Skip to main content
Advertising

NFL Photos | NFL Photography Gallery | NFL.com

Waiver Wire

Presented by

Week 4 Fantasy Waiver Wire

Need to improve your fantasy football roster? NFL.com Fantasy has you covered. Each week, we'll offer up 10 players you need to target off the waiver wire in your ultimate quest to take home a fantasy league championship!

Headshot_Author_Michael_Fabiano_1400x1000
Michael Fabiano
Bell, who has been sidelined the first three weeks with an injured foot, is getting very close to making his regular-season debut. And when you consider how badly the Steelers running game has looked, it's only logical for Bell to move into a prominent role. Considering the lack of waiver-wire depth at the position, Bell needs to be owned in all leagues.
1 / 10
1. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (40.7 percent owned):

Bell, who has been sidelined the first three weeks with an injured foot, is getting very close to making his regular-season debut. And when you consider how badly the Steelers running game has looked, it's only logical for Bell to move into a prominent role. Considering the lack of waiver-wire depth at the position, Bell needs to be owned in all leagues.

Nick Wass/Associated Press
Steven Jackson is not expected to be back for Week 4 due to an injured thigh, leaving Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers (41.1 percent owned) to remain the prominent options in the Falcons backfield. Both runners are viable flex starters in leagues with 12-plus teams, though Rodgers will have some additional value in leagues that reward points for receptions (PPR).
2 / 10
2. Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons (2.1 percent owned):

Steven Jackson is not expected to be back for Week 4 due to an injured thigh, leaving Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers (41.1 percent owned) to remain the prominent options in the Falcons backfield. Both runners are viable flex starters in leagues with 12-plus teams, though Rodgers will have some additional value in leagues that reward points for receptions (PPR).

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press
The Chiefs now have an elite defensive unit, both on the field and in fantasy land, and need to be owned (and started) in all leagues. This team has scored 20-plus fantasy points in two of its first three games, and a matchup against the porous New York Giants is very favorable in Week 4. If Kansas City is still on the waiver wire, go out and scoop them up if you need a defense.
3 / 10
3. Chiefs defense (27.2 percent owned):

The Chiefs now have an elite defensive unit, both on the field and in fantasy land, and need to be owned (and started) in all leagues. This team has scored 20-plus fantasy points in two of its first three games, and a matchup against the porous New York Giants is very favorable in Week 4. If Kansas City is still on the waiver wire, go out and scoop them up if you need a defense.

Paul Spinelli/Associated Press
It's become evident that despite the presence of new addition Chris Ivory, the Jets still plan to use Powell in a prominent role. That was evident versus the Buffalo Bills, as he rolled for over 100 scrimmage yards while averaging over six yards per carry. Even if it's just to add backfield depth, Powell is now worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues.
4 / 10
4. Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets (8.2 percent owned):

It's become evident that despite the presence of new addition Chris Ivory, the Jets still plan to use Powell in a prominent role. That was evident versus the Buffalo Bills, as he rolled for over 100 scrimmage yards while averaging over six yards per carry. Even if it's just to add backfield depth, Powell is now worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues.

Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sport/Anthony Gruppuso
McGahee, who was signed with the Browns last week, should move into a prominent role in the team's backfield sooner than later. While he won't be a fantasy stud like he was earlier in his career, the veteran should still be owned in most leagues even if it's just as a reserve. In a best-case scenario, McGahee could turn into a viable flex starter this season.
5 / 10
5. Willis McGahee, RB, Cleveland Browns (16.6 percent owned):

McGahee, who was signed with the Browns last week, should move into a prominent role in the team's backfield sooner than later. While he won't be a fantasy stud like he was earlier in his career, the veteran should still be owned in most leagues even if it's just as a reserve. In a best-case scenario, McGahee could turn into a viable flex starter this season.

Jim Mone/Associated Press
Pryor hasn't been consistent as the top quarterback in Oakland, but he remains a viable matchup-based starter. That's the case in Week 5, as he'll face a Washington Redskins defense that has been porous (at best) against the pass and the run this season. If you have either Cam Newton or Aaron Rodgers on a bye, Pryor is well worth a look based on his opponent.
6 / 10
6. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Oakland Raiders (39.9 percent owned):

Pryor hasn't been consistent as the top quarterback in Oakland, but he remains a viable matchup-based starter. That's the case in Week 5, as he'll face a Washington Redskins defense that has been porous (at best) against the pass and the run this season. If you have either Cam Newton or Aaron Rodgers on a bye, Pryor is well worth a look based on his opponent.

AJ Mast/Associated Press
You're right, Rivers is coming off a forgettable fantasy performance against the Tennessee Titans. However, take a look at the game he has up next - a favorable matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and their questionable pass defense. So if your signal-caller is either on a bye or you don't have a reliable option, Rivers makes for a nice one-week option.
7 / 10
7. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers (45.2 percent owned):

You're right, Rivers is coming off a forgettable fantasy performance against the Tennessee Titans. However, take a look at the game he has up next - a favorable matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and their questionable pass defense. So if your signal-caller is either on a bye or you don't have a reliable option, Rivers makes for a nice one-week option.

