Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Top Pickups & Rankings for 2025

As we head into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, fantasy football managers are constantly looking for ways to improve their rosters. The waiver wire is the place to find those hidden gems that can make a difference. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top waiver wire pickups, focusing on players who are likely to make an immediate impact. By strategically adding these players, you can address any weaknesses on your team and increase your chances of success.

This week’s waiver wire is particularly important due to injuries to key players. James Conner’s season-ending foot surgery opens up a significant opportunity for Trey Benson in Arizona. Additionally, the performances of rookies like Elic Ayomanor and Luther Burden III have caught the attention of fantasy managers. This article will delve into these situations, providing insights and rankings to help you make informed decisions.

Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover: We’ll start with an overview of the top 15 players to prioritize, regardless of position, followed by a breakdown of the top five players at each key position: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends and Defenses. Each section will include detailed analysis and recommendations, ensuring you have the information you need to dominate your league.

Top 15 Waiver Wire Priority Rankings

Before diving into specific positions, here are the top 15 players to prioritize on the waiver wire this week, regardless of position. These rankings consider factors such as opportunity, matchup, and potential for long-term value. Remember that rostered percentages can vary across different platforms, so adjust accordingly.

1. Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
2. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans
3. Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
4. Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos
5. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
6. Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
7. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
8. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
10. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
11. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Miami Dolphins
12. Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns
13. Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
14. Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
15. Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys

These players represent a mix of immediate starters and high-upside stashes. Prioritize based on your team’s specific needs.

Top 5 Quarterbacks to Pick Up

If you’re streaming quarterbacks or need a reliable backup, here are the top five quarterbacks to target on the waiver wire this week. These players have favorable matchups and the potential to deliver solid fantasy performances.

1. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders (10% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite some inconsistencies, Smith has been productive, ranking as the fantasy QB3 of Week 3 with 26.06 points. His upcoming matchup against the Bears, who have struggled defensively, makes him a strong streaming option.
2. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (27% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Stafford is a solid QB2 option. While he hasn’t consistently reached QB1 status, his experience and matchup against the Colts make him a worthwhile pickup.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (9% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite a rocky start, Tagovailoa has the potential to return to QB1 territory. His Week 4 matchup against the Jets, who have allowed top fantasy QB performances, is promising.
4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (9% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: With the Seahawks’ quarterback situation still uncertain, Darnold offers potential upside, especially if he gets the starting nod. Keep an eye on practice reports and team news for any updates.
5. Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings (0.8% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Wentz impressed in his first start, leading the Vikings to a significant victory. If J.J. McCarthy remains sidelined, Wentz has a favorable matchup against the Steelers.

Top 5 Running Backs to Pick Up

Running back is often the most critical position in fantasy football, and this week is no exception. Here are the top five running backs to prioritize on the waiver wire, especially if you need immediate help due to injuries or underperformance.

1. Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (15% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: With James Conner out for the season, Benson becomes the primary back in Arizona. He’s off to a promising start, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Despite Emari Demarcado’s presence, Benson’s volume should significantly increase.
2. Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders (0.2% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Rodriguez led the Commanders in carries in their first full game without Austin Ekeler. While Jeremy McNichols had a long touchdown run, Rodriguez’s consistent usage makes him the more appealing fantasy option, especially in deeper leagues.
3. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (39% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: As a handcuff to De’Von Achane, Tuten offers potential upside. He’s worth a look, especially if you’re an Achane owner.
4. Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins (5% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Gordon had a solid Week 3 performance, scoring a touchdown against the Bills. He could be a valuable addition to your roster if you need running back depth.
5. Woody Marks, Houston Texans (0.5% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: In deeper leagues, Marks could provide value as a depth piece. His role in the Texans’ offense might expand as the season progresses.

Top 5 Wide Receivers to Pick Up

Wide receiver is another position where strategic waiver wire pickups can make a big difference. Here are five wide receivers to consider adding to your roster, based on their potential for increased targets and production.

1. Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos (31% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite a quiet Week 3, Franklin is the clear No. 2 receiver in Denver behind Courtland Sutton. His snap counts and target share make him a valuable pickup, especially in Week 4 against the Bengals.
2. Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans (11% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Ayomanor has been consistent, scoring touchdowns in back-to-back games. His promising start makes him a must-add, as he’s already a WR3 in many formats.
3. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (9% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite a quiet Week 3, Doubs continues to lead Packers receivers in snaps and routes. His Week 4 matchup against the Cowboys, who allow the most fantasy points to WRs, is appealing.
4. Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (8% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: As the Browns’ offense evolves, Tillman’s role could expand. Keep an eye on his progress, as he has the potential to become a reliable fantasy option.
5. Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys (0.3% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, Tolbert should see increased targets. He has shown flashes of potential and could be a valuable short-term addition.
6. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (8% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: After a slow start, Burden III had a breakout game with a 65-yard touchdown catch. While his volume isn’t consistent yet, his upside makes him worth rostering in deeper leagues.

Top 5 Tight Ends to Pick Up

Tight end can be a challenging position to fill in fantasy football, but these five players offer the potential for consistent production and could be valuable additions to your roster.

1. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (22% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Henry had a huge Week 3, catching two touchdowns. With Drake Maye looking his way in the red zone, Henry should be on more rosters.
2. Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (53% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite a quiet Week 3, Fannin played a significant number of snaps and lined up all over the field. He remains a versatile weapon with long-term potential.
3. Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (4% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Strange could emerge as a reliable target in the Jaguars’ offense. Monitor his usage in the coming weeks.
4. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (11% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Okonkwo has the potential to be a significant contributor in the Titans’ passing game. Keep an eye on his target share.
5. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens (11% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: As a handcuff to Mark Andrews, Likely offers potential value. He’s worth rostering in deeper leagues if you need tight end depth.

Top 5 Defenses to Pick Up

Streaming defenses can be a viable strategy in fantasy football. Here are five defenses to consider picking up based on their matchups and potential for sacks and turnovers.

1. Minnesota Vikings (40% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: After a dominant performance against the Bengals, the Vikings are the No. 1 fantasy defense. Their upcoming schedule includes favorable matchups against the Steelers and Browns.
2. Detroit Lions (23% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: Despite a tough Week 3 matchup against the Ravens, the Lions’ schedule eases up significantly. They host the Browns in Week 4 and then visit the Bengals.
3. Houston Texans (28% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: The Texans have a favorable Week 4 matchup against the Titans. Consider them a streaming option in deeper leagues.
4. Los Angeles Chargers (30% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: The Chargers defense has the potential to generate sacks and turnovers. Keep an eye on their upcoming matchups.
5. Tennessee Titans (0.6% Rostered)
   • Takeaway: The Titans are a deep sleeper pick with a Week 4 matchup against the Texans, who have struggled on offense.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Navigating the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy football success. This week, injuries to key players like James Conner and the emergence of rookies such as Elic Ayomanor make strategic pickups essential.

• Trey Benson is the top priority due to Conner’s injury.
• Geno Smith and Matthew Stafford are solid streaming quarterback options.
• Troy Franklin and Romeo Doubs offer potential at wide receiver.
• Hunter Henry is a must-add at tight end after his Week 3 performance.
• The Minnesota Vikings are the top defense to target.

By carefully evaluating your roster needs and targeting these players, you can improve your team’s chances of competing for a championship. Remember to stay active on the waiver wire throughout the season, as new opportunities will continue to arise.