We got our fill of blocked kicks and injury carnage in Week 3. The abundance of blocked kicks was a fun novelty. There was nothing fun about all the injuries, especially when it comes to fantasy football.
James Conner was carted off with a season-ending ankle injury. Najee Harris is done for the year with a ruptured Achilles. CeeDee Lamb is likely to miss a few weeks with a foot injury. Mike Evans has a hamstring issue that figures to cost him some games. Terry McLaurin sustained a quad injury.
We’re starting to lose key players, and we’re going to get our first set of byes in Week 5.
Things are getting tough out there, people.
It’s time to hit the fantasy football waiver wire.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 4
Week 4 Waiver Grade: C-
(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)
Running Backs
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Trey Benson (RB – ARI): 50% Rostered
- Next Opponents: SEA, TEN, @IND
- True Value: $56
- Desperate Need: $75
- Budget-Minded: $40
Analysis: In back-to-back weeks, a feel-good fantasy veteran has gone down with a season-ending injury. In Week 2, it was Austin Ekeler tearing his Achilles. In Week 3, it was James Conner sustaining an ankle injury that will end his season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. As a result, Conner’s backup, Trey Benson, is the first must-grab running back of the season. Typically, this article only includes players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues. Benson is currently 50% rostered, but we felt compelled to include him since he’ll be so coveted in leagues where he’s available. Benson has already taken a step forward this season, taking over third-down duties from Conner. Benson only managed 51 yards from scrimmage in Week 3, but he out-touched Emari Demercado 13-2. In Conner’s absence, Benson is a weekly RB2/Flex option. With Conner headed for injured reserve (IR), Benson will be a household fantasy name for the rest of the season.
Ollie Gordon (RB – MIA): 19% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYJ, @CAR, LAC
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $8
- Budget-Minded: $3
Analysis: The Dolphins are carrying a 0-3 record into a tough stretch of their schedule. Thankfully, this team looked functional against the Bills on Thursday Night Football last week. In that game, Ollie Gordon managed to score the opening touchdown on a two-yard run. We have seen in the past that Miami wants a bruising back to work alongside De’Von Achane. Earlier this year, it was suspected that sophomore Jaylen Wright would have that role. However, after a tough preseason and an early injury, Gordon appears to have taken Wright’s job. As a prospect, Gordon was primed to be one of the top backs in the Class of 2025 after an incredible 2023 season. Unfortunately, a mediocre 2024 campaign dropped him into the sixth round, where the Dolphins snagged him. If Miami can continue to piece together its offense, there should be more goal-line opportunities to come for Gordon. Plus, he has contingent upside if Achane were to miss any time.
Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL): 39% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, BYE, BUF
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Tyler Allgeier needs to be rostered in every league. Don’t worry about last week; the Falcons had one of those divisional games where nothing seemed to go their way in a 30-0 loss to the Panthers. Allgeier is one of the premier backups in the league and has proven he can be a great fantasy player if he receives ample work. With Bijan Robinson ahead of him, Allgeier isn’t going to earn heavy work on the merits. However, in the first two weeks of the season, Allgeier was involved in the Falcons’ offense. He had 26 rush attempts, 100 yards and a score in Atlanta’s first two games. I believe that usage is more indicative of what the rest of the season will look like for this backfield. I would prioritize Allgeier over any WR5s or backup tight ends you may have on your bench.
Chris Rodriguez (RB – WSH): 3% Rostered & Jeremy McNichols (RB – WSH): 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ATL, @LAC, CHI
- True Value: $2, $1
- Desperate Need: $4, $2
- Budget-Minded: $0, $0
Analysis: These Washington backs have a gauntlet over their next two games. Both the Falcons and Chargers have top-10 run defenses in terms of rushing yards allowed. We also have a three-back split between Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. What makes this situation appealing is that we have an ambiguous backfield in a high-powered offense. As the season progresses, any of these backs could take over as the lead guy. Croskey-Merritt is presumed to have the inside track. However, Rodriguez had 11 carries to Croskey-Merritt’s eight against the Raiders in Week 3. McNichols, who will likely be the Commanders’ receiving back moving forward, only had four carries on Sunday. However, one was an elite 60-yard touchdown run. It will be tough to rely on any of these backs, but Rodriguez and McNichols can at least be desperation Flex plays.
Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI): 13% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @LV, BYE, @WSH
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Bears finally found their offense in Week 3 against a Cowboys defense quickly becoming one of the worst in the league. Kyle Monangai had six carries for 16 yards and one reception for four yards against Dallas. The Bears now face a Raiders team that has been top-five against the run. Monangai is unplayable at this point. However, his path is clear. Despite averaging the fourth-most rushing yards before contact, D’Andre Swift has been rushing for the yards blocked in front of him, and nothing else. Against an abysmal Cowboys defense, Swift had 13 carries for 33 yards. Bears head coach Ben Johnson might look for more juice from this backfield as the season goes on. Johnson praised Monangai often this summer, and I expect that the seventh-round rookie’s role will increase after the bye week. If you have the roster space, Monangai is a back to keep your eye on in case Swift misses time, or Monangai’s role increases.
Woody Marks (RB – HOU): 9% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @BAL, BYE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: We might have seen a changing of the guard last week. After only three rush attempts in his first two games, Woody Marks had six in Week 3. Dare Ogunbowale failed to appear in the Texans’ box score for a second consecutive week. Marks has seemingly overtaken the veteran pass-catching specialist and is getting work behind starter Nick Chubb. Any rookie backing up an aging veteran is a good player to roster. However, this Texans team needs to figure out its offense for any of these backs to have consistent fantasy value. With the Texans’ offensive line a mess, Marks could see an increased role due to his elite pass-catching and protecting abilities. While Marks only had six carries against the Jaguars on Sunday, it’s an upward trend for this late-round rookie running back.
Running Back Stash Candidates
Tyjae Spears is on the verge of coming off IR. Typically, players return from high-ankle sprains in 4-6 weeks. Spears injured his ankle in the preseason and will have missed the first four games, so it seems likely he’ll return for Week 5. It’s unclear what Spears’ role in this offense will be. However, Tony Pollard has been inefficient this season. Grab Spears while you can and see if he can bring some much-needed explosiveness to the Titans’ offense.
Blake Corum is quietly getting more touches each week. What was once Kyren Williams‘ kingdom is now accommodating Corum, too. The second-year back has topped 44 rushing yards in each of his last two games. Corum’s value predominantly comes from being the direct backup to Williams. Considering Williams had the third-most rush attempts in the league over the last two seasons, it’s probably smart for McVay to start mixing in Corum more often.
Wide Receivers
Written by Derek Brown
Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 21% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @HOU, @ARI, @LV
- True Value: $10
- Desperate Need: $16
- Budget-Minded: $6
Analysis: Elic Ayomanor entered Week 3 coming off his best game in the NFL, finishing as the WR24 in fantasy football in Week 2. In the first two games of the season, Ayomanor had a 21.3% target share and 26.8% first-read share, with 1.44 yards per route run and 0.104 first downs per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. In Week 3, his target share dipped to 13.1%, but Ayomanor finished second on the team with 38 receiving yards, and he got into the end zone again. Calvin Ridley has been missing in action this year. It’s not crazy to think that Ayomanor could become the Titans’ clear No. 1 WR as we move through the season. He’s a strong weekly Flex play with tons of upside.
Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL): 45% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, BYE, BUF
- True Value: $6
- Desperate Need: $10
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: Darnell Mooney’s box scores haven’t been amazing since his return from a shoulder injury, as he has averaged only 32 receiving yards, but his market share of this passing offense is still quite strong. Mooney has a 26.3% target share over the last two weeks. The offensive game plan in Week 2 held him back, and Michael Penix’s struggles in Week 3 kept Mooney quiet even though he led the team with 11 targets. Better days are ahead for Mooney if Penix gets it together, or we might see Kirk Cousins back under center. Either way, this passing attack could flash a pulse in the coming weeks. With only Drake London and Kyle Pitts to contend with for targets, Mooney could easily bounce back as a solid WR3/WR4 or Flex play.
Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 44% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CIN, @PHI, @NYJ
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $8
- Budget-Minded: $3
Analysis: Last season, Troy Franklin looked to gain steam in Weeks 6-7, with 65.5% and 50.8% of the snaps. But after that, he didn’t play more than 46% of the snaps in any other game. To open the 2025 season, Franklin had a 59.2% snap share, which increased to 82.8% in Week 2. In those two games, Franklin had a 21.4% target share, 2.61 yards per route run, a 41.8% air-yard share and a 24.4% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Week 3 wasn’t kind to Franklin, who finished with only eight receiving yards, but he did play 79% of the snaps and had a 16% target share. The Chargers’ secondary has played well this season, so it’s not damning to see Franklin post a quieter game. The big takeaway is that Franklin is a full-time starter in this offense. He should bounce back against the Bengals this week, and after a tough matchup with the Eagles in Week 5, he should feast on Brandon Stephens in Week 6. Pick up Franklin immediately if he’s still on the waiver wire in your leagues.
Christian Kirk (WR – HOU): 34% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @BAL, BYE
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: Christian Kirk made his 2025 debut for the Houston Texans in Week 3. He was immediately thrust into a starter’s workload with 66.7% of the snaps and a 21% target share (eight targets). His snap and target counts were both second on the team behind only Nico Collins. It was nice to see, as Houston had previously treated its wide receiver room as a committee behind Nico Collins. C.J. Stroud is not playing good football, and the offensive line looks abysmal, but if Kirk is going to see this level of volume moving forward, he should be rostered and could work himself into weekly Flex territory.
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @DAL, BYE, CIN
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: The Packers’ hesitation to pass has been infuriating. Despite Green Bay facing an obvious pass-funnel Browns defense in Week 3, Jordan Love had only 25 passing attempts, while the ground game had 27 rushing attempts (not counting four rushing attempts by Love). This lack of passing volume has neutered every receiving option in Green Bay (outside of Tucker Kraft) into a dice-roll Flex play. If you have to roll the dice with a Green Bay receiver in Week 4 or Week 6, Romeo Doubs is the one I would select. He is one of the few full-time wide receivers for the team, as the Packers still deploy a committee approach with that position. Dallas and Cincy are burnable secondaries that could lead Doubs to some solid stat lines with limited volume.
Tory Horton (WR – SEA): 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, TB, @JAX
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: The stat lines haven’t been eye-popping, but Tory Horton has 32 receiving yards and a score in each of his last two games. Against the Saints in Week 3, Horton’s box score doesn’t tell the entire tale. Seattle was stomping the Saints; the Seahawks only had to pass 18 times with Sam Darnold, and they eventually pulled their starters. Horton did have a 22% target share and a 72% snap rate with the starters, so don’t let the box score mislead you. Darnold and the Seattle passing attack have been better than I figured they would be in 2025. Horton is a talented rookie who could easily be a viable Flex option with bye weeks approaching. His stock would soar if Cooper Kupp were to miss any time.
Jalen Tolbert (WR – DAL): 0% Rostered
- Next Opponents: GB, @NYJ, @CAR
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: With CeeDee Lamb sustaining an ankle injury in Week 3, Jalen Tolbert makes the waiver wire pickup list this week. The severity of Lamb’s injury is still unclear, but it looked rough, and I won’t be surprised if he misses a few games. Dallas should remain a pass-centric team despite Lamb’s absence, which makes Tolbert Flex-viable depending upon your weekly options and league size. In Week 3, Tolbert had only a 13.3% target share and 24 receiving yards, but we saw last year that Tolbert can produce when the matchup is right. I don’t want to play him against the Packers’ secondary in Week 4, but George Pickens could easily see shadow coverage from Sauce Gardner in Week 5. That would push additional target volume in Tolbert’s direction and leave him matched up against the burnable Brandon Stephens — 80% catch rate and 145.4 passer rating allowed, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Wide Receiver Stash Candidates
Luther Burden made the most of his playing time in Week 3. Despite a 28.8% snap rate and three targets, the second-round rookie finished with 101 receiving yards. He ran only nine routes in Week 3, so don’t let the wild box score get you out over your skis here. Burden is immensely talented, though, and he should continue to eat into Olamide Zaccheaus‘s snaps moving forward. If Caleb Williams can be the quarterback Ben Johnson stans and the Bears’ faithful hope he can be, Burden could be a stretch-run difference-maker. Stash him now.
The Panthers appear to be committed to operating as a pass-heavy offense in 2025. Entering Week 3, they ranked second in neutral passing rate, per Fantasy Points Data. With Bryce Young looking at least competent after Week 1, Jalen Coker could come off IR in Week 5 and step back into a heavy weekly target load with only Tetairoa McMillan ahead of him for passing game looks. Be patient and stash Coker ahead of his return.
Quarterbacks
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 19% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, TB, @JAX
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Seahawks are cooking. After losing a tight divisional game to the 49ers in Week 1, Seattle has won two straight. Last week, the Seahawks’ defense made the Saints look like they should be in the XFL. Even in a lopsided victory, Sam Darnold came through with 218 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks now go to the desert to take on a Cardinals team whose secondary is riddled with injuries. Darnold is a firm QB2 for the rest of the season and should be a top-15 play in Week 4.
Geno Smith (QB – LV): 28% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CHI, @IND, TEN
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $3
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: All right, before we get too carried away with bashing the Raiders, realize that better days are ahead. Highly touted rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is off to a slow start, and Geno Smith threw three interceptions in prime time in Week 2. What I believe is getting overlooked is the Raiders’ schedule. Playing the Patriots, Chargers and Commanders has not been an easy start to their season. Raiders head coach Pete Caroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly want to establish the run. Against those three teams, their running game has failed to spark any explosive plays. This week, the Raiders face a Bears team that is a week removed from allowing 52 points to the Lions. If Las Vegas can get Jeanty going, the Chicago defense will loosen up for Smith. Bears top cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury. I expect the Raiders to have their best offensive game of this young season in Week 4. I’d play Smith as a QB2 with top-15 upside.
Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR): 31% Rostered
- Next Opponents: IND, SF, @BAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Week 3’s Rams-Eagles game was incredible. No one can doubt that the Rams are a true Super Bowl contender. Although the Eagles pulled off an improbable comeback to win 33-26, Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua proved they can exploit the league’s best defenses. That’s good, because they now face three stout defenses in a row. Stafford has a limited fantasy ceiling due to his inability to run, but he is as steady as it gets for a pocket passer. The Rams’ offense will continue to hum as long as these three stars are together.
Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA): 22% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYJ, @CAR, LAC
- True Value: $0
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: It was hard to imagine things getting any worse for the Dolphins after two weeks. Thankfully, they managed to put together a commendable performance against the Bills last Thursday. Despite Miami looking better, Tua Tagovailoa only threw for 146 yards. Regardless of his production, it’s encouraging for his fantasy future that Miami’s offense was functional in Week 3. This week, the Dolphins take on another divisional rival in the New York Jets. The Jets have progressively been improving on defense. Last week, they held Baker Mayfield to his first single-touchdown performance since Week 13 of 2024. With Tyreek Hill starting to produce again, Tagovailoa is a low-end QB2 option.
Quarterback Stash Candidates
We are once again listing Jaxson Dart as a worthwhile stash. In this week’s edition of “Stashing Dart,” the Giants are coming off a tough game against the Chiefs. After an incredibly explosive Week 2 game against the Cowboys, Russell Wilson came back to earth. For fans of Dart, this is good news. At 0-3, the Giants’ playoff chances are minimal, making it inevitable that we see Dart at some point this season. It’s impossible to know when the Giants will pull the plug on Wilson, but with each loss, Dart gets closer to becoming the starter.
Tight Ends
Written by Derek Brown
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE): 47% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @DET, MIN, @PIT
- True Value: $8
- Desperate Need: $13
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: Yes, I’m as surprised as you, but Harold Fannin Jr. has dropped below 50% rostership on Yahoo, so he gets a mention here in the waiver wire article, though I acknowledge that he is rostered in many leagues. Fannin entered Week 3 as the TE9 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 15.1% target share (58.6% route share) with 55.5 receiving yards per game, 1.91 yards per route run and a 20.8% first-read share (second on the team), per Fantasy Points Data. He had a quieter Week 3, with an 11.1% target share, 25 receiving yards and a 64% snap rate. The Browns remain committed to being a pass-first team, so Fannin should have better days moving forward as a borderline TE1.
Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ): 6% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @MIA, DAL, DEN
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: If you’re hurting at tight end and have the bench space to grab Mason Taylor, do it. He has been a full-time starter for the Jets every week, playing 72% to 88% of the snaps. In Week 3, he had a season-high 16.6% target share. While Taylor’s 18 receiving yards won’t cause a bidding war in any league, Taylor has the talent and a clear runway to earn a lot more volume in this passing attack moving forward. That could manifest itself as early as Week 4 against the Dolphins, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Cole Kmet (TE – CHI): 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @LV, BYE, @WSH
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: With Colston Loveland dealing with a hip issue and leaving Chicago’s Week 3 game, Cole Kmet played 55 out of a possible 59 snaps. While he only drew one target, he made it count with a 10-yard score. The Bears’ passing attack is a congested mess for targets behind Rome Odunze, but Kmet will be on the streaming radar this week as a full-time starter in an ascending offense facing a pass defense that has allowed the fifth-most yards per reception to tight ends.
Brenton Strange (TE – JAX): 25% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @SF, KC, SEA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Entering Week 3, Brenton Strange was the TE21 in fantasy points per game. He had a 64.9% route share, a 12.3% target share, 1.52 yards per route run, 38 receiving yards per game and a 13.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Texans in Week 3, Strange had a team-leading 61 receiving yards with a 17.5% target share. Strange is back on the streaming radar.
Cade Otton (TE – TB): 7% Rostered
- Next Opponents: PHI, @SEA, SF
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Yes, I know you’re probably eye-rolling seeing Cade Otton’s name on this list after a goose egg in Week 3, where he didn’t even draw a target. Otton also finished with zero receiving yards in Week 1. But Otton should see more volume moving forward with Mike Evans dealing with a significant hamstring injury. Considering Evans’ history of hammy issues, this could put the 32-year-old receiver on the shelf for a few games. With Chris Godwin still not 100% from the ankle injury that ended his 2024 season, Otton could be the No. 2 option in the passing attack behind rookie Emeka Egbuka until Godwin hits the field or Evans is back in the lineup. I know it was with a different offensive coordinator, but we have seen Otton step up before as a high-volume option in the passing attack when the depth chart in Tampa was depleted. It could happen again.
Defenses
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
Los Angeles Chargers: 49% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, WSH, @MIA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Chargers are already rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues and might not be available. But if they are, they’re worth streaming this week against Russell Wilson and the Giants. Wilson has taken seven sacks and thrown three interceptions in his first three games. The Chargers entered Week 3 ranked fourth in defensive DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) and have allowed 16.7 points per game. They’ve notched seven sacks and forced three turnovers in their first three games.
San Francisco 49ers: 38% Rostered
- Next Opponents: JAX, @LAR, @TB
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Fresh off a last-second 16-15 win over the Cardinals that propelled them to 3-0, the 49ers get a home date vs. Jacksonville. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown four interceptions, is completing 55.8% of his passes and is averaging 5.9 yards per pass attempt. The Niners, who entered Week 3 ranked fifth in defensive DVOA, have held each of their first three opponents to fewer than 200 net passing yards.
Los Angeles Rams: 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: IND, SF, @BAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Colts’ offense has looked marvelous through the first three weeks of the season. But are we convinced that Daniel Jones has changed his stripes concerning his propensity for turnovers? Jones hasn’t thrown an interception or coughed up a fumble this season. But over his first six NFL seasons, he threw 47 interceptions and fumbled 50 times in 70 games. In Week 4, Jones will have to contend with a ferocious Rams pass rush that has already recorded 12 sacks.
New England Patriots: 14% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CAR, @BUF, NO
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: This is strictly a matchup play for budget-minded streamers. The Patriots’ defense hasn’t exactly been airtight, but New England gets an appealing Week 4 matchup against Carolina. The Panthers have committed six turnovers and have generated fewer than 260 yards of offense in two of their first three games.
New York Jets: 13% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @MIA, DAL, DEN
- True Value: $0
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Aaron Glenn’s defense has struggled thus far. The Jets have given up at least 29 points to each of their first three opponents and haven’t forced a turnover yet. But a date with Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins makes the Jets a viable Week 4 streaming option. The Dolphins signal-caller has thrown four interceptions and taken eight sacks.
Kickers
By Pat Fitzmaurice
Matt Prater (K – BUF): 36% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NO, NE, @ATL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: This could be Matt Prater’s last game with the Bills, as Tyler Bass is eligible to come off IR in Week 5. Prater is primed for a big game this week, with the high-scoring Bills hosting the hapless Saints, who have allowed an average of 30 points through their first three games.
Spencer Shrader (K – IND): 27% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @LAR, LV, ARI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Colts’ offense is on a heater, and Spencer Shrader has been cashing in. He’s already kicked 11 field goals with only one miss, and he’s also banged home 10 extra points. Shrader will have pristine kicking conditions in SoFi Stadium this Sunday in a road game against the Rams that has the potential to be a high-scoring affair.
Joshua Karty (K – LAR): 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: IND, SF, @BAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Never mind that Joshua Karty had a potential game-winning field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown by the Eagles in Week 3. Karty made four field goals and a pair of extra points in that game. The second-year kicker is tied to a potent Rams offense, and the Rams host the Colts this week in a game that profiles as a high-scoring shootout.
Jason Myers (K – SEA): 3% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, TB, @JAX
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: After scoring 13 points in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers, the Seahawks have rolled up 75 points over the last two weeks in wins over the Steelers and Saints. Jason Myers is 6-of-7 on field goals and 10-of-10 on extra points this season.
Matt Gay (K – WSH): 18% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ATL, @LAC, CHI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Matt Gay is only 3-of-6 on field-goal attempts this season, but in fairness, two of the misses were from 50+ yards, and he’s made two field goals from beyond 50 yards. He’s a perfect 9-of-9 on extra points. Gay gets an indoor game in Atlanta this week against a Falcons squad that just gave up 30 points to the Panthers. Then, it’s another indoor game in Week 5 against the Chargers in Los Angeles.
Fool’s Gold
Tre Tucker erupted for 145 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the Commanders in Week 3. In 35 previous NFL games, Tucker had six touchdown catches. The eight receptions Tucker had against Washington were a career high, and his nine targets tied a career high. It was a terrific performance, but don’t chase this one-off explosion. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are the Raiders’ only reliable target earners. The 5-foot-8, 182-pound Tucker isn’t built to be a volume receiver. If you’re going to place a bet on a widely available Las Vegas receiver, bet on rookie Dont’e Thornton, who’s 6-foot-5 and has sub-4.4 speed.
Tyquan Thornton has scored a touchdown in two of the Chiefs’ first three games, and he had a team-high nine targets and five receptions in the Chiefs’ Week 3 win over the Giants. But there’s a good chance Xavier Worthy returns from a shoulder injury in Week 4, which will complicate Thornton’s target outlook. Even if Thornton manages to stay on the fantasy radar after Worthy comes back, Thornton will almost certainly fall off it when Rashee Rice returns from suspension in Week 7.
Calvin Austin had his second touchdown catch of the season for the Steelers on Sunday. Betting on a pass-catcher other than DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh’s low-octane passing attack seems like a poor choice. Austin is averaging five targets a game, and Aaron Rodgers is averaging 195.3 passing yards a game. Austin isn’t worth a FAAB bid.
Jaguars wideout Parker Washington played more snaps and ran more routes than teammate Travis Hunter on Sunday. Washington had a team-high 11 targets for Jacksonville against the Texans on Sunday but caught only four of them for 34 yards. Washington could become interesting if he continues to play full-time snaps, but until the Jacksonville passing attack perks up, monitor Washington from afar.
Drop Recommendations
Droppable
James Conner was drafted as an RB2. Now that he’s done for the year with an ankle injury, his fantasy investors are thinner at the all-important running back position.
There weren’t many people starting Najee Harris in fantasy leagues in Week 3. But Harris seemed to be closing ground on first-round rookie Omarion Hampton before rupturing his Achilles in a game against the Broncos. It’s been a tough year for Harris, who sustained an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks mishap, causing him to miss training camp.
Jake Browning‘s first start in place of the injured Joe Burrow was a disaster, with Browning throwing for 140 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Bengals’ 48-10 loss to the Vikings. With brutal matchups coming up against the Broncos, Lions and Packers over the next three weeks, Browning isn’t worth rostering.
Quinshon Judkins officially took over the Cleveland backfield in Week 3, carrying 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ come-from-behind win over the Packers. Fellow rookie Dylan Sampson played only five snaps in Week 3. He’s droppable.
Although the Browns’ backfield now belongs to Quinshon Judkins, Jerome Ford got significant work on passing downs, playing 24 snaps. Even if Ford plays ahead of Dylan Sampson on passing downs, Ford isn’t going to get enough touches to be fantasy-relevant. Ditch him.
A week after a costly mistake on a kickoff that resulted in a Seattle touchdown, Kaleb Johnson played zero offensive snaps for Pittsburgh. Johnson was mentioned in this section last week. Here’s a final reminder that it’s safe to drop him.
It’s not like Adam Thielen has been doing much since he returned to the Vikings anyway (2-26-0 in three games). But whatever small amount of fantasy value Thielen might have had will disappear now that Jordan Addison is returning from suspension this week.
Droppable With a Chance of Regret
Former No. 1 overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence is averaging just 5.9 yards per pass attempt and has as many interceptions (four) as touchdown passes. Lawrence and second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. don’t appear to be on the same page, and the arrival of rookie Travis Hunter has done nothing to elevate Lawrence’s game. Lawrence isn’t worth starting in 1-QB leagues, and if you can’t comfortably start him right now, what’s the point in rostering him?
Michael Penix Jr. was pulled from the Falcons’ unsightly 30-0 loss to the Panthers after completing 18-of-36 passes for 172 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. It’s not clear whether Penix or Kirk Cousins will start for the Falcons in Week 4. Even if it’s Penix, the possibility of him getting a quick hook if he struggles early on makes him unplayable in fantasy. The Falcons have a Week 5 bye. It’s fine to ditch Penix in 1-QB leagues.
As good as the Colts’ offense has been so far, WR Josh Downs has 10-97-0 on 14 targets. He’s part of an ensemble cast of pass-catchers in Indianapolis, and since he’s not much of a touchdown scorer or big-play receiver, there’s just not much fantasy value here. It would probably take an injury to one of the other Colts pass-catchers for Downs to become consistently fantasy-viable.
Don’t Drop Yet
Stefon Diggs has had a quiet first three games with the Patriots, with 13-112-0 on 15 targets. But Diggs has had at least three catches in every game despite playing a little more than half of New England’s offensive snaps. The 31-year-old Diggs is still working his way back from a torn ACL that ended his 2024 season. The snap share figures are expected to increase over time. Don’t bail out on Diggs yet.
We thought things would get better for Calvin Ridley after he finished with 4-27-0 on eight targets in a tough Week 1 matchup that found him in the shadow coverage of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. But Ridley’s reception total has decreased in each subsequent game. He had just one catch for 27 yards against the Jaguars in Week 3. Give Ridley a little more time to develop chemistry with rookie Cam Ward.
Jerry Jeudy had just one catch for 17 yards against the Packers in Week 3. But he led Cleveland’s pass-catchers in snaps and routes. He probably would have scored a touchdown had he not been interfered with by a Green Bay defender, drawing a flag. Ignore the ugly stat line. Don’t drop Jeudy.
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