FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: Jake Ciely’s Top 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets For Week 4 (Ep. 1724)
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Joe Pisapia (“Joey P”)
Guest: Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the best waiver wire stashes for Week 4, focusing on lesser-rostered players who could have significant fantasy value, especially with several injuries shaking up NFL rosters. Host Joe Pisapia and fantasy expert Jake Ciely break down the upside, risks, and strategy for acquiring these under-the-radar talents. The conversation is lively, analytical, and filled with actionable advice for both redraft and dynasty players.

Key Discussion Points & Waiver Wire Targets

1. Chris Rodriguez (Washington RB)

• Availability: Just 10% rostered on most platforms
• Analysis:
  • Jake reveals Rodriguez served as the “lead run” and essentially filled Bryan Robinson’s role in Week 3:

    "...he was the lead run. He was Brian Robinson this week. As in he got everything as the lead option. The first two drives we didn't see Crosby Merit to start the game." (02:06)

  • Rodriguez even saw targets, not just carries.
  • The Washington backfield now shapes up as Rodriguez + Krosky Merit, with McNichols as a deeper-league stash.
  • Jake highlights the importance amid thin waiver options due to injuries:

    "...if you need running back help... it's kind of a dry week already." (02:51)

2. Tori Horton (Seattle Seahawks WR)

• Availability: 8% rostered on Sleeper; widely available
• Analysis:
  • Joe notes Horton’s preseason buzz and recent special teams contributions. He’s emerging as a potential target for Sam Darnold (03:31).
  • Jake compares Horton to an advanced, rookie-year Chase Claypool:

    "...he's kind of coming out of college as Chase Claypool... and I would actually say at this point, development wise, he's a step past Claypool already." (04:43)

  • Horton offers significant late-season upside, particularly if veteran Cooper Kupp fades or gets injured. He’s the high-ceiling stash of the week:

    "...if you're looking for that highest ceiling option of the list today, it's probably him..." (06:03)

3. Woody Marks (Houston Texans RB)

• Availability: Under 20% rostered
• Analysis:
  • Set for an expanded role as the Texans struggle (0-3) and begin talent evaluation.
  • Jake points out a genuine timeshare developing with Nick Chubb:

    "...it was 2/3 of the snaps to Chubb and one third to Woody Mark. Actually just over one third of the snaps went to Woody Mark. So it's already happening." (07:07)

  • While production might be capped by Houston’s offensive line and struggles, Marks is likened to a potential “Jalen Warren” type (07:45).

4. Sterling Shepard (Tampa Bay WR)

• Availability: 2% rostered
• Analysis:
  • Discussed as a streaming option due to injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
  • Jake provides a humorous “flowchart” of scenarios affecting Shepard's value:

    "Can I get my iPad out for a flowchart here?... If Mike Evans and Godwin are both out, then Shepard probably falls into the wide receiver three or four." (09:29)

  • Noted as a fine, but limited upside option—most valuable if multiple starters are out.

5. Luke McCaffrey (Washington Commanders WR)

• Availability: Deep league flier
• Analysis:
  • Only relevant if Terry McLaurin misses time:

    "Only 100%. Only if Terry McLaurin's out. Like that's just what it comes down to." (11:17)

  • Rose to fourth on the depth chart and earned targets when McLaurin exited.
  • Useful deep-league desperation play.

6. Luther Burden (Detroit Lions WR)

• Availability: 26% rostered
• Analysis:
  • Big talent but currently third on the depth chart behind DJ Moore and Roman Odunze.
  • Jake cautions against overvaluing him based on limited usage:

    "Luther Burden is actually potential sell high right now for anybody that did roster him smartly... The problem is do you know what Snapchat was yesterday? 31%. 9 snaps." (13:38)

  • Historical precedent shows rookie WR3s rarely offer substantial weekly utility, and Burden is still playing behind Zaccheaus.
  • Jake’s recommendation: stash for upside but consider trading if demand spikes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On dropping established players for Trey Benson:

  "I would go as far as to drop Pacheco at this point. Like that's what we're doing... you have to drop significant names if Benson happens to still be out there." – Jake Ciely (02:06)

• On Tori Horton’s upside:

  "...if Cup continues to do this and the Seahawks are like, you know what, it was a one year deal, we're going to move on from Cup. Let's get Horton some more run. That's the appeal, let alone if Cup got hurt." – Jake Ciely (05:50)

• On scenario-based streaming for Sterling Shepard:

  "Did I flowchart it enough? Like did you come back around?" – Jake Ciely (10:41)
  "All I could think about is one of my favorite How I Met Your Mother bits where Marshall says this is a pie chart of my favorite bars..." – Joe Pisapia (10:45)

• Quick banter on injury luck in fantasy:

  "Ask me about my James Conner dominant back to back unbelievable roster of a dynasty team that had CD Lamb and Malik neighbors yesterday. Ask me how that went." – Jake Ciely (12:33)
  "Oh, well, I'd rather not because I think that the words you use might get us kicked off YouTube." – Joe Pisapia (12:43)

• On Luther Burden as a “sell high” after a spike week:

  "I'm about to give you one of the best case scenarios... Best case scenario we see he's [a] wide receiver four from somebody and that's why I bring it up..." – Jake Ciely (15:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:05] – Episode Intro & Waiver Wire Week 4 Overview
• [02:06] – Chris Rodriguez: Lead Backfield Role
• [03:31] – Tori Horton: Sleeper WR Rising in Seattle
• [05:50] – Horton’s Outlook if Cup Fades
• [07:07] – Woody Marks: Shares and Upside in Houston
• [09:29] – Sterling Shepard: Streaming Based on Injuries
• [11:17] – Luke McCaffrey: Only If McLaurin Sits
• [13:38] – Luther Burden: Talent, Role, and Trade Angle
• [15:49] – Waiver Wire as a Trade Tool & Sign-off

Episode Takeaways

• Waiver wire stashes are about more than just immediate starts – Plan ahead for injuries, depth chart shifts, and potential trade value.
• Monitor scenario-dependent options – Streaming picks like Sterling Shepard or Luke McCaffrey require vigilance on teammate injuries.
• Be strategic with depth – Don’t be afraid to drop bigger names for sky-high upside if the breakout is imminent (and worth the risk).
• Think of the waiver wire as asset management – Potential trade chips can emerge from under-rostered, hyped-up players like Luther Burden.

Closing Thoughts

Jake and Joe kept the banter lively and the advice actionable. Their focus on scenario-dependent plays, rationale behind FAAB spending, and the encouragement to maximize value through trades made this episode a must-listen for fantasy managers looking for an edge as injuries pile up and depth charts fluctuate.

For more info and tailored waiver wire recommendations, Joe urges listeners to utilize Waiver Central via the FantasyPros app or website.