Waivers of the Future: Week 4

Jordan McNamara's Waivers of the Future: Week 4 Jordan McNamara Published 09/26/2023

Waivers of the future will focus on making decisions that improve our odds of our dynasty championship. The back of your dynasty roster should be flexible, with preferences made for players you can use in your lineup during the season.

Quarterbacks

Among the quarterbacks, there are two types of waiver options: those moving up this week and veteran backups.

Moving Up This Week

Jameis Winston is the backup to monitor this week at the quarterback position. Derek Carr suffered a sprained AC joint, and our medical staff thinks he will miss multiple weeks, with a projected return of week 7. Winston has a history of high-level fantasy production, including leading the league in both passing yards and interceptions in 2019. Winston has one of the better supporting casts, including Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Michael Thomas at wide receiver, so he should have QB2-type production in an audition for a future starting opportunity. If you have a need for a quarterback, he warrants a 25% FAAB bid or higher.

Justin Fields suffered a concussion this week and is at risk of missing week 4. If you are tempted to start Peterman in Superflex, you surely have better non-quarterbacks. Do not make a waiver bid on him.

Veteran Backups

As a general rule, you should have a limited number of backup quarterbacks on your monitor list. With roster spots tight, optimized dynasty rosters under 25 spots in Superflex or quarterback premium. If you are in 25 to 35-man rosters and have a roster spot, these quarterbacks are the premium backups:

Running Back

One of the keys to dynasty fantasy football is continuously optimizing your backup running back situation. The last five to ten roster spots on your roster should be very fluid, with little allegiance if the player does not offer the capacity to help your lineup. A constant churn on the back end of your roster is critical.

Moving Up this Week

The following running backs have improved this week and are available in more than 50% of MFL leagues.

Gus Edwards suffered a concussion in week three, which puts his week four status in doubt, while Justice Hill’s status is also in doubt with a toe injury. Melvin Gordon stepped into the lead job in week three and could see a spot start in week four. Unfortunately, Baltimore is playing Cleveland this week, which has been the best defense in football through three weeks. Gordon could be a desperation one-week starter, worth 1-5% in FAAB budget if you are in need of a lineup option in week four.

With Austin Ekeler out with an ankle injury and no firm timeline for return, Joshua Kelley is leading the backfield. However, Kelley missed out on a prime opportunity against an exploitable Minnesota run defense in week three. Isaiah Spiller elevated above rookie Elijah Dotson in week three’s usage and warrants a small addition as an injury-away option if he is available on waivers.

Latavius Murray has been the primary injury-away running back behind James Cook in Buffalo. Murray has surprisingly played ahead of Damien Harris in the backfield. Murray should take a near-minimum bid of FAAB as an injury-away stash on your bench.

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