Week 4 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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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. If a downgrade player has a (waiver wire: DROP FOR X% OR HIGHER) notation, that means drop that player for any waiver wire addition with a recommended bid of X% or higher.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Kyler Murray, ARI (waiver wire: 12-25%)
2. QB C.J. Stroud, HOU (waiver wire: 5-10%)
3. QB Russell Wilson, DEN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
4. QB Justin Herbert, LAC
5. QB Deshaun Watson, CLE
6. QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (waiver wire: 1%)
7. QB Jameis Winston, NO (waiver wire: 1% in 1QB, 10-20% in SUPERFLEX/2QB)
8. QB Andy Dalton, CAR (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
9. QB Lamar Jackson, BAL

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Derek Carr, NO (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Desmond Ridder, ATL (waiver wire: DROP)
3. QB Sam Howell, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
4. QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: HOLD)
5. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX
6. QB Baker Mayfield, TB (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB De'Von Achane, MIA (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA
3. RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. RB Zack Moss, IND
7. RB D'Andre Swift, PHI
8. RB James Conner, ARI
9. RB Kenneth Walker III, SEA
10. RB Rico Dowdle, DAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
11. RB Jerome Ford, CLE
12. RB Elijah Mitchell, SF (waiver wire: 5-10%)
13. RB Cam Akers, MIN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
14. RB Ezekiel Elliott, NE (waiver wire: 3-5%)
15. RB Alexander Mattison, MIN
16. RB Isiah Pacheco, KC
17. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC (waiver wire: 1%)
18. RB Melvin Gordon III, BAL (waiver wire: 1%)

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Samaje Perine, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Craig Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: DROP)
3. RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
4. RB Deuce Vaughn, DAL (waiver wire: DROP)
5. RB AJ Dillon, GB (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
6. RB Antonio Gibson, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
7. RB Tony Jones Jr., NO (waiver wire: DROP)
8. RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
9. RB Kendre Miller, NO (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
10. RB Gus Edwards, BAL (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
11. RB Derrick Henry, TEN
12. RB Kareem Hunt, CLE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
13. RB Khalil Herbert, CHI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
14. RB Josh Jacobs, LV
15. RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Tank Dell, HOU (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. WR Joshua Palmer, LAC (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. WR Adam Thielen, CAR (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. WR Keenan Allen, LAC
6. WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 7-15%)
7. WR Josh Downs, IND (waiver wire: 7-15%)
8. WR Michael Gallup, DAL (waiver wire: 7-15%)
9. WR Davante Adams, LV
10. WR Tutu Atwell, LAR
11. WR DJ Chark Jr., CAR (waiver wire: 5-10%)
12. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
13. WR Marquise Brown, ARI
14. WR Quentin Johnston, LAC (waiver wire: 3-5%)
15. WR Elijah Moore, CLE
16. WR Rondale Moore, ARI (waiver wire: 3-5%)
17. WR Jayden Reed, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
18. WR Deebo Samuel, SF

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Mike Williams, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)
2. WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50%)
3. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
4. WR Rashod Bateman, BAL (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
5. WR Tee Higgins, CIN
6. WR Drake London, ATL
7. WR Calvin Ridley, JAX
8. WR Rashid Shaheed, NO (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
9. WR Kadarius Toney, KC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
10. WR Chris Godwin, TB
11. WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Sam LaPorta, DET
2. TE Gerald Everett, LAC (waiver wire: 7-15%)
3. TE Luke Musgrave, GB (waiver wire: 7-15%)
4. TE Jake Ferguson, DAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
5. TE Noah Fant, SEA (waiver wire: 3-5%)
6. TE Donald Parham Jr., LAC (waiver wire: 3-5%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Hayden Hurst, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Zach Ertz, ARI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
3. TE David Njoku, CLE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
4. TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
5. TE Cole Kmet, CHI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
6. TE Hunter Henry, NE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50%)
7. TE Darren Waller, NYG

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Andy Dalton, CAR - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - The Panthers short (and even long at times) passing game came alive under the leadership of the veteran Dalton with Bryce Young sitting because of an ankle injury. Young will try to get ready for this week's game against the Vikings, but the team might err on the side of sitting him after Dalton was a shot in the arm for a morose offense. If Dalton starts vs. the hapless Vikings defense, he'll be worth a spot in some 2QB/Superflex lineups.

QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert lost his best downfield threat and big play receiver Mike Williams for the season, but it was still an upgrade day for him as Kellen Moore had Herbert throw 30 times in the first half alone. Even when Austin Ekeler returns, this offense should run through Herbert after a strong running game in Week 1 made us wonder if Moore was going to be a more balanced, like the Dallas offense he presided over before coming to the Chargers.

QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - Jackson hasn't been unleashed as a passer as we had hoped, but he got free as a runner and scored more than once in the overtime loss to the Colts, helping him post his first elite fantasy week of the year. He has a very tough matchup against the Browns this week, but it was still comforting to see him run a lot more in the Ravens first truly competitive game of the year.

QB Kyler Murray, ARI - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Murray said he'll be back "soon" on his tiktok account this week. Exactly what that means is difficult to know, and Murray is coming back from an ACL tear, but the Cardinals offense is looking more than functional under first-time offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. It's possible this offense could be better for Murray's fantasy value than the one Kliff Kingsbury ran.

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - (waiver wire: 1%) - Pickett hit Calvin Austin for a long score, and that along with no big mistakes was enough to make him a decent fantasy start for the first time this year. He'll face a Texans defense that frustrated Trevor Lawrence and could be in consideration as a matchup QB1. This week's performance gives hope that he'll be a solid bye/injury depth quarterback once Diontae Johnson returns.

QB C.J. Stroud, HOU - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Stroud had another good fantasy game, but this time not simply because his team was trailing big and facing prevent defenses. He has a good deep ball connection with fellow rookie Tank Dell, and there were no signs of the sore throwing shoulder issues that had him on the injury report earlier in the week. He's a matchup QB1 against the Steelers this week.

QB Deshaun Watson, CLE - Watson had his best game as a Brown, still operating mostly in the short passing game, but punctuating the win with a long bomb score to Amari Cooper. He's back in QB1 consideration against the Ravens this week.

QB Russell Wilson, DEN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - A quarterback's best friend in fantasy leagues is a poor defense, and boy did the Broncos defense play poorly against Miami. They should bounce back against Chicago, but that is a good matchup for Wilson. Marvin Mims looks like an instant hit and Jerry Jeudy is healthy, so Wilson is going to be a matchup QB1 and quality bye/injury depth unless the Broncos defense can get it together.

QB Jameis Winston, NO - (waiver wire: 1% in 1QB, 10-20% in SUPERFLEX/2QB) - Winston was far from impressive, or even his usual aggressive self in relief of Derek Carr. It's not clear how long Carr will be out, but his injury isn't season-ending. Winston is just bye/injury depth in 1QB leagues, but with three good wide receivers and a matchup against Tampa this week, he could hit, and he should have some lasting value in Superflex/2QB leagues

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Derek Carr, NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Carr suffered an AC sprain in his throwing shoulder that will likely sideline him for at least this week, but possibly longer. He wasn't exactly carrying fantasy teams through the first two weeks, so don't hold him waiting around for a return to play timeline.

QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Fields had another miserable day at Kansas City, although a few drops by his receivers made it worse. Fields and the offense were this problematic through three weeks last year, but by Week 5-6, the quarterback was more comfortable and he turned into a fantasy force. Be patient. This week he faces the laughingstock Broncos defense, that is unless it is revealed that he suffered a concussion (which the Bears let him play through in a lost game) and then he might miss this one.

QB Sam Howell, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Howell shrunk back down to an inexperienced quarterback learning the ropes level of play against the first top defense he faced this year. While he was able to move the ball at times, Howell made crucial mistakes with the ball in the Buffalo end of the field and was his own worst enemy. Better days will come, but maybe not against the Eagles this week.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - This was an immense disappointment for Lawrence, losing at home to the last place Texans and putting up mediocre numbers against a defense that was carved up by the Colts in Week 2. Lawrence is still a low-end QB1 play against the Falcons this week, but hopes of him stepping up into the top 5 at quarterback in fantasy leagues after a strong Week 1 appear to be premature.

QB Baker Mayfield, TB - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Mayfield's feel good story took a turn against the first good defense he has faced this year. He's only a matchup QB2/Superflex and the matchup against the Saints on the road this week is not a good one.

