Fantasy soccer waiver wire: Mike Williams and Wan'Dale Robinson lead WR choices

The NFL is a “subsequent man up” league and, by extension, your fantasy football league is as nicely. You acquired your workforce throughout the draft, nevertheless it’s the strikes you make because the season unfolds that may in the end resolve should you’re playoff-bound or planning for subsequent season. Each week, we’ll show you how to determine the gamers out there 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 good stashes on your bench.

Accidents proceed to wreak havoc throughout the league. Essentially the most notable one from Week 4 is Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice, who’s feared to have torn his right ACL on Sunday in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers. It is an enormous blow for each the Chiefs and fantasy managers alike. By way of the primary three weeks, Rice led the league with 24 receptions and ranked prime two in each yards (288) and targets (32).

Rookie WR Xavier Worthy, who’s already rostered in most leagues, scored 13.7 fantasy factors Sunday, whereas veteran TE Travis Kelce additionally stepped up in Rice’s absence. Nevertheless, there isn’t any clear candidate to fill the emptiness Rice leaves behind, making this a difficult rotation to foretell.

It’s going to seemingly be a mixture of JuJu Smith-Schuster (rostered in 0.7% of ESPN leagues), Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman. My educated guess on whom to focus on for fantasy functions can be Smith-Schuster. He led Chiefs receivers in 2022 with 933 yards on 78 receptions (with three touchdowns), second solely to Kelce in these classes.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s waiver wire. We’ll begin with a gaggle of large receivers who can probably show you how to handle Rice’s absence.

Mike Williams, New York Jets (44.2% rostered): The Jets have slowly ramped up Williams’ utilization over the previous few weeks as he returns from final yr’s ACL damage. He completed with 10.7 fantasy factors in opposition to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, posting a season-high 5 targets, 4 receptions and 67 receiving yards. Now is a good time so as to add Williams, however take note he is primarily enjoying in 11 personnel. Whereas he is value selecting up, you may not need to begin him in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5.

Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (27.1%): It is stunning that Robinson is not rostered in additional leagues. Daniel Jones depends closely on each him and Malik Nabers. Robinson has seen eight-plus targets in three out of 4 video games, with two video games of 12-plus targets. He has additionally scored 12-plus fantasy factors in three of the 4 video games. He is firmly on the flex radar in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (25.0%): Adam Thielen suffered a hamstring damage in Week 3 in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders and was positioned on IR. This gave Legette an opportunity to get extra snaps and targets in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals — and he took full benefit. He caught six of his 10 targets, scoring 19.6 fantasy factors. The Panthers’ offense seems to be revitalized with Andy Dalton at quarterback, making Legette is a stable flex choice in deeper codecs heading into Week 5 in opposition to the Chicago Bears.

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders (10.2%): Tucker has scored 15-plus fantasy factors and seen six-plus targets in two straight video games. He has additionally run the second-most routes on his workforce over that span. With Davante Adams listed as “week-to-week” because of a hamstring damage, Tucker ought to proceed enjoying a key function within the Raiders’ passing sport and must be rostered. The Raiders face the Broncos in Week 5, and with Jakobi Meyers seemingly busy in opposition to Pat Surtain II, Tucker stands to profit.

Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers (9.5%): Christian Watson was dominated out because of a excessive ankle sprain within the second quarter of Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Vikings. Wicks instantly stepped in because the beginning large receiver reverse Romeo Doubs (25.2%) and infrequently left the sector. He completed with 13 targets and 24.8 fantasy factors. It is value noting that Jayden Reed, who had eight targets and 27.1 fantasy factors, primarily performs in three-WR units. In Week 5, Wicks faces a Los Angeles Rams protection that has given up the third-most WR fantasy factors per sport. If Watson misses time, Wicks might be considered as a high-end flex choice. If not, Wicks is extra of a WR4.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (8.8%): Downs was a breakout candidate this summer time, however a preseason damage took the wind out of his sails. He did not make his regular-season debut till Week 3, however his 22.2 fantasy factors in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 confirmed what he can do, particularly with Joe Flacco underneath middle. Downs tied Michael Pittman Jr. for the workforce lead with 9 targets and will have extra productive video games forward if Flacco begins whereas Anthony Richardson recovers from the hip damage he suffered Sunday. Downs is firmly on the flex radar for Week 5 in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose protection has allowed the eighth-most WR fantasy factors.

Fast hits

Tutu Atwell (7.0%) and Jordan Whittington (3.8%), Los Angeles Rams: Atwell led the Rams with 82 receiving yards on 4 catches in opposition to the Bears on Sunday, whereas Whittington had extra receptions (6). Each Atwell and Whittington posted stable fantasy performances, every scoring 12.2 factors. I favor Atwell, who has scored 12-plus fantasy factors in two straight video games. Nevertheless, each are value consideration in deeper codecs and will stay concerned within the Rams’ passing sport till Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return.

Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons (3.5%): McCloud must be in your radar in deeper leagues. He has had five-plus targets and 40-plus receiving yards in three of his 4 video games this season. Working primarily from the slot, he performs in a Falcons offense that often runs 11 personnel. Apparently, he is the second-most-targeted Atlanta receiver when Kirk Cousins is underneath stress. Nevertheless, the Falcons rank simply twenty second in passing makes an attempt per sport, which limits his fantasy ceiling.

Quarterbacks

play

How Sam Darnold has helped Justin Jefferson in fantasy

Subject Yates breaks down how Sam Darnold has improved his and Justin Jefferson’s fantasy output.

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (43.6%): Darnold’s renaissance has been breathtaking to observe. He has now scored 19-plus fantasy factors in three straight video games, but he is surprisingly nonetheless out there in lots of leagues. Darnold is prospering in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his prime two receivers. He additionally excels underneath stress and when blitzed, which is a helpful trait given the numerous improve in stress charges this season. Darnold is on the QB1 radar for Week 5 in London in opposition to his former workforce, the Jets.

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (34.0%): Fields had a season-high 31.9 fantasy factors in opposition to the Colts on Sunday. He grew to become the primary participant in Steelers historical past to throw for 300 passing yards, rush for 50 yards and have two dashing scores in a single sport. He has now scored 18-plus fantasy factors in consecutive video games. With the Dallas Cowboys protection coping with a number of accidents heading into Week 5, Fields might be seen as a high-end QB2. Dallas provides up the fourth-most QB fantasy factors per sport, making this a really favorable matchup.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (33.2% rostered): Lawrence did end with a season-high 14.7 fantasy factors Sunday in opposition to the Houston Texans. In Week 5, he faces a Indianapolis Colts protection that has allowed just below 20 fantasy factors per sport to QBs. This matchup could possibly be an awesome alternative for him to show issues round, particularly with Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis as his prime three receivers.

Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (8.9%): Dalton’s fantasy efficiency Sunday in opposition to the Bengals yielded solely 15.7 factors, which wasn’t as spectacular as his 24.5 factors in opposition to the Raiders in Week 3. Nevertheless, he stays a dependable choice for fantasy managers coping with QB points, particularly in superflex codecs. With upcoming matchups in opposition to the Bears, Falcons and Commanders, Dalton might be considered as a low-end QB2 as managers navigate bye weeks.

Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts (0.2%): Flacco confirmed he nonetheless has some magic left, scoring 15.0 fantasy factors in opposition to the Steelers whereas filling in for Richardson, who injured a hip within the first quarter. It was refreshing to see a Colts quarterback successfully distribute the soccer. As of now, it is unclear whether or not Richardson’s damage is critical, nevertheless it is perhaps sensible to not rush him again, given his inconsistency. If Flacco begins in Week 5 in opposition to a Jaguars protection that permits the second-most QB fantasy factors per sport, he might land on the QB2 radar.

Working backs

play

Bucky Irving’s Week 5 fantasy outlook

Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell count on Bucky Irving to do nicely in Week 5 regardless of damage considerations.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (51.7%): I do know Irving is rostered in simply over 50% of leagues, however he must be your prime RB goal if he is nonetheless out there. Earlier than the Week 4 sport in opposition to the Eagles, studies stated Irving would get extra work — and he did. Even with a hamstring concern, he had 11 touches and a season-high 12.5 fantasy factors. Rachaad White, who had meals poisoning the day earlier than the sport, managed 12 touches and 10.4 fantasy factors. Go get Irving.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets (45.4%): Allen led the Jets in dashing yards on Sunday in opposition to the Broncos. The Jets’ RB committee appears to be tightening up, with Allen ending the sport with 9 touches and 5.1 fantasy factors, whereas Breece Hall had 12 touches and simply 2.8 factors. It is also value noting that Allen is getting a better proportion of early-down snaps, seemingly to assist handle Corridor’s workload. Regardless, Allen must be rostered in every single place and holds standalone worth. If Corridor misses any time, the rookie will instantly be on the RB1 radar.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (43.3%): Dowdle had a season-high 12 touches and 13.1 fantasy factors Thursday night time in opposition to the Giants. He leads the Cowboys backfield in each touches and fantasy factors. The primary concern is that Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn are all getting snaps and touches. That stated, with NFL groups averaging 119.7 dashing yards per sport (probably the most by Week 4 this century) and the designed rush price at 39.8% (the very best since 2010), touchdown a beginning RB off the waiver wire continues to be an awesome discover.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (41.7%): Allgeier completed with 10 touches (for the second time this season) and 10.0 fantasy factors in opposition to the Saints on Sunday. To this point in 2024, he boasts a better yards per rush and yards after contact per try than Bijan Robinson. I am not saying Allgeier will supplant Robinson within the Falcons’ RB committee, nevertheless it’s clear he has a task and standalone worth in fantasy. If Robinson misses any time, Allgeier will certainly be on the RB1 radar.

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (30.6%): Mattison leads the Raiders backfield with 41.6 fantasy factors by 4 video games, regardless of having fewer touches than Zamir White. He is a greater receiver out of the backfield and extra expert at avoiding tackles. Mattison deserves extra touches. In Week 5, the Raiders face a Broncos protection that provides up the eighth-most RB receptions per sport. That is key as a result of, whereas the Broncos rank third in run cease win price, the Raiders’ offensive line ranks final in run block win price. Mattison might discover himself closely focused in opposition to Denver.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (21.4%): Hunt scored simply 10.5 fantasy factors Sunday in opposition to the Chargers, however he led Kansas Metropolis’s backfield with 16 touches. It is also value noting that Carson Steele misplaced a fumble early and did not play one other snap after that. The Chiefs have one of the crucial explosive offenses, so Hunt could possibly be a helpful fantasy choice if he takes on extra of the passing-game function together with dashing duties. He must be rostered in all leagues.

Fast hits

play

Why Tank Bigsby is a helpful addition to fantasy groups

Eric Moody factors to uncertainty round Travis Etienne’s shoulder as to why fantasy managers ought to add Tank Bigsby.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (6.4%): Bigsby led the Jaguars with a formidable 90 dashing yards on simply seven makes an attempt in opposition to the Texans, together with a standout 58-yard run. To place that in perspective, that is greater than the 50 yards Travis Etienne Jr. gained on his 11 makes an attempt, though Etienne suffered a shoulder damage within the first quarter. Bigsby has regarded nice this season and, with the Jaguars sitting at 0-4, head coach Doug Pederson’s seat is getting hotter. Do not be shocked if Bigsby begins getting extra touches in opposition to the Colts in Week 5.

Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts (0.8%): Jonathan Taylor left Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Steelers because of a second-half ankle damage. It’s a gentle ankle sprain, nevertheless it’s unclear if he’ll any miss time. Taylor has averaged 19.5 touches per sport this season. If he’s out, Sermon will step right into a key function behind an offensive line that ranks second in run block win price. Additionally, in Week 5, the Colts face a Jaguars protection that has given up the fourth-most RB fantasy factors.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots (29.3% rostered): Gibson has averaged 9.0 touches per sport. He is a stable pickup in deeper codecs as a result of the Patriots rank eleventh in dashing makes an attempt per sport. If Rhamondre Stevenson misses time, Gibson might see an enormous workload, even when for an underwhelming offense.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (13.4%): Regardless that D’Andre Swift racked up 23 touches and 29.5 fantasy factors in opposition to the Rams on Sunday, Johnson appears to have secured the change-of-pace function. He posted solely 8.6 fantasy factors, however performed extra snaps than Khalil Herbert.

Tight ends

play

Why Tucker Kraft has Subject Yates’ consideration

Subject Yates explains how Tucker Kraft’s alternatives proceed to develop within the Packers’ offense.

Tucker Kraft, Inexperienced Bay Packers (4.5%): Kraft set season highs Sunday in opposition to the Vikings with 9 targets, 6 receptions, 53 receiving yards and 17.3 fantasy factors. Jordan Love threw the ball 54 instances as a result of the Packers had been trailing all sport lengthy, however Kraft’s efficiency nonetheless bodes nicely for when the Packers have a extra balanced assault. Up subsequent in Week 5, Inexperienced Bay faces the Rams — a workforce that has given up the fourth-most TE fantasy factors per sport.

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (35.7%): The Broncos shut down the Jets’ offense Sunday, however Conklin’s involvement was a vibrant spot, as he noticed eight targets. He ranks third in routes run on the Jets this season and performs on a excessive proportion of snaps. In Week 5, New York faces a Vikings protection that has allowed the Tenth-most complete yards per sport, giving Conklin an opportunity to remain concerned.

Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6.2%): It has been a tough season for tight ends, with simply 20 touchdowns scored by the place — on tempo for the fewest by Week 4 since 1992. One factor to notice: Otton has racked up 17 targets over the previous two video games. He has additionally scored double-digit fantasy factors in consecutive matchups. As we head into the bye weeks, Otton is a stable streaming choice for these in want, particularly Thursday night time in opposition to the Falcons.