Welcome to the week 4 dynasty pickups! There’s no need to wonder who to put in waiver claims. I’m here to give you some names, and a little food for thought, of who your dynasty pickups should be this week. As always, all rostership numbers are from Sleeper.

Laviska Shenault – WR – Carolina Panthers – 62% rostered

The rostered % is high but more recent startups, or leagues where the benches are smaller, have seen him available. I’m not going to give the stats on this one as they don’t help the argument – aside from one catch. Laviska is one of those guys that many felt would explode at some point; and that he did on his 67-yard touchdown. If he is available, he has got to be worth a grab just in case he becomes what many felt he could be in the last two seasons. He didn’t play much and this is a long shot, but if this is his turning point then as a dynasty asset this could prove to be the greatest add you’ve had this season… Or we could be dropping him by week 5 for Cole Beasley. Time will tell!

Jerick McKinnon – RB – Kansas City Chiefs – 53% rostered

Here I am, after saying he was a drop pre-season, saying in season he is an add. He is continually eating into Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s rushing share and was on field more than CEH in week 3. This is really a patch rather than a start over an established RB but many people are already struggling at Running Back early on and the hope here is that you might be able to find some free RB3 production. Thus why he fits our dynasty pickups piece as a short term investment of a few FAAB bucks. If he can start adding a touchdown here and there we have ourselves a viable starter.

Cameron Brate – TE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 44% rostered

It’s not a particularly appealing name I know. However, Cameron Brate is on the field a lot and is also running a lot of routes. He had six targets on Sunday and turned this into 10.2 PPR points. The thought will probably be that once Evans/Godwin/Julio returns Brate will fade and that could be somewhat true. Hopefully, that should be negated by the lack of opportunities for which Brate has had in the redzone. If Brate can stay on the field and the Bucs can get rolling on offense (we know we can never write Brady off!), I think he can be a good dynasty pickup to fill that gap for the season.

Tristan Ebner – RB – Chicago Bears – 37% rostered

Khalil Herbert should get his chance to take the lead back role in Chicago. With Herbert getting that shot, this opens up the backup role – a possible opportunity for Ebner. He looks to be the next guy up and given his seven carries in week 3 and the way the Bears are almost refusing to throw the ball. Ebner is a speculative stash as he should see the field in the coming weeks if Montgomery is out.

Josh Reynolds – WR – Detroit Lions – 30% rostered

Is Josh Reynolds the second target for Jared Goff? Coined as “The Serpent of F—ing Death” in hard knocks: Reynolds had a 27% target share, whilst running 36 routes in week 3. Compared to Chark getting only 10 targets in the last two games, this is a trend we should be keeping an eye on with Jared Goff slinging it each week.

Ben Skowronek – WR – Los Angeles Rams – 24% rostered

Much to Mark Sanchez’s joy the Rams did utilise Ben Skowronek to the tune of four receptions for 66 yards, whilst also playing a bit of fullback at times. I don’t feel confident enough here to say he is a starter right away, but he is on the field and is being utilised as the 3rd option for the Rams, so grab him now and see how the next 2 or 3 weeks go. At least till Van Jefferson is back from injury.

Craig Reynolds – RB – Detroit Lions – 7% rostered

A hard knocks special here. Those of you who caught this series know the coaching staff love this guy and believe he is an ultra reliable team player. A lot of coach speak I know, but ultimately it should mean they are happy to give him a fair crack. With Swift seemingly set to be side-lined, Reynolds will share work with Jamaal Williams. He’s more of a stash for the season than the future, but one to consider in deeper leagues.

You can follow Paul on Twitter @ffgoatball to keep up with his work. Keep your eyes peeled for more articles from our great Dynasty team, coming soon. Remember to tune into the 5 Yard Dynasty livestream aevery Tuesday at 8pm (GMT).