QB Desmond Ridder, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP) - This was a big letdown for Ridder, who came on to lead a comeback win the second half in Week 2 only to look ineffective against a Lions defense that let Geno Smith light it up in Week 2 without his starting offensive tackles. If Ridder isn't a strong fantasy play in an ideal game script like this one, he's only a desperation play until he gets on a roll. We'll see if that starts this week at Jacksonville.

Running Back Upgrade

RB De'Von Achane, MIA - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Maybe it was the Broncos defense, but Achane's first significant work in his NFL career resulted in what might end up being the most productive game of his career. He is feasting against defenses that are spaced out to stop the Dolphins passing attack and it will tough to put him back in the bottle, even after Jeff Wilson returns, which could be soon.

RB Cam Akers, MIN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Akers has a pulse in fantasy leagues, albeit a weak one. The Vikings running game and Alexander Mattison came alive in Week 3, but Akers could still impress enough to get his foot in the door, and he knows Kevin O'Connell's offense from their time together in Los Angeles. He's worth a pick up if bench size allows.

RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Charbonnet looked better than he had in the previous two games, as did the Seahawks running game in general. Kenneth Walker is peaking right now, but he hasn't had the best durability record and Charbonnet looked like a player who could be a league winner if Walker goes down.

RB James Conner, ARI - Conner was outstanding against the vaunted Cowboys defense and his offense vastly outperformed expectations. Kyler Murray could be back "soon" according to the quarterback, and Conner is looking like a strong RB2, if not a low RB1 in the current running back landscape. There's no fear putting him against the 49ers this week.

RB Rico Dowdle, DAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Dowdle scored and outplayed Deuce Vaughn in a game that probably separated him from Vaughn as the backup to Tony Pollard if Pollard were to go down. Consider Dowdle moving up on the injury upside backup priority list.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Edwards-Helaire's workload benefited from the Chiefs blowout game script, but they could easily do that again vs. the Jets this week after New England was able to hand off to running backs 35 times against them in Week 3. Edwards-Helaire is a fine what the heck flex in deep leagues and might be worth rostering if your running back depth is thin.

RB Ezekiel Elliott, NE - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Elliott showed more juice than he did in the first two games, and he actually outproduced Rhamondre Stevenson on fewer touches. Elliott did still get 16 carries to Stevenson's 19, so this looks more like a committee than Stevenson fantasy teams would like, and Elliott has a flicker of value now in good matchups and more promise of value if Stevenson goes down.

RB Jerome Ford, CLE - Ford was in on over half of the snaps and that could have been more if the Titans had stuck closer to the Browns. He scored twice and didn't do anything to lose his perch atop the backfield, while Kareem Hunt looked like the same back from last year that didn't get any team to commit to his terms before Nick Chubb went down. Consider Ford an RB2/Flex play against the Ravens.

RB Melvin Gordon III, BAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Depending on the state of Justice Hill's toe and Gus Edwards' head, Gordon could get a start this week. The only problem is that its against the surging Browns defense. Consider him a low ceiling what the heck flex or emergency RB2 if he gets the start.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Right now, the Bears offense is a mess and you wouldn't want to start either back in fantasy football. If they can get it figured out midseason like they did last year, Johnson has the momentum with his snap share growing every week, and he is more versatile than Khalil Herbert. He's still an upside hold and maybe even what the heck flex against the Broncos this week.

RB Alexander Mattison, MIN - Mattison played much better now that he has real competition in the backfield, and his offensive line also did a lot better against the Chargers than they did against the Bucs and Eagles. Mattison still had a few mistakes, including a dropped pass in the red zone and a fumble, but if he keeps playing like he did in Week 3, he should hold off Cam Akers.

RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - McKinnon still isn't getting in on more than 1/3 of the snaps, but this time Patrick Mahomes found him for two scores, reminding us of his league winner form in the fantasy playoffs last season. If he was dropped out of impatience, you can see why he's worth rostering as long as benches aren't too short.

RB Elijah Mitchell, SF - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Mitchell finally got a decent workload (14 touches) behind Christian McCaffrey, although that might have just been the Thursday night effect. Still, this should give us more confidence that Mitchell is the clear backup running back in one of the best offenses in the league.

