Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups - Free Agent Adds Include Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, Bucky Irving, Braelon Allen, Quentin Johnston, Josh Downs

The injuries continue to pile up. NFL passing games continue to falter. It's been an odd (and frustrating) start to the 2024 NFL season. Fantasy managers are likely already scouring the waiver wire for upgrades and injury placements, disappointed with what they're finding. Despite the number of injuries, we have yet to have a strong waiver wire week.

This week's edition doesn't have any truly exciting names either, but there are some quality players fantasy managers can add to their benches to improve their teams' overall depth. The tight end position continues to be a wasteland, and injuries to Trey McBride won't help matters. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any strong alternatives.

Our rosters should never stay stagnant. There's almost always a spot on our roster that we can improve, and this article aims to help you identify who that upgrade can be. If you want to take advantage of our great premium tools, please use promo code "BOOM" to receive a 10% discount.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Parameters

A few rules before we get started. Every league is different. Different roster formats. Different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different.

Even what host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that are different from those of Yahoo!, which have rankings that are different from those of CBS or NFL, and all of that impacts which players are drafted or not drafted. This year, we’ll be using ESPN’s roster percentages.

The vast majority of players use ESPN. It’s a simple numbers game. We’ll only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 55%. For running backs and receivers, that number will drop to 45%. We won’t be diving into defenses and kickers too much, but I’ll identify a few streamers to target at those positions each week with a roster percentage below 60%.

Each position will be arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. In an attempt to cater to leagues of all sizes, you will see many players listed at each position, but remember, they're arranged in the order in which you add them. Hopefully, this makes the article relevant to even those playing in deep 12-team leagues or 14-team leagues.

Quarterbacks - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 4

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - 27.8% Rostered

If you need a quarterback, Smith needs to be a priority add. He looks like he could very well be a top-12 quarterback this season. Over the past two weeks, Smith has attempted 78 passes and has thrown for 616 yards.

This new look Seattle offense under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is predicated on attacking defenses downfield, and with receivers like D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks have the arsenal to be very effective.

In Week 4, Seattle will face off against the Lions, who have one of the best run defenses in the NFL. If Seattle wishes to move the ball, they'll likely have to attack the Lions through the air. Not only that, but this game should have one of the higher implied point totals next week and could very well be a shoot-out. He'll be a top-12 starter in Week 4.

Sam, Darnold, Minnesota Vikings - 16.2% Rostered

If you can't get your hands on Smith, it's hard to continue to ignore what Darnold has done through three weeks. He's currently the QB6 this week, with the Sunday Night Football game left to be scored. He was the QB4 in Week 2 and the QB14 in Week 1. He currently ranks QB4 on the season with a 19.3 PPG average.

He already has eight touchdowns through eight games, a rate likely to regress in the coming weeks. However, Kevin O'Connell has employed one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, which has continued with Darnold.

With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison (likely will be back in Week 4), Jalen Nailor, and (eventually) T.J. Hockenson, Darnold has a lot of pass-catchers at his disposal. Not to mention one of the best play-callers in the NFL.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - 53.0% Rostered

The 2024 Detroit offense just is not clicking like the 2023 version did. They've struggled in the red zone, and Goff has been averaging just 11.6 PPG through three weeks. He has yet to score 15 points in a single game, and this past weekend was the first game where he eclipsed 12 points; he finished with 14.56.

In Week 4, Detroit will play the Seahawks, and then they'll be on a bye in Week 5. The game against the Seahawks will likely have one of the highest implied point totals, making Goff a quality streamer. However, he's balled the past two seasons and has yet to finish as a top-12 quarterback.

He's best viewed as a strong QB2 and a great streamer in quality matchups. Seattle has two strong cornerbacks, but Detroit has enough weapons to put up points.

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers - 24.1% Rostered

Starting out the season 3-0 should give Fields some breathing room as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. It would be awfully difficult to go back to Russell Wilson with the way Fields is playing, so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Fields is a dependable QB2 who still possesses a high weekly ceiling.

Pittsburgh has reined him in and eliminated the negative plays, which is a great thing. However, he’s also not running as much and the big plays have decreased, as well. Still, Fields is averaging over nine carries per game and 30 rushing yards per game, putting him on pace to finish with over 500 yards. That gives him a nice floor and a top-10 weekly ceiling when the touchdowns hit. As he gets more comfortable in a new offense, he could get even better as the season rolls along.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 40.2% Rostered

I'm not quite ready to give up on my Lawrence experiment for 2024. From Weeks 10-17 in 2022, he averaged 21.0 PPG and was QB5 during this stretch. From Weeks 11-17 this past season, he averaged 21.5 PPG and was QB6. He's shown us elite upside in the past. He also has a sneaky rushing upside. He had 45 rushing yards in Week 2.

