Fantasy soccer waiver wire: Get some insurance coverage for Herbert, Tua and Love

The NFL is a “subsequent man up” league and, by extension, your fantasy football league is as nicely. You acquired your workforce in the course of the draft, however it’s the strikes you make because the season unfolds that may in the end determine when you’re playoff-bound or planning for subsequent season. Each week, we’ll assist you determine the gamers obtainable in additional than 50% of ESPN leagues whose worth has taken a flip for the higher and must be added to your roster as starters or as sensible stashes to your bench.

Accidents are wreaking havoc throughout the league, particularly at quarterback — and Justin Herbert is simply the most recent instance. He aggravated his excessive proper ankle sprain in Sunday’s sport towards the Pittsburgh Steelers and left the stadium in a strolling boot.

Fortunately, his X-rays got here again detrimental, however the Los Angeles Chargers will preserve a detailed eye on him this week. In the event you’re feeling the affect of probably being with out both Herbert or Jordan Love (knee) this coming weekend otherwise you’ve misplaced Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) indefinitely, let’s dive into this week’s waiver wire.

We’ll begin off with a bunch of quarterbacks who may help you climate these absences.

Quarterbacks

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (rostered in 16.2% of ESPN leagues): Darnold is flourishing in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He simply put up a season-high 23.3 fantasy factors towards a troublesome Houston Texans protection. Surprisingly, Houston blitzed him on solely seven of his 32 dropbacks, though he is struggled towards the blitz this season. Darnold has now thrown a number of TD passes in three straight video games, the longest streak of his profession. He is a midrange QB2 in Week 4 towards the Green Bay Packers for fantasy managers in superflex codecs.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (27.8%): Smith did not should do a lot towards the Dolphins, who’re the one workforce within the league to haven’t held a lead for a single second this season. He completed with simply 11.3 fantasy factors. Nevertheless, Smith did rating 17.8 fantasy factors again in Week 1 and 17.9 in Week 2. He is additionally a midrange QB2 in Week 4 towards the Detroit Lions for these in superflex codecs.

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.1%): Fields simply put up a season-high 18.4 fantasy factors towards the Chargers on Sunday. Since coming into the league in 2021, he has 11 video games with each a passing and dashing landing, rating him third behind Josh Allen (21) and Jalen Hurts (17). The Steelers are 3-0 for the primary time since 2020 and that is the primary time Fields has gained three straight video games in his profession. After this begin, it’s going to be robust for Mike Tomlin to bench him for Russell Wilson. Fields might be seen as a borderline QB1 in Week 4 towards the Colts.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (6.1%): Jones put up a season-high 19.4 fantasy factors in Week 3 towards the Cleveland Browns. He is now had back-to-back video games with 18-plus factors, thanks partially to the breakout efficiency of rookie WR Malik Nabers. Nabers is the primary rookie WR to have posted 28-plus fantasy factors in consecutive video games since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014. Jones might be seen as a midrange QB2 in Week 4 towards the Dallas Cowboys, a workforce that simply gave up 25.9 fantasy factors to Lamar Jackson.

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Ought to fantasy managers control Andy Dalton?

Discipline Yates discusses Andy Dalton’s spectacular efficiency for the Panthers in Week 3.

Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (1.4%): Dalton placed on a present towards the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, racking up 24.5 fantasy factors. His prime goal, Diontae Johnson, had a career-high 122 receiving yards. The Panthers offense was clicking. Benching second-year QB Bryce Young seems prefer it was the suitable name from head coach Dave Canales. Dalton is usually a dependable QB2 for fantasy managers, so these in want of one other QB possibility in superflex codecs ought to undoubtedly scoop him up.

Fast hits

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (7.8%): Nix accomplished 69.4% of his passes and put up a season-high 19.3 fantasy factors towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even including in a dashing landing for good measure. He isn’t an amazing begin in Week 4 towards the Jets, however as soon as bye weeks start, he may very well be a strong QB2 streaming possibility in Week 4 towards the Raiders.

Tim Boyle, Miami Dolphins (0.0%): Boyle stepped in for Skylar Thompson on Sunday after Thompson went down due to a rib injury. He is aware of Mike McDaniel’s offense nicely, so in deeper superflex leagues, fantasy managers ought to preserve him on their radar. With targets like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Boyle may very well be value a glance. Alternatively, do not overlook Tyler Huntley (0.4%) if the Dolphins determine to go along with him this week. He is a dual-threat QB who has averaged 14.0 fantasy factors per sport within the regular-season video games he is began.

