Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9 (Fantasy Football)
Trick or treat? The waiver wire can feel like a haunted place this time of year. Some players lure you in with one dazzling performance only to disappear like a ghost the moment you trust them in your lineup. Others turn out to be sweet surprises that quietly become the backbone of your playoff run. As Week 9 arrives, it is time to separate the tricks from the treats and find the players who can truly lift your team to victory in the weeks ahead. Without further ado, let’s unwrap the top waiver wire pickups for Week 9.
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Running Back Waiver Rankings
Player
Rank
Andy
Jason
Mike
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
5
4
3
4
7
3
6
5
3
9
4
6
8
6
5
7
6
10
8
8
4
5
13
9
10
11
11
10
12
13
7
11
9
8
14
12
14
7
10
13
11
14
9
14
13
12
12
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants – While it pains me to write this, Cam Skattebo’s impressive rookie season has come to an abrupt end after a season-ending ankle injury. With Skattebo sidelined, the backfield now belongs to Tyrone Tracy Jr., who flashed plenty of potential as a rookie last year. In Week 9’s loss to Philadelphia, Tracy handled 10 carries for 39 yards and added two catches for 14 yards on three targets. He will share work with Devin Singletary, but Tracy is expected to take the lead role and brings strong versatility in the receiving game. He is a top waiver priority this week and can be started right away in a favorable matchup against San Francisco in Week 9.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs – It hasn’t always been pretty, but Kareem Hunt has consistently made his case as the most valuable RB to roster in Kansas City’s backfield. He delivered his best performance of the season in Week 8, totaling 42 yards on nine carries and scoring twice, once on the ground and once through the air. Isiah Pacheco exited late with a knee injury that appeared minor, though his status for Week 9 should still be monitored. Regardless, Hunt’s weekly TD potential in this explosive offense makes him worth a roster spot in all leagues as the team prepares for a key matchup with the Bills.
Bam Knight, RB, Arizona Cardinals – It is rare for a player coming off a bye to emerge as a top waiver option, but Zonovan “Bam” Knight fits the bill. His role was already increasing in the weeks leading up to Arizona’s bye, and with the team releasing Michael Carter, Knight now stands as the likely lead back over Emari Demercado if Trey Benson continues to miss time. Benson’s return timeline remains uncertain, but Knight is set up for a strong opportunity in Week 9 against the Cowboys.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans – Tyjae Spears has become a regular name in our waiver wire discussions, yet he remains available in over half of leagues. In Week 8’s loss to the Colts, he delivered his best performance of the season, rushing nine times for 59 yards and a TD while catching all three of his targets for 23 yards. Spears now appears to be in a true timeshare with Tony Pollard, and he has arguably looked like the more explosive back in recent weeks. As his role continues to grow, Spears stands out as a strong pickup heading into a Week 9 matchup against the Chargers.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns – Rookie standout Quinshon Judkins left Week 8 with a shoulder injury that appears to be less serious but could still cost him some time. If he is forced to miss games, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson is expected to step in as Cleveland’s lead back. Though he managed just three carries for no gain in Sunday’s loss to New England, Sampson was active in the passing game, catching five of six targets for 29 yards. Veteran Jerome Ford, on the other hand, saw minimal involvement with only two touches. The Browns are on bye in Week 9, but Sampson could be a sneaky stash ahead of a favorable matchup against the Jets in Week 10.
Tank Bigsby, RB, Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley exited Sunday’s win over the Giants in the third quarter with a groin injury and did not return, though the move may have been precautionary. In his absence, Tank Bigsby took full advantage of the opportunity, rushing nine times for 104 yards. It was a much-needed breakout for Bigsby, who has been quiet since joining Philadelphia, but he now appears to have the edge over Will Shipley as the team’s top backup. If Barkley is forced to miss time, Bigsby would likely handle lead duties. The Eagles enter their bye in Week 9, giving Barkley extra time to recover before a challenging Week 10 matchup against Green Bay.
