Fantasy Football Week 4 waiver wire pickups: Khalil Herbert and more

Another week of NFL football is in the books. In Week 3, we saw lower scores and lower yardage totals than we have in the past. This translated to lower fantasy football scores, as well. That’s okay, though. The NFL season is a marathon, not a race. Fantasy football is a marathon, too. In order to be successful in season-long leagues, dropping underperforming players from your roster to adding overperforming players from the waiver wire is highly recommended.

Week 4 waivers might seem a little lackluster in comparison to others, but that just means players will be easier to attain. Whether your league does waiver order or FAAB budget, here are high-performing, highly available players.

Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 4: Running backs

1. Khalil Hebert, Bears

After the Bears’ lead back David Montgomery sustained a knee injury in the 1st quarter vs. the Texans, backup running back Khalil Herbert found himself in a prominent role for the rest of the game. He made the most of his opportunity, gaining 157 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 20 carries. He also added another 12 yards through the air on two targets and two receptions.

David Montgomery’s top handcuff is only rostered in roughly 5% of NFL.com fantasy leagues. The 2-1 Bears have the least amount of pass attempts in the league, which has been keeping the running backs rushing. While Montgomery is out, Herbert is a must-add and must-start in all formats.

2. Craig Reynolds, Lions

In Week 3, the Lions’ playmaking back D’Andre Swift sustained a shoulder injury and re-aggravated his ankle injury against the Vikings. D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams usually split time every week. In limited action, Williams has 43 carries, 168 yards, and 4 touchdowns on the ground and 5 targets, 5 receptions, and 29 yards through the air. With Swift out, Williams will serve as the lead back but will split time with Craig Reynolds.

Available in virtually 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Reynolds performed well in limited action last year. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry and 46 yards per game. Reynolds could be serviceable for at least two weeks while Swift is out, so he is worth adding as a flyer and rostering in all formats while Swift is out.

3. Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs 

The veteran back has had a bigger role than expected. He has been on the field for an average of 46% of snaps through 3 weeks. In Week 3, he was on the field for 52% of snaps. He received 8 total touches. Starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was on the field for 40% of snaps, less than McKinnon. However, he received 12 total touches, more than McKinnon.

Only rostered in 7.6% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, McKinnon has been getting valuable snaps, too. His snaps in the red zone have helped him score three total touchdowns this year. He is the Chiefs’ apparent change-of-pace back and fantasy football’s apparent handcuff to CEH. He is worth rostering in deep PPR leagues.

If he’s available, Nyheim Hines, Colts