Week 3 of the NFL season brought game-changing injuries and breakout performances that have reshaped the fantasy landscape. A couple of starting running backs suffered season-ending injuries, and several young players delivered eye-opening stat lines that could signal future fantasy stardom. With bye weeks looming in Week 5, it’s time to make some savvy waiver moves focused on season-long value rather than one-week stopgaps. Below we highlight the top waiver wire adds by position for Week 4, complete with FAAB recommendations, followed by a list of drop candidates to consider if you need roster space.
Running Backs – Waiver Adds
Trey Benson (RB, ARI) is poised to become Arizona’s lead back with James Conner out.
- Trey Benson (RB, ARI) – If Benson is somehow available in your league, break the bank to get him. The second-year back is stepping into a workhorse role for Arizona after a season-ending injury to James Connerpressboxonline.com. Benson was already eating into Conner’s touches and has flashed explosiveness, so now he could produce RB2 numbers on volume alone. He’s the top priority add of Week 4 (FAAB: ~40%+ recommendedpressboxonline.com). As Joe Serpico put it, Benson is “arguably the best waiver pickup we might have this year”pressboxonline.com.
- Bhayshul Tuten (RB, JAX) – Tuten is a high-upside stash who was drafted as Travis Etienne’s backup and could see his role grow. He’s been pushing for more opportunitiesespn.com, and Jacksonville’s coaching staff may carve out touches for the talented rookie. If anything happens to Etienne, Tuten would instantly become a starting-caliber fantasy RB. Scoop him up now if you have bench space (FAAB: ~5-8%). Consider him a premium handcuff with league-winning potential in the second half.espn.com
- Tyjae Spears (RB, TEN) – Spears might not help you in Week 4, but he’s a stash now for season-long upside. The Titans placed Spears on short-term IR due to an ankle injury, but he’s expected to make his season debut in Week 5cbssports.com. When healthy, Spears should share touches with Tony Pollard in Tennessee’s backfield and could be a weekly flex playcbssports.com. If Pollard were to miss time, Spears would vault to must-start status. Add him now before he’s back on the field (FAAB: ~10-15%). He could be the Titans’ spark, so don’t wait for Week 5 to grab him.
- Ollie Gordon II (RB, MIA) – Gordon is starting to carve out a role in Miami’s high-octane offense. In Week 3, the rookie scored his first NFL touchdown and logged 9 touches, even as De’Von Achane handled 19 touches as the lead backespn.com. Miami has supported two fantasy-relevant RBs in the past, and Gordon (a bigger back) may continue to vulture goal-line carriesespn.com. He’s not an immediate starter, but anyone rostering Achane should pick up Gordon as insurancepressboxonline.com. Think of him as a bench stash who could deliver flex value or become a lottery-ticket if circumstances change (FAAB: ~8-10%).
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB, WAS) – With veteran Austin Ekeler (Achilles) out for the year in Washington, the Commanders’ backfield is a three-headed committee of young backsespn.com. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the flashy pickup, but Rodriguez quietly led the team with 11 touches in Week 3 (albeit with limited production)espn.com. It’s a murky situation, yet Rodriguez could see more early-down work going forward if the coaches shift toward a hot-hand approachespn.com. He’s a speculative add, best suited for deeper leagues or RB-needy teams (FAAB: ~3-5%). If Washington’s backfield remains a mess, you won’t want to start Rodriguez immediately, but adding him now could pay off later.
- Woody Marks (RB, HOU) – Marks is a rookie to monitor in Houston’s backfield. In Week 3, he nearly split snaps with veteran Nick Chubb (33 snaps for Chubb vs. 30 for Marks) and managed 6 carries for 27 yardscbssports.com. The Texans’ run game has been sluggish, so the coaching staff might give Marks more opportunities to inject life into the offensecbssports.com. He has the skillset to potentially take over the lead role sooner rather than later if he impresses. This is a stash-and-see add for all league sizes (FAAB: ~5%). As CBS noted, “Marks might be the answer, and he’s worth stashing in all leagues for up to 5% of your FAB”cbssports.com.
Wide Receivers – Waiver Adds
Rookie WR Tory Horton (SEA) had a breakout Week 3 with a punt return TD and a receiving TD, making him one of the week’s biggest surprises.
