Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9 (Fantasy Football)
Trick or treat? As Halloween creeps closer, it is not just ghosts and ghouls sending shivers down your spine. Fantasy football has its own dark surprises and terrifying moments. Every week can feel like a haunted house of horrors, with season-ending injuries lurking like shadows in the night and last-minute inactives leaving you in a frantic, zombie-like panic. Worse yet is watching helplessly as your bench players rise from the dead to outscore your starters, or losing by a single point in the playoffs, haunted by the specter of what could have been.
But do not fear. This is not a horror movie where the villain wins. The waiver wire is your lifeline to banish the bad luck and revive your season. This week’s pickups are primed to breathe new life into your lineup and turn your nightmare of a fantasy season into an epic comeback. With that in mind, here are the top pickups for Week 9, ready to transform your fright into fortune overnight.
- Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
- Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast
Running Backs
| Team | Player | Roster % | Matchups |
| PIT | Jaylen Warren | 48% | BYE / @WAS / BAL |
| ATL | Tyler Allgeier | 47% | DAL / @NO / @DEN |
| SEA | Zach Charbonnet | 58% | LAR / BYE / @SF |
| DAL | Ezekiel Elliott | 30% | @ATL / PHI / HOU |
| LAR | Blake Corum | 23% | @SEA / MIA / @NE |
| JAX | D’Ernest Johnson | 13% | @PHI / MIN / @DET |
| DAL | Dalvin Cook | 33% | @ATL / PHI / HOU |
| LAC | Kimani Vidal | 19% | @CLE / TEN / CIN |
| BUF | Ray Davis | 30% | MIA / @IND / KC |
| SF | Isaac Guerendo | 9% | BYE / @TB / SEA |
| NYJ | Braelon Allen | 45% | HOU / @ARI / IND |
| MIN | Ty Chandler | 34% | IND / @JAX / @TEN |
| BAL | Keaton Mitchell | 10% | DEN / CIN / @PIT |
Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaylen Warren may be sharing the Steelers’ backfield with Najee Harris, but his fantasy potential should not be overlooked. Currently available in too many leagues, Warren has been quietly productive since returning from injury. After a slow start to the season, he delivered his first solid outing in Week 7, rushing 12 times for 44 yards and adding two catches for 15 yards.
He followed it up with another efficient showing in Monday night’s win over the Giants, running nine times for 46 yards and catching two of three targets for 13 yards. While his recent performances have not included a touchdown, Warren’s versatility and steady production make him worth a pickup in most leagues. Pittsburgh’s upcoming bye could give him a chance to gain a bigger role in the game plan, setting him up for more value in the second half of the season.
Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.
Devin Singletary, RB, New York Giants – Rookie Tyrone Tracy dominated with his increased opportunities on Monday night, appearing to finally take full control of the Giants’ backfield situation. Unfortunately, he left late with what looked like a concussion, opening the door for Devin Singletary to handle the lead role for the remainder of the game, though his touches were limited.
Singletary previously held the starting role in New York but had been overtaken by Tracy after a series of injuries. Prior to missing time after Week 4, Singletary had been productive, and he could once again be a startable asset if Tracy is forced to miss time. With Tracy’s status uncertain, Singletary becomes a priority waiver pickup at running back for Week 9 if you need a potential immediate starter, as the Giants take on an improved Washington defense.
REMINDER: This might seem obvious, but if Tyrone Tracy is somehow available in your league, he would be the priority pickup of the week. He should be rostered in all leagues and has league-winning potential.
Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks – Finding a startable running back on the waiver wire has been challenging this season, leading to a shift in strategy toward identifying and acquiring high-value insurance policies with some standalone potential. Zach Charbonnet has excelled in relief of Kenneth Walker at times this season, though his role is somewhat limited when both are active. In the two games Walker missed, Charbonnet delivered RB1 performances in fantasy and has recently seen more playing time, even out-snapping Walker in Week 8’s loss to the Bills as Walker battled an illness. Though Charbonnet struggled on the ground outside of a short touchdown run, he caught all three of his targets for 20 yards, highlighting his strong receiving skills.
While Charbonnet is not yet seeing enough volume to be a safe start in most leagues, he should still be rostered pretty much everywhere. His upside as a potential starter if Walker were to miss time, along with his value as a touchdown-dependent bye-week filler, makes him a valuable asset moving forward. His next chance to expand his role comes in a Week 9 matchup with the Rams.
Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.
Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets – Braelon Allen’s current role and fantasy value are similar to that of Zach Charbonnet. While he held decent standalone value early in the season, the Jets’ new coaching staff has leaned heavily on Breece Hall, pushing Allen to the waiver wire in many leagues. Despite limited usage in recent weeks, Allen saw an uptick in opportunities in Week 8’s loss to New England, rushing a season-high 12 times for 32 yards and a touchdown. Without the touchdown, his fantasy output would have been modest, yet Allen’s powerful, bowling-ball build makes him a viable goal-line option for the team moving forward. If Hall struggles near the goal line, Allen’s usage (and fantasy upside) could rise.
Currently, Allen is more of a desperation bye-week fill-in than a weekly fantasy starter, but his value as one of the top insurance policies in fantasy football makes him a must-roster. Should Hall miss time, Allen’s potential to step into a lead role could be game-changing and league-winning.
Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.
Ezekiel Elliott & Dalvin Cook, RBs, Dallas Cowboys – The Dallas Cowboys’ backfield has been as frustrating as an unsolvable Rubik’s cube, with the team continuously reconfiguring it in search of a breakthrough. Just weeks ago, Rico Dowdle seemed poised to take the lead role, but a sudden illness sidelined him for Sunday night’s loss to the 49ers, opening the door for veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook to step up. A few years back, this duo might have created one of the NFL’s most explosive backfields. Now, at their advanced ages, they delivered predictably lackluster performances.
Elliott led the charge in Week 8, running the ball 10 times for 34 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding four receiving yards on his lone target. Though his fantasy points appeared respectable, the touchdown masked an otherwise unimpressive output. Cook, on the other hand, showed even less promise, managing just 12 yards on six carries and adding 10 yards on his only reception. Dowdle is expected to recover soon, leaving the backfield’s future workload division up in the air.
Reliable running backs are scarce on the waiver wire this season, so both veterans, with Elliott as the priority, are worth speculative adds. However, expecting them to be more than deep bench stashes or emergency bye-week fillers might be optimistic. All eyes will be on this uncertain backfield heading into Week 9’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers – It would be easier to get excited about Isaac Guerendo’s fantasy outlook if San Francisco were not heading into a bye with Christian McCaffrey likely returning afterward. However, his performance in Sunday night’s win over Dallas should not be fully overlooked. With Jordan Mason aggravating his shoulder injury, San Francisco leaned on their speedy rookie, and he delivered. Guerendo logged season-highs in carries and targets, rushing 14 times for 85 yards and a touchdown, and catching three of four targets for 17 yards. While his future role remains uncertain, this glimpse of him as the lead back in San Francisco’s high-powered offense showed his potential.
The bye week gives Mason time to recover, and the team is expected to reintegrate McCaffrey. However, given the complexity of McCaffrey’s injury, he may be eased back in, potentially creating additional opportunities for Guerendo. His strong Week 8 performance might have earned him more touches, possibly at Mason’s expense. For now, Guerendo is a speculative add in deeper leagues as we wait to see how the backfield evolves in the second half of the season.
Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.
- Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
Wide Receivers
| Team | Player | Roster % | Matchups |
| CLE | Cedric Tillman | 24% | LAC / BYE / @NO |
| TB | Jalen McMillan | 60% | @KC / SF / BYE |
| SF | Ricky Pearsall | 55% | BYE / @TB / SEA |
| JAX | Parker Washington | 0% | @PHI / MIN / @DET |
| DAL | Jalen Tolbert | 36% | @ATL / PHI / HOU |
| CLE | Elijah Moore | 7% | LAC / BYE / @NO |
| CIN | Andrei Iosivas | 12% | LV / @BAL / @LAC |
| BAL | Rashod Bateman | 45% | DEN / CIN / @PIT |
| LV | Tre Tucker | 19% | @CIN / BYE / @MIA |
| CAR | Xavier Legette | 37% | NO / NYG / BYE |
| TB | Trey Palmer | 15% | @KC / SF / BYE |
| HOU | Xavier Hutchinson | 4% | @NYJ / DET / @DAL |
| GB | Christian Watson | 53% | DET / BYE / @CHI |
| HOU | John Metchie | 0% | @NYJ / DET / @DAL |
| NE | Demario Douglas | 45% | @TEN / @CHI / LAR |
| NYG | Darius Slayton | 21% | WAS / @CAR / BYE |
| DET | Kalif Raymond | 2% | @GB / @HOU / JAX |
| ARI | Michael Wilson | 27% | CHI / NYJ / BYE |
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns – Last week’s article highlighted Cedric Tillman’s potential breakout, and he did not disappoint, cementing himself as a viable and valuable fantasy asset moving forward. Tillman’s Week 7 performance turned heads, with eight catches on 12 targets for 81 yards, following a quiet start to the season. His role expanded significantly after Cleveland’s trade of star receiver Amari Cooper, and the chemistry between Tillman and new quarterback Jameis Winston was on full display in Week 8’s thrilling win over Baltimore on Sunday.
