🖥 CYBER WEEK - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

FAAB Auction Bidding - Week 4 Waiver Wire Targets

Welcome back readers. We're through three weeks and you are starting to get a sense of your overall team's potential and what focal points to address on your roster. Luckily for you we've dedicated a whole section to finding the right pickups to help your team moving forward.

We had a few injuries in Week 3, including Jeremy Langford and Thomas Rawls reportedly out for at least a month.

Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 4. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. Be sure to also check out our weekly waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all Week 4 options.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 4 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs

Jordan Howard (CHI, RB) - $20-25

21% owned in Fleaflicker

The biggest injury news of the weekend was Jeremy Langford going down with an Achilles injury that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks. While it's a devastating blow for Langford owners, Bears fans and RB-needy lineups are salivating at the opportunity ahead for Jordan Howard. Howard finished the game and ran nine times for 45 yards and tacked on four catches for 47 yards.

Howard, a 5th round rookie from Indiana, has shown his explosive speed in the preseason and in limited snaps before Week 3. The coaches had mentioned Langford's inability to grind out yards after contact even before the Achilles injury, implying that Howard was due for an increased workload regardless. In fact, both backs had split the carries until Langford left the game. Howard has a favorable schedule ahead of him with the Lions, Colts, and Jaguars all on deck. With Langford expected to be out at least a month, Howard is the must-add of the week and worth a significant portion of your FAAB budget. He's an RB2 moving forward.

Orleans Darkwa (NYG, RB) - $6-12

3% owned in Fleaflicker

The second Giants running back to make this section, Darkwa was inserted for the injured Shane Vereen and made use of his time. Darkwa saw 10 carries for 53 yards and a score. He also added a nine-yard catch. Overall it was a solid performance, but not enough to run away with the job.

With Vereen and Rashad Jennings (potentially) out for Week 4, the Giants have stated they will use a committee consisting of Darkwa and Bobby Rainey. Rainey is a special-teams pass-catching back, leaving all the early down carries for Darkwa. This is good for owners looking for volume, but the matchup is horrible this week. Darkwa has a Monday night showdown with the Vikings, arguably the best defensive unit so far. Darkwa may just end up being a one-week stop gap option, so don't go too crazy with your bids.

Wendell Smallwood (PHI, RB) – FAAB Bid: $1-3

11% owned in Fleaflicker

You can go ahead and throw away your preseason plans for the Eagles running back situation. Those are dead and buried under Doug Pederson. Ryan Matthews was expected to be the lead back but saw his usage drop in Week 2 and then become nonexistent after injuring his foot on Sunday. This left the running back duties to Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner, and Wendell Smallwood. And while Sproles did his thing in the passing game, it was Smallwood carving it up on the ground.

Smallwood saw the rock 17 times for 79 yards and a touchdown, with 64 of them coming in the second half to ice the game. More importantly, Smallwood got the first crack at goal-line touches instead of Barner of the smaller Sproles. This leads us to believe if Matthews is to miss any time, Smallwood will become the early-down back and handle all the goal-line touches, with Sproles handling the pass-game and Barner sprinkling in for relief. If you own Matthews, Smallwood is a must-own.

Also Consider: Dwayne Washington (DET, RB) - $10, Jay Ajayi (MIA, RB) - $1

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers

Terrelle Pryor (CLE, WR) - FAAB Bid: $9-12

23% owned in Fleaflicker

For the record, this is why you need a Twitter account. Reports flooded in on Sunday that Pryor would be used in a variety of forms and we touted Pryor as a must-add before 1 PM. Pryor ended up doing more than even I expected, playing quarterback, wide receiver, and safety. Pryor ended up completing 3-of-5 passes for 35 yards, 21 rushing yards with a touchdown, and eight catches on 14 targets for 144 yards. That was enough to finish 5th among wide receivers, and he was available in over 85% of leagues before kickoff.

There are two main threats to Pryor keeping this up; Cody Kessler and Josh Gordon. Kessler was pedestrian on Sunday, accumulating 244 yards on 21 completions, but he cannot be trusted. Pryor himself was inefficient in the pocket and will not be the answer. Thankfully Josh McCown should return in 2-4 weeks, but by then Josh Gordon will be back. Gordon is a more athletic and polished version of Pryor who cannot seem to get out of trouble, but he will eat into Pryor's touches regardless.

Treat Pryor like a WR3/FLEX for Week 4 but he will need to continue to see QB-gadget plays to be relevant when Gordon returns, something I do not see occurring with McCown under center.

Steve Smith Sr. (BAL, WR) - FAAB Bid: $3-5

31% owned in Fleaflicker

If you need further proof Steve Smith has still got it physically and verbally, go ask Jalen Ramsey. Smith backed up his talk on the field with a productive game, turning 11 targets into eight catches for 87 yards. It was easily his best game of 2016 and is looking more comfortable with each game as he gets further away from the ACL injury that took away 2015.

While Smith was relatively quiet the first two weeks with Mike Wallace making his presence known, I expect Smith to be the focal point of the offense going forward. He is the vocal leader of the offense and is still ahead of Breshad Perriman and Kamar Aiken on the depth chart. The Ravens have a cupcake matchup with the Raiders next in which Smith will be in the WR3 consideration once more.

Also Consider: Jamison Crowder (WAS, WR) - $8, Kevin White (CHI, WR) - $3, Pierre Garcon (WAS, WR) - $2, Cole Beasley (DAL, WR) - $1, Anquan Boldin (DET, WR) - $1

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends

Zach Miller (CHI, TE) - FAAB Bid: $2-4

49% owned in Fleaflicker

Humming right along the Bears garbage time train takes us to the next stop, the safety valve. Miller has always excelled at that and was superb on Sunday, turning nine targets into eight catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He had a slow start to 2016, seeing only nine targets in the first two games for 47 yards. Yes, this has everything to do with Hoyer. Hoyer is known for two things; deep balls and check downs. If it isn't going long to Jeffrey, it's going to Miller or Jordan Howard.

Miller gets the Lions followed by the Colts. The Lions are stingy versus tight ends but they did allow a touchdown to one in Week 3, while the Colts have been atrocious in 2016.

Hunter Henry (SD, TE) - FAAB Bid: $2

14% owned in Fleaflicker

The second-round pick from Arkansas saw his first NFL start on Sunday and turned in a respectable performance, catching all five targets for 67 yards. By the way, if you had Week 3 as your date Antonio Gates goes down, please collect your prize!

Henry was considered a first-round talent and he showed it on Sunday, exuding soft hands and good route running. As long as Gates is out, Henry enters the TE1 consideration. We know Philip Rivers loves his tight ends, and Henry looks like the future in San Diego. He gets the Saints, Raiders, Broncos, and Falcons coming up. Aside from Denver, that's a cakewalk.

Also Consider: Cameron Brate (TB, TE) - FAAB Bid: $1

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks

Carson Wentz ($10) remains our No. 1 add this week and has further solidified his status as a QB1. Dak Prescott ($5) would be the No. 2 option at QB.

 

Alex Smith (QB, KC)  FAAB Bid: $1-2

58% owned in Fleaflicker

There's nothing sexy about rostering a game manager such as Alex Smith. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, you need to consider giving him a chance in Week 4. While Smith had a modest day versus the Jets in Week 3 (237 yards, TD), he gets a much cozier matchup with the Steelers. Here are the passing yards allowed by the Steelers in the first three weeks: 329, 366, and 301. Smith should have no problem amassing a safe floor and should have superstar Jamaal Charles back. Stream away.

Brian Hoyer (QB, CHC) - FAAB Bid: $1-2

7% owned in Fleaflicker

There hasn't been much to cheer for if you're a Bears fan. Jay Cutler and Jeremy Langford are both down and the defense has lost its two best players (Lamarr Houston, Danny Trevathan). Well brighten up Bears fans, I have good news for you. While your team is going pummeled we can benefit from the garbage time fantasy production! Hooray!

Hoyer showed a sample of that Sunday night, chucking it 49 times for 317 yards and two touchdowns as he attempted to lead the Bears back from a 24-3 hole. The loss of Langford hurt the running game, but as you'll see below (and most experts have noted) Jordan Howard is the better back and was healthy in the second half. With the Bears season in limbo, I expect them to be down and be forced to throw it often. Alshon Jeffrey remains a WR1 and Kevin White is starting to show flashes of promise, while someone has to chuck it to them. Hoyer gets the Lions this week, a defense that just allowed four touchdowns to Aaron Rodgers. Look for a shootout in this NFC North battle.

Also Consider: Trevor Siemian - $1-2

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Wright

Runs Wild in Week 14 Win
Chase Brown

Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 14 Loss
Nico Collins

Leads Texans in Receiving in Sunday Night Win
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber
Travis Etienne Jr.

Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 14
Christian Watson

Continues to Find the End Zone in Week 14
Blake Corum

Leads Rams Backfield With Phenomenal Week 14 Showing
Michael Wilson

Enjoys Heavy Involvement in Week 14
Puka Nacua

Enjoys Best Game of the Season in Rout of Cardinals
Harold Fannin Jr.

Eclipses Century Mark, Scores Touchdown Sunday
CFB

Mississippi State, Rice Accept Bowl Bids as 5-7 Teams
CFB

Auburn, Florida State, Baylor Among Teams to Decline Bowl Bids
Paul George

Available on Sunday Evening
Joel Embiid

Available Against Lakers
Lauri Markkanen

Ruled Out Versus OKC
Geno Smith

Doesn't Return to Week 14 Game Against Broncos
DK Metcalf

Totals Almost 150 Yards in Big Win Over Ravens
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active on Sunday Night
CFB

