Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 9 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 8, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 9, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Tyrone Tracy Jr, RB (NYG)
Rostered: 48%
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the top priority pickup on the waiver wire in fantasy football this week after Cam Skattebo suffered what appears to be a season-ending ankle injury. Tracy took 28 of the Giants’ final 36 offensive snaps in Week 8, operating as the clear lead back in both rushing and passing situations. He finished with 10 carries for 39 yards and caught two passes for 14 yards, immediately stepping into a full-time role. With Devin Singletary now the backup, Tracy should dominate touches in this backfield moving forward. Available in more than half of ESPN leagues, Tracy offers plug-and-play value as a low-end RB2 or high-end Flex rest of season.
The Giants’ offense isn’t elite, but Tracy’s combination of pass-catching ability and explosive playmaking provides weekly fantasy upside. His rest-of-season outlook is strong, especially with New York unlikely to trade for another running back before the deadline. Fantasy football managers desperate for RB help should prioritize Tracy as the top waiver wire claim in Week 9. Opportunity is everything in fantasy, and Tracy’s workload projects to remain steady behind an improved offensive line. If he continues to handle 70%+ of the team’s snaps, Tracy could emerge as a difference-maker in the second half of the fantasy season.
Kyle Monangai, RB (CHI)
Rostered: 39%
Kyle Monangai continues to trend upward as one of the better under-the-radar pickups on the waiver wire in fantasy football. The rookie back has logged a 46% snap share in back-to-back weeks and has run 20 times for 105 yards and a touchdown over that span. D’Andre Swift remains the 1A in Chicago’s backfield, but Monangai’s usage suggests head coach Ben Johnson is embracing a true two-back committee similar to his Detroit days. Monangai has earned consistent playing time on third downs and in early-down situations, making him a valuable stash for fantasy managers seeking RB depth.
In Week 9, the Bears face the Cincinnati Bengals, a defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. Both New York Jets backs topped 100 rushing yards against them last week, setting Monangai up as a sneaky Flex start in a favorable game script. His role continues to grow each week, and with Chicago’s rushing attack finding rhythm, Monangai has the potential to deliver RB3/Flex value in fantasy football. If Tyrone Tracy Jr. is already rostered, Monangai should be your next priority add off the waiver wire.
Dylan Sampson, RB (CLE)
Rostered: 13%
Dylan Sampson is another strong addition from the waiver wire in fantasy football after Quinshon Judkins left Week 8 with a shoulder injury. Sampson took over as the Browns’ lead back, playing 19 of the final 27 offensive snaps and handling most of the rushing work down the stretch. He’s been productive in limited action earlier this season, including an eight-catch performance in the opener, showcasing his dual-threat skill set. With Cleveland heading into a Week 9 bye, Sampson has a prime window to earn more work if Judkins’ injury lingers.
The Browns have one of the most favorable remaining schedules for running backs, and Sampson could slot in as a short-term fantasy starter if Judkins potentially misses time. His pass-catching upside makes him particularly appealing in PPR leagues, and he’s available in more than 85% of leagues. Fantasy football managers should add Sampson off the waiver wire as an insurance policy with potential Flex value. If Judkins is ruled out for Week 10, Sampson will immediately enter the RB2 conversation against the New York Jets.
Troy Franklin, WR (DEN)
Rostered: 37%
Troy Franklin is heating up at the perfect time and should be one of the top wide receiver additions from the waiver wire in fantasy football. The second-year Broncos wideout exploded for six catches, 89 yards, and two touchdowns in Week 8 after posting a double-digit target game the week prior. He’s now scored in consecutive games and is quickly becoming Bo Nix’s go-to target alongside Courtland Sutton. Franklin’s role has grown steadily, and he’s running routes on more than 70% of Denver’s passing plays while seeing a 27.5% target share in Week 8.
Franklin’s combination of deep-ball usage and red-zone opportunities makes him a priority waiver wire target heading into Week 9. Denver’s offense is clicking, and Franklin ranks fifth in the NFL in red-zone targets on the season, which allows him to be a viable option every week. The Broncos have the Raiders next and will look to build on their offensive momentum over the last two weeks. Fantasy football managers in need of wide receiver help should move quickly to grab Franklin before his breakout becomes mainstream. He offers strong WR3/Flex value in all scoring formats
Sam Darnold, QB (SEA)
Rostered: 40%
Sam Darnold has quietly played his way into fantasy relevance and is one of the better streaming quarterback options available on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Prior to Seattle’s Week 8 bye, Darnold ranked as the QB13 on the season, outperforming several big names. He’s benefited from a strong supporting cast that includes Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the league’s leader in receiving yardage, and a reliable running game that has allowed him to be one of the best play-action quarterbacks this year. Darnold’s upcoming schedule is also favorable, starting with the Commanders, who allow the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
For fantasy football managers dealing with bye-week absences or injuries, Darnold offers steady production with QB1 upside in good matchups. His efficiency and surrounding talent make him one of the safer waiver wire options heading into Week 9. Seattle’s offensive line has held up well, and Washington is bottom 10 in the NFL in pressure rate over the last three weeks. If you’re streaming quarterbacks or looking for insurance behind an injury-prone starter, Darnold deserves top consideration this week.
