Another week, more time scouring the waiver wire for impact fantasy football players. For leagues that utilize FAAB (free agent auction budget), that’s easier said than done. There aren’t many names available in Week 4 that are worth giving up a fortune. However, that doesn’t mean managers shouldn’t put in a claim or two on a few high-upside pieces. Here’s how much FAAB you should be willing to spend on some of Week 4’s most popular waiver wire selections.
Week 4 Fantasy Football FAAB Values
WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
8-10% of FAAB budget
Tre Tucker led the NFL in receiving yards this week, just like we all predicted. The third-year pro hauled in eight catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns against the Commanders on Sunday (40.5 FPTS). A breakout performance against Washington, while unexpected, doesn’t come as a complete surprise. This Raiders offense, while flawed, is a clear step up from 2024 with new quarterback Geno Smith under center. In addition, defenses will always prioritize stopping Brock Bowers and Jakobi Myers. That opens up the passing game for Las Vegas’ ‘other’ pass catchers.
It’s not as if Tucker has been a total scrub during his brief NFL career. Last season, with a mediocre group of quarterbacks, he recorded 47 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns. However, he’s always been viewed as a deep threat. In other words, not a reliable fantasy football option. On Sunday, the 24-year-old commanded a team-leading nine targets. Is this a sign of things to come? Right now, it’s difficult to say. I do expect far more scoring opportunities going forward. In addition, the Raiders could find themselves trailing often, therefore forcing them to throw the ball.
RB Woody Marks, Houston Texas
5% of FAAB budget
Entering the season, Houston’s backfield was one of the biggest question marks in fantasy football. A productive Week 1 for Nick Chubb seemed to place him atop the team’s depth chart. However, the veteran has failed to make much of an impact since then. If there’s any room for another running back to step up, it’s Woody Marks. The fourth-round pick out of USC is doubtful to take over lead back duties from Chubb. With that being said, the rookie’s skills as a pass catcher and blocker could boost this stagnant Texans offense. Last weekend, the 24-year-old received his highest snap count of the season (48%).
If a 50-50 timeshare is established, Marks becomes someone that needs to be rostered in leagues of 12 teams or more. On Sunday, he ran the ball six times for 32 yards while hauling in one catch for nine more yards. Those aren’t eye-popping statistics, but it’s a solid floor for someone three games into their career. Houston’s offensive line has looked shaky after trading left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason. With less time in the pocket, quarterback C.J. Stroud will need to get the ball out quickly. Chubb, going back to his days in Cleveland, has never been a great pass catcher. That leaves open role of third-down/receiving back for the Texans. Keeping that in mind, Marks is a high-upside RB option on the waiver wire this week.
RB Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders
3-4% of FAAB budget
Following Austin Ekeler’s season-ending Week 2 injury, fantasy managers thought they had Washington’s backfield figured out. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (a.k.a. Bill) would step in as the team’s new lead back. That didn’t turn out to be the case on Sunday. To the surprise of most, it was Chris Rodriguez who started against Las Vegas. Granted, JCM did see his fair share of playing time, even finding the end zone in the third quarter. Still, this Commanders running back room has the look of a committee right now.
For most teams, multiple running backs means none are fantasy-viable. That’s not the case for a Washington club that just put up 41 points without star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Once the Pro Bowler returns to action, there’s no telling how dangerous this group can be. I’m not going to tell you Rodriguez will be a set-it and forget-it fantasy option. Still, the third-year pro has rushed for an efficient 4.7 yards per carry during his brief career. Even if the Kentucky alum is a backup to Croskey-Merritt, he could still produce on a weekly basis. After all, managers were willing to draft both JCM and Ekeler a month ago. Don’t be shocked if the Commanders find a way to keep multiple backs involved on offense.
Other names to consider
- Trey Benson is the presumed Cardinals starter now that James Conner (ankle) is out for the season. Blow your budget on this potential top-20 fantasy running back.
- CeeDee Lamb’s injury should provide opportunity for Cowboys receivers Jalen Tolbert and Kavonte Turpin. Neither are must-adds, but certainly worth consideration in deeper leagues.
- 2-3% of FAAB budget
- Luther Burden was productive against Dallas on Sunday (19.1 FPTS). However, a modest workload (three catches) makes him more of a long-term play. Managers willing to wait should still stash the rookie on their bench.
- 2-3% of FAAB budget
- Quarterback is fairly barren this week. Sam Darnold was terrific against the Saints (16.72 FPTS); Seattle’s starter could be a decent backup option going forward. Still, he’s not worth wasting any of your FAAB.