Working backs

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32.8%): The Broncos’ protection shut down the Bucs offense Sunday, however the important thing takeaway was Irving main Tampa Bay with 12 touches, in contrast with Rachaad White‘s 11. This season, Irving has performed on 31 snaps per sport whereas White has seen the sector for 44, however their 2024 contact totals are a lot nearer (39 for Irving, 43 for White). The identical sample reveals up in fantasy factors, with Irving at 23.2 and White at 28.4. Irving continues to be one of many prime RB choices on the wire and will ultimately lead the workforce in a number of dashing classes.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans (35.1%): The sport received away from the Texans early, and Akers was bottled up when Houston tried to get its working sport going. He did end with 10.0 fantasy factors, due to a receiving landing. Neither Joe Mixon (ankle) nor Dameon Pierce (hamstring) practiced final week and each have been dominated out for Sunday’s sport. It is no assure that both might be prepared this week towards the Jacksonville Jaguars. Akers is value rostering in case he will get one other alternative to guide the Texans’ committee towards Jacksonville.

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Why Yates has ‘zero curiosity’ in Dowdle and Elliott

Discipline Yates advises fantasy managers to keep away from Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (37.4%): Dowdle led the Cowboys’ backfield with 9.0 fantasy factors. It’s kind of crowded in that huddle, with Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn all getting touches. That is the unhealthy information. The excellent news? The Cowboys’ offensive line ranks within the prime 10 in run block win fee. By means of three video games, Dowdle has 31 touches, in contrast with Elliott’s 24 and Vaughn’s 9. Dowdle is the one it’s best to roster. With the Giants up subsequent in Week 4, we’ll see if Dallas provides Dowdle much more touches.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets (28.0%): The rookie led the Jets’ backfield with a season-high 55 dashing yards towards the New England Patriots on Thursday night time. He additionally had a season-high 14 touches. Was this simply because the Jets had a commanding lead? It is onerous to say. Nonetheless, Allen is value rostering to see if he’ll be persistently featured within the Jets’ committee. Allen can be producing 2.6 yards after contact per dashing try this season, which is increased than Breece Hall‘s 2.0.

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (29.6%): The Raiders have been steamrolled by the Panthers, however one eye-opening stat stood out: Mattison led Las Vegas in snaps performed, with Zamir White ending third behind Ameer Abdullah. Whereas White had 10 dashing makes an attempt, it was Mattison who had the extra productive fantasy day, scoring 13.4 factors due to a dashing landing. This has been the development early this season, with Mattison racking up 35.7 fantasy factors, in contrast with White’s 14.8. Mattison has a extra numerous talent set, making him value stashing to see if the Raiders give him extra touches towards the Browns in Week 4.

Emanuel Wilson, Inexperienced Bay Packers (1.9%): Wilson has solidified his position as Josh Jacobs‘ backup, particularly with MarShawn Lloyd now on IR attributable to an ankle damage. Wilson has been making performs for the Packers, ending with a season-high 14 touches and 16.5 fantasy factors in Inexperienced Bay’s blowout win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Jacobs has seen 18-plus touches in two of the workforce’s three video games this season. If he have been to overlook any time, Wilson would step in and tackle that workload.

Fast hits

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (0.8%): He was lively for the primary time this season towards the Indianapolis Colts and led the Bears’ backfield with 30 dashing yards on eight makes an attempt. With D’Andre Swift struggling this season, stashing Johnson won’t be a foul concept.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (6.2%): Tracy had a season excessive in each snaps and touches towards the Browns on Sunday. He is undoubtedly value stashing in your bench. If Devin Singletary, who has had no less than 17 touches in two straight video games, misses any time, Tracy may make an instantaneous affect.

Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (1.7% rostered): Jordan Mason has had no less than 21 touches in three straight video games for a 49ers offense that ranks third in whole yards per sport. So why not stash Guerendo in your bench? He is subsequent in line if Mason misses any time.

Tyler Badie, Denver Broncos (0.0%): Badie completed with 9 dashing makes an attempt for 70 yards towards the Bucs, averaging a powerful 7.8 yards per carry, albeit boosted by a 43-yard run within the fourth quarter. Nobody has a agency grip on the beginning job in Denver, so why not stash him you probably have the house? It may very well be value seeing what occurs subsequent.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (9.6% rostered): The one groups with the next rushing-play proportion than the Payments are the Packers and the New Orleans Saints. If James Cook misses time, Davis may step in and assist fill that void for Buffalo.

Large receivers

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Why Jauan Jennings might be a prime pickup off the waiver wire this week

Eric Moody expects Jauan Jennings to be rostered much more in Week 4 after a giant sport in Week 3.

