Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 4.
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson was not the unanimous No. 1 pick because we had concerns about the quarterback situation in Minnesota. Those concerns are out the window. Darnold is currently QB2 and leads the NFL in passing touchdowns after throwing four on Sunday. It’s hard to imagine this level of production continuing considering his past struggles, but he needs to be added in 2QB and Superflex leagues.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is your last chance to get Irving. A changing of the guard is coming, with Irving out-producing Rachaad White in all three games thus far. The touches are in the rookie’s favor, too. Irving had nine carries for 70 yards and three receptions for 14 yards against the Broncos on Sunday. White had six carries for a measly 17 rushing yards and reeled in five receptions for 18 yards. Irving is a must-add for all fantasy teams.
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Steele was the top waiver claim a week ago and had a solid game in his first start. He led the Chiefs’ backfield in touches with 18 against the Falcons on Sunday. Semaje Perine had just nine, playing primarily on passing downs. Kareem Hunt is looming after signing with the practice squad last week, but it’s Steele’s backfield to lead for the time being.
Cam Akers, RB, Houston Texans: Because the Texans were trailing for much of the game against the Vikings, Akers didn’t see many touches even with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce inactive. Akers averaged just 2.1 yards per carry on his nine carries but salvaged the day with a receiving touchdown. Akers had all but two carries for the Texans’ backfield and the Houston offense figures to get back on track this week. Akers’ time as a starter is limited, but he can help fantasy managers who need a RB2 or FLEX for the time being.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Johnston is another carryover from last week who will be a hot addition after finding the end zone once again. He only had two targets on Sunday, which is not encouraging, but the Chargers’ offense was dreadful with a banged-up Justin Herbert being forced to exit early. If Herbert is to miss time, Johnston’s value takes a hit, but he needs to be rostered as the No. 1 receiver for the Chargers.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Many expected Brandon Aiyuk to be the beneficiary of Deebo Samuel’s absence. Aiyuk did have 10 targets, but it was Jennings who had the week to remember, catching 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three scores in the 49ers’ loss to the Rams. George Kittle’s absence contributed to that, but we have seen before that Jennings can post strong numbers when given opportunities. He does not have season-long fantasy appeal, but he is someone to start if you are ravaged with injuries at receiver.
Cole Kmet TE, Chicago Bears: Kmet led the Bears in targets (11) and receptions (10) against the Colts on Sunday, finishing with 97 yards and a score. After posting just one reception in Week 1, his numbers have increased each week as Caleb Williams gets more acclimated with the NFL. Kmet handled most of the work over the middle of the field in Keenan Allen’s absence.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots