Fantasy Football: Top 4 waiver wire adds for Week 4

Raise your hand if you thought Thursday night’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers was going to be the perfect tone setter for Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season.

[Ron Howard voice]
“No one raised their hand.”

If that wasn’t fun, I don’t know what is. I can understand if it wasn’t the most fun you’ve ever had if you started the week playing against either Todd Gurley or Carlos Hyde, but even then, you have to be delighted that the NFC West is ripe and ready to be plucked by any of the teams in that division.

Enough reminiscing about Niners-Rams, let’s fantasize about what lies ahead.

Top 4 Waiver Wire Adds for Week 4

1. Wendell Smallwood - RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Opportunities are the name of the game when it comes to fantasy football, and no other running back available on waivers in your league is going to be on the receiving end of opportunities like Smallwood.

The unfortunate injury and end to Darren Sproles’ season makes Smallwood an excellent option in PPR leagues as he shares the backfield with LeGarrette Blount. Last week, Smallwood had 12 carries for 71 yards and one reception for 9 yards against the New York Giants. Expect for him to be more active in the passing game moving forward, but look for him to have success on the ground this week against the Chargers—they’re giving up a whopping 5.3 yards per carry so far this season.

2. Mohamed Sanu - WR, Atlanta Falcons

In Week 3, Sanu hauled in four catches for 28 yards and a touchdown against a tough Lions secondary which doesn’t sound like much, but he’s definitely flex worthy going forward. Sanu has 21 targets—tied for 12th-most in the league—through three weeks and is clearly the No. 2 option in Atlanta.

Sanu has a tough draw next week against a Bills defense that hasn’t given up many fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, but after the Falcons early bye week in Week 5, Sanu could come in handy when you’re in a pinch and need someone to ease the absence of Odell Beckham Jr., Antonio Brown, or Jordy Nelson during their respective bye weeks.

3. Tarik Cohen - RB, Chicago Bears

According to ESPN, Cohen is still available in almost 60 percent of leagues. I’m not sure why he would be, Bears can be fantasy contributors, too. But if he is available, he’s a must-add and worthy of being the top priority of your waiver claims.

Cohen is worthy of a flex play each and every week, especially in PPR leagues. 25 targets in three games for a rookie running back isn’t a fluke—and neither are the 20 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown—so make every effort to add him if he’s still out there in fantasy purgatory.

4. Alvin Kamara - RB, New Orleans Saints

Kamara is owned in just over 11 percent of leagues, but it won’t be like that for long. Last week, the rookie had just two carries for 37 yards, but took one of those to the house.

Sure, Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson are still around, sharing in the workload, but the writing is on the wall in New Orleans: Kamara is the most complete back of the bunch, and provides the offense with the kind of big play ability out of the backfield it’s sorely lacking. His 18 targets are the most among Saints running backs, so pick him up and plan on him getting more opportunities as a runner as the season continues.