5 fantasy football players to win now

After three mostly slow weeks to start the NFL season, Week 4 gave us a variety of close games and/or offensive outbursts. When even the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears can score a few touchdowns, you know the offenses are feeling it.

With so many high total scores, there are sure to be some interesting options available on your exemption transfer. Even considering a record of 0-4, it is still too early to give up on the season. These are the moments in which champions are made. Here are five players to target on the waiver line this week.

September 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) catches a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

NFL news:Tom Brady responds to Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield’s critical comments: ‘That wasn’t daycare’

Abstinence goals for week 4:

*All roster numbers are from Yahoo Sports

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WR Josh Downs, IND (Listed in 20% of leagues)

Downs may be considered the Colts’ No. 3 receiver, but unlike Pittman and Pierce before him, Downs appears to be quarterback-safe. Pittman needs Flacco to reach his full potential. Pierce needs Richardson to maximize his deep threat potential. Downs is just solid no matter what.

In his two healthy weeks, Downs has scored 14 goals, including nine in the Colts’ Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. What’s even better is that Downs scored these goals in a game where they were well ahead for most of the contest. Even with a negative game script, Downs scored nine targets, more than four times as many as Alec Pierce.

A year ago, when Downs only started half of the Colts’ games, Downs still had over 65 receptions and over 750 yards. The Colts clearly enjoy throwing this guy, and he’s a great addition in PPR formats.

WR Ray-Ray McCloud III, ATL (Listed in 5% of leagues)

Atlanta’s offense remains a mystery through four weeks. We assumed Bijan Robinson would take the lead with almost no competition. He was passed by Tyler Allgeier in Week 4. We thought Darnell Mooney was the team’s true WR2. McCloud received more receptions and targets than Mooney.

McCloud isn’t a player that’s going to blow your team away, but in the upcoming bye weeks, someone who has scored at least five goals in three out of four contests is definitely someone to keep an eye on in deeper leagues.

WR Dontayvion Wicks, GB (Listed in 13% of leagues)

Many experts expected Wicks to have a breakout season this year. Wicks is one of the best receivers in the league with his ability to get open. In fact, Wicks was open more often than anyone else in the NFL last season. However, Wicks’ ability to separate didn’t result in goals. Analysts have been eagerly waiting for Wicks to finally make his breakthrough, and Week 4 may have brought just that.

Wicks scored two touchdowns in the Packers’ loss to Minnesota. When the Packers were down and Love needed a closure, Wicks was one of his most important players, even ahead of others like Romeo Doubs. Statistically speaking, Wicks should get more fantasy points than he currently does. Perhaps this major achievement is exactly what he needed to reach his full potential.

RB tank Bigsby, JAX (Listed in 11% of leagues)

After a promising first week, Bigsby was somewhat pushed into the background in weeks 2 and 3. People began to give up hope. However, Bigsby received a significant share of the Jaguars’ backfield work in Week 4. In fact, he passed Etienne on the ground, and Etienne didn’t even see a carry until the end of the first quarter.

Given the efficiency of Bigsby and Etienne’s strange handling at the start, Bigsby could be in for a heavier workload in the future. At the very least, Bigsby is just one Etienne injury away from being one of the most used defenders in the NFL.

RB Bucky Irving, TB (on roster in 52% of leagues)

Irving is owned in over 50% of leagues, meaning he is likely unavailable, but considering Irving’s usage over the last two weeks, he should be owned in every league. For the second week in a row, Irving earned as much or more work than fellow Bucs running back Rachaad White. More importantly, Irving was Tampa’s go-to guy near the goal line. Irving was on the field within the 10-yard line on almost every snap and was rewarded with his first touchdown of the season.

While Irving’s lack of effort in the passing attack was certainly concerning, the Eagles couldn’t stop Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. There was really no reason for Baker Mayfield to stop by often. Irving should expect more receptions in future games.

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Abstinence goals for week 4:

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