Lawrence had a touchdown overturned in Week 2, which would have given him 17.5 points against a strong Cleveland defense. His Week 3 matchup against Buffalo is not fantasy-friendly, and he may struggle tonight. However, in Week 4, he plays against the Texans, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through three weeks.

In Week 5, he'll face off against the Colts, who are in the top 10 in most points allowed to quarterbacks this season. He has two plus matchups coming up in Weeks 4 and 5. If he doesn't come through there, I'll admit defeat

Others to Consider: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns - 29.7% Rostered, Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons - 52.5% Rostered

Running Backs - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 4

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 32.8% Rostered

Irving needs to be added in almost every league. Through three weeks, Irving has been far more effective running the ball than the starter, Rachaad White. White won't just be sent to the bench, but Irving will continue to get more work as long as he's more efficient than White. The coaches will not have a choice.

Bucs RBs this season:

Rachaad White:
31 ATT, 66 Rush YDS, 2.1 YPC

Bucky Irving:
25 ATT, 154 Rush YDS, 6.2 YPC

— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) September 22, 2024

White came into Week 3 nursing a groin injury but still played 42 of the team's 57 snaps. Irving played just 18, but despite the drastic difference in playing time, Irving still finished with more rushing attempts.

White remains the preferred option in the passing game, but Irving may make this a full-blown committee by the end of the season. On top of potentially playing himself into having standalone value, Irving is one of the best handcuffs available in fantasy football. If White were to miss time, Irving would be ranked as a top-12 back.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 28.0% Rostered

Allen has played himself into a legit role behind superstar Breece Hall. He's coming off games of 14 and nine touches, which includes five receptions. Even if we eliminate the two touchdowns he scored in Week 2, Allen would have still scored over seven half-PPR points in back-to-back weeks.

That's nothing to get excited about, but it means he's not merely a handcuff. He should be valued as an RB4 with RB2 upside whenever he finds the end zone. If Hall were to miss time, Allen would be a top-10 option.

#Jets RBs last night in a game they easily controlled the whole way:

Snaps: Breece Hall 52, Braelon Allen 23
Routes: Breece 26, Braelon 8
Opportunities: Breece 21, Braelon 14

— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 20, 2024

Allen is the perfect kind of player to have on your bench. He's someone who, in a pinch, can be started and be a dependable spot starter, but he's also someone who has elite upside in certain situations. Allen is likely a better spot starter in games where the Jets should be ahead on the scoreboard, and based on how they've played the past two weeks, fantasy managers should expect the Jets to play with a lead often.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 37.4% Rostered

Dowdle seemed to take control of the Dallas backfield this past weekend. He played 37 snaps to Elliott's 15. He ran 18 routes to Zeke's five and had eight carries to Elliott's three. Dowdle will likely be ranked as a weekly RB3 if this utilization continues. However, Elliott may remain the primary goal-line back, limiting Dowdle's weekly upside.

#Cowboys Week 3 RB opportunities (carries + targets):

Rico Dowdle - 13
Ezekiel Elliott - 5
Deuce Vaughn - 4

— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) September 23, 2024

Dowdle may have a slightly higher weekly value than the following few names on this list, but if Elliott were to miss time, Dowdle's value would increase. He's not as talented as Bigsby, Allgeier, or Benson, but he does play for a top-10 offense that has one of the better offensive lines. If Dallas ever fully commits to Dowdle, he could be a volume-dependent RB3 with RB2 upside when he finds paydirt.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 6.2% Rostered

Bigsby was injured early in Week 2 on a kickoff return and did not return. He did not play a single snap on offense. In Week 1, however, he had 12 carries for 73 yards. During Week 1, Bigsby looked like he would be a regular part of their offense. He's expected to return to action tonight and should continue to see 8-12 touches per game.

That kind of volume will give him RB4 value every week, similar to Braelon Allen. Etienne fumbled in Week 2 at the goal line, which could lead to Bigsby getting more looks near the end zone. If that happened, Bigsby's standalone value would increase.

We're working off a small sample for Bigsby, but based on his Week 1 performance and Etienne through the 2024 season, Bigsby has been the more efficient runner. Etienne seems to have a strong hold on the pass-catching role out of the backfield, but Bigsby has the potential to make this more of a committee than we saw last year.

Bigsby's having RB4 value weekly on top of his top-15 contingency value if Etienne were to miss time would make him a strong addition to the waiver wire.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 44.9% Rostered

Bijan Robinson has been dominating snaps, routes, and touches to begin the 2024 season, and last night against the Chiefs was no different. At this time, Allgeier is nothing more than a handcuff. However, he is one of the better handcuffs in fantasy football.

As a rookie, Allgeier had 1,174 scrimmage yards before Robinson's arrival and four touchdowns. He's shown he can play at this level and be successful. Atlanta is a quality offense, and they employ a strong offensive line. If Robinson misses time, Allgeier will be a weekly top-20 running back. That contingency value makes a strong waiver wire add.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 36.9% Rostered

Like Allgeier, Benson has very little weekly value. He has just 18 touches through three weeks, and 12 came in during Week 2. That makes it impossible for him to start in any capacity. However, if James Conner misses any time, he is a solid bet to be Arizona's workhorse running back.

Conner has never played an entire season across seven seasons. Over the last two years in Arizona, he's missed eight total games (four in 2022 and four in 2023). Not that we should ever be betting on injuries or trying to predict them, but given Conner's history, it seems likely that Benson will get at least a spot start or two at some point this season.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans - 35.0% Rostered

If you're desperate for a running back, add Akers ahead of Bigsby, Allgeier, and Benson. That's because it seems likely that Akers will get at least one more spot start in Week 4. Joe Mixon suffered what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain in Week 2. Dameon Pierce is still managing a hamstring injury. Neither player practiced in any capacity leading up to Week 3.

Mixon has been termed "week to week," which could mean he'll miss another week. Akers struggled in Week 3, but Minnesota's defense has been elite through three weeks. He scored 9.4 half-PPR points, almost exclusively from an eight-yard touchdown reception. He didn't dominate snaps like many expected in Week 3.

Akers played 29 of the team's 67 snaps. Dare Ogunbowale played 28. That split was likely because Houston was trailing on the scoreboard for the entire game. In Week 4, Houston will play the Jaguars, where they'll undoubtedly be favored. In a more favorable game script, Akers should get more touches. Akers is likely your best bet if you need a starter for Week 4.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 9.6% Rostered

Davis has little to no standalone value but is an elite handcuff to James Cook. If he were to miss any time, he would be a weekly top-20 running back. If you want to add a high-upside stash, Davis is a good bet.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 33.7% Rostered

He's only played eight snaps through three games, which tells you everything you need to know about his standalone value: He has none—absolutely zero. However, if Kyren Williams were to miss time, Corum would still be the biggest beneficiary.

It can be hard to stash someone who has no value until someone gets hurt, especially someone who cannot be started. Fantasy managers may not want to start Braelon Allen or Tyler Allgeier, but they are at least getting some touches. However, if you're looking for a high-upside bench stash and these other names aren't available, Corum has that upside if Williams gets hurt.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 15.8% Rostered

De'Von Achane has already had to deal with an ankle sprain, and Raheem Mostert missed the last two weeks due to a rib/chest injury. Those factors haven't gotten Wright on the field in any meaningful capacity, but it's hard not to be enamored with his potential if he gets his shot. He displayed the speed and big-play potential in the preseason.

It'll be hard to trust Wright or any Dolphin until Tua Tagovailoa returns from his concussion. There are likely better waiver wire adds that you can make, but the potential for Wright to be a starting option at some point in the season remains high.

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 1.9% Rostered

A.J. Dillon is on IR. MarShawn Lloyd is on IR. Wilson is one injury to Josh Jacobs away from being a top-24 running back. Wilson has looked like he's got some juice, too. Lloyd is on short-term IR and will return this season, but Wilson is currently the Packers' clear No. 2 running back.

Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts - 0.8% Rostered

Sermon is the No. 2 running back for the Colts. He's the primary handcuff to Jonathan Taylor.

Others to Consider: Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 36.4% Rostered, Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 29.6% Rostered, Samaje Perine, Kansas City Chiefs - 24.9% Rostered, D'Onta Foreman, Cleveland Browns - 16.7% Rostered, Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 0.8% Rostered, Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 11.4% Rostered

Most of these players in this "others to consider" section are poor weekly starts, but they're getting enough playing time and touches to at least be viable in a pinch. None offer much upside, and they seem destined to work in a committee in some fashion, no matter what.

