Welcome to the Week 9 Waiver Wire. In this article, Wolf Trelles-Heard highlights the players you should prioritize on waivers as we head into Week 9. The targets are listed in shallow, standard, and deeper league options. However, there will be the most options under the standard column, as that will be the most popular range of targets.
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Week 9 Shallow League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to home leagues and those with shorter benches, with players available in at least 25% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Cardinals (71% rostered) | $ 2-4
This is the perfect setup for Kyler Murray. If ever there was a “get right” game, this is it. The QB1 in fantasy is the one who plays the Dallas Cowboys each week. Heading into Week 8, they were giving up over 29 fantasy PPG to opposing signal callers. That average went up after Bo Nix lit them up for 247 yards and four touchdowns on Sunday.
Coming off a bye week and a foot sprain that cost him two games, Murray needs a big outing to quiet the critics. Even when healthy, Murray hasn’t been his usual fantasy-dominant self this season — his best weekly finish is QB16 (which he’s done three times). But with the Cowboys giving up points at will, Murray is a must-start this week. His rushing upside gives him a chance to finally crack the top 10. Fire him up with confidence if he’s cleared to start.
Other options: Daniel Jones, Colts (64% rostered), Jaxson Dart, Giants (70% rostered), Matthew Stafford, Rams (70% rostered), C.J. Stroud, Texans (66% rostered)
Running Back
RJ Harvey, Broncos (70% rostered) | $ 5-7
Speaking of the Cowboys bleeding points, RJ Harvey had a TD bonanza against them. The rookie pulled off a hat trick on Sunday, scoring twice on the ground and once through the air. He had just eight touches but made them count, amassing 51 total yards to go with three trips to pay dirt.
His role didn’t change — Harvey played just 27% of the snaps, right in line with previous weeks. But maybe this performance will boost his confidence and playing time going forward. You obviously can’t expect this output every week, especially with tough matchups against the Texans and Chiefs in two out of the next three weeks, but anyone who finds the end zone three TDs in a single game needs to be rostered. Think of Harvey as a high-risk flex option you can play if you’re in a pinch.
Other options: Woody Marks, Texans (68% rostered), Trey Benson, Cardinals (53% rostered)
Wide Receiver
Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants (60% rostered) | $ 3-5
Week 8 was a tough one for the Giants’ offense. They got beat down by Philadelphia, lost running back Cam Skattebo for the season and couldn’t recapture the magic they had in Week 6 when they upset those same Eagles. In the middle of that mess, Wan’Dale Robinson failed to reach double-digit PPR points for the first time since Week 5, catching just three of his four targets for just 48 yards.
The loss of Skattebo means New York’s run game is likely to sputter. That should open the door for more passing volume and more opportunities for Robinson. Better days are ahead. Heading into Week 8, he ranked WR19 in target share (23.9%) and WR2 in designed targets (11), while sitting at WR12 in target separation (2.06) and WR7 in yards after the catch (203). The man gets open and makes defenders miss. Treat Robinson as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 option most weeks, especially in full PPR.
Other options: Josh Downs, Colts (59% rostered), Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (69% rostered), Romeo Doubs, Packers (58% rostered), Tez Johnson, Buccaneers (54% rostered)
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (56% rostered) | $ 3-5
Harold Fannin Jr. entered Week 8 after a slow performance against the Dolphins, but he posted double-digit fantasy points in the two games prior. On National Tight Ends Day, the rookie from Bowling Green enjoyed his best game as a pro, securing six of eight targets for 62 yards and a score. That’s 18.4 PPR points. Not bad for a young man sharing snaps with David Njoku.
He’s going into his bye week, but Fannin Jr. could be a great option for managers down the stretch. QB Dillon Gabriel loves looking Fannin Jr.’s way — he’s fourth among all tight ends in targets (51) and seventh in receiving yards (352). His next two opponents, the Jets and Ravens, are both top half matchups in terms of fantasy points allowed to TEs. Go get him if he’s still sitting there on the waivers and enjoy the production when he returns.
Other options: Evan Engram, Broncos (70% rostered), Zach Ertz, Commanders (70% rostered), Hunter Henry, Patriots (64% rostered)
Week 9 Standard League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to most leagues with standard benches, with players available in at least 50% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
Sam Darnold, Seahawks (27% rostered) | $ 3-5
If you’re looking for a solid replacement at QB, you could do much worse than Sam Darnold. He’s averaging 16.3 PPG (QB20). Nothing spectacular, but serviceable. The underlying metrics also point to potentially a better second half: He’s averaging 9.1 YPA (QB2), and he’s ranked #1 in PlayerProfiler’s Explosive Rating.
