably won't miss much time, but with a Thursday game this week, he's likely out for Week 4.
RB Javonte Williams, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Williams left with a knee injury that will cost him the rest of the season, and maybe even part of 2023.
Wide Receiver Upgrade
WR Jamal Agnew, JAX - (waiver wire: 1%) - Agnew is only a deep league pickup, but he was productive in a rainstorm and he's attached to a good passing offense. If Zay Jones ankle issue doesn't get better, Agnew can at least be emergency depth for your fantasy team.
WR Brandin Cooks, HOU - Cooks finally had the kind of game that makes you feel safer putting him in your lineup. The Texans are likely to stay in pass mode against the resurgent Jaguars this week, so consider Cooks a solid WR3/Flex play in Week 5.
WR Corey Davis, NYJ - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Davis was third in snaps, but first in targets and production among Jets wide receivers in Week 4. He has carryover chemistry with Zach Wilson and could level off as a flex option if Wilson's play improves like it did late in the win over the Steelers.
WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Doubs scored and got eight targets for the second straight week. He is a clear top two receiver for Aaron Rodgers in an offense that is getting better as everyone is getting healthy. Consider Doubs a WR3/Flex against the Giants this week and going forward.
WR Devin Duvernay, BAL - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Duvernay didn't score in Week 4, but the conditions were terrible and he was still the leading fantasy wide receiver for the team with Rashod Bateman banged up. He's a boom/bust WR3/Flex against Cincinnati, with Bateman classified as day to day nursing a foot injury.
WR Mike Evans, TB - The Buccaneers had all hands on deck in the passing game, and it was actually good for Evans, who scored twice as the offense was able to mount more sustained drives.
WR Michael Gallup, DAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Gallup was for 64% of the snaps and caught a touchdown. He should move ahead of Noah Brown on the depth chart now that his knee has been tested and has held up. He's still only a WR3/Flex at best with Brown asserting himself in the offense and presenting a good third option.
WR Chris Godwin, TB - Godwin returned from a Week 1 hamstring injury and was a frequent short range target for Tom Brady. He'll be a solid WR3/Flex this week against Atlanta with room to grow into a WR2.
WR K.J. Hamler, DEN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Hamler becomes a lot more interesting now that Javonte Williams is out and the Broncos may have to go more pass heavy. Nathaniel Hackett himself said the Broncos need to get him more involved. He could become Russell Wilson's favorite deep target.
WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - Jeudy had a score and got open downfield for a big gain in a solid fantasy day posted in the loss to the Raiders. Javonte Williams being lost for the year should push the Broncos to be at least slightly more pass heavy to help Jeudy's fantasy cause.
WR Allen Lazard, GB - Lazard had his best fantasy day of the year as the Packers passing game continues to round into form. He is looking like a WR3/Flex and successful fantasy pick going into a London game against the Giants.
WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - McKenzie left Week 4 with a concussion, but his value is still up on him notching his third score of the year and Jamison Crowder, his rival for snaps in the slot, going down with a broken ankle. If McKenzie has the role mostly to himself (we'll see what rookie Khalil Shakir has to say about that), then he could level off as a weekly WR3/Flex play a la Cole Beasley's previous scoring levels in the Bills offense.
WR DK Metcalf, SEA - Metcalf was dominant as a downfield target for Geno Smith in the track meet at Detroit. This kind of peak game makes it easier to absorb the floor games, which might not be as frequent as we expected with Smith playing well.
WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Mooney came through with a sprawling catch of a 50+ yard bomb from Justin Fields, and had a handful of intermediate catches to put up his first solid fantasy day of the year. He's still just a what the heck flex, but if Fields and this offense can get better, Mooney's fantasy value will improve with it.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Peoples-Jones had his second solid fantasy showing in four games. When Amari Cooper is locked up by a good #1 cover corner, like A.J. Terrell this week, Peoples-Jones will be a viable emergency flex/WR3. In Week 5, Cooper could see a lot of J.C. Jackson, so Peoples-Jones has some spot start value.
WR George Pickens, PIT - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Who knows if Mike Tomlin will stick with Kenny Pickett, but it's clear that once Pickett does take over, he'll look the way of his fellow rookie Pickens. Pickens had the first of what should be many 100-yard games in Week 4.
WR Alec Pierce, IND - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Pierce was the deep threat in the offense again in the loss to the Jaguars and actually posted a flexworthy PPR line despite not playing 50% of the snaps. If he can become a starter over Parris Campbell, Pierce could turn into a solid fantasy contributor.
WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Reynolds had another good fantasy game, this time by default as the Lions were missing the other two of their top three receivers. The chemistry between Reynolds and his long time quarterback Jared Goff is undeniable, and he could still have WR3/Flex value until Jameson Williams returns to the field - which could be in November.
WR Khalil Shakir, BUF - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Shakir got on the field with Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie hurt, and he could be the starting slot receiver for Week 5 against Pittsburgh if McKenzie hasn't cleared concussion protocol. Crowder is out indefinitely with a broken ankle, so Shakir is one step closer to having a dedicated role in one of the best offenses in the league.
WR Jameson Williams, DET - (waiver wire: 1%) - Williams is still weeks away from playing, but the Lions offense reminded us that it will produce even when short-handed. How much will Williams add when he plays, and how much will the offense take advantage of his talents? Probably more than we think.
WR Robert Woods, TEN - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Woods caught a score and had his best fantasy showing of the year to date. He is still only WR3/Flex material at best, but with Treylon Burks going on the shelf due to turf toe, Woods value is trending up heading into a matchup with Washington.
Wide Receiver Downgrade
WR Rashod Bateman, BAL - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Bateman limped off in Week 4 and wasn't involved in the second half, although he was on the sideline. He's day to day with a foot injury and uncertain for Week 5. Meanwhile, Devin Duvernay is gaining trust from Lamar Jackson and threatening Bateman's role as the clear #1 receiver.
WR Treylon Burks, TEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Burks left the game with turf toe, which only gets better with rest. We probably won't see him for a few weeks at least, and this is a setback to his progress in the Titans offense.
WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper was locked up with A.J. Terrell, so it was a Donovan Peoples-Jones day for the Cleveland pass offense. Cooper's ceiling games make absorbing the floor games worth it, but he could have another floor game with J.C. Jackson starting to round into form for the Chargers.
WR Jahan Dotson, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 3-5% OR LOWER) - Dotson suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for a week or two according to Ron Rivera. He's not an essential hold in short bench leagues.
WR Richie James, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP) - James had the slot role all to himself against the Bears and did diddly squat for fantasy teams that trusted him. The Giants don't have a healthy quarterback for Week 5, so James can be dropped.
WR Diontae Johnson, PIT - Johnson almost had a spectacular touchdown catch, but also had a drop that turned into a Mitchell Trubisky interception. Kenny Pickett barely looked his way in a disturbing development for Johnson's fantasy value. We'll leave Johnson in as a WR3/Flex against Buffalo no matter who starts at quarterback, but Johnson's value is unstable right now.
WR Jarvis Landry, NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Landry's not completely healthy, and he did little even though Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara were out in Week 4. He's the third fiddle in an offense that can't support three fantasy relevant receivers.
WR Drake London, ATL - London did have an end zone broken up, but otherwise it was a discouraging day for his fantasy prospects. The Falcons went run heavy and succeeded and Marcus Mariota wasn't very good. London is still a WR3/Flex against Tampa, but the trend here is not positive.
WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 3-5% PICKUPS OR LOWER) - One week after Osborn was the entire game winning drive vs. Detroit, he was barely targeted against New Orleans. The snap count is there, but Osborn will need an injury to one of the Vikings top two receivers to be fantasy relevant.