- Tre Tucker (WR, LV) – Tucker’s Week 3 performance was impossible to ignore: 8 catches on 9 targets for 145 yards and three touchdownspressboxonline.com. He delivered the biggest fantasy game by any receiver this season, and importantly he played over 90% of the Raiders’ offensive snapsrotostreetjournal.com. The former third-round pick has now posted two strong outings in three weeks, emerging as a favorite target of QB Geno Smith. While it’s wise to temper expectations (we can’t count on multiple TDs every week), Tucker’s usage and big-play ability make him a priority add (FAAB: ~15-20%). He could settle in as a boom/bust WR3 with upside if Las Vegas continues to involve him heavily.pressboxonline.com
- Elic Ayomanor (WR, TEN) – Ayomanor is a talented rookie who has touchdowns in back-to-back games for the Titansespn.com. Despite playing limited snaps (~29% last week), he’s making them count – including a 65-yard flea-flicker TD that put him on the highlight reelrotostreetjournal.com. Tennessee’s passing offense is a work in progress with rookie QB Cam Ward, and veteran Calvin Ridley has underwhelmed, managing just 8 catches through three gamesespn.com. Ayomanor isn’t startable yet (his target volume is low), but he’s exactly the kind of high-upside stash you want on your bench. If his role grows, he could be a second-half difference-maker (FAAB: ~5-7%). Add Ayomanor now as a future payoff play while he continues to impress the Titans’ staffespn.com.
- Tory Horton (WR, SEA) – Horton announced his presence in Week 3 with an electric performance: he returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown (a franchise record) and later caught a 14-yard TD pass, giving him two scores on the dayespn.comespn.com. In fact, this fifth-round rookie has now notched three touchdowns in his last two games, quickly emerging as a playmaker Seattle “had wanted to see” when they drafted himsi.comsi.com. Horton’s offensive snap count is rising, and Sam Darnold has praised the young wideout’s continual improvementespn.com. With fellow Seahawks receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp drawing defensive attention, Horton could keep capitalizing on favorable matchups. He’s a savvy add in deeper leagues or any league if you need WR upside (FAAB: ~8-10%). Horton is suddenly on the fantasy radar as a potential rookie star after being barely hyped this preseasonsi.com.
- Jalen Coker (WR, CAR) – Coker is a second-year receiver with a knack for big plays, and he’s beginning to flash in Carolina’s offense. He made noise as a rookie with some highlight grabs (including an 83-yard TD from Bryce Young late last season)espn.com. Now in 2025, Coker’s role is growing as the Panthers seek playmakers for Bryce Young. While his weekly stat lines haven’t exploded yet, he offers field-stretching speed that could translate to sporadic fantasy relevance. Consider stashing Coker if you have a deep roster and want a boom-or-bust bench WR (FAAB: ~2-3%). He’s a developmental talent, but keep an eye on his snap counts – any uptick could presage a breakout game.
- Sterling Shepard (WR, TB) – The veteran Shepard might have found new life in Tampa Bay. In Week 3, he posted 4 catches for 80 yards in a win over the Jetsfantasypros.com – his best game of the season. With the Buccaneers dealing with injuries at receiver (and 2024 rookie Emeka Egbuka still learning the pro game), Shepard has been a reliable target for the Bucs when called upon. At 32 years old, his ceiling is limited and he hasn’t scored yet, but he could be a decent PPR filler during bye weeks if this usage continuesespn.comfantasypros.com. He’s more of a short-term depth add for those in need of WR help now (FAAB: ~3-5%). Just remember, Shepard’s health has been an issue in the past, so temper expectations and be ready to pivot if his role diminishes.
- Troy Franklin (WR, DEN) – Franklin is a former Oregon standout who is making the fabled second-year leap in Denver’s offense. In Week 2, he set career highs with 9 targets, 8 receptions, 89 yards, and a touchdowndenvergazette.com – effectively becoming the Broncos’ leading receiver in that game. The 2024 second-round pick has earned the trust of QB Bo Nix, even improvising on broken plays (one such scramble drill resulted in a 42-yard connection)denvergazette.com. At 6’3″ with speed, Franklin profiles as a red-zone threat and chain-mover for a Broncos team that needs complementary weapons alongside Jerry Jeudy. After his mini-breakout, Franklin’s rostered percentage is still modest (~43%rotostreetjournal.com), so scoop him up if you can. He offers rest-of-season WR3 upside if his current trajectory continues (FAAB: ~12%). Denver’s offense is looking for playmakers, and Franklin is proving he can be that guy.denvergazette.com
- Tyquan Thornton (WR, KC) – Thornton might finally be cashing in on his 4.28-speed now that he’s with the Chiefs. In Week 3, with rookie WR Xavier Worthy sidelined, Thornton stepped up and caught 5 passes for 71 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown on a pivotal third downchiefs.com. He was heavily involved in key moments – three of his catches either moved the chains or scored a TD on third-down playschiefs.com. Notably, Thornton played 72% of offensive snaps that game, indicating Kansas City “wants him involved” going forwardchiefs.com. Patrick Mahomes showed trust in him, even dialing up a 33-yard deep shot that Thornton hauled in with a fantastic catchchiefs.com. The Chiefs receiving corps has been wide open, and Thornton is making his case to be the field-stretcher and secondary target behind Travis Kelce. Add him if you need upside at WR (FAAB: ~10%). His role is growing and he could be a sneaky season-long value in KC’s high-powered offensechiefs.com.
- Luther Burden III (WR, CHI) – The Bears’ rookie Burden is a stash for patient fantasy managers. He showed why Chicago spent a high pick on him by busting a 65-yard touchdown in Week 3 (on a flea-flicker), showcasing elite speed and open-field abilityrotostreetjournal.com. However, Burden is still only a part-time player (under 30% snap share) and saw just 3 targets in that gameespn.com. Chicago’s pecking order at WR has veterans like D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze ahead of him for now. That said, Burden’s raw talent is evident, and as the season progresses the Bears may manufacture more touches for him. He’s not someone you can start yet, but if you have a free bench spot, stashing Burden could pay dividends later if his role expands (FAAB: ~3-5%). Think of him as a high-upside lottery ticket for the second half – one big game could force Chicago to unleash him.espn.com
Tight Ends – Waiver Adds
- Hunter Henry (TE, NE) – It’s been a rough year at the tight end position, but Henry is at least on the radar after a big Week 3. He exploded for 8 catches, 90 yards, and 2 touchdowns in the Patriots’ latest gamepressboxonline.com. This followed a near goose-egg in Week 2, highlighting Henry’s boom-or-bust nature. Still, on a Patriots offense desperate for playmakers, Henry has as good a shot as any TE2 to produce occasional TE1 weeks. If you’re streaming or scraping by at tight end, Henry is worth an add as a matchup-dependent option (FAAB: ~5%). Just be aware that consistency will be an issue – like most tight ends outside the elite tier, he can disappear any given weekpressboxonline.com. Grab Henry if you need a fill-in, but don’t rely on him as a locked-in starter unless his target share stabilizes.
Drop Candidates for Week 4
If you’re picking up new players, you’ll need to drop someone. Here are some drop candidates (grouped by position) who can be safely cut in typical redraft leagues. These players are either out for the season due to injury or have underperformed to the point that their roster spot is better used on an ascending player. Always consider your team context (and league depth), but in general, these guys can be let go:
Quarterbacks to Drop
- Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – Lawrence has been a fantasy disappointment so far, failing to score above 12.3 points in two of three startscbssports.com. The Jaguars’ offense looks stagnant, and to make matters worse, Lawrence faces a brutal upcoming schedule (San Francisco and Kansas City next). In single-QB leagues, you can move on to a hotter hand. Unless you’re in a deep or 2QB format, it’s safe to cut Lawrence given his poor start and daunting matchups aheadcbssports.com.
- C.J. Stroud (HOU) – The sophomore slump might be hitting Stroud. He hasn’t delivered the fantasy production hoped for, and Houston’s offense is struggling to sustain drives. Without a rushing baseline and facing inconsistency, Stroud’s upside is capped. Feel free to drop him for a QB with more reliable output or better weapons. (Stroud’s roster percentage has already dipped below 70%, reflecting managers’ loss of confidencecbssports.com.)
- Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) – Penix won Atlanta’s starting job as a rookie, but he’s looked overmatched so far. He hit rock bottom in a Week 3 shutout loss, scoring just 3.78 fantasy points before getting benched for Kirk Cousinscbssports.comcbssports.com. The Falcons insist they’re sticking with Penix for now, but in redraft leagues there’s little reason to hold him. Even if he keeps the job, the production isn’t there (and if he loses it, he’s obviously droppable). Cut bait and stream another QB.
- J.J. McCarthy (MIN) – Another highly touted youngster who isn’t fantasy-relevant in 2025. McCarthy has either been riding the bench or underwhelming in limited action for Minnesota. With Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta, the Vikings’ QB situation is murky, but McCarthy clearly isn’t the answer at the moment. There’s no need to roster him in 1QB leagues. Move on and use the spot for a skill position flier.
(Honorable mentions: Aaron Rodgers and Mac Jones have also been listed as drops in some sourcescbssports.com. Rodgers, coming off the Achilles injury comeback, has not returned to QB1 form, and Jones has been inconsistent with a low ceiling. In most formats, you can cut them if a promising QB or skill player is available.)
Running Backs to Drop
- James Conner (ARI) – Unfortunately, Conner is out for the season with a severe ankle injuryespn.com. There’s no reason to hold an injured player in redraft, especially one who wasn’t a top-tier difference-maker to begin with. Drop in all leagues. (And go get Trey Benson as the replacement if you haven’t already!)pressboxonline.com
- Najee Harris (LAC) – Harris suffered an Achilles tear, ending his season and any fantasy value for 2025rotoballer.com. This one hurts (literally and figuratively), as Najee was a starting RB for many teams. But with an Achilles injury, he’s done – you can safely cut him and look for the next man up. Drop in all leagues.rotoballer.com
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) – Tracy was operating as the Giants’ lead back, but he went down in Week 3 with a dislocated shoulder and is expected to miss significant timereuters.com. He’s likely headed to IR and will be out for multiple weeks, if not the remainder of the season. There’s no sense holding onto him in redraft; the Giants have already pivoted to a rookie in his absencereuters.com. Drop Tracy and free up the spot for a healthy contributor.
- Kaleb Johnson (PIT) – Johnson was a trendy pickup earlier, but he’s now buried on the Steelers’ depth chart. He didn’t play a single snap in Week 3 and is clearly behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in Pittsburgh’s backfield rotationcbssports.com. With zero usage and two players ahead of him (not to mention Pittsburgh’s offense struggling), Johnson can be dropped in all formatscbssports.com. Spend that roster spot on a back with clearer opportunity.
(Honorable mentions: Dylan Sampson (CLE) – saw only one carry in Week 3 and has been phased out with Quinshon Judkins activecbssports.com. Jaydon Blue (DEN) – has been a healthy scratch and needs multiple injuries ahead of him to mattercbssports.com. Both are droppable.)
Wide Receivers to Drop
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (KC) – Brown hasn’t made the impact the Chiefs hoped for. Through three games, he’s been a non-factor, and now with younger wideouts like Tyquan Thornton stepping up, Brown’s targets will be even more limited. He’s also dealt with nagging injuries (ankle/foot) in practicesports.yahoo.com, further hampering his chemistry with Mahomes. In Kansas City’s spread-the-ball offense, Brown is at best the fourth option (behind Kelce, Moore, Thornton/Worthy). You can safely cut him for a hotter waiver pickup. Hollywood’s big-play reputation aside, there’s just no consistent volume for him in KC — time to say goodbye.
- Josh Downs (IND) – Downs has not built on his promising rookie year. In three games, he’s totaled only 10 catches for 97 yards, with 5.4 PPR points or fewer in two of those gamescbssports.com. He had one decent outing (6 for 51 in Week 2), but it’s clear Michael Pittman Jr. and even TE Tyler Warren (the Colts’ new big target) are overshadowing Downs in the passing gamecbssports.com. Unless you’re in a very deep PPR league, Downs’ floor is too low to justify a roster spot. Feel free to drop him for a receiver with more upside.
- Adam Thielen (MIN) – The reunion in Minnesota hasn’t yielded fantasy value for Thielen. Now 35, Thielen has lost a step and is posting pedestrian numbers in a Vikings offense that features Justin Jefferson (when healthy) and younger receivers. If you picked Thielen hoping for vintage production, it’s not happening — through three weeks, he’s an afterthought in the game plan. There’s no upside here, and even his once-dependable red-zone role has evaporated. It’s safe to cut Thielen in favor of a younger, higher-upside player. Don’t let nostalgia clog your roster; Thielen’s best days are long past.
Tight Ends to Drop
- Evan Engram (DEN) – Engram was a fringe TE1 in Jacksonville, but after moving to Denver he’s become invisible in the offense. He has failed to top 30 yards in any game so far and hasn’t found the end zone. With the Broncos spreading targets among a slew of receivers and utilizing Greg Dulcich (when healthy) or other TE options, Engram’s usage is too low. RotoBaller lists him as a drop in most leaguesrotoballer.com, and we agree — you can cut Engram and stream the position week-to-week instead. There are likely hotter waiver TEs or ones with more target share (like Hunter Henry or Isaiah Likely) to consider over Engram.
- Jonnu Smith (PIT) – Smith showed flashes in Tennessee and New England in years past, but in Pittsburgh he’s not fantasy-relevant. Stuck behind Pat Freiermuth (and possibly used more as a blocker), Jonnu has only a handful of targets on the season and no consistent role. There’s no reason to hold him even as a backup TE. Release him and use the spot for a skill player with breakout potential.
Remember, being aggressive on the waiver wire is key, but make sure to tailor your adds/drops to your team’s needs. If you’re flush with running backs but thin at receiver, prioritize accordingly. Week 4 is a pivotal time to strengthen your roster for the long haul – target those players with the talent and opportunity to become weekly starters, and don’t hesitate to cut bait on underperformers or injured assets. Good luck with your waivers, and may your bids be successful as you gear up for the rest of the season!
Sources: FantasyPros, CBS Sports, ESPN, RotoBaller, PressBox Online, RotoStreet Journal, Reuters, team and local news reportspressboxonline.comespn.comcbssports.comsi.com.