10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 4

Thankfully, Week 4 saw drastically fewer injuries to fantasy relevant players than the prior two weeks. Of course, this means the waiver wire is somewhat less fruitful this week, as well. However, there is still value to be had.

Here are some of the best additions you can make to your squads based on everything we know so far. (I'll stick to players rostered on 60% of Yahoo teams or fewer and also list some other viable pickups who may be available in shallower leagues or relevant only in deeper leagues).

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Roster Percentage: 43%

Not a great week to need a signal-caller from the waiver wire. Daniel Jones has been uninspiring through the season's initial three weeks, but the schedule finally eases up a bit. Although Danny Dimes isn't yet an ideal option as a likely heavy underdog the next two weeks at the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys, respectively. Jones offsets that somewhat with his rushing ability, which was on display in Week 3 with 49 rushing yards on 5 carries.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Roster Percentage: 1%

This one may be a week early, but Carson Wentz entered the week dead last among full-time quarterbacks at -0.27 Net Expected Points (NEP) per drop back, and he struggled on Sunday against the Bengals. Jalen Hurts may hear his name called sooner than expected. An outright benching of the man who was nearly the league MVP is unlikely, but Wentz's disconcerting ineffectiveness may also be a sign of less than full health. If Hurts sees action, he'll be one of fantasy football's premier Konami code options.

Others to Consider:
Derek Carr (19%), Justin Herbert (21%)

Running Backs

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins

Roster Percentage: 47%

With Myles Gaskin getting 27 touches on Thursday night -- against 3 touches each for Matt Breida and Jordan Howard -- he's the clear lead back for the Miami Dolphins. Go get him if you haven't already.

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks

Roster Percentage: 18%

I'm hesitant to guess at an NFL player's motives. It's a violent, fast-paced game no matter how correctly it's played. That said, it's hard not to find malice in Trysten Hill's hit on Chris Carson. Carson's knee was sprained on the hit and while the severity is still unknown, it's possible he'll miss some time. If that happens, Carlos Hyde is next on the depth chart and figures to be the primary ballcarrier in Seattle. Anyone getting significant carries with an elite quarterback will be fantasy relevant outside of all other circumstances. Hyde is a wildly unexciting player in all regards, but the lone fact that he takes handoffs from Russell Wilson makes him worth watching.

Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks

Roster Percentage: 1%

Travis Homer, with his 4.48 forty yard dash and 133.2 (94th percentile) burst score is the more fun of the two options in Seattle, if also the most volatile. Homer did see the field upon Carson's exit, and seeing as it occurred when the Seattle Seahawks were trailing, it could hint at a passing down role. If nothing else, Homer will be easier to acquire than Hyde.

Sony Michel, New England Patriots

Roster Percentage: 58%

Generally, players near the 60% roster threshold are unlikely to be available in more active leagues, but with Sony Michel hemorrhaging rostership, there's a real chance that he was dropped in ultra-active leagues. Michel was finally efficient and even caught both of his targets in Week 3. Granted, the New England Patriots seem keen on mixing up their backfield options, and things will only become more ambiguous with the returns of James White and Damien Harris, but because of how often and how successfully the Pats have run the ball, running backs on this team are still desirable. The ambiguity of this backfield probably means a few options are worth a look.

Others to Consider:
Adrian Peterson (52%), Brian Hill (1%), Frank Gore (17%), Anthony McFarland Jr. (1%), Damien Harris (26%), J.J Taylor (0%)

Wide Receivers

Laviska Shenault, Jacksonville Jaguars

Roster Percentage: 29%

Laviska Shenault's availability in 71% of leagues is surprising given his upside and flashy play. While Shenault is yet to receive full playing time, his ability gives him upside, while his wide-ranging usage (especially in the running game) establish a floor. The added rushing plays have allowed him to see seven, nine, and six opportunities over his first three games.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Chicago Bears

Roster Percentage: 7%

With Tarik Cohen likely done for the year, the Chicago Bears have no obvious satellite back. With his wide receiver background, Cordarrelle Patterson hasn't necessarily filled that role before but is probably the best bet to do so of the players currently on the roster. His wideout designation further increases his upside in standard and PPR leagues.

Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears

Roster Percentage: 46%

Finally, an actual wide receiver! With Cohen's injury, targets are opened up in Chicago. On top of that, Nick Foles appears to have taken over at quarterback after replacing Mitchell Trubisky in the second half and leading the Bears to a comeback win over the Falcons. Compared to Trubisky, Foles helps increase the receiving pie even more by A) converting fewer pass attempts into scrambles, B) converting fewer pass attempts into sacks with a historically lower sack rate, and C) prolonging more drives. If you're keeping score, that's more overall targets for the Bears and a higher target share for Anthony Miller.

Others to Consider:
Justin Jefferson (30%), Brandon Aiyuk (27%), Chase Claypool (14%), K.J. Hamler (12%), James Washington (11%),

Tight Ends

Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts

Roster Percentage: 9%

Even with Jack Doyle active, Mo Alie-Cox received 3 targets against 0 for Doyle. In limited action, Alie-Cox has been unbelievably efficient with 1.40 Receiving NEP per target, tied with Noah Fant for the best mark among tight ends. He should have more opportunities to impress in the future.

Others to Consider:
Jordan Akins (6%), Robert Tonyan (0%),