Navigating the NFL’s Unpredictable Fantasy Football Terrain

A New Opportunity at Every Turn: The NFL’s “Next Man Up” Culture

The NFL is a league that thrives on the “next man up” mentality, a principle that significantly influences your Fantasy Football league as well. Your team’s initial formation occurred during the draft, yet the decisions you make as the season progresses will be what ultimately dictates whether you’re preparing for the playoffs or getting ready for the next season.

Every week, we’ll aid you in identifying players available in the league who have seen an upturn in value and should be considered for your roster, either as starters or smart bench stashes.

The Impact of Injuries on the League

Injuries are causing disruption across the league, particularly affecting the quarterback position, with Justin Herbert being one of the latest casualties. Herbert worsened his high right ankle sprain during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and exited the stadium in a walking boot. Fortunately, his X-ray results were negative, but the Los Angeles Chargers will monitor him closely this week.

If the potential absence of Herbert or Jordan Love (knee) this weekend is worrying you, or if you’ve lost Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) for an indefinite period, let’s delve into this week’s waiver wire.

Take Your Pick: A Plethora of Quarterbacks to Fill Your Roster

The 2024 season is in full swing, and it’s not too late to join the No. 1 fantasy game with a clean slate. You can create a league with friends and family or join a public one. Your championship journey starts today!

Quarterbacks to Consider

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (owned in 16.2% of ESPN leagues): Darnold is flourishing in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He recently scored a season-best 23.3 fantasy points against a formidable Houston Texans defense. Darnold has thrown multiple TD passes in three consecutive games, marking the longest streak of his career. He is a middle-tier QB2 for Week 4 facing the Green Bay Packers for fantasy managers in superflex formats.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (27.8%): Smith had an easy game against the Dolphins, who have yet to lead in a single second this season. Despite a low 11.3 fantasy points, Smith previously scored 17.8 and 17.9 fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively. He is also a middle-tier QB2 for Week 4 against the Detroit Lions for those in superflex formats.

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.1%): Fields scored a season-high 18.4 fantasy points against the Chargers. Since his 2021 league debut, he has 11 games with both a passing and rushing touchdown, ranking him third behind Josh Allen (21) and Jalen Hurts (17). The Steelers are undefeated for the first time since 2020, and this is Fields’ first streak of three consecutive victories. He is a borderline QB1 for Week 4 against the Colts.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (6.1%): Jones scored a season-best 19.4 fantasy points in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. His recent success is partly due to the breakout performance of rookie WR Malik Nabers. Jones is a middle-tier QB2 for Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, a team that recently allowed 25.9 fantasy points to Lamar Jackson.

Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (1.4%): Dalton had an impressive game against the Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 24.5 fantasy points. His leading target, Diontae Johnson, had a career-high 122 receiving yards. The Panthers offense was in top form, indicating that benching second-year QB Bryce Young was the right decision by head coach Dave Canales. Dalton can be a reliable QB2 for fantasy managers, making him worth considering for those in need of another QB option in superflex formats.

Running Backs: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32.8%): Despite the Broncos’ defense stifling the Bucs offense, Irving led Tampa Bay with 12 touches, compared to Rachaad White’s 11. Irving remains one of the top RB options on the wire and could eventually lead the team in several rushing categories.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans (35.1%): The game got out of hand early for the Texans, and Akers was contained when Houston attempted to establish its running game. If Joe Mixon (ankle) or Dameon Pierce (hamstring) are ruled out for this week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Akers is worth considering for your roster.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (37.4%): Dowdle led the Cowboys’ backfield with 9.0 fantasy points. The Cowboys’ offensive line ranks in the top 10 for run block win rate, making Dowdle a valuable asset for your roster.

Wide Receivers: Make or Break Your Fantasy Team

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (36.0%): Jennings stepped up for the 49ers, finishing with 12 targets and a remarkable 46.5 fantasy points. If you need a wide receiver, he should be your top pick.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (42.7%): Johnston has now scored 12-plus fantasy points in consecutive games. He’s emerging as the Chargers’ leading receiver while Joshua Palmer battles elbow and calf injuries.

Allen Lazard, New York Jets (34.3%): Lazard has a strong connection with QB Aaron Rodgers from their Green Bay days. He has scored 13-plus fantasy points in two of three games this season, thanks to three receiving touchdowns.

Tight Ends: The Underappreciated Asset

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (27.7%): Conklin achieved season highs with 6 targets, 5 receptions, 93 receiving yards, and 14.3 fantasy points. He has a solid rapport with Rodgers, which is likely to continue in Week 4 against the Broncos.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (26.1%): Kmet led in targets against the Colts, getting 11 looks. He finished with 10 receptions and 25.7 fantasy points. Looking ahead to Week 4 against the Rams, Kmet is a solid TE2 option.