There was some amazing quarterback play on display in week 4. Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger destroyed the opposition, although most Ryan owners did not have him starting. Tight end was fluky as always, but some of the top tier talents are living up to their billing. Jordan Reed and Greg Olsen are looking like they could carry some teams, although Olsen may have lost his quarterback to the concussion protocol.
Looking ahead to week 4, the waiver wire still has a lot to offer in many leagues. If your team is desperate for a win, read on and get those waiver claims in early.
Week 4 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring): Quarterbacks
- Dak Prescott DAL - 32-32 245 yards 2 touchdowns 20 Fantasy Points
- Joe Flacco BAL - 32-52 298 yards 1 touchdown 1 fumble lost 1 rush 1 yard 1 rush touchdown 22 Fantasy Points
- Trevor Siemian DEN - 5-7 68 yards 1 touchdown 9 Fantasy Points (left with injury)
Week 4 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring): Tight Ends
- Kyle Rudolph MIN - Game Tonight
- Hunter Henry SD - 4 receptions 61 yards 1 touchdown 12 Fantasy Points
- Jack Doyle IND - 1 reception 6 yards 0 Fantasy Points
Dak Prescott continues to impress and the Cowboys could have a tough decision to make when (if) Romo returns from injury. Flacco was not a model of efficiency Sunday, but a rushing score helped give him a nice point total. Siemian was looking good again before leaving with an injury. Backup quarterback Paxton Lynch played well in relief; something to file away for later.
Kyle Rudolph has a serious target share and should produce again, but the game is later tonight. Hunter Henry is one of the best healthy weapons in San Diego and should see targets even if Gates makes it back on the field. Doyle had a down week along with the rest of the Colts, this game was too fluky to give up on any players because of it.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Picks: Quarterback
Carson Wentz PHI 34% ownership
Being wary of a rookie quarterback is understandable, but Wentz has done just about everything possible to earn the trust of fantasy owners. In three games Wentz has not turned the ball over and his point total has been over 20 in two out of those three games. The Eagles offense looks like the real thing and Wentz could be a budding star. Pay attention to matchups as always, but Wentz should be on a roster in all but the shallowest leagues.
Ryan Tannehill MIA 32.4% ownership
This is not the first time Tannehill has been recommended in this column. Please do not confuse this for me saying that he is a good quarterback. In spots, Tannehill has his merits but at this point he is what he is. The upside is that the Dolphins are terrible at running the ball and always playing from behind. Combined with the presence of premier pass-catching talent, that opportunity is worth something in most matchups. Week 5 is not a great matchup versus Tennessee, but for the long haul Tannehill is going to have value.
Brian Hoyer CHI 3.9% ownership
This season is going to be tough for the Bears because they cannot play defense. The offense has shown some signs of life lately with rookie running back Jordan Howard and Brian Hoyer both putting up numbers. Coach John Fox said at a press conference that he is not going to make changes with anyone performing well. This means that Hoyer could keep the QB job for the foreseeable future. The Bears have some premium weapons and that can mean nice value for whoever is under center.
Tight End
Zach Ertz PHI 61% ownership
A decent volume play going forward, Ertz has been medically cleared to play starting in week 5. The Eagles spread the ball around, but a sure handed tight end is a valuable red zone commodity. There are a lot of leagues where Ertz is not an option, but if you can grab him it should be worthwhile
Cameron Brate TB 9% ownership
He does not jump out as a huge talent, but Brate has the confidence of his quarterback and good volume. Since Two weeks ago he became the primary tight end, since then Brate has seen 18 targets in two games. Going forward he should be a cheap source of production, especially while Doug Martin is out and the running game struggles.
Double Down
Hunter Henry SD 32.5% ownership
A rising ownership percentage can be attributed to two straight strong games, although Henry is still available in many leagues. That may change after a juicy matchup against the listless Raiders defense in week 5. The Chargers are in the conversation for worst defense in the league, so Rivers is going to throw until his arm falls off. As long as that is the case, Henry is going to be a good weekly play.
