Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings & Top Pickups (Week 4)

Our analysts combine to provide rankings for weekly fantasy football waiver wire targets. We’ll help you prioritize your bids for the week ahead. Check out our full expert consensus fantasy football waiver wire rankings and all of our fantasy football waiver wire advice for the week.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings

Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

Trey Benson (RB – ARI): 50% Rostered

Next Opponents: SEA, TEN, @IND
True Value: $56
Desperate Need: $75
Budget-Minded: $40

Analysis: In back-to-back weeks, a feel-good fantasy veteran has gone down with a season-ending injury. In Week 2, it was Austin Ekeler tearing his Achilles. In Week 3, it was James Conner sustaining an ankle injury that will end his season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. As a result, Conner’s backup, Trey Benson, is the first must-grab running back of the season. Typically, this article only includes players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues. Benson is currently 50% rostered, but we felt compelled to include him since he’ll be so coveted in leagues where he’s available. Benson has already taken a step forward this season, taking over third-down duties from Conner. Benson only managed 51 yards from scrimmage in Week 3, but he out-touched Emari Demercado 13-2. In Conner’s absence, Benson is a weekly RB2/Flex option. With Conner headed for injured reserve (IR), Benson will be a household fantasy name for the rest of the season.

Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 21% Rostered

Next Opponents: @HOU, @ARI, @LV
True Value: $10
Desperate Need: $16
Budget-Minded: $6

Analysis: Elic Ayomanor entered Week 3 coming off his best game in the NFL, finishing as the WR24 in fantasy football in Week 2. In the first two games of the season, Ayomanor had a 21.3% target share and 26.8% first-read share, with 1.44 yards per route run and 0.104 first downs per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. In Week 3, his target share dipped to 13.1%, but Ayomanor finished second on the team with 38 receiving yards, and he got into the end zone again. Calvin Ridley has been missing in action this year. It’s not crazy to think that Ayomanor could become the Titans’ clear No. 1 WR as we move through the season. He’s a strong weekly Flex play with tons of upside.

Geno Smith (QB – LV): 28% Rostered

Next Opponents: CHI, @IND, TEN
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: All right, before we get too carried away with bashing the Raiders, realize that better days are ahead. Highly touted rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is off to a slow start, and Geno Smith threw three interceptions in prime time in Week 2. What I believe is getting overlooked is the Raiders’ schedule. Playing the Patriots, Chargers and Commanders has not been an easy start to their season. Raiders head coach Pete Caroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly want to establish the run. Against those three teams, their running game has failed to spark any explosive plays. This week, the Raiders face a Bears team that is a week removed from allowing 52 points to the Lions. If Las Vegas can get Jeanty going, the Chicago defense will loosen up for Smith. Bears top cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury. I expect the Raiders to have their best offensive game of this young season in Week 4. I’d play Smith as a QB2 with top-15 upside.