Week 3 brought another wave of injuries across the NFL, creating even more uncertainty as we head into Week 4. De’Von Achane, Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, Breece Hall, Jalen Coker, Travis Etienne Jr., Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, and Mark Andrews are among the fantasy-relevant players who now need to be monitored throughout the week. Garrett Wilson also briefly entered concussion protocol before being cleared late.
Every one of these situations could create new opportunities across the league. The waiver wire is where leagues can be won, but waiting until Tuesday morning means competing with everyone else for the same breakout names. Beat the Waiver Wire is designed to help you get one step ahead by identifying players worth adding or stashing before Monday Night Football kicks off.
Some of these players can provide immediate help for managers trying to replace injured starters. Others are bets on talent, opportunity, or roles that could continue growing over the next several weeks. Not every addition needs to become an instant starter. Sometimes, the best move is securing a player before the rest of your league realizes why he matters.
Quarterback
Geno Smith (QB, NYJ)
Geno Smith took full advantage of a favorable environment inside Ford Field, throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns in New York’s 31-24 loss to Detroit. He finished with 26.04 fantasy points and showed that he can still provide legitimate weekly upside when the Jets are forced to play aggressively.
New York travels to Chicago in Week 4 to face a defense that allowed Carolina to score 37 points in the season opener. The Bears’ Week 2 matchup was heavily affected by rain, so I am not putting much weight into the low-scoring result.
Smith is a priority addition for managers needing immediate quarterback help, especially with Baker Mayfield’s status uncertain following his thumb injury. If Breece Hall is also unavailable, the Jets may have no choice but to lean even more heavily on the passing game. Smith should be viewed as a strong Week 4 streamer with the potential to remain useful beyond this matchup.
Deep Dynasty Waiver-Wire Pickup
Jalon Daniels (QB, TB)
Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb on his throwing hand and is scheduled for an MRI. If he is forced to miss significant time, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels would likely receive the first opportunity to start for Tampa Bay.
Daniels entered late against Minnesota with only 28 seconds remaining and the Buccaneers trailing by seven. He failed to complete any of his three passes and threw an interception on the final play, but that is not a situation we should use to evaluate him. He was asked to enter cold and immediately manufacture a game-tying drive.
The reason Daniels is interesting is what he showed throughout training camp and the preseason. His mobility adds a rushing element to the offense, and Tampa Bay has enough talent at the skill positions to give him a chance to produce if he starts.
This is not a player I am adding in standard redraft leagues unless Mayfield is ruled out. In deeper dynasty and Superflex formats, however, every potential starting quarterback needs to be rostered. Monitor the MRI results and adjust your FAAB bid accordingly. Daniels is a speculative add, but we have seen stranger quarterback breakouts happen in offenses with this much talent.
Running Back
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