Top 10 Fantasy Football Waiver Claims for Week 4

As Week 3 of the NFL season comes to a close, fantasy football managers must turn their attention to the waiver wire to enhance their rosters for the weeks ahead. Securing the right pickups at this point in the season can make the difference between a deep playoff run and a season filled with missed opportunities. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the top 10 waiver claims entering Week 4. I’ll also provide a breakdown of each player’s potential, how much Free Agent Budget (FAB) you should be willing to spend, and whether they’re a lineup option or a stash for later.

Pre-Waiver Priorities: Must-Roster Players

Before diving into the official list, there are a few names you should double-check for availability in your league. If they are unclaimed, these players should be high on your radar:

Cam Akers (RB, Houston Texans): With both Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce dealing with injuries, Akers has taken the lion’s share of work for the Texans. If either Mixon or Pierce miss additional time, Akers could be a major asset for fantasy teams.
Demarcus Robinson (WR, LA Rams): Robinson played over 90% of snaps in Week 3, and while his connection with Matthew Stafford isn’t perfect, the volume and opportunities are there, making him a potential boom-or-bust option.
Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers): With Jonathan Brooks out, Hubbard steps in as the Panthers’ primary back. He should see a significant workload in the coming weeks, making him a must-roster running back.
Chase Brown (RB, Cincinnati Bengals): While Zach Moss currently leads the backfield, Brown’s efficiency and potential could earn him a more prominent role, especially if Moss misses any time.

Now, let’s dive into the official top 10 waiver pickups for Week 4.

1. Braelon Allen (RB, New York Jets)

Rostered in: 46% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 20-30%
Reason: Allen has quickly shown his worth in the Jets’ offense, even in a complementary role behind Breece Hall. While Hall remains the starter, Allen’s standalone value makes him an attractive option, and his upside in the event of a Hall injury is immense. His ability to churn out yards after contact (4.11 yards per attempt) has already earned him the highest PFF rushing grade among running backs. If you’re 3-0 and looking to secure a high-upside backup with league-winning potential, Allen should be your top priority.

2. Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers)

Rostered in: 43% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 15-20%
Reason: Jennings’ role in the 49ers offense has increased, particularly with key pass-catchers like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk dealing with injuries. Jennings’ rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy is growing, and his involvement in an explosive offense makes him a valuable stash with potential to start. His usage may not reach last week’s level every game, but the trust he’s building with Purdy is promising for future matchups.

3. Bucky Irving (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Rostered in: 44% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 15-20%
Reason: Irving is carving out a nice role in the Buccaneers’ backfield, outplaying Rashad White between the tackles. Reports indicate that Tampa Bay plans to increase his involvement. With coach Todd Bowles rating Irving highly, fantasy managers should anticipate a more significant role in the weeks ahead. If you need a running back for a spot start in Week 4, Irving may offer a safer immediate floor than some of the other options on this list.

4. Xavier Legette (WR, Carolina Panthers)

Rostered in: 35% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 15-20%
Reason: Legette has emerged as the next man up in the Panthers’ receiving corps after Adam Thielen’s hamstring injury. With quarterback Andy Dalton leading the offense to a 36-point outburst in Week 3, Legette’s prospects are rising. His size, speed (4.3 40-yard dash), and first-round pedigree make him an appealing target for big plays and red zone opportunities. Legette’s potential to fill Thielen’s role while he’s sidelined gives him substantial upside.

5. Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears)

Rostered in: 40% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 15-20%

Reason: Johnson is gaining traction as the primary passing-down back for the Bears. DeAndre Swift’s inefficiency (under 2 yards per carry) may open the door for more opportunities for both Johnson and Khalil Herbert. Johnson’s versatility as a pass-catcher and blocker gives him the edge in game scripts where the Bears are likely to pass. Fantasy managers looking for a running back in PPR formats should prioritize Johnson, while Herbert remains a decent pickup for early-down work.

6. Jalen Tolbert (WR, Dallas Cowboys)

Rostered in: 50% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 10-15%
Reason: Tolbert’s role in the Cowboys’ offense continues to grow, as he’s played over 80% of the team’s snaps the past two weeks. Tolbert has been more productive than Brandon Cooks recently, and there’s a real chance he could take over as the team’s WR2. With Dak Prescott’s trust in him growing, Tolbert has the potential to provide consistent production as the Cowboys’ offense continues to evolve.

7. Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, New York Giants)

Rostered in: 34% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 10-15%
Reason: Robinson has quietly established himself as a reliable target for Daniel Jones. While Malik Neighbors has drawn much of the defensive attention, Robinson has capitalized on the space he’s been given. Robinson’s ability to create yards after the catch in the short and intermediate parts of the field make him a viable PPR option, particularly with the Giants’ offense improving as a whole.

8. Tank Dell (WR, Houston Texans)

Rostered in: 25% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 8-12%
Reason: Dell’s chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is blossoming, and his target share has increased steadily over the past three weeks. As the Texans’ offense continues to take shape, Dell has the potential to emerge as a reliable deep threat and red-zone option. For fantasy managers needing a high-ceiling, boom-or-bust play, Dell offers a lot of upside.

9. Kyren Williams (RB, LA Rams)

Rostered in: 48% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 5-10%
Reason: Williams’ role has steadily increased in the Rams’ backfield, particularly with Cam Akers sidelined. Williams’ efficiency and versatility in both the run and pass game make him a valuable asset moving forward. Though he might not be an every-week starter yet, his potential to be a flex option in the right matchup is worth considering.

10. Josh Downs (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

Rostered in: 28% of leagues
FAB Suggestion: 5-10%
Reason: Downs has quietly become a focal point of the Colts’ passing attack, with Anthony Richardson targeting him heavily in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. With Michael Pittman drawing much of the defensive attention, Downs could emerge as a valuable slot option in PPR formats. He’s a solid stash with the potential to develop into a starting-caliber option in deeper leagues.

Final Thoughts

As we head into Week 4, the waiver wire offers an abundance of players with both short-term value and long-term upside. Whether you’re looking for immediate starters, potential handcuffs, or high-upside stashes, these top 10 picks should help solidify your fantasy football roster. Remember to gauge your FAB spending based on your current team needs and overall league competitiveness.