Week 4 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2026 Fantasy Football Team
Fantasy 101

Week 4 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2026 Fantasy Football Team

By Optimus Staff · September 28, 2026

The waiver wire is starting to look a little different. We're three weeks into the season, the first round of bye weeks is right around the corner, and suddenly those end-of-the-bench roster spots are looking a lot more important. The Panthers and Chiefs will be off in Week 5, followed by the Bengals, Lions, Dolphins, and Vikings in Week 6, so now is the time to start thinking ahead rather than waiting until you desperately need a replacement.

Because nothing says "fun" quite like realizing on Thursday morning that half your starting lineup has a bye and your best available option is some guy you have to Google.

And then there are the injuries. It has been an absolute mess through three weeks, with big-name fantasy players dropping left and right and leaving managers scrambling to replace production they never expected to lose this early in the season. Every week seems to bring another "wait, he's out?" moment, and unfortunately, the waiver wire is where we go to pick up the pieces.

Three weeks into the season, we have enough information to start separating some of the noise from the signal, but there's still plenty we don't know. Roles are changing, opportunities are opening up, and some players are making their cases for bigger roles just as fantasy managers are starting to need them. Whether your roster needs immediate help, some bye-week insurance, or you just want to get ahead of the next big role change before your league mates do, there are plenty of reasons to take a look at the wire this week.

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Week 4 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2026 Fantasy Football Team

Quarterbacks:

You might be tempted to pick up Kirk Cousins. Please don't waste your FAAB/WW priority. So far, the toughest defense he's played against opposing QBs is New Orleans, and they're 14th. He's about to go through a stretch where 8 of his next 9 matchups are top-10 in limiting the opposing QB, with only Buffalo falling outside that group (27th). 

Geno Smith, New York Jets | Sleeper 16% | ESPN 7.1% | FAAB 1-2%

I know; he just played Detroit, so of course he put up good numbers. That's super fair. But his next two matchups are against Chicago and Cleveland, both of whom are bottom 10 in limiting opposing QB fantasy points (Detroit is dead last). If the Jets really are going to get rookie Kenyon Sadiq more involved, a couple more top-12 finishes are certainly within reason.

After that, his schedule gets much rockier, so he becomes a matchup play or streaming option only. But as the bye weeks kick off soon, you can do worse. And I'd much rather kick the tires on ole Geno than one of the myriad of backup QBs taking the field.

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals | Sleeper 13% | ESPN 4.5% | FAAB 1%

If you played fantasy football in 2025, you know this drill. If you didn't, welcome! After Week 1 made us think Arizona might have a real defense (oops, nope, that's just the Chargers Chargering), we're back to the Cardinals needing to put up 30+ to have a chance week to week. In fantasy terms, that's gold. As we saw in Week 2 against Seattle, Brissett isn't matchup immune. He will absolutely lay a stinker on you if you're not careful and play the matchup game.

However, his next two games are against the New York Giants (25th) and Detroit (32nd), who are in the bottom 25% of the NFL in limiting opposing QBs' fantasy points. But that's why we only throw out a small bid, if any at all. We rent him for a couple of weeks, then let him sit or throw him back to the waiver wire during his many rough matchups afterward.

Other Options:

Running Backs:

Ollie Gordon, Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 1.1% | FAAB 50%

Yes, this is the chalk player to put here. De'Von Achane has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. The backfield is clearly Gordon's as the main cog while Achane is out. No, Miami is not a good team; yes, their schedule is rough. And a starting RB is a starting RB, full stop.

A few words about the FAAB recommendation. That number is representative of what he's worth in terms of production. If you *need* an RB to start, "the limit does not exist" for FAAB. If you're staring down a 0-3 start to your fantasy season and need an impact now, 100% of your FAAB is justified. Maybe he won't save your season, but it's a big swing you can take. If you're pursuing him to let him ride your bench and keep him away from others? 50% is plenty, and you're price-enforcing as much as anything else.

Ollie Gordon is the only running back who played a snap in Week 3 after De'Von Achane went down with injury in the first quarter, but Jaylen Wright was also inactive in the game.

— JJ Zachariason (@lateroundqb.bsky.social) September 28, 2026 at 9:31 AM

Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers | Sleeper 26% | ESPN 15.6% | FAAB 3%

In Weeks 1 and 2, starter Omarion Hampton dominated the RB playing time, out-snapping Mitchell 56.9% and 64.5% to 31.4% and 24.2%. Something clearly changed in how the Chargers wanted to use their RBs in Week 3, with Hampton registering only a 41.7% snap share compared to Mitchell's 37.5%. Now, before we get it twisted, snap share doesn't mean production is changing. But we stay ready so we don't have to get ready here.

You shouldn't be rushing out to pick up Mitchell to start him, not yet. Hampton still out-carried him 15 - 8 in Week 3, and while Mitchell scored the receiving TD, he caught 3 balls on as many targets for -5 yards. Positively Jerome Bettis-ian. If anything, this is a proactive "the bye weeks are coming!" hedge, and the waiver wire is about to get even thinner than it currently is.

Other Options:

Wide Receivers:

There are three WRs available in most leagues that we recommend adding to your fantasy rosters this week. These players will likely sustain a 20-25% target share in the short term and have the potential to rank as WR3s when the dust settles at the end of the season. If you're solid at WR, you may want to pass on them and save your FAAB/waiver priority. If your roster has been decimated by the numerous injuries at WR, the top-2 players should receive a waiver tender from you.

NOTE: Please check your waiver wire for Jordan Addison. We know he is rostered in most leagues, but check just in case.

Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts | Sleeper 19% | ESPN 24% | FAAB 10-20%

Keenan Allen is locked into a starting WR role for the Colts after WR Alec Pierce (heel) was placed on IR. In his first week as a full-time starter, he hung 63 yards and a TD on 6 catches against a tough Houston Texans secondary. 

Next week he faces the pitiful Washington Commanders secondary, who are giving up 193 yards per game and 2 TDs to opposing WR corps. The following week he will be matched up against the Steelers, who have faced two putrid offenses to start the season before getting lit up for 219 and 2 TDs by the Bengals WR room in Week 3. 

He has a WR3 floor until Pierce returns, and may still be involved enough to sustain WR3 production throughout the year. Keenan Allen has only had 1 season under 700 yards in his 13-year career. If your WR room is thin due to injuries, Keenan may help you keep your championship aspirations alive until your starters are back to full health. Even if your WR room is still fully healthy, he will be a reliable option during bye weeks. 

We have to talk about the potential of a suspension for his DUI. He was charged with a misdemeanor in mid-September. The earliest he could be suspended would be Week 8, since the NFL typically waits for the legal process to finish its course before handing out a suspension. If he is suspended, expect a 3-week absence from Allen.

Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 42% | ESPN 13% | FAAB 5-10%

Malik Washington has locked down a primary role in the Dolphins offense after being relegated to WR screens the last two years, averaging 5.2 air yards per target. Over the last three weeks, Washington is averaging 7.6 targets and 1 rush attempt, with nearly 11 air yards per target. Malik Washington sported 5 air yards per target in his first two years. His role has shifted dramatically. He's also returning kicks and punts for the Dolphins. He's turned his targets into 4 catches for 51 yards per game.

Washington is leading the Dolphins in routes run and has a 26.7% target share. There's no reason the #1 WR on any football team should be less than 50% rostered. 

Washington faces off against the Vikings and Bengals before his Week 6 bye. The Vikings are giving up 174 yards per game and 1 TD to opposing WRs. The Bengals are giving up 140 yards and 1 TD against opposing WRs. These matchups aren't great, but the Dolphins will have to continue heavily targeting Washington since their WR room is barren. 

Malik Washington has a floor of 7 PPG in HPPR and should be in your flex consideration for the first half of the season. With Achane out with a knee injury, the Dolphins may choose to rely on Washington as their underneath threat, boosting his value in leagues awarding points for receptions. 

Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys | Sleeper 10% | ESPN 4% | FAAB 1-5%

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Flournoy is averaging 6 targets per game over the first three weeks on a high-octane Cowboys offense. Last year, Cameron Templar did a film breakdown on him, and the takeaway was that the Cowboys try to weaponize him; he was tough to bring down, but they primarily had him running clearout routes.

This year, the majority of Flournoy's targets have come in the short area of the field, showing Dallas' desire to get him more involved. His target rate has climbed each week of the season, and so has the number of routes he's run. In Week 3, he accounted for 34% of the Cowboys' air yards share. The Cowboys are averaging 29 points per game thus far in the season, opting to throw the ball on 61% of their plays. Dallas ranks in the top 10 in both of these metrics. The 'Boys are slinging it. 

Flournoy may not be anything more than a flex option or bye week fill-in. He is on a high-octane offense that leans pass-heavy, and has seen his deep target rate decline this year while his short targets have increased. This is the recipe for fantasy relevance. 

Over the next 3 weeks, Flournoy will face Houston, Tampa Bay, and Green Bay. I wouldn't advise starting him against Houston, but he may find his way into your lineup in Weeks 5 and 6 as teams begin to head on their byes. Flournoy is not a player that you must roster unless Pickens or Lamb are injured. If more enticing players are available on the waiver wire in future weeks, you shouldn't hesitate to drop him.

Other Options:

Tight Ends:

Kenyon Sadiq, New York Jets | Sleeper: 34% | ESPN: 34%| FAAB: 5-10%

The Jets are lining Sadiq up all over the field and scheming him open for looks. In Week 3, Sadiq erupted for 105 yards and one TD on seven catches.  If you've been following me on Bluesky, you'd have read about Sadiq's usage in Week 1. 

When you're looking for a waiver wire TE, you want one who's going to be top-2 in targets on his team. TE Mason Taylor (thumb), WR Adonai Mitchell (finger), WR Omar Cooper (IR), and RB Breece Hall (quad) are banged up heading into Week 4. 

Someone has to move the ball for this Jets offense. Sadiq fits the bill to be a top target in the Jets offense in the short term. Sadiq was second in targets for the Jets last week against the Lions, and is second on the team in targets for the year. Another breakout week from Sadiq, and he may lock down a top-2 role in this offense permanently. 

Next week, Sadiq faces the Chicago Bears, who have been stingy against opposing TEs. The following week, Sadiq has a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who are allowing 66 yards per game against opposing TEs. 

Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers | Sleeper: 32% | ESPN: 10.4% | FAAB: 5-8%

What year is this?? 2026 for those playing along at home, and yes, I am recommending Darren Waller of the Carolina Panthers to occupy your TE slot for at least the next week. Why? One, he's going up against the Detroit Lions, who are hemorrhaging points to TEs like a clumsy hemophiliac. Two, you're trolling the waiver wire for TEs you clearly did not build around Bowers or McBride. Don't get snooty about your choices.

But let's look a little closer. Waller is seeing good looks down the field from Bryce Young, averaging 11.73 YPC across 13 targets. He's successfully pulled in 10 of those for 112 yards and 2 TDs, not a bad start at all for a guy that gets around the league like Joe Flacco. While the 12% target share isn't a world-beater number by any means, it provides a very solid floor for those streaming the position, with the added bonus of one of the best matchups this week.

In the context of his own team, injuries are piling up much higher than Waller's record sales, so after Tetairoa McMillan, Waller could find himself number two for looks. Health has always been an issue throughout his career, but the time is right for a smash week, so plug your nose, plug your ears (if you have Darren's record still on), and strap in for a monster return on your waiver investment.

Other Options:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Green Bay Packers | Sleeper 42% | ESPN 19.4% | FAAB 0-1%

I like this as much as you do (not at all, to be clear), especially after watching Falcons QB Michael Penix ignite Drake London and Bijan Robinson in his season debut against this Green Bay defensive unit. However, quality defenses to stream in Week 4 are in short supply, and the Packers matchup against Tampa Bay this weekend is hard to pass up. 

You probably already know Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (dislocated right thumb) is expected to miss at least three weeks, leaving rookie undrafted free agent (UDFA) Jalon Daniels out of Kansas as the starter. A rookie UDFA behind center, trying to captain an offense that is in shambles, is a juicy matchup. And despite the results we've seen so far, the Packers defense is giving up the 14th fewest yards per play (5.3) in the league.

