The waiver wire can be a game-changer in fantasy football, especially when unexpected opportunities arise due to injuries or poor performances. Week 4 presents some intriguing quarterback options that could provide immediate value for managers looking to stream the position. Smart fantasy managers know that staying ahead of the competition often means identifying players before they become obvious additions.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 6%
This may be a sneaky waiver wire addition or a complete waste of time. Jayden Daniels wanted to play this week and may have done so if it were later in the season or the playoffs. Instead, the Commanders wisely opted to hold out their starting quarterback, which enabled Marcus Mariota to remind everyone that he’s not too bad.
Mariota threw for 207 yards and one touchdown while adding 40 rushing yards and another score. His 20.3 fantasy points are good for mid QB1 numbers.
If Mariota makes another start, he will get an Atlanta Falcons team that just allowed the Carolina Panthers to drop 30 on them. He will be on the QB1 radar. Of course, if Daniels returns, Mariota can be returned to the waiver wire.
Aggressiveness Rating: N/A, depends on Daniels
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
Rostered: 26%
Geno Smith completed 19 of 29 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns in the Las Vegas Raiders’ 41-24 loss to Washington, bouncing back from his three-interception disaster against the Chargers in Week 2.
The Raiders continue to look like one of the worst teams in football, but with negative game script throughout the contest, Smith was forced to air it out consistently. All three of his touchdown passes went to Tre Tucker, including a spectacular 61-yard strike in the fourth quarter as Las Vegas attempted a late comeback.
Much of Smith’s production came during garbage time, with two touchdowns occurring in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided. However, the volume remains encouraging for fantasy purposes, as Smith attempted 29 passes while playing from behind for most of the afternoon.
Next week, Chicago’s defense will face an intriguing matchup against the Detroit Lions, who gave up 52 points in Week 2. The Bears performed better in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, but that was more due to the Cowboys’ inept offense, which lost CeeDee Lamb early, than Chicago suddenly figuring things out defensively.
Smith’s connection with Tucker appears legitimate, and the Raiders’ likely negative game scripts should continue to force high passing volumes. He will be on the Week 4 streaming radar for fantasy managers seeking quarterback help, but nothing more than a one-week rental.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1-10
