Khalil Herbert and Alexander Mattison were the talk of the fantasy football world after David Montgomery and Dalvin Cook suffered injuries on Sunday, and as of right now, both still headline the top Week 4 fantasy waiver pickups and free agent adds. However, with breakout performances from WRs Romeo Doubs, Zay Jones, and Isaiah McKenzie, among others, there are plenty of potential free agents worth targeting after waivers clear around 4-5 a.m. ET on Wednesday mornings in Yahoo and ESPN leagues, including another valuable handcuff, Samaje Perine.
As is often the case early in the year, we mostly have our eye on pass-catchers, as guys like Mack Hollins, DeVante Parker, Tre'Quan Smith, and Josh Reynolds are coming off big games have plenty of short-term and long-term upside. There are plenty of receivers (does anyone want Greg Dortch?), a few tight ends (Tyler Conklin, anyone?) and one soon-to-be starting QB (free Kenny!) on our full free agent list. We also have six D/ST streamer options for Week 4, which can be found at the end of this list.
Right now, it's believed Cook (shoulder) will be able to play in Week 4 with the aid of a harness, but Alexander Mattison will still likely be one of the top two waiver pickups. Herbert is the obvious top choice unless we get positive reports about Montgomery's ankle. Herbert will certainly be worth a top claim, but Mattison isn't quite the slam dunk we thought he was on Sunday. The same goes for Perine, who will likely remain a handcuff going into Thursday night.
MORE WEEK 4: Full waiver list | FAAB planner | Trade advice
The good news is that with so many worthwhile pickups this week, you should be able to move back up the waiver order relatively quickly. You never want to "waste" a top claim on a back who won't even start for a week, but a mid-tier claim on Mattison is reasonable. Using a top claim on a wide receiver is always a risk, but if you're desperate at the position, you can make a case for Doubs or Jones. Ideally, though, those receivers would be left for the mid-to-lower-claim crowd.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 4
Unless otherwise noted, only players owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues considered.
Samaje Perine, RB, Bengals. It doesn't appear as if Joe Mixon's ankle will keep him out of Week 4's Thursday night game against Miami, but anytime a starting running back is ailing heading into a short week, you have to pick up his handcuff. Perine has shown in the past he can put up RB2-caliber numbers when given the chance to start, so even though he won't merit a high waiver claim, he's worth grabbing on the chance Mixon has a setback or aggravates the injury.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys. Gallup (knee) didn't return as expected on Monday night, but it's a near certainty he will suit up in a favorable matchup in Week 4 against the Commanders. Gallup has flashed brilliance in the past, and as Dallas' No. 2 wide receiver, he'll have plenty of value down the road, especially once Dak Prescott (thumb) returns. He might not be an immediate plug-and-play, even with a favorable matchup next week, but he's certainly someone you want to stash if he's available.
MORE WEEK 4: Full waiver list | FAAB planner | Trade advice
Craig Reynolds, RB, Lions. With news of D'Andre Swift's shoulder injury making the rounds, the focus has shifted to Jamaal Williams, who figures to take over the Lions' backfield. However, it's clear Detroit prefers to use two backs in offensive attack, and next in line for touches after the widely owned Williams is Reynolds. He flashed last year when he got the chance to start, rushing for 112 yards on 26 carries in Week 15, and there's a chance Reynolds is called upon for 10-12 touches next week against Seattle if Swift is out. That might be enough to make him a low-end flex in deep leagues, at the very least, he's suddenly a potentially valuable handcuff worth keeping an eye one.
Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Saints. Smith showed up big in relief of Michael Thomas (toe) and Jarvis Landry (foot) last week, catching four-of-five targets for 105 yards. If one or both are out in Week 4, Smith would have value as a WR3/flex against a below-average Vikings pass defense. He reportedly suffered a concussion late against the Panthers, so obviously that's another hurdle Smith would have to clear, but he's a rare "WR handcuff" who shouldn't be ignored if you're hurting at receiver.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers. It seems like only a matter of time before Pickett takes over in Pittsburgh, and when he does, he'll have quite a complement of weapons around him. He might be running for his life behind Pittsburgh's leaky offensive line, but at the very least, he has the upside for some fantasy points. Stash him now, especially if you're underperforming at the QB position.
For more waiver/free agent suggestions, including top pickups Khalil Herbert, Alexander Mattison, Zay Jones, Romeo Doubs, and more, check out our full Week 4 list.