In all likelihood, Tampa Bay will keep the ball on the ground and feed Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, with designed runs for the speedy Daniels. Green Bay should be able to keep them mostly contained from a scoring perspective, and I'd expect Daniels to find the turf behind the line of scrimmage more than once. This isn't a defense you'll want past Week 4, but you can safely stream them this week and move on for Week 5 without spending much, if any, of your FAAB budget.

Buffalo Bills | Sleeper 12% | ESPN 8.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Much like the Packers above, the Bills D/ST unit is a one-week rental you'll want to move on from after their Week 4 home match-up against the New England Patriots. While Buffalo is sitting at 3-0, it's been anything but easy; both the Texans and Lions gave them trouble, scoring 31 points a piece in Weeks 1 and 2. 

Week 4 presents a much easier task for the Bills defense. The division-rival Patriots roll into Highmark Stadium this Sunday sitting at 1-2, and seem to be a shell of the AFC Champion offense they were last year. QB Drake Maye has thrown six INTs, has one passing TD, and has been sacked nine times in three games. He also hasn't been as mobile, with 15 carries for 82 yards and no TDs so far this season.

This ship will turn around, and that likely coincides with the return of A.J. Brown, which isn't happening this week. The Buffalo defense doesn't need to be great; New England is tied for second in total turnovers (10) and is dead last in total TDs (2), red-zone Extra Points Added (EPA) at -.871, and red-zone TD rate (6.7 percent)

Buffalo is an easy Week 4 stream, with a safe floor and top-five fantasy finish potential against the hapless Patriots, requiring little to no FAAB. 

Other Options:

  • Arizona Cardinals, FAAB 0%
  • New York Giants, FAAB 0%
  • Carolina Panthers, FAAB 0-1%

Kickers:

I usually tailor my waiver wire kicker advice to those who prefer to stream the position, since that's my preferred and most advised method in kicker leagues. However, if you're tired of streaming, I've got two kickers you can roster this week and then set and forget for the rest of the season (minus bye weeks, of course). If these two kickers are rostered in your league, the "other options" below are fantastic streamers for Week 4.

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings | Sleeper 44% | ESPN 28.7% | FAAB 2-3%

Minnesota kicker Will Reichard has a big leg, and he doesn't miss often. Through three games, he's been perfect, nailing all six extra-point attempts and all seven of his field-goal attempts, and ranks as the overall K4. Of those field-goal attempts, two were from 50-plus yards (56, 54) and two were from beyond 40 yards.

As you may have noticed, Kyler Murray returned to the field this Sunday against Tampa Bay. The verdict on what that means for the Vikings offense as a whole is still out. However, we can be pretty sure that, if anything, it will help Reichard's fantasy value. If Murray and a hopefully healthy Justin Jefferson (ankle) can connect like most expect, the Vikings should be in scoring position often. 

If not, stalled drives are big-legged kickers' (and their fantasy managers') best friend.

Reichard might cost more FAAB than you're used to spending on a waiver wire kicker up front, but if you're sick of the kicker hunt every week, you can lock him in.

Spencer Shrader, Indianapolis Colts | Sleeper 23% | ESPN 6.5% | FAAB %

I know, I wrote about Spencer Shrader last week. But he's still widely available, and until this is remedied, I shall continue with the Spencer Shrader hype campaign.

Through three weeks of the season, the third-year kicker is sitting as the overall K3 and, like Reichard, hasn't missed a field goal. He's nailed three field goals over 50 yards and two more over 40 yards. His only miss was an extra point attempt in Week 1 against Baltimore.

Also, much like Reichard, we are unclear on how his QB situation will ultimately shake out, but it likely doesn't matter. Whether QB Daniel Jones gets it right and starts slinging TDs or the stalled-drives-and-long-FG trend continues, Shrader should remain a top-five kicker throughout the 2026 season and an easy set-it-and-forget-it for your fantasy roster.

Other Options:

For more waiver wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

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