Due to his size, McLaughlin will be limited in terms of overall touches, but in Sean Payton's offense, he can be a desperation flex start in deeper leagues. Mattison might be the most appealing. Zamir White has struggled, and surprisingly, the Raiders have given Mattison the goal-line carries thus far.

Perine will be in the Chiefs' Jerick McKinnon, which sounds valuable, but outside of a crazy-touchdown stretch a few years ago, McKinnon was a poor weekly start. Foreman is on a committee with Jerome Ford in Cleveland on a bad offense. Johnson and Herbert are somewhat appealing just because of how poor D'Andre Swift has played, but both seem destined to be in a committee.

Wide Receivers - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 4

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers - 42.8% Rostered

If Johnston is still on your waiver wire, add him. Johnston flopped as a rookie but was widely used as a downfield X receiver, which is not where his strengths lie. This new regime utilizes Johnston on crossers and closer to the line of scrimmage, where his after-the-catch skills can be used appropriately. The results have been promising through three weeks.

Quentin Johnston career TDs coming into this season: 2

Quentin Johnston TDs in the first 3 games of this season: 3pic.twitter.com/lVuzF8OlAe

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) September 22, 2024

Johnston continues to lead the Chargers in snaps and routes. Joshua Palmer was out this past week and continues to be hampered by several nagging injuries. Rookie Ladd McConkey out-targeted Johnston this past weekend, six to three, but Johnston is the one who continues making plays.

Regardless, both players can be fantasy-relevant due to the lack of quality pass-catchers behind Johnston and McConkey. He's averaging 12.1 half-PPR PPG, good for WR18 through three weeks. He's a must-add.

Mike Williams, New York Jets - 48.0% Rostered

Fantasy managers knew Williams would start slow since he's coming off a torn ACL, but his route participation rose from 19% in Week 2 to 73% in Week 3. That's a good sign. He's been a top-24 receiver in half-PPR PPG in the last three seasons despite competing for targets with target-hog Keenan Allen.

Williams doesn't need a ton of targets due to his downfield and end-zone skills. As Williams continues to get more healthy, Williams's role will only grow. Lazard is best suited to play the big slot role, so it shouldn't be surprising if Williams eventually operates as the Jets' primary No. 2 receiver opposite Garrett Wilson.

He may never reach the heights we saw from him in Los Angeles, but that upside with Rodgers is worth chasing. Outside of Johnston, he has more upside than most receivers on the waiver wire.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 9.5% Rostered

Anthony Richardson has struggled throwing the football during the young season, but hopefully, the return of Josh Downs will help alleviate some of those concerns. Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce are almost exclusively downfield options.

Michael Pittman Jr. is an excellent possession receiver but offers little after the catch. Downs can win in the short and intermediate part of the field and make plays after the catch. This just might be the type of player the Colts' passing game needs.

Josh Downs returned to the lineup in Week 3 for the Colts.

73% routes
28% targets
8% air yards
90% slot snaps

5.2 fantasy points

Hard to get excited about an Anthony Richardson receiver but Downs appears locked into a role.

Adonai Mitchell odd man out w/ 9% routes.

— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) September 22, 2024

In just his first game back, Downs returned to some exciting utilization. It's hard to trust the Colts' passing game right now, but Downs was effective as a rookie and is a good player to stash on your bench to see if Richardson can turn it around. If he can be more consistent when throwing the football, the Downs could have a strong second half.

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers - 36.0% Rostered 

If you’re in desperate need of a Week 4 starter at receiver or flex, I’d pick up Jennings ahead of every receiver above him except Quentin Johnston. Why isn’t Jennings higher? Because he might be usable for just 1-2 more weeks. Deebo Samuel is dealing with a calf strain and should be back by Week 5. George Kittle is dealing with a minor hamstring, who could also be back by Week 5.

That gives Jennings one more week and that week is worth chasing if you need a starter. He finished with 12 targets, 11 receptions, 175 yards, and three touchdowns en route to 41.0 half-PPR points. He was a full-time player in Kittle and Samuel’s absence and that’ll continue in Week 4 if they’re both out.

Demario Douglas, New England Patriots - 28.5% Rostered

Douglas was quiet in Weeks 1 and 2 but was fantastic in Week 3. He had nine targets, seven receptions, and 69 yards. He also chipped in with one carry for nine yards. Outside of Hunter Henry, who was mostly invisible in Week 3, the Patriots have not found a dependable receiver.

