Fantasy Football: Week 4’s Best Waiver Wire Options

Remember that annoying braggart guy I told you about last week, the one who thought he was so cool because he owns both Cam Newton AND RG3?  Welcome to fantasy karma, buddy!

Lesson learned is you should never brag about your team until you’ve won your Super Bowl. I don’t care if your team is the utopian combination of superstars and sleepers, you’re only one torn ACL or a surprising opponent away from being human.

With many of us already experiencing the calamities mentioned above, let’s get to our lovely assistant, the waiver wire.

Christian Ponder, Vikings QB – Did I just type that? Why, yes I did. Ponder is never going to put up extreme yardage totals a la Drew Brees and Eli Manning but with two touchdowns in each of the past two games, he’s a hot arm right now.  Ponder has a major weapon in WR Percy Harvin and a developing weapon in TE Kyle Rudolph.  Best thing about Ponder is that the Vikes’ next three opponents are the Lions, Titans and Redskins, all of whom rank near the bottom in pass defense.

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals QB – Like Ponder, Kolb is an attractive add for his recent efficient play, wide receiver weapon and upcoming favorable matchups. After posting 222 yards, 2 TDs and zero INTs last week against the supposedly potent Eagles pass defense, Kolb should have an easier time Miami and St. Louis in Week 4 and 5.

 

Daniel Thomas, Dolphins RB – If you need to pick up a running back, Thomas may be your best bet this week. While Reggie Bush got good news on his injured knee, he his status for Sunday’s game at Arizona is questionable.  The notion is Thomas and rookie Lamar Miller would split carries if Bush if out, with Thomas as the lead guy. Thomas finished with 69 yards and a touchdown, but also lost a fumble in the Jets OT win in Miami. One issue: the Cardinals have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season.

Ramses Barden, Giants WR – Earlier this season, our very own Kim O’Hara predicted a breakout season for Barden. With 138 yards on 9 catches against the Panthers, Barden certainly had a  breakout game.  Bear in mind that Barden’s ten targets were a result of filling in for an injured Hakeem Nicks, who may be back this week Nicks may be back this week. Even if Nicks does return, expect Barden to get more targets than he did pre-Nicks injury, as he and  Eli Manning have certainly developed a connection.

Andrew Hawkins, Bengals WR – Hello world, meet Andrew Hawkins, fantasy producer. Hawkins has a touchdown in each of the last two games after putting up 86 yards Week 1.  With crazy speed, Hawkins has made the most of his opportunities this year. I would like to see him with more than the four targets he got Sunday, but even four targets against upcoming opponent Jacksonville could be valuable.

Heath Miller, Steelers TE – Miller is a touchdown machine, racking up four through three games.  His eight receptions last week was a season high for Miller. He’s not flashy like other tight ends, but boy has he been a long-time security blanket for ben Roethlisberger.  If you need someone specifically for this week you’ll need to look elsewhere. The Steelers are on a bye.

Tampa Bay defense – I suggested them last week. After an interception and two fumble recoveries against the Cowboys, I will do so again.  Through three games, this defense has 7 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries and a touchdown.