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Xavier Hutchinson Has Short-Term Waiver Appeal
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson has some short-term waiver appeal heading into Week 4, though his value could change quickly if Nico Collins returns. Hutchinson caught three of six targets for 51 yards in Sunday's loss to Indianapolis and added four yards on two carries. He has now seen 21 targets through three games, turning them into nine catches for 120 yards, with Collins missing the last two contests because of a hamstring injury. Houston is hopeful Collins can return against Dallas, which would likely push Hutchinson back down the target pecking order. Hutchinson also left Sunday's game late after a 28-yard catch and was evaluated in the medical tent, so his own status is worth monitoring. He sits 38th on RotoBaller's Week 4 waiver board at 7% rostered, with a recommendation for 12-team leagues. That makes Hutchinson a reasonable short-term add, but not someone fantasy managers need to chase aggressively if Collins is close to returning.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Ben Johnson Non-Committal on QB Situation Entering Week 4
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not say much about the team's quarterback situation heading into Week 4 against the New York Jets when he was asked about it on Tuesday on ESPN 1000, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. "We'll see how it plays out all week," Johnson said. Starting QB Caleb Williams suffered a strained hamstring late in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and was ruled out for the Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With backup Tyson Bagent in the league's concussion protocol for most of the week, veteran third-stringer Case Keenum ended up making the start for Chicago in Week 3. The 38-year-old turned back the clock to stun the Eagles in a 27-7 win, in which he went 24-for-34 passing for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Keenum added a one-yard rushing score for good measure. It was an unexpectedly strong performance, but if Williams needs another week to recover, it seems likely that Johnson will give Keenum another start in Chicago this Sunday versus the Jets.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Titans Not Considering Benching Cam Ward
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward continued to struggle in Sunday's Week 3 loss to the New York Giants, dropping the Titans to 0-3 and Ward to 3-17 since entering the league as the first overall pick in 2025. The Athletic's Mike Jones writes that Ward's overall play "raises central questions about whether he is truly grasping the mental demands of the position or whether a benching could spark much-needed growth." When asked if he would consider sitting Ward, head coach Robert Saleh offered a quick, unexpounded "No." The 24-year-old has completed 62.5% of his passes for 504 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in three games played. He has failed to go over 200 yards passing in a game this year and ranks 25th in passer rating (80.9), 22nd in completion percentage (62.5), and dead last in most advanced analytics categories, including EPA/play and success rate. If the Titans do eventually decide to bench Ward if his play does not improve, it would be veteran backup Mitchell Trubisky who would be the next man up under center for the Titans.
Source: The Athletic - Mike Jones
Source: The Athletic - Mike Jones
Jason Sanders Signed to Jets' Active Roster
The New York Jets waived kicker Blake Grupe on Tuesday and signed kicker Jason Sanders to their active 53-man roster, a source told Brian Costello of The New York Post. Sanders has been elevated from the practice squad in the first three weeks of the season and has been solid while serving as the starting placekicker early in the 2026 season. The 30-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018 from New Mexico has made five of his six field-goal attempts (2-for-3 from 50-plus yards) and all five of his extra-point tries through his first three games with the Jets. Sanders missed all of last season with an injury, but now that he is healthy and kicking for an improved Jets offense, he will have some weekly streaming appeal in fantasy football in the right matchups. Fantasy managers should probably go in another direction in Week 4, with the Jets traveling to Chicago to take on the Bears. Through three weeks, the Bears defense has allowed only 17.7 points per game, and kicking in the Windy City is usually difficult.
