Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 4: Time to Plant the Flag With Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield time is here, so get on your cell phones and put your waiver claim in if you need a quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo owners should be among those jumping in. Mayfield showed what he was capable of in the comeback against the Jets. He’s going to keep plays alive and make downfield throws, and the weapons are there for him to have immediate success. He’s currently owned in about 20% of all leagues, so now is the time to strike.

I project Mayfield as about QB15-20 going forward, and I guy who can be a matchup start from week-to-week. He’s going to make enough plays with his feet to provide some value over some of the pocket passers below him.

Here are the rest of the waiver wire recommendations:

RUNNING BACKS

This is a down week if you need immediate help at the running back position, unless we get some late injury news after Wednesday practice reports.

Javorius Allen (49%) is still available in about half the leagues and has been a frequent recommendation in this space. He’s added three touchdowns over the last two weeks, but is currently still in a committee situation. Because of his value as a receiver he will remain a PPR flex starting option, but don’t expect the touchdown rate to continue all season.

Jordan Wilkins (61%) could still be the primary ballcarrier again if Marlon Mack is still limited. The Texans are giving up over 100 rushing yards a game to running backs, 4th worst in the league entering Week 4.

Darren Sproles (16%) is expected to return this week, and the Eagles offense sure could use him. He’s an emergency PPR candidate in a flex spot if he is active.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Antonio Callaway (43%) should be a pickup now that Mayfield is in at quarterback, as that is a huge passing upgrade over Tyrod Taylor. Add in that the Raiders are 4th-worst in points allowed to opposing WRs and Callaway has the speed to burn them like the Dolphins just did, and he is a sneaky starting play.

Tyler Boyd (30%) is your matchup play of the week, going against a Falcons team that has major injury issues in the secondary, and with A.J. Green potentially limited. Boyd is averaging 6 catches, 110 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks.

Chris Godwin (46%) has a tougher matchup against the Bears this week, but it is ridiculous that he is not more heavily rostered, playing in one of the best passing attacks in the league. Godwin has been targeted 20 times (6 more than DeSean Jackson) and has scored all three weeks.

Ted Ginn (63%) continues to be the second option at WR for New Orleans and is worthy of a roster spot.

Mike Williams (49%) has caught three touchdowns in the last two weeks and continues to emerge as a scoring threat with the Chargers. He gets a favorable matchup against San Francisco this week.

TIGHT ENDS

Tyler Eifert (56%) gets to go against the Atlanta secondary this week in what should be an advantageous matchup.

Vance McDonald (13%) delivered the big stiff arm for a long score and has been a bigger part of the offense, getting 5 targets each of the last two weeks.

Ben Watson (35%) is always there for you if you need him, folks.

QUARTERBACKS

Ryan Tannehill (23%) has thrown 7 touchdown passes and has looked comfortable so far this year, and gets a good matchup against the Patriots.

Mitch Trubisky (32%) is your deeper matchup play, going against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

KICKERS

Sam Ficken (32%) remains available in many leagues as the replacement Rams kicker.

Caleb Sturgis (14%) goes against the San Francisco 49ers playing without Jimmy Garoppolo this week.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

The SEAHAWKS are your top waiver defense start going against Arizona in Josh Rosen’s first career start. I know that Buffalo had the big win last week, but I’d still roll with the PACKERS at home this week as well.

OVERALL

WR Antonio Callaway, Cleveland (20%)
WR Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati (20%)
WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay (15%)
QB Baker Mayfield, Cleveland (10%)
WR Mike Williams, LA Chargers (10%)
RB Javorius Allen, Baltimore (5%)
QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami (5%)
WR Ted Ginn, New Orleans (minimum)
RB Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis (minimum)
TE Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati (minimum)