In that game, Tillman caught seven of nine targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard score that clinched the victory with a minute remaining. What began as a speculative add now looks like a must-roster priority after back-to-back stellar showings. Tillman still faces target competition from David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore, but after consecutive games with substantial targets, his significant role in the offense seems firmly established. His next test to solidify this breakout season will be against the Chargers in Week 9, right before Cleveland’s bye.
Recommended FAAB: 10-20%.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills – After a quiet start to his rookie season, optimism around Keon Coleman’s potential breakout seemed low, especially after Buffalo acquired Amari Cooper. Cooper’s arrival introduced steep target competition, but it also appears to have ignited something in the talented rookie. In Week 7, Coleman broke out with a thrilling performance, hauling in four of seven targets for 125 yards. Building on that momentum, he delivered again in Week 8, catching five of seven targets for 70 yards and a touchdown in Buffalo’s win over Seattle.
Meanwhile, Cooper had an unexpectedly quiet game, managing just one catch on two targets for three yards while playing only 50% of the snaps. Though Cooper’s track record suggests he will not stay silent for long and will likely solidify his WR1 role, his presence does not necessarily dampen Coleman’s fantasy appeal. The rookie’s big-play ability injects an explosive element into Buffalo’s offense that fantasy managers should not overlook. As Coleman’s role evolves, he emerges as a priority pickup in all leagues, with an imperative Week 9 matchup against Miami on the horizon.
Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers – This week’s article revisits several players highlighted last week who met their lofty expectations yet are still under-rostered. San Francisco’s rookie Ricky Pearsall stands out as a prime example of this development. A first-round pick this offseason, Pearsall’s journey has been anything but smooth, having overcome a near-tragic injury after being shot just before the season. His remarkable recovery has now put him on track for a strong rest of the year, a timely boost for the 49ers’ passing game as they navigate Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending injury, with Pearsall stepping into his role.
Complementing George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, Pearsall seamlessly fit as the third option in this dynamic, potent passing attack. In Week 8’s dominant win over the Cowboys, he caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and added a 39-yard run on his lone carry. Pearsall’s exceptional route running and impressive speed make him a versatile asset for this offense. Notably, he played only 59% of snaps, indicating room for an expanded role. With the 49ers on bye this week, there is ample opportunity for the coaching staff to integrate him further, setting him up as a potentially valuable fantasy asset. Although Pearsall will not be available this week, he remains a priority pickup in all leagues, primed to face a vulnerable Tampa Bay secondary in Week 10 when the team returns.
REMINDER: Here’s your friendly reminder not to overlook Jauan Jennings. If he is currently available in your league or is on the verge of being dropped with the upcoming bye, you know what to do. A player with his upside does not belong on the waiver wire.
Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Yet another player featured in last week’s article, Jalen McMillan impressed in his expanded role with Tampa Bay in Week 8. With Chris Godwin out for the season and Mike Evans sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Buccaneers needed someone to step up. Tight end Cade Otton was the standout in Week 8, but McMillan showed promising signs as well. Although he managed just four catches for 35 yards in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta, the rookie receiver saw seven targets, bringing his total to 15 over the last two games. While he has yet to have a true breakout game, his increase in opportunities stands out as a positive indicator that bigger performances may be on the horizon.
The dynamic rookie has emerged as a focal point in Tampa Bay’s passing attack, surpassing Trey Palmer and Sterling Shepard in involvement, which is encouraging as Baker Mayfield continues to air it out. McMillan should be rostered in all leagues as he looks to convert his opportunities into production in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where Tampa Bay could find itself in a high-scoring game.
Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.
Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys – Jalen Tolbert has been a recurring name in our waiver wire articles this season, yet he still remains available in far too many leagues. While he has had a few standout games, most of his performances have flown under the radar, causing him to receive less attention than flashier names. However, Tolbert is a consistent presence on the field for Dallas, commands a fair share of targets, and has been efficient with those opportunities. With Brandin Cooks sidelined, Tolbert is the WR2 in Dallas, competing primarily with CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson for targets.
In Week 8’s loss to the 49ers, Tolbert caught all three of his targets for 44 yards. While his numbers do not exactly stand out, he is poised for larger performances if he continues to earn highly valuable targets in the offense. If you are in need of a bye-week filler, Tolbert has strong flex appeal in a favorable Week 9 matchup against the Falcons.
Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.
Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – If you are in a deeper league scrambling for a starting-caliber fantasy option, Parker Washington could be your hidden gem. Washington made a splash on waivers last year with a standout Week 13 performance, though his production waned afterward. After a slow start to his sophomore season, he saw an uptick in Week 8 against the Packers, catching three of four targets for 46 yards.
With rookie phenom Brian Thomas Jr. sidelined due to a chest injury, veteran Gabe Davis nursing a shoulder injury, and Christian Kirk out for the season with a collarbone injury, Jacksonville’s receiving corps is thin outside of Evan Engram. This should open up more chances for Washington moving forward. If you are desperate for a flex play in deeper leagues, Washington is worth a look in Week 9 against the Eagles.
Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.
- Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
Tight Ends
| Team | Player | Roster % | Matchups |
| WAS | Zach Ertz | 40% | @NYG / PIT / @PHI |
| CIN | Mike Gesicki | 12% | LV / @BAL / @LAC |
| NO | Taysom Hill | 21% | @CAR / ATL / CLE |
| SEA | Noah Fant | 25% | LAR / BYE / @SF |
| LAC | Will Dissly | 3% | @CLE / TEN / CIN |
Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – If Cade Otton is still somehow available in your league after last week, he needs to be picked up, rostered, and started immediately. Following his eight-catch, 100-yard performance on 10 targets in Week 7, Otton kept rolling in Week 8, catching nine of 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns. With 20 targets over the last two games, he has proven himself a reliable, must-start option at tight end, especially in a season where many top players at the position lack consistent opportunities.
The tight end landscape this year has been unpredictable, with many big names seeing limited targets and under-the-radar players emerging as essential contributors. Otton’s volume in Tampa Bay’s offense places him firmly in the latter category, and he draws a favorable matchup with Kansas City in Week 9. Do not be the team that lets this potential difference-maker land on a rival roster.
Recommended FAAB: 10-20%.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals – Someone has to investigate what is happening with Tee Higgins in practice, which keeps sidelining him. After he was scratched from the lineup in Week 8, speculation grew over which receiver would step up — yet on National Tight End Day, it was Mike Gesicki who stole the spotlight. Gesicki has great athleticism for his size and has shown glimpses of his potential in this offense, but with both Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins healthy, he is often overlooked. With Higgins out, however, Gesicki capitalized on his opportunity, catching seven of eight targets for 73 yards.
It is unclear if he will continue to see increased targets, but if Higgins remains out, Gesicki draws an enticing Week 9 matchup against the Raiders, who just allowed Travis Kelce to post his best game of the season.
Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.
- Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
Quarterbacks
| Team | Player | Roster % | Matchups |
| DEN | Bo Nix | 35% | @BAL / @KC / ATL |
| ATL | Kirk Cousins | 59% | DAL / @NO / @DEN |
| LAR | Matthew Stafford | 33% | @SEA / MIA / @NE |
| CLE | Jameis Winston | 11% | LAC / BYE / @NO |
| GB | Malik Willis | 0% | DET / BYE / @CHI |
| LAC | Justin Herbert | 45% | @CLE / TEN / CIN |
| NO | Derek Carr | 16% | @CAR / ATL / CLE |
| IND | Joe Flacco | 6% | @MIN / BUF / @NYJ |
| NYJ | Aaron Rodgers | 51% | HOU / @ARI / IND |
| PIT | Russell Wilson | 30% | BYE / @WAS / BAL |
Team DEF/ST
| Team | Roster % | Matchups |
| Washington Commanders | 21% | @NYG / PIT / @PHI |
| New Orleans Saints | 21% | @CAR / ATL / CLE |
| Houston Texans | 44% | @NYJ / DET / @DAL |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 24% | LV / @BAL / @LAC |
| New York Giants | 7% | WAS / @CAR / BYE |
| New England Patriots | 4% | @TEN / @CHI / LAR |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3% | CHI / NYJ / BYE |
- Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
- Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast
Final Thoughts
The waiver wire is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re going to get. Although many often desire chocolates filled with caramel or peanut butter, biting into them without a glance at the descriptions can lead to an unexpected and less-than-appetizing encounter, akin to stumbling upon the forbidden orange cream flavor.
Blindly reaching into a bowl of candy left on the doorstep while trick-or-treating can yield unpredictable results. The trick is to keep digging until you find the treat you have been searching for. Navigating the waiver wire can sometimes leave a sour taste, but the rewards can be surprisingly sweet if you are willing to take a chance. With that in mind, I wish you a happy Halloween and a winning Week 9 filled with more treats than tricks!