Douglas had a solid rookie season, considering the circumstances he was forced to endure. In Week 3, the New England offense seemed to want to run their passing attack through Douglas.

Week 3 Leaders ex. SNF & MNF

Weighted Opportunity Rating (combo of target share + air yards share):

1. Diontae Johnson (0.97) 🚀
2. Malik Nabers (0.96) 🔥
3. Jauan Jennings (0.92) 👀
4. Demario Douglas (0.88)
5. Rashod Bateman (0.85)

— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) September 23, 2024

Douglas produced in that role and in full-PPR scoring leagues could be a decent flex option for desperate fantasy managers dealing with injuries. With such a porous offensive line, whoever is behind center will likely be forced to get the ball out quickly. Douglas, being New England's primary slot receiver, could be the biggest beneficiary of those quick reads.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 20.1% Rostered

Adam Thielen injured his hamstring this past weekend. Legette is likely the biggest beneficiary if that injury keeps him out for a few weeks. In the first game with Andy Dalton under center, the Panthers put up 36 points and finished with 450 total scrimmage yards. Dalton was flawless, throwing for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

This year, Legette has been more effective than Jonathon Mingo, and Thielen isn't healthy enough to play in Week 4. Legette would see his snaps and routes increase. If he can run with that opportunity, it could lead to a more significant role as the season progresses.

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys - 33.5% Rostered

Cooks continues to have a high route share. It was 77% in Week 1, 82% in Week 2, and 76% in Week 3. He's posted seven, two, and six targets. He's done next to nothing in Weeks 2 or 3 but did finish with 40 yards and a score in Week 1. Cooks will be boom-or-bust receivers from week to week, but on a Dallas offense that will drop back to pass at an extremely high rate, Cooks will have plenty of opportunities for targets and touchdowns.

Dallas continues to operate as a highly pass-heavy offense and given their lack of talent at running back, they're forced to lean on Dak Prescott's arm. Most of their touchdowns will be via the pass. He's a WR5/6, but he's in a great environment.

Allen Lazard, New York Jets - 34.3% Rostered

I don't like having Lazard on here anymore than you probably enjoy reading about him, but he has three touchdowns through three weeks. He's a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers, and it's showing early in the season. He ran 100% of the routes in Week 1, 78% in Week 2, and 85% in Week 3. He's a full-time player for the Jets and a dependable red-zone option for Rodgers.

With teams so focused on taking away Garrett Wilson, Lazard is getting plenty of one-on-one looks, which, to his credit, he's capitalizing on. We shouldn't expect him to continue scoring touchdowns at this rate, but he is worth taking a shot at if his history with Rodgers continues to win out in the red zone.

Others to Consider: Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots - 19.5% Rostered, Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars - 43.2% Rostered, Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers - 26.3% Rostered, Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts - 35.1% Rostered, Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings - 4.0% Rostered

Polk is my favorite player to add of this group. His upside is undoubtedly higher than that of Lazard and Cooks. He was a high second-round pick in this year's draft. Rookies tend to see their roles and production increase as the season progresses. Once New England finally opts to start Drake Maye at quarterback, we could see a full-blown youth movement, making Polk a big second-half winner.

If you want to add a pass-catcher with upside, Polk is one of the best targets on the waiver wire.  Davis is who he has always been. He's a boom-or-bust player, but he's been slightly more dependable in Jacksonville. Still, with Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Brian Thomas Jr., Davis offers little weekly consistency and minimal upside.

Doubs is a touchdown-dependent receiver, but he's a favorite red-zone target for Jordan Love, who is expected back next week. Pierce is a better in best ball receiver due to Anthony Richardon's inconsistency.

Nailor is worth adding if you need a starter for Week 4, assuming Jordan Addison is out again. He could return, though, so Nailor is much further down on this list. However, he's been productive in his first three games and could be worth a dart throw, regardless of Addison's status.

Tight Ends - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 4

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets - 27.7% Rostered

Conklin was due for a game like the one he had on Thursday night. He's been on the field all the time for the Jets. He's running a route on almost every one of Aaron Rodgers' dropbacks, and outside of Garrett Wilson, the target competition isn't all that fierce. Conklin has been a dependable target-earner for the Jets the past two seasons and is their clear, No. 1 tight end.

