FAAB Waiver Wire Bidding - Fantasy Football Pickups to Target for Week 4 (2025)

September 24, 2025

Nick Mariano's fantasy football waiver wire FAAB bidding guide for Week 4 (2025) -- how many FAAB dollars (free agent acquisition budget) to spend on waivers.

Week 3 brought some brutal box scores and injuries to our doorstep, which means many of you are scrambling for reinforcements. Whether you're trying to plug a gap left by said injuries or simply looking to improve and cut off your opponents from resupplying, we've got you covered. Let's get to work with our famous waiver wire pickups list and our fantasy football waiver wire columns by position -- specially tailored for leagues using FAAB.

Remember that these FAAB prices do not indicate how much these free-agent players will go for, as your league likely has a 0-3 team spiraling that will blow everything to salvage their season. Bye weeks will start to come after this next week, so this is our last chance to truly fill out the bench with stashes as we hope to strike gold. It's time to get down to business.

As always, I cannot know your specific league outlook, so please try to leverage historical data and personal knowledge whenever possible. We're going to cut off the rostered rate at 40% on Yahoo!, but clearly, you can be aggressive if someone is dropped or lingers on the wire above that threshold. Please remember to balance long-term upside with realistic immediate needs!

FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Quarterbacks

Geno Smith (QB, LV) - 28% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%

Smith rebounded from an embarrassing Monday night display in Week 2 against the Chargers with nearly 300 total yards and a trio of tuddies on just 19 completions at Washington. While he won’t run back the hyperefficiency, Week 4 could bring a shootout if Chicago’s offense builds on the momentum shown on Sunday.

Remember, it doesn't have to be pretty! And every week that passes, Brock Bowers' knee health and effectiveness should improve (theoretically).

Marcus Mariota (QB, WAS) - 6% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%

Mariota performed well in Jayden Daniels’ stead, completing 15-of-21 passes for 207 yards and a score while rushing for 40 yards and another TD on six totes. His rush upside always keeps him in play, especially with an Atlanta defense that is reeling from an embarrassing loss to Carolina. However, Daniels may play, which would send Mariota back to the wires.

Sam Darnold (QB, SEA) - 19% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%

After going scoreless in Week 1, Darnold has thrown for a pair of scores in Weeks 2 and 3. His chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is through the roof, and even if y’all want to skip him for Thursday night at Arizona, he then gets Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Houston before the Week 8 bye.

Jaxson Dart (QB, NYG) - 5% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%

Russell Wilson had an astounding Week 2 after the horrid Week 1, but just dropped the rubber match with two interceptions and poor throws, going 18-of-32 passing against Kansas City. The coachspeak writing is on the wall.

#Giants coach Brian Daboll says they’re “evaluating everything” when asked about QB. The #Chargers come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Russell Wilson or Jaxson Dart against them is under consideration.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 22, 2025

The Giants are now 0-3 with a game against the 3-0 Chargers on the horizon, so perhaps Brian Daboll will wait until Week 5’s easier game at New Orleans to make the switch. Unfortunately, then NYG faces the Eagles, the Broncos in Denver, and then Philly again. This is unlikely to feel comfortable, but Dart has the skill set to be fantasy-relevant whilst being messy in real life.

FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Running Backs

*Trey Benson is 52% rostered, but is a 100% FAAB situation.

Woody Marks (RB, HOU) - 9% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 6-10%
Aggressive Bid: 10-14%
Desperation Bid: 14-20%

With Dameon Pierce inactive and Dare Ogunbowale limited to special teams, Marks and Chubb ran a nearly even snap share. Chubb gained 40 yards on 12 touches while Marks notched 36 yards on his seven looks.

The veteran was rarely able to break through Jacksonville’s front, gaining more than four yards on a carry twice, and one of those was a 3rd-and-12 handoff out of shotgun against a pass look. His receiving looks saw him unable to break away from the first defender on him.

Now, Marks did drop an easy screen pass, but he was motioned into the slot from out wide to set up the play (Chubb was always in the backfield). But the rookie also made two tacklers miss on his lone reception, nearly evading a third before being spun down. We could see more chances for Woody in the coming weeks, with his passing chops being more valuable at Baltimore in Week 5.

#Texans Week 3 RB Usage

- Nick Chubb: 51% snaps, 9 carries, 17 routes, 4 targets (40 yards)
- Woody Marks: 49% snaps, 6 carries, 16 routes, 2 targets (36 yds)

Marks starting to get more involved

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 21, 2025

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB, WAS) - 5% rostered
Jeremy McNichols (RB, WAS) - 3% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 5-8% / 3-5%
Aggressive Bid: 8-12% / 5-8%
Desperation Bid: 12-15% / 8-10%

Washington ran a fantasy-maddening rotation at running back, which resulted in Rodriguez getting 11 touches, McNichols seeing four, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt with nine. Depending on your slant, there’s something to like from all three of them.

