NFL Waiver Wire: Week 4 Pickups

This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. This column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.

QUARTERBACK

Hail Mary

Case Keenum, MIN - Should we start believing in Keenum after he threw for 369 yards Sunday? Probably not, but Tampa Bay isn't a pushover on defense and it's tough to ignore the weapons he has at his disposal. If Keenum can be mildly accurate – he hasn't thrown a pick in 70 attempts this season – his receivers can do the rest after the catch. Sam Bradford still only "week to week," and even when he returns, he'll be in danger of missing multiple weeks the rest of the season. In a super-flex or two-quarterback league bump this bid up considerably. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

RUNNING BACK

Secondary Targets

Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, PHI - The injuries to Darren Sproles open the door for both Smallwood and Clement to play a larger role in the Philadelphia backfield. Smallwood, who finished with 12 carries for 71 yards Sunday, should take Sproles' third-down, pass-catching role. Clement had only six carries Sunday but found the end zone and likely will get the early down work if anything happens to LeGarrette Blount. Bump up Smallwood a little in PPR leagues and leagues that count return yards. FAAB: Smallwood, $4-$8; Clement, $2-$4

Hail Mary

Branden Oliver, LAC - Oliver was pressed into more duty than usual (12 touches) Sunday after Melvin Gordon suffered a knee injury that isn't believed to be serious. It's clear the Chargers trust him over Austin Ekeler, though Oliver didn't have great efficiency numbers against a good Chiefs defense. Watch for reports on the severity of Gordon's injury. FAAB: $$1 or FCFS

Mack Brown, WAS - Brown was called upon to finish the Redskins' win Sunday night after an ineffective Samaje Perine left the game with a hand injury. While the injury isn't expected to be significant, Perine could be another fumble away from Brown taking over the early down role as long as Rob Kelley remains out. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Devin Funchess, CAR - This pickup hinges on the availability of Kelvin Benjamin and how much time he'll miss with his knee injury. Benjamin's MRI showed his knee is structurally sound, but he it is uncertain if he will play in Week 4. With Greg Olsen out, Funchess could be the No.1 receiver for the Panthers, making him worth a speculative add. Christian McCaffrey would stand to benefit from a Benjamin injury, and in deeper leagues Russell Shepard is worth a look as well. FAAB: $3-$6

Sterling Shepard, NYG - While many were high on Brandon Marshall coming into this season (ahem, perhaps this guy) it seems that Shepard is the next best wide receiver to own after Odell Beckham. Shepard now has 200 receiving yards and a score through three games and more importantly has been targeted 22 times. He's also had three carries, indicating the Giants are trying to get the ball in his hands. FAAB: $3-$6

Geronimo Allison, GB - Allison needed a long catch-and-run in overtime (72 yards) to have a productive game Sunday, but any starting wide receiver who is top-3 on the depth chart for Green Bay is worth consideration. It is unknown how long Randall Cobb (chest) will be out and Allison's fantasy value is directly tied to his availability. FAAB: $2-$4

Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett, SEA - Both are capable of making a big play given their downfield speed. If Doug Baldwin (ankle) is out this week, they get bumped up a couple of bucks more and are targets if you're desperate for a win. Indianapolis, without Vontae Davis, has been terrible against the pass, allowing 7.9 YPA and has the tall task of going on the road to Seattle. Watch for the reports on Baldwin this week. FAAB: $2-$4 each

TIGHT END

Secondary Targets

Tyler Kroft, CIN - The carnage that is the tight end position continues to grow, with Tyler Eifert the latest casualty. Eifert's absence will allow Kroft to assume top pass-catching duties among Bengals tight ends. He finished Sunday with a mediocre 4-3-28 line in Green Bay. Bill Lazor taking over as offensive coordinator can't hurt the passing attack, and Eifert (who likely will be out multiple weeks) was used heavily in the red zone and as a safety blanket by Andy Dalton. FAAB: $3-$6

DEFENSE

Secondary Targets

Jacksonville at NYJ - OK, so it's easy to pick on the Jets, and last week didn't work out so well with them beating the Dolphins. However, Jacksonville has been an elite defense and that should continue against the Jets' weak offense. They're 43 percent owned in Yahoo leagues, so they're out there. Spend a little more if you need a win this week. FAAB: $2-$4