Up next are the Commanders, who are a top-six matchup in terms of fantasy points allowed to QBs. But Darnold has Jaxon Smith-Njigba, along with Cooper Kupp, AJ Barner, and a pair of talented RBs at his disposal. He won’t deliver weekly fireworks, but Darnold is a steady contributor if you need a high-floor option.
Other options: Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (47% rostered)
Running Back
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants (42% rostered) | $ 30-50
Last week, I mentioned Tyrone Tracy Jr. as a stash in case Cam Skattebo missed time. It sucks that it came to fruition so soon, as Skattebo is set to miss the rest of the season with a dislocated ankle. However, that now means Tracy Jr. is found money for those who listened and took my advice.
Lead backs don’t grow on trees, especially this late into the season. Once Skattebo went down, Tracy Jr. saw most of the work, getting 10 carries and three targets. He’s looking at 15+ touches per game going forward, which puts him in RB2 territory. If you have a bunch of FAAB burning a hole in your pocket, don’t be afraid to dump up to half of it chasing Tracy — like last year, he could prove to be valuable as the season closes.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight, Cardinals (18% rostered) | $4-6
In a surprise move on Monday, Arizona released RB Michael Carter, who had started two of the last three games for them. With Trey Benson set to miss at least one more week on IR and Emari Demercado‘s status up in the air after missing Week 7, Bam Knight might be Arizona’s lone healthy RB in a cupcake matchup against the Cowboys this week.
When we last saw Knight before the bye week, he turned 14 carries in 57 yards (4.1 YPC) against the Packers. Arizona apparently liked what they saw — enough to cut ties with Carter — which puts Knight in line for the lead back role, at least in the short term. If you need immediate help in your RB2 or flex spots this week, you can be a tad more aggressive in your bids. Just don’t go wild.
Tyjae Spears, Titans (41% rostered) | $6-8
The Titans are going nowhere fast. Well, not true. They appear to be headed straight for another top-three pick. But one silver lining in their loss to the Colts was Tyjae Spears. I mentioned him as a waiver add last week, and he delivered. Spears played 52% of the snaps and led the team with 59 rushing yards on nine carries, punching one in for a score. He also caught three passes for 23 yards.
The younger Spears just has more pep in his step than Tony Pollard. And with the season already essentially lost for Tennessee, they might test the waters on trading Pollard, who doesn’t fit the franchise’s future. Spears would be a weekly RB2 should Pollard get dealt out of town. For now, he’s a strong RB3 with contingent upside.
Other options: Kyle Monangai, Bears (44% rostered), Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (40% rostered)
Wide Receiver
Troy Franklin, Broncos (36% rostered) | $ 5-7
Ok, Troy Franklin. We see you. Against the Cowboys’ Charmin-soft secondary, Franklin had his second top 10 performance of the season. He went nuclear, reeling in six receptions for 89 yards and two TDs — a career-best outing for the second-year pro.
After Sunday’s outburst, Franklin is now up to WR22 on the season. Having that chemistry with Bo Nix, his college teammate at Oregon, has its advantages. However, he’s still a classic boom-or-bust play: His 12.0 PPG average puts him at WR38. He appears to have carved out a nice role as the WR2 in this Broncos offense behind Courtland Sutton, seeing nearly seven targets a game. If you can live with the volatility, Franklin is a nice plug-and-play WR3 or flex play that shouldn’t cost a ton on waivers.
Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (25% rostered) | $ 5-7
Kayshon Boutte is basically Cris Carter 2.0. “All he does is catch touchdowns.” Every week, I write about Boutte because he finds pay dirt, but he’s still available in 75% of leagues. Go get him before your league mates realize what they’re missing. Boutte saw five targets on Sunday and turned them into three catches for 75 yards and another long score.
Drake Maye is playing at an MVP-level right now, and Boutte is a big beneficiary. He’s had over 13 fantasy points in his last three games, and his five TDs tie him with guys like Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf, and Emeka Egbuka for third at the position. At this point, Boutte should just be in lineups as a WR3/flex play that has the potential to boom any week.
Other options: Tre Tucker, Raiders (44% rostered), Jayden Reed, Packers (37% rostered)
Tight End
Juwan Johnson, Saints (24% rostered) | $ 1-2
Is early-season Juwan Johnson back? He came out of the gates on fire with three straight top-10 weeks before cooling off in Weeks 4-6. But over the last two weeks, Johnson has seen 15 combined targets, grabbing 10 for 132 yards. Double-digit fantasy weeks appear back on the menu — 12.9 vs. the Bears and 10.3 vs the Bucs this past Sunday.
