Waiver Wire Analysis: Week 4

As a refresher, The Drop List consists of players who are no longer must-have assets, recommended additions are available in over 50% of Sleeper, ESPN, or Yahoo leagues, the Watch List contains in-depth notes on fringe waiver adds, and Deep Leagues includes player notes on potential waiver adds in 14-team and 20-round leagues.

If your roster is top-heavy and exclusively limited to the best long-term stashes, we recommend reviewing the One Injury Away list ahead of Week 4.

Trevor Lawrence has gone seven consecutive games without a top-10 finish, opening 2024 with a league-worst 49.3% completion rate as the QB23, QB21, and QB26. All prioritized options should be started over Lawrence weekly.

Zamir White’s share of Las Vegas’ backfield touches have decreased in every game (62.5% < 60% < 55.5%), additionally ceding both of the team’s carries from inside the 5-yard line to Alexander Mattison.

Gus Edwards handled a season-low three touches (to J.K. Dobbins’ season-high 18) against the Steelers, presumably for his 2.9 yards per carry to date.

Isiah Pacheco (fractured fibula) will miss “6-8 weeks” on injured reserve which, best-case scenario, puts him back on the field anywhere from Weeks 10-12. That rosey timeline does not include the three weeks to be activated post-IR or, more worrisome, Pacheco’s efficiency and role upon returning. In an ideal world, he could be stashed in an injury slot and managers wouldn’t have to make this choice. But every league and roster is different, and I question the usability of Pacheco the moment he’s activated (especially in any must-win matchup ahead of the fantasy postseason).

Marquise Brown underwent shoulder surgery for an injury he suffered this summer and “is not expected to return at any point” during the 2024 season.

Dalton Schultz’s 10% target share has resulted in 11.8 total PPR points through three games.

For those looking to roster the best available player(s) regardless of position, the rankings above weigh every position minus the players’ actual positions for all formats. These are listed in the precise order I would prioritize waiver claims in those leagues for Week 4. Adjust for what you need on your roster — immediate touches, high-upside bench stashes, targets, one-week spot starters, etc.

Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Defenses | Kickers

Quarterbacks

1. Geno Smith, Seahawks — Rostered in 43% of Yahoo Leagues (Suggested 8-12% FAAB Bid)

Smith’s floor remains higher than ever under OC Ryan Grubb, as Seattle has passed the ball at the ninth-highest rate (63.4%) from neutral game script and third-highest rate (58.3%) with a two-score lead. Unlike last season, Geno has also pushed back against pressure with a 58.8% completion rate (sixth) for 7.1 yards per attempt (10th).