NFL fantasy football: Top QB, RB, WR and TE waiver wire pickups ahead of Week 4

As we go into week 4 of the NFL season with injuries piling up across the league and NFL bye weeks just around the corner, the fantasy waiver wire is more important than ever.

Savvy managers know this is where seasons are won or lost. The right waiver addition can keep your roster afloat through tough stretches, or even turn into a long-term difference-maker.

Here’s my look at some of the players you should be targeting ahead of Week 4.

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Carson Wentz, QB, Minnesota Vikings

With J.J. McCarthy out for the next few weeks, Carson Wentz should be rostered in all but the shallowest of fantasy leagues.

The veteran and former Super Bowl winner isn’t the same player he once was, but his Week 3 performance proved he’s still capable of running an offense effectively.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s remarks that there’s “value” in McCarthy watching from the sidelines only fuels speculation that Wentz could keep the job even after the youngster returns.

O'Connell doesn't appear to be in any hurry to get McCarthy back onto the field.

McCarthy has endured early struggles, but I would be surprised if he didn't reclaim the role. With that said, if Wentz keeps producing, the situation could get murky.

Tyrod Taylor, QB, New York Jets

A dual-threat quarterback who has been underrated most of his career, Taylor can get the job done for managers who find themselves out of options.

Taylor completed 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Buccaneers defense last weekend. He also added 48 yards rushing.

Keep a close eye on the news concerning Justin Fields. The youngster will almost certainly remain the Jets' starter once he returns to full health.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels is the unquestioned starter of the Commanders' offense, but his status for Week 4 remains uncertain after being sidelined with a knee injury.

Mariota may only be a one-week rental, but his performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 should give fantasy managers in deeper leagues more confidence if he remains under centre against the sloppy Atlanta Falcons' defense in Week 4.

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Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

James Conner suffered a foot injury and will miss the rest of the season. In his stead, second-year running back Benson handled the bulk of the carries and managed 42 yards on 10 carries.

Benson was a standout for Florida State and is expected to shoulder a heavy workload as the Cardinals' lead back ahead of Emari Demercado.

If you have to prioritise any of the players in this list over any other, Benson should be your guy.

Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants

Skattebo will undoubtedly be rostered in most leagues. However, in shallow leagues, it's worth checking if he is still available.

Tyrone Tracy is likely to miss two to four weeks after dislocating his shoulder, and he may not be the lead back once he returns if Skattebo continues to impress as both a runner and receiver.

The rookie has 189 all-purpose yards in the last two games, and his workload is about to get much heavier.

Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans

Nick Chubb remains the primary running back in the Texans' offense, but Marks has real value in leagues that reward points per reception (PPR).

The rookie's snap volume and workload have been increasing each week, and while he cannot yet be counted on as a fantasy starter, he's a solid bye week replacement in leagues that start three RBs.

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Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans

Ayomanor impressed throughout the offseason, but few expected the rookie to command such a significant role so early in his career.

Through three games, the 22-year-old has played no fewer than 73% of the snaps and caught 10 of 18 targets for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

The youngster has incredible long-term potential in an offense spearheaded by Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tre Tucker, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Tucker dominated in Week 3 against the Commanders, catching eight of his nine targets for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

That game will almost certainly be the best game of the season for the 24-year-old, and he could lose snaps to Dont'e Thornton Jr., or even Jack Bech as the season wears on.

For now, we must ride the hot hand, and despite managing only 66 yards through the first two games, it has been encouraging that Tucker has been targeted 11 times.

Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Strange has yet to record a touchdown in 2025, but it's only a matter of time before he does.

Despite being surrounded by elite wide receiver talent, the 24-year-old has been targeted 16 times and has 137 yards through three games.

His production may be feast or famine throughout the season, but he can be a worthy TE2 and bye week replacement for most fantasy teams.