Source: The New York Post - Brian Costello
Source: The New York Post - Brian Costello
Texans Open to Leaning More into the Passing Game
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle that he is willing to lean more into the passing game going forward with the running game stalling out. The Texans lost a close one on Sunday in Week 3 to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts to fall to 0-3, and they now face a must-win game this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Houston ranks 28th in yards per carry at 3.6 and 30th in rushing yards, averaging just 84.6 per game, through the first three weeks of the 2026 season. The Texans' lack of success on the ground is not just on running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks, as the offensive line has struggled to open running lanes consistently. It has not helped that the Texans have been without top receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) for the last two games, but they could get him back this weekend against Dallas. Quarterback C.J. Stroud had his worst game of the year against the Colts, but he has completed 60% of his passes for 794 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions through three games. If the Texans lean more into the passing game once Collins returns, Stroud could continue what has been a strong fantasy season so far.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
Michael Penix Jr. a Potential Streamer in Monday Night Divisional Matchup
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) made his first start in over 10 months in his team's Thursday night win over the Packers, and while he had obvious rust to work through early, he ended the night with 256 yards and a touchdown. With the strange scheduling quirk of going from Thursday to Monday, the Falcons now have four extra days of rest and preparation ahead of a divisional clash with the Saints. After finishing as the fantasy QB21 in his return to action, Penix is a viable streaming option in a Week 4 matchup with one of the week's highest projected scores, and he is readily available on most waiver wires after going largely undrafted in single-quarterback leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Marcus Mariota Remains One of the NFL's Best Backup Quarterbacks
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota threw three touchdown passes in Sunday's upset victory over the Seahawks, finishing the week as the fantasy QB13. The veteran backup has now averaged 17.7 fantasy points across his last nine starts, topping 21 points four times in that span. Jayden Daniels (elbow) is expected to travel with the team to London, but his status remains up in the air, and after gutting out a victory against one of the league's premier defensive units, Mariota could be in line for a second start against an Indianapolis Colts team that has allowed the third most passing yards through three weeks. Still possessing elite rushing upside even at nearly 33 years old, Mariota makes for a strong potential streaming option in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Makai Lemon a Week 4 Add as His Role Continues to Grow
Philadelphia Eagles rookie first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon has seen his snap counts and route participation hold relatively steady through the first three games of his career, but in a Monday night loss to the Bears in which quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for only 153 yards, the rookie showed flashes of growth. Lemon converted his four targets into three receptions and a season-best 29 yards, racking up most of that yardage after the catch, and he should only see his involvement grow. The 2026 first-round pick is unlikely to be readily available on most waiver wires, but he is a must-add wherever still available, and he could soon work his way into the flex conversation as he continues to earn more targets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Watkins a Name to Look for on Waiver Wires as Next Man Up
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins caught two passes in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, matching his total from his 2025 rookie season, and he could be thrust into a featured role in a Niners offense that continues to impress despite a growing list of injuries. Veteran Mike Evans (ribs) is considered day-to-day with the rib strain that knocked him out of Sunday's victory, allowing Watkins to turn his two receptions into 60 yards. Quarterback Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level, and if Evans is unable to suit up against the Broncos, Watkins could feature heavily in two-receiver sets alongside Deebo Samuel Sr., making the 2025 fourth-round pick one of the week's top short-term adds.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kayshon Boutte Still Holds Long-Term Value on Waivers
Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has caught only six passes through the first three games of his Texans tenure, but it's reasonable to assume he could soon work his way into a larger role. Boutte was acquired less than a month before the regular season began, and a gradual ramp-up period was always a possibility. With two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins (hamstring) missing the last two games, much of the Texans' passing offense has run through tight end Dalton Schultz, but even as Collins nears a return, the team could still benefit from another outside presence. Boutte scored a career-high seven touchdowns in his final season with the Patriots while averaging over 17 yards per reception, and if he can keep building chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud, he could work his way back into the flex conversation in deeper leagues, making him a worthy stash from this week's waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giants Releasing Odell Beckham Jr.