WR Josh Palmer, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Palmer seemed to fall out of favor with Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense in Week 4, getting fewer snaps and targets than DeAndre Carter. It's hard to know exactly when Keenan Allen will be back from his hamstring woes, but when he is, Palmer will be droppable, if he's not already.
WR Michael Pittman, IND - The Colts had a great passing day against the Titans, only problem was that Pittman wasn't a big part of it. The tight ends and Alec Pierce were more influential factors and that could undermine Pittman's clear #1 receiver target share going forward. Pittman could also see a lot of Patrick Surtain II Thursday night, so he's not a must start.
WR Allen Robinson, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Robinson is on the field a lot and getting targets, but he does look like a shadow of himself at this point. He isn't separating, he isn't keeping his feet after catches, and Matthew Stafford's trust for him seems to be waning. He's not an essential hold if one of the top waiver pickups is out there.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 20-40% OR LOWER) - Smith-Schuster just doesn't look very dynamic and he's not getting a heavy enough target load to be worth more than high floor depth in PPR leagues. Skyy Moore is getting more involved, so Smith-Schuster's role is probably capped.
Tight End Upgrade
TE Mo Alie-Cox, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Alie-Cox broke free for his largest snap count and target count this week, and it resulted in two scores and building trust from Matt Ryan. Alie-Cox is only a streamer right now, but given this offense's ability to create opportunities for tight ends and Matt Ryan's proficiency throwing to tight ends, he could have staying power.
TE Will Dissly, SEA - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Dissly is sharing targets with two other tight ends behind two great wide receivers in the pecking order, but he keeps getting open downfield and scoring, which is catching the eye of a surprisingly good Geno Smith. He'll remain a streaming consideration against the Saints this week.
TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Albert Okwuegbunam has fallen out of favor in the Broncos offense, just in time for Dulcich to hopefully return from injured reserve this week. The Broncos like Dulcich as a downfield receiver, so if you are hurting at tight end, he is a good pre-emptive pick up.
TE Gerald Everett, LAC - Everett's value could/should take a hit when Donald Parham returns, which could be as early as this week, but he keeps producing and may have staying power even when the Chargers offense gets closer to full strength. He'll be a streaming consideration until we see his production drop off in consecutive weeks.
TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - Freiermuth had his most productive game yet this year and it looks like the quality of targets will go up with Kenny Pickett as expected. We can't be 100% sure Pickett starts this week, but he'll take over sooner or later, and it looks like Freiermuth will be one of his favorite targets.
TE T.J. Hockenson, DET - It took Amon-Ra St. Brown, D'Andre Swift, and D.J. Chark sitting to give Hockenson the opportunity, but he finally looked like the elite fantasy tight end we hoped he'd become when the Lions took him in the top five back in 2019. Even when the Lions have all hands on deck, this should boost Hockenson's confidence and Jared Goff's willingness to target him.
TE David Njoku, CLE - Njoku becoming a big part of the passing game in Week 3 wasn't an illusion, as he was an emphasis early on when Jacoby Brissett dropped back to pass. He's a solid TE1 heading into a matchup against the Chargers.
Tight End Downgrade
TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Things got a lot worse for Pitts in Week 4. The Falcons barely threw the ball and Pitts was outsnapped by Parker Hesse. It's unlikely that you have a clearly better option than him, but Pitts is not an automatic start this week, although Tampa Bay probably won't let the Falcons running game get on track as easily as the Browns did.
TE Dalton Schultz, DAL - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Schultz was back in Week 4, but did nothing to help the Cowboys or fantasy teams win. Let's see if he's better when Dak Prescott returns, but as of now Schultz should stay on our benches until further notice and he's not an essential hold.
TE Darren Waller, LV - Even with Foster Moreau and Hunter Renfrow out, Waller did very little in the win over the Broncos, who have trouble covering tight ends. He appears to be a low ceiling TE1 and disappointment if you took him in fantasy drafts.