Isaiah Davis, RB, New York Jets – After starting the season 0-7, the New York Jets stunned everyone with a Week 8 win over the Bengals. Rookie RB Isaiah Davis played a big part in the upset, rushing seven times for 65 yards and catching all five of his targets for 44 yards. With Breece Hall entering the game nursing a knee injury, Davis saw his workload increase and made the most of it. The Jets head into their bye in Week 9, which halts some of his momentum, but if his role continues to grow, Davis could become a viable flex option in the right game scripts. There is also the possibility that Breece Hall is dealt before the trade deadline, which would elevate Davis to the lead role. That upside makes him an appealing speculative add, even if he might not help your lineup right away.
Ollie Gordon, RB, Miami Dolphins – Whether it was a glimpse of what’s to come or simply a product of extra opportunities in a blowout, Ollie Gordon delivered the best performance of his young career in Week 8. In Sunday’s win over the Falcons, the rookie logged 10 carries for 46 yards and added an impressive 20-yard TD reception. He remains firmly behind De’Von Achane on the depth chart, but if Achane were to miss time, Gordon has the talent to become a potential league-winner. Miami’s favorable schedule down the stretch only adds to his appeal, starting with a prime chance to build on this momentum in a Week 9 matchup against the Ravens on Thursday night.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers – Despite stepping into a clear complementary role behind Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson continues to fly under the radar in fantasy circles. In Sunday night’s win over the Steelers, Wilson nearly matched Jacobs’ workload, rushing 11 times for 61 yards and catching three of four targets for 26 yards. With Jacobs dealing with lingering injuries throughout the season, Wilson’s increased usage may continue to be necessary. If Jacobs were to miss time, Wilson has the skill set to become a true difference-maker down the stretch. For managers with a roster spot to spare, stashing Wilson could prove to be a savvy and potentially league-shifting move.
Wide Receiver Waiver Rankings
Player
Rank
Andy
Jason
Mike
1
1
1
2
2
2
4
1
3
3
2
5
4
8
3
4
5
5
8
3
6
9
5
8
7
7
7
12
8
4
9
14
9
10
6
9
10
12
10
6
11
13
13
7
12
6
12
15
13
14
11
10
14
11
15
13
15
15
14
11
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots – Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level, and his entire offense is clearly benefiting from it. No one has been more electrified by Maye’s play recently than Kayshon Boutte. In Week 8’s blowout over the Browns, Boutte hauled in three of five targets for 75 yards and a score. While his production can be inconsistent and his volume is typically low, he has an uncanny ability to make big plays, as shown by his four TDs over the last three weeks. He will likely regress at some point, but Boutte is red hot right now and profiles as a high-upside, volatile flex option. He will look to continue his hot streak in a Week 9 matchup against the Falcons.
Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos – While his production has fluctuated at times, Troy Franklin is clearly making the kind of second-year leap fantasy managers were hoping for. Those who trusted him in Week 8 were rewarded with his best performance of the season. In Sunday’s dominant win over Dallas, Franklin operated as the team’s top receiver, hauling in six of eight targets for 89 yards and two TDs. It was his second 20+ point fantasy outing of the year, highlighting his ability to swing matchups when he is on. He has now scored in back-to-back games and drawn 18 targets over that span. Courtland Sutton will remain the team’s primary receiver most weeks, but Franklin’s growing role in this offense makes him impossible to overlook. He will look to stay hot in a tougher Week 9 matchup against Houston, where he profiles as a high-upside, boom-or-bust flex option.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers – While Tucker Kraft may have stolen the spotlight in Green Bay’s Sunday night win over the Steelers, Christian Watson quietly delivered an impressive return to action. After missing the first seven weeks of the season, Watson wasted no time making an impact, catching all four of his targets for 85 yards. When healthy, he is a dangerous deep threat, though availability has long been his biggest hurdle. Now back to full strength, Watson will look to regain his footing and can be viewed as a boom-or-bust flex option in Week 9 against the Panthers.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans – Rookie Chimere Dike, highlighted in last week’s article, has continued to turn heads in recent weeks. After a 70-yard performance in Week 7 that included his first career TD, Dike filled up the box score even more in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, catching seven of eight targets for 93 yards. His growing chemistry with Cam Ward is clear, and with the team frequently playing from behind, Dike should continue to see plenty of opportunities. That makes him a compelling flex option in Week 9 against the Chargers, where his team is likely to be chasing points once again.