RB Zack Moss, IND - Moss continues to play the best football of his career, and he showed that his Week 2 blowup wasn't just a result of facing the Texans. He racked up yards against the Ravens and caught an improv touchdown pass from Gardner Minshew to help fantasy teams that counted on him win in Week 3. He'll get at least one more start against the Rams, and then we'll see whether Jonathan Taylor is back for Week 5.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - Mostert was already looking like one of the biggest value picks in fantasy drafts. After Week 3, he might end up being the biggest value in drafts, and that's even if he goes down with an injury at some point, which is part of what kept his value down. Consider Mostert an everyweek start if you weren't already.

RB Isiah Pacheco, KC - Pacheco's hamstring made him questionable going into Week 3, but he didn't show any ill effects from the injury on the way to his best fantasy performance so far this season. He could have done more if the game was closer and seems to be on track to be an everyweek RB2/Flex now that the Chiefs offense is warmed up.

RB D'Andre Swift, PHI - It's D'Andre Swift's backfield, Kenneth Gainwell just lives in it. The preseason and Week 1 trend towards Gainwell is over and Swift has arrived as an upside RB2 in one of the most dominant running games in the league.

RB Kenneth Walker III, SEA - Walker put on a show in Week 3, making multiple defenders look silly trying to tackle him and even producing in the passing game. The Seahawks running game isn't suffering while the starting tackles are out, and Walker should be in for another huge game on Monday night against the Giants.

Running Back Downgrade

RB AJ Dillon, GB - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Another week of Aaron Jones sitting and another week of Dillon doing very little for fantasy teams despite leading his team in backfield touches. Even if Jones can't go Thursday vs. the Lions, you can't play Dillon, and if you can't play him when Jones is out, what good is it to roster Dillon?

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Edwards left the Week 3 game with a concussion. He may be ready for Week 4, but the matchup against the Browns is prohibitive for fantasy, and then Justice Hill should be returning soon. Edwards is not an essential hold if you have adequate running back depth.

RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Most of Gainwell's work came when the game was over, so we can't read too much into the split here. He's the #2 back and it's not clear that he would become #1 if D'Andre Swift goes down with Rashaad Penny lurking.

RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Gibson had yet another lost fumble (overshadowed by Sam Howell's four interceptions), but he was still on the field more than Brian Robinson because the Commanders got blown out by the Bills. It still didn't result in anything of note for fantasy. It's going to take a Robinson injury for Gibson to matter in fantasy leagues this year.

RB Derrick Henry, TEN - Henry had a toe issue going into Week 3, the Titans played one of the toughest defenses in the league, and the game script didn't let him get on track. All three of these factors might not converge again, but Henry is looking more like a boom/bust RB2 than a fantasy RB1 heading into a matchup with the Colts. Watch his practice reports to see how much his toe is allowing him to practice this week.

RB Khalil Herbert, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Herbert hasn't been bad or one of the reasons the Bears offense is struggling, and like other Bears, he could get a bump in value if the offense gets out of the ditch on the side of the road, but rookie Roschon Johnson is getting more snaps every week, and Johnson is the one whose value can grow without an injury. Herbert isn't an essential hold, but he is a what the heck flex against the Broncos this week.

RB Kareem Hunt, CLE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Maybe it was being away from football during the summer, but Hunt didn't look any different than the back who wasn't able to get a team to agree to his terms this summer. He doesn't appear to be a threat to Jerome Ford's lead back status and Hunt won't play a big role in the backfield without an improvement in play.

RB Josh Jacobs, LV - Three weeks in we're still waiting for Jacobs to matter in fantasy matchups and for the Raiders to score over 18 points. He doesn't look like the best value in fantasy drafts level player he was last year, and we are far enough into the season that you can't just chalk it up to not being at training camp. He's still a weekly RB2 play, but at some point we will just have low expectations for him if this doesn't turn around.

RB Tony Jones Jr., NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jones led the Saints backfield in snaps and caught four balls to at least salvage something in PPR leagues, but his window of value has closed with Alvin Kamara coming back from a suspension this week.

RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Kelley's terrible Week 3 game was especially frustrating because it came against a Vikings defense that was pushed around all night against the Eagles in Week 2. Austin Ekeler probably won't go in Week 4 with a bye looming in Week 5, but even against the Raiders, Kelley will be tough to trust.

RB Kendre Miller, NO - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - The Saints didn't feature Miller in his NFL debut even though his competition for touches was on the practice squad two weeks ago. With Alvin Kamara returning this week, Miller is not an essential hold.