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (36.0%): Jennings stepped up large for the 49ers (and fantasy managers) with Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle each dominated out for Sunday’s sport towards the Rams. He completed with 12 targets and a powerful 46.5 fantasy factors. In truth, Jennings made 49ers historical past as simply the second participant, alongside Jerry Rice, to file 10 receptions and three receiving touchdowns in a sport. In the event you want a large receiver, he must be your prime precedence. Simply control the provision of Samuel and Kittle for Week 4 towards the Patriots, as both may have an effect on Jennings’ goal quantity.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (42.7%): Johnston has now scored 12-plus fantasy factors in consecutive video games. Nevertheless, he has acquired solely eight targets throughout that point. Nonetheless, he is stepping up because the Chargers’ prime receiver whereas Joshua Palmer offers with elbow and calf accidents. Whether or not Herbert or one other quarterback is underneath middle in Week 4, the workforce will lean closely on the working sport. It ranks fifth in rushing-play proportion. Towards the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnston is finest seen as a flex possibility in deeper codecs.

Allen Lazard, New York Jets (34.3%): Lazard has nice chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers from their time collectively in Inexperienced Bay. He has scored 13-plus fantasy factors in two of three video games this season, thanks to 3 receiving touchdowns. Lazard and Garrett Wilson have run an analogous variety of routes, however Lazard’s 1.74 receiving yards per route is barely higher than Wilson’s 1.58. Rodgers likes to unfold the ball round, so he does not rely solely on Wilson and Breece Corridor. With Pat Surtain II anticipated to shadow Wilson in Week 4, Lazard may have one other productive sport towards the Broncos.

Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (14.8% rostered): Although Nabers has commanded an enormous goal share this season, Robinson has nonetheless been productive. He has seen eight-plus targets twice in three video games and scored double-digit fantasy factors in every of the previous three. In Week 4 towards the Cowboys, Robinson might be on the flex radar, particularly as Dallas focuses on slowing down Nabers.

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (33.5%): After a strong Week 1 towards the Browns with 14.5 fantasy factors, Cooks has totaled simply 7.2 factors over his previous two outings. However here is one stat it’s best to know: Cooks ranks simply exterior the highest 10 in routes run. He is additionally dealing with a Giants workforce in Week 4 that ranks among the many prime 10 most beneficiant defenses by way of WR fantasy factors allowed.

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (28.5%): Douglas led his workforce with 9 targets and scored 14.8 fantasy factors towards the Jets in Week 3. The Patriots’ passing sport is much from ultimate, rating close to the underside of the league in each makes an attempt and yards. Nonetheless, Douglas has run the second-most routes for New England, simply behind Hunter Henry. Want bench depth? Do not overlook him.

Fast hits

Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (4.0%): He has now put up 12-plus fantasy factors in back-to-back video games with Jordan Addison out. The one Vikings participant who has run extra routes than Nailor? Justin Jefferson.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (9.5%): He made his 2024 debut towards the Bears on Sunday, ending with 5 targets and 5.2 fantasy factors, working largely from the slot. The goal quantity was encouraging, however Anthony Richardson‘s 20 passing makes an attempt and 50% completion fee weren’t as promising.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (20.0%): The Panthers’ offense regarded energized with Dalton underneath middle, however Adam Thielen‘s hamstring damage was a blow. If it is severe, Legette may see extra snaps and targets towards the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams (1.9% rostered): Atwell noticed 5 targets and scored 13.3 fantasy factors within the Rams’ comeback win over the 49ers. Whereas he did not play as many snaps as Demarcus Robinson, he ran an analogous variety of routes. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp each sidelined, the Rams want all of the move catchers they will get.

Romeo Doubs, Inexperienced Bay Packers (26.3% rostered): With Malik Willis at quarterback, the Packers have leaned extra on the working sport. Doubs is averaging 7.0 fantasy factors per sport, however he has seen simply 12 whole targets. Nonetheless, he leads the workforce in routes run, which may sign extra alternatives forward.

Tight ends

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (27.7%): Conklin set season highs with 6 targets, 5 receptions, 93 receiving yards and 14.3 fantasy factors. He has been on the sector for a excessive proportion of the Jets’ offensive snaps. In truth, solely Wilson and Lazard have run extra routes than Conklin. He appears to have a strong rapport with Rodgers, and there is a good probability that continues at residence towards the Broncos in Week 4.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (26.1%): Kmet tied with Rome Odunze for the lead in targets towards the Colts, getting 11 seems. He completed with 10 receptions and 25.7 fantasy factors. This season, Kmet has run the third-most routes on the Bears. Rookie QB Caleb Williams has realized that concentrating on Kmet over the center is a great transfer. Looking forward to Week 4 towards the Rams, Kmet might be seen as a strong TE2 possibility.