Rob Aurich Set to Become Nebraska's Defensive Coordinator
LeBron James

Available Versus Philadelphia
Geno Smith

Questionable to Return With Shoulder Injury
Joe Burrow

Throws Four Touchdowns in Snowy Conditions
Tee Higgins

Finds the End Zone Twice in Loss to Bills
Tony Pollard

Stuns Browns, Breaks Off Two Huge Touchdowns
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Scores Twice in Victory Over Falcons
Shedeur Sanders

Racks Up Four Touchdowns in Narrow Loss to Titans
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Bengals
MON

Samuel Montembeault Ruled Out for Sunday
Carter Hart

Available Against Rangers Sunday
Ryan Leonard

to Miss "Extended Period of Time"
De'Von Achane

Avoids a Broken Rib in Week 14
John Carlson

a Game-Time Decision Sunday
Zach Ertz

Feared to Have Torn ACL
Jordan Kyrou

Unavailable Against Canadiens
Daniel Jones

Could be Done for Season with Achilles Injury
Matt Duchene

Set to Return Against Penguins
Pyotr Kochetkov

Back for Hurricanes Sunday
Evgeni Malkin

Won't Play on Sunday
CFB

Notre Dame Opting Out of Postseason Amid College Football Playoff Exclusion
Karl-Anthony Towns

Ruled Out Against Orlando
Draymond Green

Remains on the Shelf Versus Chicago
Jimmy Butler III

Expected to Return on Sunday
Immanuel Quickley

Now Probable Versus Boston
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Will Miss First Game of the Year on Sunday
Joel Embiid

Upgraded to Probable Against Lakers
Ja Morant

Doubtful Against Portland
Robert Williams III

Now Questionable Versus Memphis
Donovan Clingan

Questionable Versus Grizzlies
CFB

Kendal Briles a Candidate for South Carolina Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

James Madison Playoff-Bound After Duke Wins ACC Title?
CFB

Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama on College Football Playoff Bubble
CFB

Brent Pry Could Return to Virginia Tech as Defensive Coordinator
Darcy Kuemper

Ends Losing Streak With Shutout Performance
Nikolaj Ehlers

Collects Three Points in Saturday's Win
Ilya Sorokin

Ties Franchise Record With 25th Shutout
Sam Bennett

Bags Season-High Four Points Saturday
Jordan Kyrou

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Saturday
Dominic James

Hurt on Saturday
LaMelo Ball

Won't Suit Up Against Denver
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Sunday Afternoon
Klay Thompson

Downgraded Versus Houston
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Out Again on Saturday Evening
Tyler Herro

Will Miss Another Game on Saturday
Jimmy Butler III

Out Again on Saturday Night
Draymond Green

Ruled Out Versus Cleveland
Jose A. Ferrer

Mariners Acquire Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals
Mason Marchment

Expected to Return Saturday
Danila Yurov

Returns From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Available Saturday
Harry Ford

Traded to the Nationals
Shane Pinto

to Miss Two Weeks
David Pastrnak

Misses Fifth Consecutive Game Saturday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Remains Out Saturday
Nikita Kucherov

Out on Saturday
Cody Bellinger

Drawing Interest From the Phillies
MacKenzie Gore

Will the Nationals Trade MacKenzie Gore?
Byron Buxton

Twins Not Planning to Trade Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton
Petr Yan

Looks To Reclaim Bantamweight Belt
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Fourth Title Defense
Joshua Van

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fifth Title Defense At UFC 323
Tatsuro Taira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Brandon Moreno

Searches For His Third Win In A Row
Payton Talbott

A Favorite At UFC 323
Henry Cejudo

Set For His Retirement Fight
Jan Blachowicz

Set To Open Up UFC 323 Main Card
Bogdan Guskov

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Emmett Johnson Leaving Nebraska for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Jam Miller Unlikely to Play in SEC Title Game
CFB

Penn State Expected to Hire Matt Campbell from Iowa State
CFB

Arkansas Targeting Ron Roberts for Defensive Coordinator Job
Jhostynxon Garcia

Pirates Acquire Jhostynxon Garcia From Red Sox
Cody Bellinger

Yankees Pushing Hard to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger
CFB

Penn State Eyeing Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell For Coaching Vacancy
Alex Bregman

Cubs Have Renewed Interest in Alex Bregman
CFB

Billy Napier Finalizing Deal to Become James Madison's New Head Coach
CFB

Buster Faulkner Set to Become Florida's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Joe Sloan Expected to be Kentucky's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Lane Kiffin Working to Keep Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker at LSU
CFB

Brian Daboll a Candidate for Penn State Head-Coaching Job?
Kyle Tucker

Visits With Blue Jays
Emilio Pagán

Reds Bring Back Closer Emilio Pagan on Two-Year Deal
Cedric Mullins

Rays Agree on One-Year Deal
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Considering Trading Freddy Peralta
Kyle Schwarber

Reds Serious About Adding Kyle Schwarber in Free Agency?
CFB

Brent Key Signing Five-Year Deal to Remain at Georgia Tech
CFB

Brian Hartline Expected to Land USF Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Collin Klein Expected to be Top Target for Kansas State if Head-Coach Job Opens
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP