League Settings, Roster Rates and FAAB

The baseline is a 12-team redraft league with full-PPR scoring and one starting quarterback. Full PPR gives one point per reception. A player can be a worthwhile reserve in this format without being an automatic starter. Superflex and two-quarterback formats require different quarterback bids.

FAAB means free-agent acquisition budget. Suggested bids below are ACS recommendations expressed as a percentage of your original season budget. For an original $100 budget, 10% means $10. These are suggested ranges, not prices that guarantee a successful claim.

The roster rates are Sleeper percentages quoted in Sports Illustrated's September 28 waiver report. They describe how often a player is rostered, not how often he is available. Yahoo, ESPN and individual leagues can differ; check your own player pool.

Week 4 Waiver Wire Targets and Suggested Bids

Use the running-back bids while the injury outlook remains unsettled. The player sections explain when a higher or lower bid becomes reasonable. Prioritize the position you actually need rather than treating this as one ranking for every roster.

On mobile, scroll sideways for suggested roles and Sleeper roster rates. Player names and FAAB bids appear first.

Running-Back Pickups and Injury Conditions

Ollie Gordon II: First Running-Back Priority, With Conditions

Miami’s recap credits Gordon with 17 carries for 41 yards and a rushing touchdown against Kansas City. He took over after De’Von Achane left with a knee injury. Sunday's postgame report described concern about Achane, but did not establish a return date. Jaylen Wright also missed the game with a foot injury.

Bid: Start around 20-30% when you need running-back help. A confirmed extended Achane absence and a clear lead role could justify 35-45%. Reduce that sharply if Achane is expected back or Wright is set for substantial work.

Risk: Volume is the attraction, not an assumption that Gordon will match Achane’s receiving production or efficiency. Do not empty the budget on an unconfirmed injury timeline.

Braelon Allen: Add Cover Before Assuming a Starting Job

Breece Hall left the game against Detroit with a thigh injury and said after the game that an MRI was likely on Monday. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are the replacement options; Hall’s exit alone does not establish the Week 4 workload.

Bid: Consider 10-18% while the outlook is unresolved. A confirmed Hall absence with Allen expected to lead the rushing work supports 20-28%. If Hall returns without restrictions, a smaller backup bid is more appropriate.

Risk: Davis can remain involved, especially when evaluating the receiving role. Price the likely touches rather than awarding Allen every opportunity Hall normally receives.

Keaton Mitchell: Reserve Upside, Not a Proven Takeover

Mitchell had 11 touches, including three receptions, against Buffalo. The Chargers’ recap confirms his one-yard touchdown reception. That provides a reason to monitor his involvement alongside Omarion Hampton, without treating one score as proof of a new lead back.

Bid: 3-6% for a bench place. He is a lower-cost alternative when the leading injury replacements are too expensive. Require a larger, repeatable role before relying on him as a regular starter.

Wide Receivers for PPR Depth and Flex Spots

Keenan Allen: A Practical PPR Receiver Claim

Allen caught six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Indianapolis placed Alec Pierce on injured reserve on September 26, leaving a continuing opening in the receiving group rather than only a one-game absence.

Bid: Suggested FAAB is 6-10% when he improves a receiver or flex opening. He is the first receiver preference on this list for an immediate PPR need.

Risk: His game log also includes only one catch for five yards in Week 2. Do not assume six receptions every week or that all of Pierce’s opportunities transfer directly to him.

Tre Harris: Receiving Production Without Needing a Touchdown

Harris recorded six catches for 76 yards on seven targets against Buffalo. That is worth a receiver-depth claim because the useful output came from catches and yardage, not one end-zone play.

Bid: 4-8% for a bench receiver who could compete for a flex spot. Prefer Keenan Allen for the immediate opening, but compare Harris with the weakest receiver you currently hold.

Risk: One game does not guarantee the same target count. Keep the bid modest until the role proves repeatable rather than dropping an established starter for a single productive afternoon.

Tight End Upgrades and Lower-Cost Cover

Kenyon Sadiq: The First Tight End to Consider

Sadiq caught seven of eight targets for 105 yards and a touchdown against Detroit. The target involvement makes him more interesting than a tight end who scores on one or two catches.

Bid: 8-14% for a roster that needs a starting tight end. Spend less when he would only sit behind a dependable option. He is the higher-upside preference over Barner here, not a reason to replace an established elite tight end.

Risk: One breakout does not guarantee eight targets next week. Watch how New York distributes passes as its available receiving options change.

AJ Barner: A Lower-Cost Tight End Alternative

Seattle reported five catches for 69 yards from Barner against Washington. He offers another tight end option when Sadiq is unavailable or attracts a bid above your budget.

Bid: 2-4% for a replacement or short-term starter. Do not roster multiple speculative tight ends at the expense of a more useful running back or receiver.

Risk: Seattle spread its passing production among several players. Barner’s five catches are evidence of involvement, not a guaranteed weekly minimum.

Quarterbacks: One-QB and Superflex Priorities

Sam Darnold: Useful Cover Without Chasing Four Touchdowns

Darnold returned with 379 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions against Washington. That makes him worth checking when your current quarterback is injured or no longer a reliable starting choice.

One-QB bid: 3-6% when he could start for you. An unnecessary second quarterback should not take priority over a genuine lineup weakness.

Superflex or two-QB: 12-20% is a more relevant starting range if he is available and fills a starting slot. Scarcity can justify a higher bid. The roster percentage above is not specific to two-quarterback leagues.

Risk: Do not use four touchdowns as a weekly expectation. Evaluate the next matchup and your alternative, rather than buying the biggest score from last Sunday.

Conditional alternative: Marcus Mariota led Washington while Jayden Daniels was absent. Consider him only if the next starting assignment remains his. A confirmed starter matters particularly in Superflex; one successful replacement appearance does not guarantee a long-term job.

How to Order Claims Without Overspending

Need an immediate starter? Put the clearest positional upgrade first. Keenan Allen may be more useful to a receiver-needy team than a running back awaiting injury clarification. Sadiq can move above the backs when tight end is the bigger weakness.

Do not add every successful bid together blindly. With an original $100 budget and $60 left, a $25 claim uses almost 42% of the remaining funds. Set a total spending limit, then arrange alternative claims around the roster spots you actually intend to clear.

Review the outgoing player on every claim. Where your platform supports conditional claims, tie alternatives for one opening to the same drop. Keep a healthy established player after a quiet game unless the new addition offers a genuine improvement.

Check the league’s processing time and the latest injury information before increasing a conditional bid. For recent pickup candidates already on your bench, the Week 3 waiver wire guide provides background; make the new decision using their current roles.

NFL Week 4 Waiver Wire FAQs

Who should be the first Week 4 waiver claim?

Gordon is the first running-back consideration if the opportunity remains open. Braelon Allen also depends on injury news. For an immediate positional need, Sadiq or Keenan Allen can be the better first claim.

Are the FAAB percentages based on the remaining budget?

No. They use the original season budget. A 10% bid is $10 from an original $100 budget, regardless of what remains. The same bid becomes more expensive relative to your remaining funds as the season progresses.

Does winning a claim mean the player should start?

No. The amount paid does not determine next-game value. Check availability, workload and the alternatives already on your roster before setting the lineup.

Are these DFS recommendations too?

No. These are season-long roster decisions. DFS depends on contest salaries and rules, while Pick’Em depends on the specific projection. See the DFS and Pick'Em guide for the format differences.