RB Samaje Perine, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Perine was quiet in a game the Broncos trailed almost the entire way. He's not going to amount to anything in this Broncos offense, you can drop him.

RB Craig Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Reynolds wasn't even ahead of Zonovan Knight with David Montgomery out, and both of them split what was basically a backup to Jahmyr Gibbs role, so there's no fantasy relevance here even if Montgomery can play on Thursday night.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - After Week 2, it looked like Stevenson was creating some separation between him and Ezekiel Elliott, but in Week 3, Elliott was the more productive back and got 16 carries to Stevenson's 19. Stevenson is still a low ceiling RB2, but Elliott could be a problem after all.

RB Deuce Vaughn, DAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Vaughn didn't see the field in Week 3 after getting at least eight snaps in each of the first two weeks. It looks like Rico Dowdle is the clear #2 back, so Vaughn is a #3 with a limited application who doesn't have any momentum right now. He's not an essential hold.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Davante Adams, LV - Jimmy Garoppolo has figured out what Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr already knew: just throw the ball to Adams. He was most of the Raiders offense in the loss and regained his week winner form after a slow start.

WR Keenan Allen, LAC - Allen was massive in Week 3 with a passing touchdown to Mike Williams to go with his 18 catches. Williams is out for the year and Allen is getting open at will, so he's going to have a chance to return first round value on a third round pick if he can stay healthy.

WR Tutu Atwell, LAR - Atwell was the only bright spot on a dark night for the Rams offense. He scored, but almost had two others and appears to have the staying power to at least be a what the heck flex in good matchups even after Cooper Kupp returns. Consider playing him as a WR3/Flex against the Colts this week.

WR Marquise Brown, ARI - Brown caught a short score on a nice play from Joshua Dobbs, and he should be seen in a better light in fantasy leagues with this Arizona offense looking better than expected even against a good defense like Dallas. The chance that Kyler Murray could return soon lifts Browns value even more.

WR DJ Chark Jr., CAR - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Chark got a deep score to put up a nice Week 3 stat line, but his bump in snaps came from Jonathan Mingo leaving due to a concussion, and it's not clear that #1 overall pick Bryce Young can unlock his value the way that Andy Dalton did in a spot start. Chark is worth an add, and maybe even a what the heck flex play this week if Dalton starts.

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper caught a long bomb from Deshaun Watson to cap the win over Tennessee and maybe help fantasy teams get a win. The issues that have put him on the injury report that last two weeks didn't appear to slow him down, and Watson's improved play should make us feel better about playing Cooper going forward.

WR Tank Dell, HOU - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Dell isn't just a slot waterbug. He showed that he's the Texans best deep threat with two long catches in Week 3, including one for a score to ice the game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud reportedly lobbied for the team to take him in the draft, and their chemistry matches that story. Dell is a strong WR3/Flex against the Steelers and could be even better than that going forward.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Doubs fantasy value has been up and down through three weeks, just like Jordan Love's play on Sunday, but both finished on a high note with the game-winning score by Doubs in tight coverage. Christian Watson and Aaron Jones will be back in the next week or two and fan out a low volume passing game target tree, but the red zone chemistry between Love and Doubs is undeniable.

WR Josh Downs, IND - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Downs was a big part of the passing game on short targets from Gardner Minshew, but it's not clear that he'll get that kind of target load when Anthony Richardson - probably this week. You have to still feel good about his involvement in the passing game and the chance for him to retain value on a lower target share if he can become a deep threat for Richardson.

WR Michael Gallup, DAL - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Gallup didn't break out when Brandin Cooks was out, but instead when the Cowboys were upset by the Cardinals, who did a good job forcing the Cowboys to throw to someone other than CeeDee Lamb. He'll only be a what the heck flex against the Patriots, but Gallup has the ability to be more for fantasy going forward if his role can grow due to injuries or strong play.

WR Quentin Johnston, LAC - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Johnston has an opportunity to show his stuff with Mike Williams down for the season due to an ACL tear, but he'll be behind Joshua Palmer on the wide receiver depth chart and hasn't flashed anything to make us think he'll seize that opportunity. The Chargers do run a ton of three wide sets and they appear to be ready to give the keys of the offense to Justin Herbert, so Johnston is worth a speculative add if bench sizes allow.

WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - For the second straight week Mims barely played on offense, but still made an impact in the box score. He also had one of the few highlights on a kick return score. The Broncos should use him more going forward and they do have a terrible defense that will get the offense into more pass heavy game scripts. Consider him a what the heck flex against Chicago with a chance for his role and value to grow again this week.

WR Elijah Moore, CLE - Moore had a fumble, but he led the team in catches and targets and the Browns appear to have a strong will get the ball in his hands. Consider Moore a WR3/Flex play against Baltimore with Deshaun Watson improving by the week.

WR Rondale Moore, ARI - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Moore still isn't doing much in the passing game, but he had a long run for a score out of the backfield, and this offense is better than expected, so it might support the value of a second wide receiver, especially when Kyler Murray returns, which could be "soon" according to Murray. Moore is add in leagues with longer benches.

WR Joshua Palmer, LAC - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Palmer's touchdown wasn't exactly a thing of beauty - it should have been intercepted, but he caught it on the deflecton - and his big bump in value this week is more because of Mike Williams going down for the year. Still, the Chargers look to be willing to put the game in Justin Herbert's hands and Palmer is well ahead of first round pick Quentin Johnston for the #2 role right now.

WR Jayden Reed, GB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Reed didn't score twice this week, but he could have had a bigger day with a few breaks, and he appears to be ready to play a big role in an NFL passing game. Whether that role will stay big when Christian Watson and Aaron Jones return is to be determined, but for now Reed is worth an add if bench size allows.

WR Deebo Samuel, SF - Samuel sounded very upset with his form in 2022 when talking about it this offseason and it appears that he has regained the form that made him a fantasy football star before last year's disappointment. Sure, Brandon Aiyuk being out helped his target share, but Samuel's value is still up on the impressive showing.

WR Adam Thielen, CAR - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Maybe it just took Thielen a few weeks get up to speed at this point in his career. Maybe it was just the pass offense coming alive with Andy Dalton. It's not clear that Thielen will retain this kind of value when Bryce Young returns, but he could also be one of the biggest late round hits in PPR leagues if Dalton can help Young perform better in the Panthers passing game. Thielen should be in lineups as a WR3/Flex in Week 4, especially if Dalton starts vs. Minnesota.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Rashod Bateman, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Bateman was a non-factor in the box score and got fewer snaps than Nelson Agholor in Week 3. He may come around at some point this year, but don't wait around for it while better waiver pickups come and go.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50%) - Sam Howell came back to earth in Week 3, and Jahan Dotson was quiet despite leading the wide receiver group in snaps. He's a clear hold except for the highest priority pickups (Achane, Dell), but Dotson will be on fantasy benches until he makes us regret putting him there.

WR Chris Godwin, TB - Godwin was adequate, not great in the Tampa wins to begin the season against weak defenses. Against a good defense, he was barely heard from. He's not an automatic starter against the Saints this week.

WR Tee Higgins, CIN - Higgins had a terrible case of the drops and he left the game in the second half. Watch the practice reports for more info because it would be a shame to miss the good matchup against the Titans, even with a limited Joe Burrow.

WR Drake London, ATL - It seems London's value is going to fluctuate with Desmond Ridder's level of play. Even in a good game script that got the team to throw 38 times, London was a Week 3 dud. He'll face a Jacksonville defense that hasn't been very vs. the pass this year, but is only a low ceiling WR3/Flex.

WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Reynolds was held out of the box score thanks to AJ Terrell. While he won't face a shut down corner every week (we'll see if Jaire Alexander is able to play on Thursday), Reynolds will have company in the downfield passing game come Week 7 when Jameson Williams returns from his suspension, so don't hold onto him too tightly if a priority waiver pickup is available.

WR Calvin Ridley, JAX - The promise of a huge Week 1 is fading as Ridley had a few drops and otherwise wasn't really clicking with Trevor Lawrence in a Week 3 struggle for the Jaguars offense against a Texans defense that was supposed to be an easy out. He might see a lot of former teammate AJ Terrell in Week 4, but is tough to leave on the bench in leagues that start 3 or more wide receivers.

