Week 3 was a seemingly odd week in fantasy football, with widespread issues of a lot of players struggling across the league. Some very notable starters went down with injuries, and now it is up to their backups to fill in until they come back. From a fantasy football standpoint, some of these players are worth a shot of adding or claiming these rising stars. The Week 4 waiver wire list is heavy on some great running back targets who have a big shot at becoming productive quickly, and are available in quite a few fantasy leagues. Each team in the NFC North features one target this week as a result of rising stock.
Note that to qualify for this list, a player needs to be available in at least 50% of fantasy leagues. Depending on the various sizes of leagues, there could be better or worse options other than the ones listed. This article will cover leagues with an average of about 10-12 teams.
READ MORE: Week 4 DraftKings Plays
NFC North Rising Stars are Top Waiver Wire Targets For Week 4
Running Backs
Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
Although Williams has been listed here before, he has once again arisen as a top waiver wire pickup. The Lions starting back D’Andre Swift is battling not one, but two injuries now. Head coach Dan Campbell has suggested that Swift will sit out for the next two weeks or so to rest up and heal. That leaves the role of starter to none other than Jamaal Williams, who is already the RB11 this year despite not having the starting nod.
Williams scored two touchdowns in both Week 1 and Week 3, while also rushing for an average of 63 yards per game over those first three games. Despite being the backup, Williams had 11, 12, and 20 carries, respectively, in those first three games. He is going to get the ball a lot and is one of the Lions’ biggest red zone threats. As of now, Williams is still available in 56% of leagues, but that is sure to change with his stock continuously rising.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears
Herbert might only be a one-week wonder, but it could be a very valuable pickup. Starter David Montgomery went down with an injury early in Week 3 and Herbert stepped in for the rest of the game. As of now, Montgomery is day-to-day, but he could miss next Sunday’s game or be very limited in his role. That would leave the starting duties to Herbert.
While filling in during Week 3, Herbert got 20 carries and turned it into 157 yards and two touchdowns. He could see yet another decent workload against the Giants if Chicago gets ahead early or if Montgomery isn’t fully healthy. In this sense, Herbert could turn this into a ton of points, but the Bears struggling passing game is a reason for concern that Herbert could have high numbers. At the moment, Khalil Herbert is available in nearly 75% of all leagues.
Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Mattison may only be a rental but he could put up some meaningful numbers next week. Dalvin Cook is hurt after dislocating his shoulder, but he is said to be “Ok.” Regardless, the Vikings aren’t going to throw Cook out there next week with no limits; that’s where Mattison pops in. For potentially a few weeks, Mattison could see a steady stream of carries and catches. So far, Mattison has 17 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown. He may not be worth much but he’s worth a shot for Week 4 should Dalvin Cook be out.
Wide Receivers
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers may have found a candidate for his new WR1. Doubs, the rookie out of Nevada, had a breakout Week 3 where he posted an eight reception and 73-yard line; he also added a touchdown, the first of his career. Doubs only had six catches for 64 yards in the first two weeks. But, it’s the recent development in the Packers’ wide receiver room that has boosted Doubs’ stock.
A few of the Green Bay veterans, Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, have been battling various issues including both illness and injury. Watkins is out for some time after being placed on the IR, so all receivers have an increased chance. Fellow rookie Christian Watson is also hurt, so Doubs could start splitting the top two receiver’s duties with Allen Lazard. Once you earn Aaron Rodgers’ trust, he’ll throw to you. After Doubs’ fantastic game against the Bucs, look for Rodgers to throw to him even more.
Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jones posted fantastic numbers in Week 3, tallying ten catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. In three games, Jones has 19 catches for 173 yards on 24 targets. On the Jaguars, he is currently first in receptions, ahead of Christian Kirk. And, Jones is second in yards and targets, right after Kirk. His elite speed makes him a great option for Trevor Lawrence and the young Jags offense. Look for Jones to continue to get looks, and he could turn those into solid numbers. He’s available in over 90% of leagues.
Mack Hollins, Las Vegas Raiders
Wrapping up this week’s list is Mack Hollins, a rising receiver for the Raiders. That room is crowded with playmakers and stars like Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow. But, when all of those guys are covered, you need to have other guys to throw to. That’s where Hollins comes in for the Raiders. Surprisingly, he currently ranks as the WR20 in fantasy.
In Week 2, he posted 11.6 points (five receptions, 66 yards) on eight targets. This past week, he put up a fantastic 33-point performance. In this game vs. the Titans, Hollins brought in eight of ten targets for 158 yards and a touchdown. This good-looking target share indicates that Hollins could continue to see a steady stream of targets. As of now, Hollins, the ex-receiver for the Dolphins, is available in over 99% of leagues.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
