Fantasy football leagues and won on the waiver wire. Our waiver wire tools at Footballguys make it easy.
Every week, our Sigmund Bloom writes about every trending player in the NFL, moving players up and down based on what we’ve seen. For players who are mostly available in fantasy football leagues, he’ll provide an estimated amount of FAAB to bid on the waiver wire.
These waiver wire tips are essential in winning your fantasy football league. In this article, we’ll highlight a handful of noteworthy players. But for deeper leagues and more waiver wire additions, check out our full Upgrade and Downgrades feature.
Check out some in-depth explanations on these waiver wire pickups courtesy of Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey on a new episode of The Audible.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota (bid 15-30%)
Darnold is probably not available outside of some public leagues, but he is an upgrade across all leagues. He had a banner day against a good pass defense despite getting banged up. He will have his knee examined, so monitor that situation. Darnold might not be an automatic start against a very good Packers defense, but if he is successful against them, it will be difficult to bench him going forward.
QB Justin Fields, Pittsburgh (bid 10-20%)
Fields scored on the ground and showed improvement as a passer in Week 3. He probably secured the starting job for good, and the coaching staff showed more trust in his passing ability from the outset to the end of the game. He is worth a look in your lineup against a beatable Colts defense this week.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay (bid 15-30%)
Irving outplayed Rachaad White for the third straight week and is clearly a better fit in the Tampa Bay run game than White. White is still going to play a large role, so the coming shift in workload could leave us with merely two flex plays, but Irving is definitely trending up and needs to be rostered in every league.
RB Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay (bid 12-25%)
Wilson got basically the same workload as Josh Jacobs and outplayed him in the easy win at Tennessee. This probably isn't a committee - yet - but Wilson asserted himself in a good offense that is only going to get better with Jordan Love's return. He is among the most valuable backup running backs.
RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina (12-25%)
Hubbard busted out along with the rest of the Panthers offense with the shot in the arm that Andy Dalton provided against a lethargic Raiders defense. Jonathon Brooks should be returning soon, but Hubbard showed he is worth an RB2/Flex spot in your lineup until Brooks is ready to play.
RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland (bid 5-10%)
Ford didn't do much until the Browns were down big, but he's still in line to lead this backfield, which means he's rosterable except in short bench leagues. Consider him a what-the-heck flex against the Raiders as the Browns offense crumbles around him.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco (bid 20-40%)
Jennings had a career game for most NFL wide receivers in Week 3, with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr. both sitting. They'll be back soon, but Jennings clearly has chemistry with Brock Purdy, and he should be a more prominent target even when his snap count goes back down. This result shows you that Jennings is worth a bench stash even if his numbers dip below relevance when the offense is back at full strength because who knows how long that will last?
WR Jalen Nailor, Minnesota (bid 12-25%)
Nailor just keeps catching touchdowns, with three in three weeks. Jordan Addison should be back soon, and T.J. Hockenson not too long after that, but once this pass offense is at full strength, that should open up more opportunities for Nailor in the deep passing game. He'll be a flex option at Green Bay.
WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta (bid 12-25%)
Mooney had a good Week 2 on just a few plays, and in Week 3, he showed he can be a frequent short-range target for Kirk Cousins to provide another path to fantasy relevance. He's just a what-the-heck flex until Cousins is more consistent and mobile, but Mooney is a priority add nonetheless if he's available in your league.
WR Allen Lazard, NY Jets (bid 5-10%)
Lazard bounced back with a strong Week 3 after disappearing in Week 2, and that's with Mike Williams' snap count trending up. But Lazard's chemistry with long-time quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the most important factor here. Lazard is worth a what-the-heck flex play in Week 4, with Garrett Wilson likely drawing shutdown corner Patrick Surtain II
Waiver Wire Tight Ends
TE Tyler Conklin, NY Jets (bid 7-15%)
Conklin had his biggest game of the year by far, as Aaron Rodgers played his best game of the year by far in Week 3. Conklin is the best bet of the Week 3 one-hit wonders to keep it up because he's facing a Broncos defense that should try to take Garrett Wilson away. They just gave up seven catches to Cade Otton.
TE Cole Kmet, Chicago (bid 5-10%)
Kmet gobbled up short catches as the Bears were in catch-up mode for most of the game in Week 3. He has Caleb Williams' attention against prevent defenses, and this should remain a very pass-heavy offense. Kmet could be a fine start against an ailing Rams defense.
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