Wade Payne/Associated Press
One of the most talented young wideouts in the league, Blackmon will be forced to miss just one more game due to a league-imposed suspension. So for those fantasy owners who need some help at the position moving forward, get ahead of the curve and go get Blackmon. He is almost certain to be one of the most added players in fantasy land heading into Week 5.
8 / 10
8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (48.0 percent owned):

One of the most talented young wideouts in the league, Blackmon will be forced to miss just one more game due to a league-imposed suspension. So for those fantasy owners who need some help at the position moving forward, get ahead of the curve and go get Blackmon. He is almost certain to be one of the most added players in fantasy land heading into Week 5.

John Raoux/Associated Press
Well, it seems Tom Brady has at least a little trust in someone other than Julian Edelman. Thompkins, the undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati, posted 41 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the very least, Thompkins is now worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues until Danny Amendola is back on the gridiron.
9 / 10
9. Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, New England Patriots (34.5 percent owned):

Well, it seems Tom Brady has at least a little trust in someone other than Julian Edelman. Thompkins, the undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati, posted 41 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the very least, Thompkins is now worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues until Danny Amendola is back on the gridiron.

Elise Amendola/Associated Press
Avery went off against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday night, posting 114 yards and 14.10 fantasy points. That's almost the same number of points as Dwayne Bowe has scored in three games! While Avery isn't going to be consistent, he does warrant roster consideration in deep leagues. He'll face a porous Giants pass defense next on the schedule.
10 / 10
10. Donnie Avery, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (1.6 percent owned):

Avery went off against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday night, posting 114 yards and 14.10 fantasy points. That's almost the same number of points as Dwayne Bowe has scored in three games! While Avery isn't going to be consistent, he does warrant roster consideration in deep leagues. He'll face a porous Giants pass defense next on the schedule.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press
Advertising
This Ad will close in 3
Advertising

Related

gallery

2018 Week 17 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Week 17 fantasy finals are always a little bizarre and this season will be no different. The Saints and Cowboys have clinched spots and can not further their playoff standing, so they will almost assuredly rest starters. What's more, Todd Gurley (knee) is likely to sit again. The Seahawks' game at home against the Cardinals is meaningless after their win over the Chiefs, too. Hopefully, all of the big jelly beans in your fantasy leagues have been counted and distributed at this point. If not, here's the Week 17 wire:
gallery

2018 Week 16 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

If you're reading this, you've likely survived and advanced to championship week. If you're still fighting for jelly beans in the loser's bracket, let's hope the bronze medal fits you well. Whatever brings you in, thanks for reading along all season. It's been a great one. Now, let's hit the Week 16 wire. It's a light waiver week outside of a few obvious adds:
gallery

2018 Week 15 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

With a bizarre opening round of the fantasy playoffs in the books, managers moving on to Week 15 must keep their rosters fresh ahead of the semifinals. A pair of 'Niners, Dante Pettis and Jeff Wilson, are coming off back-to-back strong starts and are obvious adds if they are still on top of your league wire. Here are the rest of the Week 15 pickups:
gallery

2018 Week 14 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Week 13 was a quintessentially chaotic week in fantasy football. Kareem Hunt (domestic violence) was released on Friday night. The Saints (10), Vikings (10), Falcons (16), and Packers (17) combined to score just 53 offensive points in losses. Packers' HC Mike McCarthy was subsequently fired. Cam Newton threw 4 INTs... against the Buccaneers. Russell Wilson threw 4 TDs... on 17 attempts. On a day where the Chiefs put up a 40 spot on the Raiders, Tyreek Hill caught just one pass for 13 yards. Finally, in a off-side laden finish, the Chargers needed three field goal attempts to knock off the Steelers on the road. Every week in the NFL is unique, but this past slate was particularly unpredictable. Let's take a step back from the madness and hit the wire as most fantasy leagues enter the opening round of the playoffs:
gallery

2018 Week 13 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

With the fantasy playoffs officially right around the corner, it's time to dig in and make some final moves to help those fantasy rosters. Let's hit the Week 13 waiver wire:
gallery

2018 Week 12 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Pending the Chiefs-Rams MNF showdown, Week 11 is nearly in the books. We're getting close to the holidays and... the fantasy playoffs. Let's hit the Week 12 waiver wire and find helpful players for the stretch run.
gallery

2018 Week 11 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Week 10 is in the books, and since fantasy football is a forward-thinking game, we're already looking ahead to next week. Let's hit the Week 11 wire as playoff pushes are being made:
gallery

2018 Week 10 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Pending Monday Night Football, Week 9 is nearly in the books. We're on to double-digit weeks! After a fairly slow month of waiver adds, this is a white-hot week to spend your FAAB budget as everyone is pushing for a spot in the fantasy playoffs. Let's get to it:
gallery

2018 Week 9 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

As always, waiver wire's should be mostly thin by this time of the year. Luckily, the last two weeks have been light on the injury front, further slowing down the influx of solid adds. Still, there are nine potential moves to make ahead of Week 9. Let's get to it.
gallery

2018 Week 8 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

Week 7 is in the books, and we're already looking ahead at the best waiver claims and bids ahead of Week 8. There are three clear-cut adds at the top this week as Marshawn Lynch (groin) and Ted Ginn's (knee) injuries open up opportunities.
gallery

2018 Week 7 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

gallery

2018 Week 6 fantasy football waiver-wire targets

After a white-hot start to the season, Week 5 was a bit of a downer. At press-time (pending Monday Night Football), only two quarterbacks on the slate scored 25 or more fantasy points. In Weeks 1-4 combined, an average of 7.5 fantasy QBs scored 25 or more points each week. Thankfully, though -- we had a light Sunday for injuries. Let's get to the Week 6 adds: