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Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 4

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Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and rest of the season.

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins, Redskins

vs. Giants, Thursday at 8:25 p.m. ET

Cousins was picked up off waivers in most fantasy leagues last week. If he's still available in your league, you need to correct that. Cousins was 30-of-48 for 427 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3. He's already a borderline QB1 and he's ascending. Even if you own a top quarterback, find a way to stash Cousins on your bench and keep him away from your opponents. 

Blake Bortles, Jaguars

at Chargers, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET

Bortles is the new starter in Jacksonville and the early returns suggest he'll be more successful than the last. In limited playing time Sunday, the rookie was 14-of-24 for 223 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He looked poised in the pocket, if still a little raw, and his teammates seemed to pick up on his energy. Bortles is a long way from a fantasy starter, but he has the best chance of any rookie quarterback of reaching that level this year. He's worth an add in deep leagues.

Running Back

Lorenzo Taliaferro, Ravens

vs. Panthers, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

The fourth-round pick burst onto the scene in Week 3, rushing a team-high 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown, and passing Justin Forsett on the depth chart in the process. After the game, John Harbaugh praised Taliaferro's downhill running. The injured Bernard Pierce is expected to return to the lineup in Week 5, and it's possible he'll take back the starting job, but it's more likely the Ravens will continue to ride the hot rookie. Taliaferro has a chance to be this year's best waiver wire pickup.

Alfred Blue, Texans

vs. Bills, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

Starting in place of an injured Arian Foster, Blue carried the ball 13 times for 78 yards. Foster's hamstring injury is likely to linger, so Blue's value should persist over at least the next few weeks. By the time Foster gets healthy, this could be a full-blown timeshare.

Bishop Sankey

at Colts, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

If Sankey was dropped by an impatient owner in your league, make it a priority to snatch him up. He finally saw the same number of carries as Shonn Greene in Week 3 and was significantly more productive with his touches. The second-round pick (and first running back selected in the draft) will be the Titans' starter soon enough.

Wide Receiver

Jordan Matthews, Eagles

at 49ers, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET

The rookie announced his presence to the world with two touchdowns in Week 3. Matthews' upside is tantalizing; he's the Eagles' most physical receiver and a matchup nightmare when used in the slot. But there are many mouths to feed in Philadelphia - perhaps too many to make Matthews a reliable weekly fantasy option. If Jeremy Maclin or Riley Cooper were to get injured or lose their starting job to Matthews, he would be an every-week WR3. Until then, he's a high-upside stash for owners who like taking home run swings.

John Brown, Cardinals

at Broncos, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET

The rare player who's living up to the preseason hype, Brown is carving out a nice role for himself in a Cardinals passing game that seems intent on phasing out Larry Fitzgerald. Brown had four catches for 52 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3. Don't expect many more multi-touchdown games, but the catch volume and yardage is easily sustainable.

Brian Quick, Rams

at Eagles, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

Quick is the best option in a Rams passing attack that's proving to be pretty feisty with Austin Davis behind center. He's a decent bye-week replacement option, but probably nothing more.

Marvin Jones, Bengals

Bye

The injured Jones is tentatively expected to make his 2014 debut after the Bengals' Week 4 bye. If you have a roster spot to spare, stash him now. He'll likely be a popular waiver wire option next week.

Tight End

Larry Donnell, Giants

at Redskins, Thursday at 8:25 p.m. ET

It's time to accept that Donnell is a major part of the Giants' passing game. He's still making mistakes on the field, but Eli Manning keeps targeting him. If Donnell's still a free agent in your league, and you need help at tight end, you might as well get on the bandwagon.

Owen Daniels, Ravens

vs. Panthers, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

Dennis Pitta is expected to miss the rest of the season with a hip injury, thrusting Daniels into a starting role. Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak knows what Daniels can do from their time together in Houston. Don't expect huge numbers, but do expect enough red-zone targets to make Daniels a decent replacement for desperate Pitta owners.

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