[h=1]Free-agent finds for Week 4[/h]
By [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Christopher Harris[/FONT] | ESPN.com
Waiver-wire news changes fast and furious throughout the week as injuries and depth-chart shenanigans overtake us. So be sure to follow me on Twitter by clicking on the link next to my headshot at the bottom of the column, and I'll keep you updated as news warrants. Let's get to the best fantasy roster additions heading into Week 4, and remember that byes start this week:
Standard ESPN league finds
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers (owned in 37.3 percent of ESPN leagues): I'm assuming this will be the final week for Benjamin on this list (which requires lower than 50 percent ownership); he's coming off a 115-yard night in Week 3. If only someone would've told you that Benjamin was the rookie receiver you need to own. Oh, wait, they did. There's only one guy on the waiver wire on whom it's worth spending a significant portion of your FAAB, and it's the Panthers rookie.
Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Baltimore Ravens (1.6 percent): Taliaferro has danced around the "deep" portion of this list for a couple weeks, but he probably does deserve a promotion based on 18 carries for 91 yards and a score in Week 3. Bernard Pierce was reportedly close to playing Sunday with his injured thigh, and while there's no guarantee he immediately ascends back into a pure starting role, it doesn't seem likely that he'll be frozen out altogether. That probably means the Ravens' backfield has devolved into a three-headed mess, with Justin Forsett also around. On tape, I thought Taliaferro looked a lot like Pierce: big kid, some acceleration, not a ton of wiggle. He was good; not necessarily a future star, but good.
Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams(21.7 percent): I suppose you're allowed to add Quick. He's a big guy (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) who leads all Rams receivers with 21 targets (no other WR has more than 10), and he did just score his first TD of the season on a 51-yard bomb from Austin Davis on Sunday. I remain skeptical, though, not because Quick isn't an interesting prospect, but because I have doubts that (a) the QB situation in St. Louis will resolve in any Ram's favor; and (b) the wide variety of other WRs won't keep getting in Quick's way. Note, however, that the Rams are off in Week 4.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (3.7 percent): I'm on record as saying Matthews was my No. 3 choice in dynasty rookie drafts this summer, behind onlySammy Watkins and Mike Evans. His eight-catch, two-TD Week 3 performance illustrated the kind of possession and red zone threat Matthews can be. Jeremy Maclin is the No. 1 in Philly, but the reason to consider adding Matthews is if you're convinced he's on his way to stealing the No. 2 job from Riley Cooper. It hasn't officially happened yet (Matthews didn't play on the Eagles' eight two-WR snaps Sunday), but it could be coming.
Owen Daniels, TE, Ravens (5.9 percent): Dennis Pitta is out for the season with a hip injury, and Daniels is his replacement. Injuries have taken a toll on Daniels, and he's not the dashing seam threat we remember from previous years. That said, he has a long history with new Ravens coordinator Gary Kubiak, and he put together a two-TD effort in Week 2. I'd have to see more production before I'd consider putting him in my weekly top 10, but Daniels probablyis a top-20 TE right now, and as such, may be the best Pitta replacement on your waiver wire.
Alfred Blue, RB, Houston Texans (3.3 percent): Blue bypassed Jonathan Grimes on Houston's depth chart in Week 2, and when Arian Foster's injured hamstring wouldn't allow him to play against New York on Sunday, Blue got a chance to carry the mail. He was OK, with 88 yards on 14 total touches. A big guy (6-foot-2 and 223 pounds) who doesn't run anyone over or make anyone miss, Blue was a Super-Deep Sleeper of mine this summer and currently stands as Foster's must-handcuff. But Foster probably returns this week, which means if you don't own Foster, there's probably no need to reach for Blue in a standard league.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings (1.2 percent): Amazingly, Matt Asiata continues to be available in 65 percent of leagues, and in the short term, he's the man you want to consider starting if you get caught with bye-week troubles. McKinnon has been out-touched by Asiata 33-8 in the past couple games. Yet while it's become almost hackneyed to say this, Asiata really isn't an NFL feature back. He's a hybrid fullback, a decent pass-catcher, and a goal-line thumper. Logic dictates that McKinnon, a rookie whom the Vikings selected in the third round this May, will get a larger slice of the pie later in the season. With Adrian Peterson's availability in question, it makes sense to stash McKinnon if you've got the roster spot.
San Diego Chargers Defense (4.2 percent): Is it really as simple as streaming the defense that's playing the Jacksonville Jaguars? For the moment, yes. The Jags' offense has allowed 14, 18 and 17 fantasy points to opposing defenses in their first three games. Maybe Blake Bortles(see below) is about to transform the franchise, but for the moment I'll assume not. Last season, the Bolts struggled getting to opposing QBs, but they're at a respectable seven after three contests, and I'll wager that number goes up in Week 4.
Other solid waiver adds, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington (29.4 percent); Matt Asiata, RB, Vikings (35.3 percent); Bobby Rainey, RB, Buccaneers (16.8 percent); Markus Wheaton, WR, Steelers (23.0 percent); Andrew Hawkins, WR, Browns (15.0 percent); Josh Gordon, WR, Browns (11.3 percent); Niles Paul, TE, Washington (7.2 percent); Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs (11.4 percent); Larry Donnell, TE, Giants (3.1 percent).
Deeper-League Finds
John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals(1.8 percent): Whenever a WR scores twice in one week, he's worth discussing, and Brown is an intriguing prospect. Bruce Arians likes to say Brown reminds him of Marvin Harrison, but that doesn't seem like an apt Indianapolis Coltscomparison. To me, Brown is T.Y. Hilton, and remember, Hilton's rookie campaign with Arians calling plays went swimmingly, to the tune of seven TDs. Brown's issue at present, of course, is that Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgeraldboth play in Arizona. As such, he hasn't had more than six targets in a game this season. For now, he's deep bench material, but if Fitz really is fading, maybe there will be some depth-chart juggling in the desert. (The Cardinals are also off in Week 4.)
Marvin Jones, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (0.7 percent): Jones will reportedly return from his broken foot in Week 5, after the Bengals' bye. If he's healthy, Jones could offer fantasy owners a nice combo: decent speed and size, and nice red zone chops. Remember, Jones scored 10 TDs last season (though four of them came in the same game), when he easily eclipsedMohamed Sanu as Cincy's best weapon opposite A.J. Green.
Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars (0.4 percent): With Blake Bortles taking over at QB for the Jags (really, see below), it's worth taking a look at the Jacksonville receiving corps. Marqise Leedidn't play Sunday and isn't expected to play in Week 4. Allen Hurns is a deep threat of whom I'm still skeptical. Mike Brown lost an early fumble last week that didn't do the Jags any favors in their blowout loss. Only Cecil Shorts stands apart in this group, and he may still be slowed by his hamstring problems. Robinson was on the field with Shorts the few occasions Jacksonville went two-wide Sunday, and caught 7 of 10 targets. He's not a burner, but Robinson is the kind of possession and red zone threat Bortles might use.
Miles Austin, WR, Cleveland Browns (4.5 percent): Speaking of hamstring troubles ... I keep waiting to hear that Austin is battling his personal bugaboo during his first month in Cleveland, but it hasn't happened yet. Instead, he's got six catches and a TD in each of his past two contests. Listen, Brian Hoyer is almost never a candidate to eclipse even 300 yards passing, plus the Browns are off in Week 4, but if you're looking for a deep-league red zone target, maybe Austin is your cup of tea.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings (3.5 percent): I liked how Bridgewater looked in relief of Matt Cassel on Sunday. He made plays with his legs, didn't force anything, zipped a couple passes while being crunched by defenders, and basically was an actual passing threat, something Cassel hadn't managed much yet in '14. It would be silly to say Teddy is ready to be a fantasy factor in all leagues, but I like him as an addition in any two-QB league, at least as a bye-week fill-in. I think the kid has a bright future.
Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars (1.7 percent): In fact, given my choice this May, I'd have taken Bridgewater before Bortles. The Jags felt differently, however, and in Week 3 decided they'd seen enough of Chad Henne. (Remember all that pretty talk about Bortles redshirting his rookie year? Yeah, that's why you shouldn't pay attention to anything coaches and GMs say.) Bortles is a good athlete who can run a read-option, and he showed some swashbuckling ways in the second half Sunday. However, I think there are some rough times ahead. I have questions about his decision-making and accuracy. The Jags are doing the right thing by getting his development started, but I believe in Bridgewater more.
Branden Oliver, RB, Chargers (0.0 percent): With Danny Woodhead out for the season andRyan Mathews expected to miss another month, Donald Brown has the Chargers' backfield to himself. I forget, is that a good thing? Brown was OK Sunday, but too many more days when he touches the ball 36 times and he won't last. I keep hearing people comparing Oliver -- a training camp hero this summer -- to Darren Sproles, but I think he could be a better between-the-tackles runner than that (and not nearly as awesome a pass-catcher). The Chargers still may add a veteran to their mix, but if they don't, remember Oliver's name.
Other solid waiver adds for deep-leaguers, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns (3.2 percent); Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens (8.9 percent); Benny Cunningham, RB, Rams (1.2 percent); Damien Williams, RB, Dolphins (0.3 percent); Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals (9.0 percent); Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars (5.8 percent); Dwayne Allen, TE, Colts (5.3 percent).
By [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Christopher Harris[/FONT] | ESPN.com
Waiver-wire news changes fast and furious throughout the week as injuries and depth-chart shenanigans overtake us. So be sure to follow me on Twitter by clicking on the link next to my headshot at the bottom of the column, and I'll keep you updated as news warrants. Let's get to the best fantasy roster additions heading into Week 4, and remember that byes start this week:
Standard ESPN league finds
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers (owned in 37.3 percent of ESPN leagues): I'm assuming this will be the final week for Benjamin on this list (which requires lower than 50 percent ownership); he's coming off a 115-yard night in Week 3. If only someone would've told you that Benjamin was the rookie receiver you need to own. Oh, wait, they did. There's only one guy on the waiver wire on whom it's worth spending a significant portion of your FAAB, and it's the Panthers rookie.
Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Baltimore Ravens (1.6 percent): Taliaferro has danced around the "deep" portion of this list for a couple weeks, but he probably does deserve a promotion based on 18 carries for 91 yards and a score in Week 3. Bernard Pierce was reportedly close to playing Sunday with his injured thigh, and while there's no guarantee he immediately ascends back into a pure starting role, it doesn't seem likely that he'll be frozen out altogether. That probably means the Ravens' backfield has devolved into a three-headed mess, with Justin Forsett also around. On tape, I thought Taliaferro looked a lot like Pierce: big kid, some acceleration, not a ton of wiggle. He was good; not necessarily a future star, but good.
Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams(21.7 percent): I suppose you're allowed to add Quick. He's a big guy (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) who leads all Rams receivers with 21 targets (no other WR has more than 10), and he did just score his first TD of the season on a 51-yard bomb from Austin Davis on Sunday. I remain skeptical, though, not because Quick isn't an interesting prospect, but because I have doubts that (a) the QB situation in St. Louis will resolve in any Ram's favor; and (b) the wide variety of other WRs won't keep getting in Quick's way. Note, however, that the Rams are off in Week 4.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (3.7 percent): I'm on record as saying Matthews was my No. 3 choice in dynasty rookie drafts this summer, behind onlySammy Watkins and Mike Evans. His eight-catch, two-TD Week 3 performance illustrated the kind of possession and red zone threat Matthews can be. Jeremy Maclin is the No. 1 in Philly, but the reason to consider adding Matthews is if you're convinced he's on his way to stealing the No. 2 job from Riley Cooper. It hasn't officially happened yet (Matthews didn't play on the Eagles' eight two-WR snaps Sunday), but it could be coming.
Owen Daniels, TE, Ravens (5.9 percent): Dennis Pitta is out for the season with a hip injury, and Daniels is his replacement. Injuries have taken a toll on Daniels, and he's not the dashing seam threat we remember from previous years. That said, he has a long history with new Ravens coordinator Gary Kubiak, and he put together a two-TD effort in Week 2. I'd have to see more production before I'd consider putting him in my weekly top 10, but Daniels probablyis a top-20 TE right now, and as such, may be the best Pitta replacement on your waiver wire.
Alfred Blue, RB, Houston Texans (3.3 percent): Blue bypassed Jonathan Grimes on Houston's depth chart in Week 2, and when Arian Foster's injured hamstring wouldn't allow him to play against New York on Sunday, Blue got a chance to carry the mail. He was OK, with 88 yards on 14 total touches. A big guy (6-foot-2 and 223 pounds) who doesn't run anyone over or make anyone miss, Blue was a Super-Deep Sleeper of mine this summer and currently stands as Foster's must-handcuff. But Foster probably returns this week, which means if you don't own Foster, there's probably no need to reach for Blue in a standard league.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings (1.2 percent): Amazingly, Matt Asiata continues to be available in 65 percent of leagues, and in the short term, he's the man you want to consider starting if you get caught with bye-week troubles. McKinnon has been out-touched by Asiata 33-8 in the past couple games. Yet while it's become almost hackneyed to say this, Asiata really isn't an NFL feature back. He's a hybrid fullback, a decent pass-catcher, and a goal-line thumper. Logic dictates that McKinnon, a rookie whom the Vikings selected in the third round this May, will get a larger slice of the pie later in the season. With Adrian Peterson's availability in question, it makes sense to stash McKinnon if you've got the roster spot.
San Diego Chargers Defense (4.2 percent): Is it really as simple as streaming the defense that's playing the Jacksonville Jaguars? For the moment, yes. The Jags' offense has allowed 14, 18 and 17 fantasy points to opposing defenses in their first three games. Maybe Blake Bortles(see below) is about to transform the franchise, but for the moment I'll assume not. Last season, the Bolts struggled getting to opposing QBs, but they're at a respectable seven after three contests, and I'll wager that number goes up in Week 4.
Other solid waiver adds, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington (29.4 percent); Matt Asiata, RB, Vikings (35.3 percent); Bobby Rainey, RB, Buccaneers (16.8 percent); Markus Wheaton, WR, Steelers (23.0 percent); Andrew Hawkins, WR, Browns (15.0 percent); Josh Gordon, WR, Browns (11.3 percent); Niles Paul, TE, Washington (7.2 percent); Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs (11.4 percent); Larry Donnell, TE, Giants (3.1 percent).
Deeper-League Finds
John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals(1.8 percent): Whenever a WR scores twice in one week, he's worth discussing, and Brown is an intriguing prospect. Bruce Arians likes to say Brown reminds him of Marvin Harrison, but that doesn't seem like an apt Indianapolis Coltscomparison. To me, Brown is T.Y. Hilton, and remember, Hilton's rookie campaign with Arians calling plays went swimmingly, to the tune of seven TDs. Brown's issue at present, of course, is that Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgeraldboth play in Arizona. As such, he hasn't had more than six targets in a game this season. For now, he's deep bench material, but if Fitz really is fading, maybe there will be some depth-chart juggling in the desert. (The Cardinals are also off in Week 4.)
Marvin Jones, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (0.7 percent): Jones will reportedly return from his broken foot in Week 5, after the Bengals' bye. If he's healthy, Jones could offer fantasy owners a nice combo: decent speed and size, and nice red zone chops. Remember, Jones scored 10 TDs last season (though four of them came in the same game), when he easily eclipsedMohamed Sanu as Cincy's best weapon opposite A.J. Green.
Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars (0.4 percent): With Blake Bortles taking over at QB for the Jags (really, see below), it's worth taking a look at the Jacksonville receiving corps. Marqise Leedidn't play Sunday and isn't expected to play in Week 4. Allen Hurns is a deep threat of whom I'm still skeptical. Mike Brown lost an early fumble last week that didn't do the Jags any favors in their blowout loss. Only Cecil Shorts stands apart in this group, and he may still be slowed by his hamstring problems. Robinson was on the field with Shorts the few occasions Jacksonville went two-wide Sunday, and caught 7 of 10 targets. He's not a burner, but Robinson is the kind of possession and red zone threat Bortles might use.
Miles Austin, WR, Cleveland Browns (4.5 percent): Speaking of hamstring troubles ... I keep waiting to hear that Austin is battling his personal bugaboo during his first month in Cleveland, but it hasn't happened yet. Instead, he's got six catches and a TD in each of his past two contests. Listen, Brian Hoyer is almost never a candidate to eclipse even 300 yards passing, plus the Browns are off in Week 4, but if you're looking for a deep-league red zone target, maybe Austin is your cup of tea.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings (3.5 percent): I liked how Bridgewater looked in relief of Matt Cassel on Sunday. He made plays with his legs, didn't force anything, zipped a couple passes while being crunched by defenders, and basically was an actual passing threat, something Cassel hadn't managed much yet in '14. It would be silly to say Teddy is ready to be a fantasy factor in all leagues, but I like him as an addition in any two-QB league, at least as a bye-week fill-in. I think the kid has a bright future.
Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars (1.7 percent): In fact, given my choice this May, I'd have taken Bridgewater before Bortles. The Jags felt differently, however, and in Week 3 decided they'd seen enough of Chad Henne. (Remember all that pretty talk about Bortles redshirting his rookie year? Yeah, that's why you shouldn't pay attention to anything coaches and GMs say.) Bortles is a good athlete who can run a read-option, and he showed some swashbuckling ways in the second half Sunday. However, I think there are some rough times ahead. I have questions about his decision-making and accuracy. The Jags are doing the right thing by getting his development started, but I believe in Bridgewater more.
Branden Oliver, RB, Chargers (0.0 percent): With Danny Woodhead out for the season andRyan Mathews expected to miss another month, Donald Brown has the Chargers' backfield to himself. I forget, is that a good thing? Brown was OK Sunday, but too many more days when he touches the ball 36 times and he won't last. I keep hearing people comparing Oliver -- a training camp hero this summer -- to Darren Sproles, but I think he could be a better between-the-tackles runner than that (and not nearly as awesome a pass-catcher). The Chargers still may add a veteran to their mix, but if they don't, remember Oliver's name.
Other solid waiver adds for deep-leaguers, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns (3.2 percent); Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens (8.9 percent); Benny Cunningham, RB, Rams (1.2 percent); Damien Williams, RB, Dolphins (0.3 percent); Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals (9.0 percent); Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars (5.8 percent); Dwayne Allen, TE, Colts (5.3 percent).