C-Rod got the first drive as they drove down, but Mariota took the rush TD for himself. It was McNichols who broke out for a 60-yard TD. Then, JCM also punched in a score and caught the only pass out of the backfield, leading the group with seven routes run.

It remains an odd pattern where JCM stays on the sidelines to start the game, and McNichols looks to have absorbed the passing-down work. Rodriguez could snag a couple of two-TD games, but they’re most likely to cannibalize each other and sit on the fringe of trustworthiness.

Blake Corum (RB, LAR) - 18% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 4-6%
Aggressive Bid: 6-8%
Desperation Bid: 8-12%

The second-year rusher turned eight carries into 53 yards one week after recording a 5-44-1 line. Now, Kyren Williams ran effectively as well, logging 76% of the snaps after going from 82% in Week 1 to 70% in Week 2. Those who were hoping for a downward spiral into the 60-65% range will have to relax.

Outside of a Williams injury, averaging seven yards a pop and earning confidence is as good as it gets for Corum. He’s become one of the best handcuff options available in that Tyler Allgeier tier. Get ahead of the next potential Trey Benson sweepstakes with them.

Tahj Brooks (RB, CIN) - 0% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 0-1%
Aggressive Bid: 1-2%
Desperation Bid: 2-4%

Lost in the poor overall performance from Cincinnati was Samaje Perine’s second-quarter thumb injury. Amidst the blowout, Brooks mixed in late with five carries for 17 yards. That’s not much, but it shines brightly compared to Chase Brown’s three yards on 10 rushes!

If Brown keeps struggling and Perine is unavailable, Brooks may see intriguing volume and an opportunity to build momentum. Joe Burrow’s talent did what it could to cover up the woes of Cincinnati’s offensive line, so keep expectations muted.

Dollar Bin:

Kyle Monangai (CHI), Kendre Miller (NO), Ty Johnson (BUF)

FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Wide Receivers

Luther Burden III (WR, CHI) - 11% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 8-12%
Aggressive Bid: 12-18%
Desperation Bid: 18-25%

Burden is still the nominal No. 4 receiver at this time, but he connected on a 65-yard touchdown thanks to a flea-flicker that says volumes. You don’t scheme up a nobody for the prime deep route on that trick play. Or the sweep on third down with four yards to go. There is intent already, and Burden also got the job done in both instances.

After just one catch in each of their first two games, the rookie brought in all three targets for 101 total yards and the score, mixing in that seven-yard rush as well. If the ground game can’t be reliable, Burden’s playmaking abilities will rise to the top as Ben Johnson schemes up the passing attack. I know some of you saw Burden jettisoned in the early waiver churn, so pounce.

Olamide Zaccheaus is a fine role player, but Burden, Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore are their best trio. And the latter continues to have trade rumors swirling while also sneaking in some backfield reps.

If this kicks off Burden’s upward trend in usage, then you won’t want to be late. You want to target guys with top-25 WR upside that could really pop if it works. Hopefully, you can find a bench slot to evaluate him in Week 4 before their early bye week comes.

Elic Ayomanor (WR, TEN) - 21% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 6-9%
Aggressive Bid: 9-13%
Desperation Bid: 13-18%

Ayomanor continues to show chemistry with Cameron Ward, bringing in a touchdown in his second consecutive game. The overall 4-38-1 line isn’t crazy, but the TDs help cover up the lower volume as Ward and the 2025 Titans adjust to NFL speed.

Thus far, Ayomanor has only seen target tallies of seven, six, and now, five. Don’t get wrapped up in the slight downward tick, and focus on the robust involvement out of the gate. Tennessee will trail in many, many games this year, which will keep the ball in the air.

Plus matchups against Houston, Arizona, Las Vegas, and New England are approaching, and Brian Callahan may soon cede play-calling duties. Hope springs eternal.

Tre Tucker (WR, LV) - 5% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 3-5%
Aggressive Bid: 5-7%
Desperation Bid: 7-10%

A week after eight targets only supplied Tucker with three catches for 12 yards, his nine looks on Sunday led to eight catches, 145 yards, and three touchdowns. This doesn’t suddenly make Tucker a star, but you knew that, as we saw four top-24 splashes out of him last year, including the WR8 finish in Week 3.

However, I’d be remiss not to mention how well the Raiders schemed Tucker open. He often operated with a stacked “clearout” WR in front of him on the line of scrimmage, only to use his speed and that cushion to win distance across the field. This led to his first two TDs, with the third being a 61-yard strike where the safety was more concerned with Brock Bowers. That will often happen! Let’s see where this goes.

