Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 4

This was a crazy week at the quarterback position, as the backups came out to play. We saw big performances from Daniel Jones, Kyle Allen, Gardner Minshew, and Teddy Bridgewater that few saw coming. With all these new names stepping forward, it'll be tough to know who's worth adding and who to leave on waivers.

Bye weeks begin in Week 4, with the 49ers and Jets on bye this week. Jimmy Garoppolo owners will need to look for a fill-in option, while Luke Falk owners will need to take a hard look at their decision-making abilities. Owners of Carson Wentz (@ GB) and Baker Mayfield (@ BAL) may be interested in using a streamer this week, as both quarterbacks have tough road matchups.

In this article, we're looking at quarterbacks owned in fewer than 65% of fantasy leagues, while throwing in a few deep-league options who are owned in fewer than 10% of leagues.

QBs to Consider Adding and Streaming

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions - 51% Owned vs. KC

Stafford’s point total this week was a little underwhelming given the matchup and the high-scoring nature of his game with Philadelphia, but he’s in a great position to put up numbers with a home matchup against Kansas City. This game has a early total of 53.0, and while Kansas City is a -6 favorite, Stafford and the Lions will likely need to rely on the pass to keep pace with the Chiefs in this one. That’s what happened in Week 1 against Arizona, and Stafford put up 385 yards and three touchdowns in that game. His schedule gets significantly tougher after this game, with matchups against Green Bay and Minnesota, but Stafford is an excellent streaming option for those needing to fill a one-week gap.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants - 16% Owned vs. WAS

It was nice of the Giants to let Daniel Jones make his first NFL start against an NCAA caliber defense, and Jones responded with a big league performance in New York’s one-point victory. It won’t get any easier than this matchup for Jones, but he still has a decent matchup next week against Washington at home. Jones is certainly worth adding in deeper leagues as an upside stash, as the talented young quarterback could find himself quickly acclimated to the NFL and producing before expected. IF you’re in a two-OB league, or a league where owners hoard quarterbacks, then Jones should be picked up.

Case Keenum, Washington Redskins - 16% Owned vs. NYG

Keenum could be in for a rough one tonight versus Chicago, but he’s got the perfect bounce back opportunity in Week 4 against the Giants. Sure, all the focus in New York is around Daniel Jones right now, but don’t forget that the Giants Defense has allowed eight passing touchdowns in the first three weeks. They’ve also allowed 31.33 points per game over their first three games. No one is ever excited to add Case Keenum, including the Redskins, but he’s in a great position to produce this week.

Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts - 19% Owned vs. OAK

Good thing that Andrew Luck guy got out of Brissett’s way, as the ex-Patriot has thrown seven touchdowns through three games and put up his third-career 300-yard performance Sunday against Atlanta’s weak secondary. He gets an equally soft matchup this week, as the Oakland Raiders limp into town after taking a 34-14 beating at the hands of Minnesota. The Raiders have allowed 62 points over their last two games, and have shown no signs of life on defense this season. Hopefully, T.Y. Hilton is healthy enough to play in this one, but even without Hilton Brissett is a solid play against Oakland.

Two-QB League Pickups and Stashes

Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars - 8% Owned @ DEN

It’s not an easy matchup this week for Minshew, but owners in deeper leagues should still be looking at the savior of Jacksonville on waivers this week. Minshew has played unexpectedly well after being thrust into action, and better days could be ahead as Jackonsville’s schedule softens up following a Week 4 matchup in Denver. Rather than wait for Minshew to get expensive in terms of FAAB, owners should be looking to add him before the rush, which should come later down the line when he faces weaker opponents.

Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans Saints - 6% Owned vs. DAL

Teddy two-gloves is back, and playing his low-risk, low-reward play style just like he did in his Minnesota days. For deeper leagues his efficiency and ability to avoid turnovers gives him relatively decent value as a short-term fill-in. His matchup against Dallas this week isn't exactly a cake walk, but Bridgewater should be able to lean on the plethora of offensive weapons to help him put up a respectable line, as he did against Seattle this week. Even if you aren't using Bridgewater this week, he might be worth a preemptive add, as New Orleans takes on Tampa Bay in Week 5. If you've got an open roster spot, that game alone might be worth the stash. Even for this week, one could do worse than Bridgewater at home in a potential shootout with Dallas.

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