Last week I was only 1 for 2 in streaming picks. I'm throwing out Johnny Manziel of course, since Mike Pettine decided to go with Josh McCown. Nick Foles did not deliver against a weak secondary. That hasn't phased me though, as I'm still happy to stream against the Steelers when given the opportunity.
With that being said, if Joe Flacco (56% owned in Fleaflicker Leagues) is out there in your league, feel free to nab him and stream away despite it being a traditionally low-scoring Thursday night matchup. Blake Bortles didn't have a huge day, but he had a respectable 15 fantasy points against the Patriots. If you started him, I think you're happy with that. I did also recommend Tyrod Taylor in this section, but I didn't feature him because I've talked about him twice already.
For this Week 4 waiver wire article, I will look at two QBs owned in 50% or less of Fleaflicker leagues, and another QB owned in 25% or less to account for the QB scarcity in 2QB leagues. Tyrod Taylor is someone I've talked quite a bit about, so I'm not going to feature him here. He is still out there in a bunch of leagues, when he really should be owned in almost all leagues at this point. He's got weapons and mobility, and is being smart with the football. If he is out there in your league, pick him up right away.
Standard League QB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 4
Derek Carr (OAK) @ Bears
OWNED IN: 35% of Fleaflicker leagues
Carr has really impressed me early this season. I was wary of him last week in a tough matchup against the Browns, but he ended up posting a really solid stat line. Carr threw for over 300 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. This week he gets the Chicago Bears, who have only forced one turnover all season.
Carr should have no trouble getting the ball to Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Really the only potential concern here is that Carr doesn’t throw a lot if the Raiders jump out in front early. He should still make for a solid high-floor play.
Alex Smith (KC) @ Bengals
OWNED IN: 37% of Fleaflicker Leagues
The Bengals are a solid defense but certainly not a great one. They have allowed exactly two touchdowns and had one interception in each of their first three games. So far it hasn’t mattered if it was Matt McGloin throwing or Philip Rivers/Joe Flacco.
I think there is a good chance that the Chiefs will be the toughest opponent the Bengals have faced so far. I still think this offense is underrated and the weapons (Jamaal Charles/Travis Kelce/Jeremy Maclin) are too talented. Once again Alex Smith should be a very safe play that you can plug in and he won’t kill you.
Deeper League QB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 4
Blake Bortles (JAX) @ Colts
OWNED IN: 24% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Much like last week, expect plenty of garbage time opportunities for Bortles. The Colts have allowed 15, 15 and 18 total fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks so far. The Colts' first two games saw Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Fitzpatrick playing from ahead for the entire game, but I don’t see that happening for Bortles. Bortles should have a game very similar to Marcus Mariota’s game against the Colts in Week 4. While the Titans did have a healthy lead at one point, the Colts roared back and Mariota ended up throwing 44 times for 367 yards.
Bortles may not hit those numbers but there is a good chance that he also tops 300+ yards and adds two touchdowns. Being in a position where you are forced to throw a lot isn’t always a good thing, but outside of Vontae Davis the Colts lack talent in the secondary. I wouldn't worry that Bortles will turn the ball over.
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