Week 3 of the NFL season has just about wrapped up. Whether winning or losing in Week 3, it’s time to make some moves to help your team reach the ultimate goal. In this article, we will talk about the key players worth picking up to help improve your roster. We will discuss what they have done and why they are important players to pick up on rosters. We will also talk about whether they are worth spending that number one waiver claim and how much FAAB percentage you should use on them.
Week 4 Waiver Wire is starting to have some names that you will want to pick up to help your fantasy roster. There is a nice mix of players who all produced in Week 3 and should have value moving forward.
Bucky Irving, RB – TB
The top waiver wire pick-up for Week 4 is Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving. Unfortunately, there isn’t a must-have guy, but Irving has the long-term potential to warrant picking him up before it’s too late. Irving has been backing up Rachaad White for the first three weeks, but it’s time to get this running back on your roster. Irving looks like the better pure runner in the offense, as his 6.2 YPC dominates White’s 2.1 YPC. The Buccaneers offense has been struggling for the last two weeks, which may force them to lean with the hot hand at running back. Irving has eight or more fantasy points in two of his first three games. As we approach bye weeks, Irving is a must-own player. He will have a chance to be the starter sooner rather than later.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 15%
Sam Darnold, QB – MIN
It’s time to have some respect for Sam Darnold‘s name in fantasy. Darnold has looked fantastic in the Vikings’ fast-paced passing offense. He has 18 or more fantasy points over his first three starts in the season. It’s clear that Sam Darnold is being trusted to produce in the offense with the great talent surrounding him this year. Over the last two weeks, Darnold has beaten twoplayoff teams who have a strong defense and has given excellent fantasy production. He’ll face the Packers next week, but Darnold seems to be playing his best football right now. If you are looking for more consistency at the quarterback position, then Darnold is a must-add in Week 4.
- Top Waiver Priority – YES (if needing a QB)
- FAAB % – 18%
Braelon Allen, RB – NYJ
Braelon Allen continues to see important touches in this Jets offense. While he only averages 30% of the offensive snaps, he has over 26 fantasy points in the last two weeks. He didn’t score in Week 3 but averaged 5.5 YPC against a tough Patriots defense. While the Jets do have star running back Breece Hall, it’s clear that the team wants to keep Hall fresh and take advantage of Allen’s size in the offense. We could be looking at a thunder and lightning situation for the Jets in 2024 if Allen continues to produce the way he is. Allen may not have a consistent weekly value yet, but he’ll be usable during BYE weeks and is a top-tier handcuff.
- Top Waiver Priority – YES
- FAAB % – 10%
Cole Kmet, TE – CHI
We found a tight end to add to the list in Cole Kmet. Kmet may have been a drop candidate after Week 3’s waiver wire. Kmet was not great after two weeks, but Week 3’s game changed that. Kmet finished Week 3 with 97 yards and a touchdown. The important stat for Kmet is his snap count over Gerald Everett. The Bears coaching staff seem to have cooled on Gerald Everett being a big part of the offense. In Week 3, Kmet (75%) dominated the snap count over Everett (23%). If you are still struggling for tight end help or gave up on Kmet once, he should be back off waivers as the Bears find their groove on offense.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 7%
Allen Lazard, WR – NYJ
Our next receiver we’d recommend adding this week is Jets’ Allen Lazard. Lazard isn’t a must-pick-up, but he should be on your bench. The veteran receiver has the trust of Aaron Rodgers, especially in the red zone. Lazard is averaging five targets per game and has had three touchdowns this season already. There will be more competitive games for the Jets offense that will force them to throw the ball more. Lazard has FLEX potential moving forward in the offense and deserves to be picked up ahead of Week 4.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 6%
Jauan Jennings, WR – SF
Finally, we have the player with the biggest performance from Week 3 in Jauan Jennings. The 49ers receiver finished Sunday’s game with 175 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. I wouldn’t expect that every week, but he should be involved with other star players currently injured. Jennings has always been a player who can produce when given the opportunity to do so. We may have another week without players like George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Jennings could be an easy pickup and FLEX heading into Week 4. The Patriots have had issues with slot receivers, and Jennings plays a high percentage of snaps in that position. He should be on waiver wire radars this week but isn’t worth dropping a substantial amount of your FAAB, as his time in the spotlight won’t last long.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 8%
Photos by Icon Sports Wire and Adobe Stock | Adapted by Carlos Leano