The Saints might be making a change at QB; they benched Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough. But fear not, Johnson and Shough briefly played together at Oregon … way back before COVID was even a thing. Johnson ranks #3 among all tight ends in targets (52) and has a solid 18.6% target share (TE9). The Saints have just one win this year and will continue to trail opponents in most of their contests. Johnson should stay busy as a result. Throw a buck or two at him if you need some cheap TE points.
Other options: Mason Taylor, Jets (27% rostered)
Week 9 Deep League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will apply to leagues with deeper benches and more experienced managers, with players available in at least 75% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy, Vikings (24% rostered) | $ 1-2
It hasn’t been pretty for Minnesota’s offense. When we last saw them, they were getting pummeled by the Chargers and put up their fewest yards ever under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Backup Carson Wentz is now done for the season with a shoulder injury so it’s up to J.J. McCarthy to start again and hopefully provide a much-needed spark.
The 22-year-old is expected to reclaim QB1 duties this week against the Lions. We haven’t seen much from McCarthy, and “inconsistent” might be putting it kindly. But we’ve seen flashes, and he has elite weapons in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. If his ankle is right, McCarthy offers rushing upside — he rushed for 25 yards in each of his two starts and added one TD on the ground. It’s worth tossing a buck or two his way to see if he can put up good fantasy numbers upon his return.
Other options: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (21% rostered)
Running Back
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins (13% rostered) | $ 1-2
In an unexpected turn of events, the Dolphins beat the brakes off the Falcons in Week 8. In that contest, Ollie Gordon II enjoyed his best day as a pro. He’s firmly the team’s RB2 behind De’Von Achane and the preferred short-yardage option. Gordon II churned out multiple first downs on his 10 carries, gaining 46 yards on the day. He even showed off some wheels late in the game, lining up out wide and taking a screen 20 yards to the end zone.
Gordon II has some nice matchups on paper over the next two weeks against the Ravens and the Bills, but Miami could be playing from behind in both. For now, Gordon II remains a high-upside handcuff to Achane, and a TD-dependent flex play in games you think the Dolphins may be leading.
Other options: Isaiah Davis, Jets (16% rostered), Dylan Sampson, Browns (11% rostered), Brashard Smith, Chiefs (22% rostered)
Wide Receiver
Chimere Dike, Titans (9% rostered) | $ 2-4
With Calvin Ridley missing time due to injury, most assumed it would be Elic Ayomanor that would step up and take the Titans’ WR1 role. Nope. Wrong rookie. It’s been Chimere Dike, who was drafted ahead of Ayomanor in the fourth round, who has ascended to the top of the WR room during Ridley’s absence. He had an 89% snap share and a 91% route share against the Colts, both career highs by far. He made the most of his opportunities, catching seven balls for 93 yards.
Ridley’s eventual return could cut into Dike’s opportunities, but the rookie has been doing most of his work out of the slot, where Ridley rarely lines up. I know it feels gross to trust a WR in this Titans offense, but Dike is seeing looks and getting open — he’s WR9 in target separation (2.09). He’s not a must-start yet, but Dike is someone you can snag for next to nothing if you need WR depth.
Other options: Jayden Higgins, Texans (24% rostered), Jaylin Noel, Texans (13% rostered), Christian Watson, Packers (11% rostered), Malik Washington, Dolphins (16% rostered)
Tight End
AJ Barner, Seahawks (10% rostered) | $ 1-2
Did you know that AJ Barner is tied for third among all tight ends in TD receptions with four? Now you do. Barner is quietly having a sneaky-good sophomore campaign, averaging 9.1 fantasy PPG (TE18) and having double-digit points in four games. Of course, he also has just 6.4 points combined in his other three games, so the floor is subterranean.
With the bye behind him, Barner is a streaming option for those in deeper formats. Heading into Week 8, Barner ranked first in fantasy points per target (2.90) and 11th in fantasy points per route run (0.43). He just needs more looks. If he can earn some more from Sam Darnold, Barner could flirt with TE1 numbers each week.
Other options: Theo Johnson, Giants (22% rostered), Colston Loveland, Bears (24% rostered)
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Wolf Trelles-Heard is a fantasy football contributor for PlayerProfiler. Find him on X at @DynastyFFWolf.