Parker Washington (WR, JAX) - 1% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 2-4%
Aggressive Bid: 4-6%
Desperation Bid: 6-8%

With Travis Hunter getting more play on defense than offense of late, Brian Thomas Jr. still off, and Dyami Brown suffering a shoulder injury early on Sunday, Washington became the focal point. Look beyond the lousy 4-34-0 box score, and you’ll see a whopping 11 targets, which followed his catching all five targets for 76 yards in Week 2.

We can’t expect a healthy role for the entire year, but if Brown is unavailable in Week 4 at San Francisco, then Washington holds deep flex appeal. This goes double for the BTJ doubters.

Tory Horton (WR, SEA) - 3% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 2-4%
Aggressive Bid: 4-6%
Desperation Bid: 6-8%

Horton made waves in Week 3 thanks to a 95-yard punt return TD and another receiving score alongside four catches for 32 yards. That’s the second straight week that he’s found the endzone on just four targets, with Seattle scoring 31 and 44 points in the recent wins.

One isn’t comfortable starting Horton anywhere yet, but they’re learning how to utilize his speed and giving him the slot role. Cooper Kupp isn’t standing out either, with all falling behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba for attention.

Adonai Mitchell (WR, IND) - 0% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 1-2%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 3-5%

Mitchell couldn’t haul in either of his two targets on Sunday, but there’s an opportunity here with Alec Pierce dealing with a concussion. The big-play threat should be needed as the Colts look to stay hot against a potent Rams team that has been beaten through the air.

I know there's this Dontayvion Wicks-y aura about Mitchell where the raw skills and field-stretching speed have fallen flat on game day, but the door is cracked.

Dollar Bin:

Tyquan Thornton (KC), KaVontae Turpin (DAL), Jalen Tolbert (DAL), Sterling Shepard (TB), Jalen Coker (CAR), Arian Smith (NYJ), Jaylin Lane (WAS), Malik Washington (MIA, Tyreek Hill trade?)

FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Tight Ends

Chig Okonkwo (TE, TEN) - 31% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 1-2%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 3-5%

Those in need of a TE are not going to find a long-term answer from this week's action. But these guys can still approach 10 points with their workload trends.

Seeing six targets for the second straight week, Okonkwo set season highs with five catches and 66 yards in the loss to Indianapolis. It’s nice to see a healthier median target expectation, but it’s all relative to a young offense that’s still finding its stride.

Brenton Strange (TE, JAX) - 25% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 1-2%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 3-5%

Strange is becoming a fine PPR option after amassing a 6-61-0 line on seven targets, but the low floor on Jacksonville’s offense does keep us humble. He’ll look to push the streak of TEs scoring TDs against San Francisco to three in a row after Juwan Johnson and Trey McBride have hit paydirt.

Oronde Gadsden (TE, LAC) - 0% rostered 

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2%
Desperation Bid: 3-4%

The Chargers kept the passing pedal to the metal as they eked out a Week 3 win over Denver. Including Gadsden, five Chargers saw seven or more targets in the 23-20 victory, which should pad their lead as the team with the highest passing rate over expectation (passing in neutral situations).

Will Dissly’s knee injury did not clear any paths to work for Tyler Conklin, as the 6-foot-5 Gadsden flashed how he compiled a 73-934-7 receiving line at Syracuse in ‘24. The rookie has plenty in the toolbox and was originally a wide receiver in college, so these are the fantasy-relevant TE chops we want to know about. Frankly, finding any avenues to play that are connected to Justin Herbert needs to be respected, but you should be able to sneak him through.

FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Defense/Special Teams

New England Patriots Defense (vs. CAR) - 14% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 4-5%

The Panthers crushed the Falcons in Week 3, but still managed to make it three straight games with a sack and a turnover against to start the year. Much of Carolina’s success came due to Atlanta’s offense failing to move the ball, rather than Bryce Young pushing the action.

The Pats struggled to pressure Aaron Rodgers, but racked up nine sacks in the first two games against Las Vegas and Miami. Rodgers is old, but still has a strong pocket presence. Young is much closer to the Tua Tagovailoa tier, so another sack parade could be coming.

Chicago Bears Defense (at LV) - 4% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 4-5%

Even a good Geno Smith performance still saw him get sacked five times, which gives them at least three sacks against in each game so far. He’s also thrown four INTs next to the 12 sacks, which is great timing for a Bears defense that just recorded two sacks and four turnovers against Dallas.

New York Jets Defense (at MIA) - 13% rostered

FAAB Bid: 1%
Aggressive Bid: 2-3%
Desperation Bid: 4-5%

Speaking of Tagovailoa, he’ll host the Jets next. Gang Green hasn’t been stout on defense, allowing nearly 30 points per game thus far, but small samples will be skewed by facing quarterbacks like Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield.

If Will McDonald, Quincy Williams, and Quinnen Williams can get home (all three already have three QB Hits, per Pro Football Reference), then it could be a long day for Tagovailoa.

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