Houston Texans WRs – Rather than breaking them down individually, it is worth looking at the collective rise of Houston’s WRs after Week 8. Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson each made their case as potential waiver adds in Sunday’s win over the 49ers. Hutchinson led the trio with five catches for 69 yards and a TD, while Higgins rebounded from a quiet Week 7, catching four of eight targets for 34 yards and a score. Noel continued his recent surge, hauling in five of six targets for 63 yards.
All three deserve some level of waiver consideration, but reinforcements are on the way with Nico Collins expected back in Week 9 and Christian Kirk likely nearing a return. Still, these breakouts should not be overlooked, and if you are taking a flyer, Noel and Higgins stand out as the more intriguing options. With that said, a tough matchup against Denver’s formidable defense next week should temper expectations for the group as a whole.
Roman Wilson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers – Roman Wilson has endured a rough start to his career, but Week 8 finally offered a glimpse of his potential. Despite the team’s loss to Green Bay on Sunday night, Wilson stepped up with his best game as a pro, catching four of five targets for 74 yards and a TD. It was the first time he had shown anything close to fantasy relevance through his first two seasons, making him at least worth monitoring in deeper leagues. If he can build on this performance and show consistency, he could warrant more attention. His next opportunity to prove it comes in a Week 9 matchup against the Colts.
Tight End Waiver Rankings
Player
Rank
Andy
Jason
Mike
1
3
1
1
2
1
7
2
3
8
2
3
4
2
4
5
5
7
3
6
6
6
5
4
7
4
6
7
8
5
8
8
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland has gotten off to a quiet start to his rookie year, but his role has steadily grown in recent weeks. In Week 8, he set season highs across the board, catching three of five targets for 38 yards. While the numbers are not eye-popping, Loveland impressed with extended playing time in Cole Kmet’s absence and made the most of his opportunities. He is more of a stash for now, but a breakout could be on the horizon as his involvement continues to rise. Loveland will look to build on this momentum in a highly favorable Week 9 matchup against the Bengals.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints – Even though it was National Tight Ends Day on Sunday, the waiver wire is surprisingly thin at the position this week. One exception is Juwan Johnson, who remains available in far too many leagues despite reestablishing himself as a reliable fantasy starter. After a red-hot start to the season, Johnson went through a four-game slump but has recently bounced back in a big way, hauling in 10 of 15 targets for 132 yards over his last two games. His Week 9 matchup against the Rams presents a tougher test, but his renewed involvement in the offense makes him worthy of weekly starting consideration.
Quarterback Waiver Rankings
Player
Rank
Andy
Jason
Mike
1
1
2
1
2
3
1
4
3
2
4
2
4
4
3
5
5
6
6
3
6
5
5
7
7
7
7
6
8
8
8
8
Check out Javier Manzanera’s weekly article on QB Streamers to Consider.
Team DST Waiver Rankings
Player
Rank
Andy
Jason
Mike
1
3
1
1
2
1
3
2
3
2
2
3
4
4
8
4
5
5
6
5
6
6
7
6
7
7
5
7
8
8
4
8
Final Thoughts
The waiver wire might be filled with jump scares some weeks, but fortune favors the bold. Trust your instincts, make strategic decisions, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on a player who could sweeten your season down the stretch. Good luck in Week 9, and may your roster be full of treats, not tricks.