Atlanta Falcons

Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Karlos Williams, Rishard Matthews (again)

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:48 p.m. ET

Ryan Fowler

According to some self-glossed prophets, this past weekend's "Super Blood Moon" was to bring upon the end times. What are the odds they were also fantasy football owners? Based on the tone of most owners I've talked to on Twitter and in our Monday night football fantasy chat, it wouldn't shock me if Apocalyptic Al also owned four shares of Justin Forsett.

Without question, the most frustrating part the past three weeks has been lack of running back production. Shoddy offensive line play shoulders part of the blame; just ask the handful of injured quarterbacks and C.J. Anderson / Ronnie Hillman. Here's a quick review of the top 12 running backs based on average draft position and their rush attempts to-date:

Now here are your top 12 RB's ranked by rushing attempts through the first three weeks:

The projected past versus the current curel reality is a tough pillow to swallow, but we do have to remember – and owners hate to hear this – it’s only three weeks and, more importantly, to sell low on your first and second round fantasy running backs would create 50 cents on the dollar return on investment. Most “beds were made” on draft day, now we’re sleeping in it. However, the waiver wire does have some glimmers of hope.

Karlos Williams – Available 83 percent of leagues

Running behind LeSean McCoy and mobile quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Williams has averaged eight carries per game with one touchdown in each through the first three games. With McCoy sidelined against the Dolphins and most likely this Sunday against the Giants, look for Williams to eat well. The rookie running back out of Florida State rushed 150 times for 689 yards (4.6 YPR) with 29 receptions for 265 yards (9.1 YPC).

Think about this, Williams has scored double-digit fantasy points in each game this year on eight carries per game. With 12 carries against the Dolphins he racked up 110 yards with the touch.

Lance Dunbar (Available 92 percent), Bilal Powell (Available 92 percent) and Chris Thompson (Available 99 percent)

A PPR-friendly three-pack of running backs to take a look at heading into Week 4.

Dunbar leads the other two in “ownability” by a sizeable margin because let’s face facts, whether it’s Brandon Weeden or Matt Cassel filling in for Tony Romo the next couple months, check down options are going to be popular. After hauling in 10 passes for 100 yards against the Falcons, Dunbar has caught 21 of 23 passes for 213 yards this season. He’s seen 22 percent of all targets in the Cowboys offense.

Powell’s role is a little more balanced in New York and considering Chris Ivory’s track record and inability to stay healthy, I look for Powell to see an increased role the next few weeks. Hard to believe Powell has carried the ball more times than Rashad Jennings, C.J. Anderson, Eddie Lacy, and Lamar Miller this season. Granted, injury has to do with some of those rush attempt totals, but bottom line Powell is healthy and on the field. Powell has seen 14.7 percent of all Ryan Fitzpatrick targets this season. By comparison, Brandon Marshall has seen 28 percent.

Chris Thompson is on the list because of something Mike Clay from ProFootballFocus pointed out last week before the Redskins game against the Giants. Look for Thompson to see some targets when the Redskins trail – which could be often the rest of the way. He saw 11 targets against the Giants. More of a 14-team PPR type addition.

Rishard Matthews – Available 88 percent of leagues

Over the last two games, Matthews has hauled in 12 passes for 228 yards with two touchdowns (vs. Bills in rally time). Halpin believes DaVante Parker will begin to cut into Matthews targets and Jarvis Landry will continue to be Tannehill’s top option and it may be time to sell high. I’m not against that, but the Rishard Matthews brand isn’t strong enough right now to truly change your fortunes in most cases. This is where psychological strategy comes into play. Do you know how other league members view a rising stud in Matthews? Will they overpay for the hard numbers and ignore potential flaws in his future value? That’s where you can really flip Matthews for a strong option at RB/WR. Aside from that, Matthews will continue to get work as the main goal of any football team is to find consistent production. Matthews has achieved that the first three weeks of the season.

Derek Carr – Available 79 percent of leagues

Imagine if Carr had Amari Cooper, James Jones and Michael Crabtree as his three receivers. Just a thought. Carr is moving a balanced offense down the field. That’s right, Latavius Murray should get some of the credit. Murray has rushed 52 times for 248 yards through three games – fourth-most in the NFL. Murray’s 4.8 yards per rush doesn’t allow defenders to play back and help cornerbacks and safeties. Granted, the Ravens and Browns aren’t the best gauge of Carr’s emergence of a fantasy quarterback star-in-the-making, but points are points and he has the Bears and their “fire sale” defense in Week 4. Great matchup for those owners without Brady, Roethlisberger and Romo.