WR Rashid Shaheed, NO - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Shaheed put his stamp on Week 3 with a punt return score, but that doesn't count in every league. He didn't catch a ball despite being on the field almost as much as Michael Thomas and over 70% of the time. It's not clear whether Jameis Winston can support value for him after a lackluster showing in Week 3 by the quarterback, and we don't know how long Derek Carr will be out. Shaheed isn't an essential hold despite a strong first two weeks in the box score.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - We have to be patient with rookies, but Smith-Njigba isn't playing well in his limited opportunites, his snap share is going down, and the Seahawks are making good use of their tight ends in the passing game. He's not an essential hold.

WR Kadarius Toney, KC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Toney barely played, although maybe it was because the game was a cake walk for the Chiefs. They don't seem to be going away from the spread it round pass offense, so Toney is only going to be a what the heck flex at best, and he has to get healthy to even get there.

WR Mike Williams, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Williams sadly went down for the year with an ACL tear. The Chargers will save $20 million in cap room if they cut him in the offseason, so we might have seen his last snap with the team.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Gerald Everett, LAC - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Everett gained value with the Chargers going pass heavy and Mike Williams going down for the year. He has also had the bad luck of Donald Parham getting all three tight end touchdowns, but eventually he'll get his.

TE Noah Fant, SEA - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Fant's value got a little bump in Week 3 with Will Dissly sitting and his stat line was acceptable if you played him, although Colby Parkinson is getting more snaps and keeping Fant from a target share that could sustain fantasy value. He's still a speculative hold in deeper leagues and you could do worse than playing him Monday night against the hapless Giants defense.

TE Jake Ferguson, DAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Ferguson did more with his targets this week and could be a more important part of the passing game going forward if teams limit CeeDee Lamb the way the Cardinals did in Week 3. Dak Prescott's penchant for looking at tight ends in the red zone makes Ferguson at least viable depth with rookie Luke Schoonmaker's snap count actually going down.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET - LaPorta hit for his first big play of the year, and he also became the first tight end in NFL history to catch at least five balls in his first three games. He's an everyweek start in fantasy and might end up in the top 5-6 tight ends this year.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Musgrave had a bounce back week against the Saints, and he could have had a breakout week with a big play, maybe even long score, if Jordan Love had been more accurate early in the game. Christian Watson and Aaron Jones will spread out this low volume passing game when they return, but Musgrave has a great matchup against the Lions on Thursday whether they play or not.

TE Donald Parham Jr., LAC - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Parham's red zone role is strong enough to have him leading all tight ends with three touchdowns. He's on the field about half of the time and some targets could shake loose with Mike Williams out for the year. He's still just a desperation play at tight end, but a path to sustained value could emerge.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Zach Ertz, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Ertz was quiet with the Cardinals spreading the ball around in a win over Dallas. He can get some cheap PPR points, but this offense is starting to evolve, rendering Ertz low ceiling bench depth and not an essential hold.

TE Hunter Henry, NE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50%) - Henry was quiet in Week 3, but still got five targets, so we shouldn't abandon him unless it's for a top waiver pickup like De'Von Achane or Tank Dell.

TE Hayden Hurst, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Someone forgot to send Hurst the memo that the Panthers passing game was going to come alive with Andy Dalton at the helm in Week 3. After being Bryce Young's security blanket in Week 1, Hurst's role in the passing game has shrunk. There's probably nothing sustainable to see here for fantasy.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Dawson Knox's back injury didn't keep him out of Week 3, and Kincaid continues to lag behind Knox in snap count and sit almost even with Knox in targets. That's no recipe for a breakout rookie tight end, but don't drop him for just anybody with Miami up next.

TE Cole Kmet, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Kmet was quiet in Week 3 as the whole Bears offense suffered. He could bounce back in Week 4 against the woeful Broncos, but it's not a sure thing that Justin Fields will play as he might have suffered a concussion. The Bears offense eventually got it going last year and Kmet was strong second half performer, so don't drop him for just anyone.

TE David Njoku, CLE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - All the talk of Njoku dominating camp and having a great rapport with Deshaun Watson has evaporated with Elijah Moore and Amari Cooper dominating targets in the passing game. Njoku has the talent to be an everyweek start and his quarterback's play is improving, but he's a drop for a priority pickup.

TE Darren Waller, NYG - Waller and the Giants offense had a long night against the 49ers. He's getting #1 receiver attention, and Daniel Jones and this offense aren't good enough to overcome that against a good defense. The Seahawks probably aren't that, so expect a bounce back game Monday night, but be worried if we don't get it.