The New York Giants are releasing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Beckham made the Giants' 53-man roster with a strong training camp and preseason, but he has not been featured much on offense through the first three weeks of the season, and the two sides have decided that a mutual parting was best for everyone. It gives OBJ another opportunity to catch on with a team in a better situation where his talents can be better utilized. Although the Giants have had some tough luck with injuries to key players early on, their receiving corps is still quite deep. The 33-year-old Beckham played only 16% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, followed by 5% in Week 2 and 9% in Week 3, leading to zero catches on just one target. The former first-rounder in 2014 from LSU is nearing the end of his NFL career, and although he could latch on with another WR-needy team (maybe the San Francisco 49ers), his path back to fantasy relevance likely remains a long shot.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Jayden Daniels Could Have Offseason Elbow Surgery
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow for now, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Daniels will probably require surgery after the 2026 season. With that said, Schefter does not believe that Daniels will be active for the Week 4 game in London on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, which would be his second straight missed game after dislocating his elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. But Daniels is expected to return sooner rather than later, and head coach Dan Quinn said that he expects Daniels to be on the practice field in some fashion this week. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU put on a show as a rookie in 2024 and led the Commanders to the NFC Championship, but he managed to play in only seven games last year after he dislocated his left elbow the first time. Daniels has high-end QB1 upside because of his dual-threat abilities at the position, but his inability to stay healthy has become a real concern in real life and in fantasy. If he is not cleared to play in London this week, veteran Marcus Mariota will look to lead Washington to a second straight win.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Giants Could Turn to J.J. McCarthy in the "Near Future"
League sources told SNY's Connor Hughes that the New York Giants do not give up a fifth-round pick unless they plan to play quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the "near future." McCarthy was the Minnesota Vikings' 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from Michigan. The 23-year-old was on track to start in his rookie year before a knee injury ended his season early and handed the job to Sam Darnold. Minnesota then let Darnold walk in free agency and handed the starting gig to McCarthy in 2025, but he crashed and burned as a first-time starter, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while missing extended time with injuries. He was erratic on the field and showed maturity concerns off the field, which is why the Vikings brought in Kyler Murray to compete with him this summer. Murray won the job, and McCarthy fell to third string, behind Carson Wentz. With Jaxson Dart (knee) done for the year, McCarthy gives the G-Men a gritty competitor who is mobile and has a strong arm. Veteran Jameis Winston won his first game as the starter in Week 3, but as soon as McCarthy is up to speed with head coach John Harbaugh's offense, he could get the nod to start games in New York.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Jaylen Warren Could Continue to be Workhorse for Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was one of the most important reasons that the offense was able to get back on track in the Week 3 win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and he served in a workhorse role with Rico Dowdle out with a toe injury. On 20 touches, Warren produced a career-high 176 yards from scrimmage. "He is one of the toughest guys I've ever played with, and I just can't say enough about his energy and the way he runs the football and the way he cares about his teammates," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo suggests that it might be time for Pittsburgh to put more on Warren's plate, even with Dowdle returns to the fold. Warren has displayed the versatility to play on every down and has the toughness to play through pain and the stamina to last deep into games. Through the first two games in 2026, Warren and Dowdle were part of an almost even backfield split. Since entering the NFL, Warren has the ninth-highest yards per carry (4.8) and the ninth-most yards after contact per rush (3.3). On a short week with a Thursday night game against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, Dowdle could be held out for a second straight game, making Warren an absolute must-start fantasy RB.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
George Holani's Receiving Work Keeps Him on the Waiver Radar
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani has some PPR stash appeal after a more involved Week 3 than his rushing line suggests. Holani carried three times for 10 yards in Sunday's loss to Washington, but he also caught five passes for 48 yards, giving him eight touches and 58 total yards. He played 24 offensive snaps, matching Emanuel Wilson and finishing ahead of Jadarian Price's 19. Price's second straight lost fumble only adds more uncertainty to the backfield, while Zach Charbonnet is not yet ready to return to practice. He lands 50th overall on RotoBaller's Week 4 waiver board at 6% rostered, with a recommendation for 14-team PPR leagues. Holani is still a deeper-league add, but the receiving work gives him a better case than his three-carry total alone would suggest.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett Has Short-Term Value for QB-Needy Managers
