Fantasy Football Today Express - Early Week 4 Waiver Wire Targets (09/18/2025)

Episode Overview

This episode of Fantasy Football Today Express zeroes in on the key waiver wire pickups to consider ahead of NFL Week 4. Host Adam Aizer and analyst Dave Richard move quickly through quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and even DST options to stash or play. The crew also debates rookie breakout candidates, discusses the impact of injuries and opportunity, and highlights deep-league stashes to give you a comprehensive edge on the wire.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Top Waiver Wire Stash Recommendation

• Troy Franklin (WR, Denver Broncos)
  • Dave Richard (00:51): "The one player that I think we should be stashing right now is Troy Franklin of the Denver Broncos... I love the target volume through the first two weeks of the season and I think he's going to be impactful most of the time. Maybe is like a potential flex play... he's got speed, he can make plays after the catch... he's got timing and rhythm down with Bo Nixon and he's got an offense that is looking for that number two target guy."
  • Available in 49% of CBS leagues and likely more on other platforms.
  • Not expected to become a "must start" every week, but plenty of upside for deep and flex leagues.

Quarterbacks to Stash for Week 4 (01:46)

• Jake Browning (CIN)
  • Still available in 60% of leagues.
  • Dave Richard (01:55): "I don't like the matchup in week four against Denver... but he's certainly capable of being a good fantasy quarterback... a steady starter for Cincinnati pretty much till December."
• Matthew Stafford (LAR)
  • Faces Indianapolis in Week 4.
  • Dave Richard (02:15): "I think the Cinderella slipper falls off of Indianapolis... Stafford's been playing great."
• Sam Darnold, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy (deep-league targets)
  • All widely available in deeper formats; keep an eye on injury and starter situations.
• On Bryce Young @ NE (03:01): Potential streamer if Patriots’ defense is still vulnerable.
• On Justin Fields v. MIA (03:15): Too rostered (82%) in CBS.

Running Back Stash List (03:29)

• Woody Marks (HOU): 77% available, could matter if Joe Mixon doesn't return or Nick Chubb fails to impress.
• Washington backups (Chris Rodriguez 84%, Jeremy McNichols 93%):
  • Dave Richard (03:29): "I like Rodriguez better, but I'm not coaching the Commanders... McNichols is the better pass protector."
• Caleb Johnson: 40% available; long-term appeal.
• Birchard Smith (KC): 94% available; could benefit if Pacheco struggles.
• Blake Corum (LAR): 66% available; could play a bigger role if Kyren Williams gets hurt or fumbles.
  • Dave Richard (04:12): "If Kyron Williams fumbles a bunch or gets hurt, Coram's going to be inserted right into the lineup for L.A."
• Tajie Spears (TEN): 37% rostered, startable even without an injury to Derrick Henry (Week 5 at the earliest).

Wide Receivers to Stash or Start (05:57)

• Short-Term and Stash WRs:
  • Juwan Jennings, Darnell Mooney (double-check in shallow leagues).
• Wandale Robinson (NYG): Over one-third availability, solid PPR floor.
• Troy Franklin (DEN): As above.
• Rashid Shaheed (NO): 48% available.
• Christian Kirk (JAX): 48% available.
  • Dave Richard (06:23): "Could be a solution to Houston's offensive issues, at least as a safe short area target for CJ Stroud."
• Deeper League Names:
  • Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks (GB) — Wicks is 92% available, prime deep-league stash.
  • IR stashes: Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Jalen Coker (CAR), Christian Watson (GB).
  • Josh Palmer (BUF): 19% rostered, nearly as many targets as other Bills receivers, could have a bigger season if he converts missed opportunities.
    • Adam Aizer (07:38): "He currently 19 roster. He's absolutely one of the deep stashes."
  • Luther Burden, Isaac Tesla, Alec Iomanor (TEN): Rookie with clear opportunity, on the field making plays.
    • Host (08:21): "...five years in a row we've had at least...two rookie wide receivers be drafted after round nine and finish top 24 per game or overall... Alec IO Manor is actually on the field doing stuff. He might be the best candidate right now."
  • Tori Horton: Scored a TD last week for Seattle.
• Deep-Late Stash Strategy: "If you're reaching for Josh Palmer, double check to see if Wicks is there and reach for him first." (Dave Richard, 09:22)

Tight Ends (09:29)

• Harold Fannin: 48% available; disappointed some managers last week but remains startable.
  • Dave Richard (09:34): "If you've got T.J. Hockenson, Mark Andrews, you're a knucklehead and you started Jake Tongas last week. Go and get yourself Harold Fannin."
• Isaiah Likely: 52% available, back at practice.
• Colston Loveland: 52% available, expected uptick after recent coach comments.
  • Dave Richard (09:57): "You could add him late on Saturday, carry him through Sunday. If he does nothing, you drop him and you pick somebody else up on Wednesday."

Defenses/Special Teams (DST) Streaming for Week 4 (10:33)

• New England Patriots: 72% available, face Carolina. Strong pass rush and potential return of Christian Gonzalez.
• Detroit Lions: 54% available, face Browns who have struggled offensively.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On identifying the top stash:

  • “I love the target volume through the first two weeks... he’s going to be impactful most of the time. Maybe...a potential flex play.” – Dave Richard on Troy Franklin (00:51)

• On deep league WR grabs:

  • “If you’re reaching for Josh Palmer, double check to see if Wicks is there and reach for him first.” – Dave Richard (09:22)

• On rookie wide receiver breakouts:

  • “Alec IO Manor is actually on the field doing stuff. He might be the best candidate right now.” – Host (09:00)

• On streaming tight ends:

  • “Go and get yourself Harold Fannin. I know it’s a matchup against Green Bay, that’s tough, but I think he can be a good target getter and good with those numbers.” – Dave Richard (09:34)

Key Timestamps

• 00:51 – Top early stash: Troy Franklin of Denver
• 01:46 – Quarterback options: Browning, Stafford, Darnold, Wentz
• 03:29 – Running backs: Woody Marks, Washington backups, Caleb Johnson, Burchard Smith, Corum
• 05:57 – Wide receiver stash list begins
• 07:38 – Deep stash: Josh Palmer (BUF)
• 09:29 – Tight end targets: Fannin, Likely, Loveland
• 10:33 – DST streamers for Week 4

Fantasy Football Today’s Tone

Upbeat, practical, and no-nonsense, with the hosts quick to move through options and share actionable advice, focused on maximizing roster opportunities heading into Week 4 waiver runs.