Tyler Conklin vs Patriots:

✈️ 77.8 REC Grade (1st, Min 25 snaps)
✈️ 5 REC
✈️ 93 YDS
✈️ 14.3 PPR Points pic.twitter.com/vrMw0TSwji

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) September 20, 2024

All the stars aligned on Thursday night, and he had a big game. Fantasy managers shouldn't get used to performances like the one he had, but as long as his snap share and route participation remains the same as in Weeks 1-3, Conklin is going to have other nights like this. He's worth adding if you're desperate at tight end.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears - 26.1% Rostered

Kmet had been in a tight end committee in Week 1. He started to pull away from Gerald Everett in Week 2, but he successfully did that in Week 3. It shouldn't have taken the coaching staff three weeks for this to happen, but Shane Waldron is obsessed with Everett, or so it seems. That could lead to trouble on any given week, but as long as his role this past weekend stays, Kmet should be added to fantasy rosters.

Cole Kmet has retaken the clear #1 TE job in Chicago.

42 snaps (82%) today, compared to 17 (33%) for Gerald Everett.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) September 22, 2024

He had a breakout performance with 11 targets, ten receptions, 97 yards, and one touchdown en route to 20.7 half-PPR points. It certainly helped that Keenan Allen was not active, and his injury status is one fantasy manager looking to add Kmet will have to track. However, he's played himself back onto the streaming radar and with how bad the position has been, anyone showing signs of life is worth adding.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - 43.2% Rostered

Parkinson continues to play a full-time role for the Rams and runs a route above an 85% rate. That is an elite number for a tight end. The biggest problem for so many tight ends is that they're simply not on the field enough.

All sorts of sub-packages take certain tight ends off the field in certain situations; they're left with limited opportunities to earn a target, which is even more difficult for a tight end. That's not a problem for Parkinson. He's almost always on the field.

This past weekend, he tied for the team lead in targets with five. As long as Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua remain out, Parkinson will continue to be highly involved in the offense. Due to the offensive struggles and his general lack of talent, he can't be depended on as a weekly starter, but in the right matchup, Parkinson is a worthwhile streamer.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 45.7% Rostered

After Week 2, it looked as though fantasy managers may have gotten lucky with another potential option at tight end. Henry had 12 targets, eight receptions, and 109 yards, but he followed that up with his worst outing of the season.

Fantasy managers can deal with the up-and-down production from a tight end. That's pretty much the status quo for the position, but what they can't deal with is a role that changes by the week.

Hunter Henry led all Pats WRs and TEs in snaps and routes run in each of the first two games.

Last night the Patriots decided to just drop those to 63% and 62%, both 3rd on the team. pic.twitter.com/506jAa6trr

— Andrew Cooper (@CoopAFiasco) September 20, 2024

After being a full-time player in Weeks 1 and 2, Henry's snap count decreased significantly in Week 3. That lowered his route participation rate, which lowered his opportunity to earn targets. Had his Weeks 1 and 2 role remained the same, we could've chalked this one up to a bad day. Bad days happen to tight ends, but it gets even more challenging to trust a tight end whose role is inconsistent.

Others to Consider: Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (19.2% Rostered), Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (28.5% Rostered)

Ertz is a safe floor, but to the low volume attack of Washington's passing offense and the minimal touchdown opportunities, Ertz has a limited ceiling. That doesn't mean he can't be added; it just means weekly expectations must be lowered. However, he's currently operating as the team's No. 2 pass-catcher.

Gesicki had a big week in Week 2, but his snap share and route participation rate were still hovering around 50%. That's much too low for consistent production. It'll be interesting to see if his strong performance last week earns him more snaps and routes. If it does, he should jump ahead of Parkinson on the waiver wire order.

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 4

• Chicago Bears - 36.7% Rostered (vs Los Angeles Rams)
• Arizona Cardinals - 0.8% Rostered (vs Washington Commanders)
• Houston Texans - 31.0% Rostered (vs Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Cincinnati Bengals - 32.8% Rostered (at Carolina Panthers)
• Miami Dolphins - 50.8% Rostered (vs Tennessee Titans)

Kickers - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 4

• Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 14.3% Rostered (vs Philadelphia Eagles)
• Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks - 4.8% Rostered (at Detroit Lions)
• Brayden Narveson, Green Bay Packers - 1.7% Rostered (vs Minnesota Vikings)
• Matt Prater, Arizona Cardinals - 4.2% Rostered (vs Washington Commanders)
• Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 21.4% Rostered (at Indianapolis Colts)

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for 10% off any premium purchase.

More Fantasy Football Analysis