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is worth a look for managers digging deeper for Week 4 quarterback help. Brissett completed 38 of 52 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's loss to San Francisco, then added another score on the ground. The 52 attempts were a season high after he threw 37 passes in Week 1 and 28 in Week 2, so there was plenty of volume to work with. The upcoming schedule helps, too. Arizona visits the Giants in Week 4 before hosting Detroit the following week, and both matchups have Brissett on the short-term fantasy radar. He checks in 71st overall on RotoBaller's current waiver board, where the recommendation is geared toward two-quarterback leagues. Brissett makes the most sense as a 2QB or Superflex pickup, though managers in deeper one-quarterback formats can also consider him as a matchup-based streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaleb Johnson Worth Watching After Increased Week 3 Work
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is starting to carve out a larger role, but he remains a deeper-league stash heading into Week 4. Johnson carried four times for six yards and caught one pass for 10 yards in Thursday's loss to Atlanta after rushing eight times for 32 yards in Week 2. The more interesting development is the backfield rotation. Johnson played 22 offensive snaps against the Falcons, ahead of MarShawn Lloyd's 15, while Chris Brooks still led the group with 26. Johnson did not play an offensive snap in Week 1, so his role is clearly moving in the right direction, even if Green Bay is still using multiple backs. RotoBaller has Johnson 46th overall on its Week 4 waiver board, at 6% rostered, with a recommendation for 14-team leagues. He is worth stashing in deeper formats, but managers in standard 10- or 12-team leagues do not need to force the pickup yet.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kareem Hunt Worth a Speculative Stash for Week 4
Free-agent running back Kareem Hunt is a pure speculation stash for Week 4, but the timing makes him more interesting than he was a week ago. Injuries have hit several backfields around the league, and Hunt is still unsigned after spending 2025 with Kansas City. He appeared in all 17 games last season, rushing 163 times for 611 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 18 catches for 143 yards and another score. There is no confirmed visit or landing spot yet, so this is not a pickup for managers looking for immediate production. RotoBaller has Hunt 36th overall on its Week 4 waiver board, at 1% rostered, with a recommendation for 12-team leagues. That feels like the right range. Hunt is worth stashing if the bench spot is available, but he remains a bet on a team deciding it needs veteran help rather than a player with a defined fantasy role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Greg Dulcich a Deep-League PPR Stash for Week 4
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich is back on the fantasy radar after catching five of seven targets for 55 yards in Sunday's 24-10 loss to Kansas City. He had managed only four catches for 35 yards over the first two games, so the jump to seven targets is the part worth watching. Dulcich also had a 42-yard reception, easily his biggest play of the season. He now has nine catches for 90 yards through three weeks and remains Miami's starting tight end. The waiver case is still more about possible growth than dependable production, though. RotoBaller has Dulcich 41st overall on its Week 4 waiver board, at 7% rostered, with a recommendation for 14-team PPR leagues. That keeps him in the deeper-league stash range for now. Managers in standard 10- or 12-team formats can leave him on the wire unless they are particularly thin at tight end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Willis a Deep-League Quarterback Add for Week 4
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is a deeper-league waiver option heading into Week 4, with most of his fantasy appeal coming from his rushing ability. Willis completed 20 of 36 passes for 210 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 24-10 loss to Kansas City, while adding 56 yards on nine carries. He has now rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown through three games, but the passing production has been much harder to trust. Willis has thrown for 627 yards with only one touchdown and two interceptions this season, and Miami has scored 13 points or fewer in all three games. RotoBaller has him at QB29 for Week 4 and 70th overall on its waiver board, where he is recommended in 14-team leagues. That keeps Willis in the deep-league and Superflex conversation, but he is not one of the stronger streaming choices in standard one-quarterback formats for Sunday's matchup with Minnesota.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kalif Raymond Can Be a Solid Pickup in Larger Role
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond led the team with 91 receiving yards on six receptions in Week 3 against the Eagles, and the 10-year veteran from Holy Cross continues to get off to a fast start in his first season with the Bears. Raymond has caught 19 of 21 targets in his three games this season, and he has at least five catches and five targets in each game. Raymond has shown big-play potential throughout his career as a kick returner, and now that he's in a more regularly involved role in the offense, he continues to bring a high ceiling. For as long as he stays in this role, Raymond will be a sleeper FLEX play in the Bears' high-scoring offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Xavier Hutchinson