Chimere Dike, WR (TEN)
Rostered: 8%
Chimere Dike is emerging as one of the most intriguing waiver wire adds in fantasy football after back-to-back strong performances for the Titans. With Tyler Lockett released and Calvin Ridley sidelined, Dike stepped into a full-time role and delivered seven catches for 93 yards in Week 8 after going 4-70-1 the week before. He played 95% of Tennessee’s offensive snaps, operating both in the slot and two-receiver sets. His versatility and ability to separate underneath make him a high-upside PPR target, especially as Tennessee’s receiver depth continues to thin.
Dike’s Week 9 matchup against the Chargers is particularly enticing, as Los Angeles ranks among the league’s worst defenses versus slot receivers. He has recorded a 21% target share and a 76.6% slot rate over the last two games and should continue to see high-volume usage even when Ridley returns. Fantasy football managers should view Dike as a top waiver wire target and a viable Flex play in Week 9. With a full-time role locked in, Dike could easily outproduce many more established wideouts over the next few weeks.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight, RB (ARI)
Rostered: 21%
Zonovan Knight has taken over as Arizona’s lead back, making him a priority add on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Over the last two weeks, he has handled 12+ touches per game and has scored double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back outings. With James Conner out for the season and Trey Benson still on injured reserve, Knight has leapfrogged Michael Carter as the Cardinals’ early-down option. He ran 14 times for 57 yards and caught three passes for seven yards in Week 7, while Carter managed only 11 rushing yards on seven attempts. Knight has clearly earned the coaching staff’s trust and is now the top option in this backfield.
Arizona returns from its bye week in Week 9 and faces the Dallas Cowboys, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs. That matchup sets up Knight as a strong RB2/Flex option in Week 9, particularly if he continues to dominate early-down work. Fantasy football managers should take advantage of the bye week to stash Knight off the waiver wire before he becomes even more sought after. If Benson’s recovery drags on, Knight could hold this role well into the second half of the season. His combination of volume and favorable matchups makes him one of the best under-the-radar running back adds this week.
Colston Loveland, TE (CHI)
Rostered: 22%
Colston Loveland is an appealing tight end streamer and one of the best waiver wire options in fantasy football for Week 9. With Cole Kmet sidelined by a back injury, Loveland stepped into a near every-down role, playing 81% of offensive snaps and running routes on 78% of Chicago’s pass plays. Though he finished with a modest three receptions for 38 yards, his usage was elite for a tight end. If Kmet remains out, Loveland will maintain a starting-caliber workload in a favorable matchup against the Bengals.
Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season, making Loveland a strong Week 9 streaming play. His athletic profile and expanded route participation give him sneaky upside for this week in a favorable matchup. Fantasy football managers in need of a one-week starter or long-term stash should grab Loveland off the waiver wire. In deeper leagues, he’s a must-add with clear volume potential and an ideal matchup on deck. Stream Loveland this week as he has a chance to set some career highs.
Alec Pierce, WR (IND)
Rostered: 29%
Alec Pierce is quietly producing like a top-50 fantasy receiver and deserves more attention on the waiver wire in fantasy football. The Colts’ big-play wideout has averaged 9.4 PPR points per game this season and continues to operate as Indy’s X receiver, maintaining one of the highest average depths of target in the league. Pierce caught two passes for 69 yards in Week 8 and has seen consistent involvement in single-high coverage looks, where he leads the team in yards per route run. Pierce has yet to find the end zone despite his valuable targets and could see a boost to his weekly production. A touchdown or two could vault him into weekly Flex territory.
Pierce draws a plus matchup against the Steelers in Week 9, a defense that ranks sixth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. His skill set aligns perfectly with how Pittsburgh defends, making him an appealing upside play. For fantasy football managers seeking big-play potential, Pierce is one of the most valuable under-rostered wideouts on the waiver wire. With the Colts having one of the better fantasy playoff schedules, he’s a worthwhile stash in all formats.
Los Angeles Rams, DEF
Rostered: 36%
The Los Angeles Rams’ defense has been one of the more consistent units available on the waiver wire. They are averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game, and the Rams have recorded back-to-back double-digit outings before their Week 8 bye. They enter Week 9 ranked second in the NFL with 26 sacks and have forced 10 turnovers through six games. This defense continues to generate pressure and capitalize on mistakes while adding some secondary help in veteran CB Roger McCreary
The Rams get a dream matchup this week at home against the New Orleans Saints, who have averaged just 16 points per game over their last two contests and could be starting rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. The combination of rest, home-field advantage, and an uncertain Saints offense makes the Rams one of the top streaming defenses in fantasy football. Managers seeking a Week 9 fill-in or long-term option should target Los Angeles on the waiver wire before kickoff.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Aaron Rodgers QB (PIT) – 43% rostered
- Joe Flacco QB (CIN) – 36% rostered
- Tyjae Spears RB (TEN) – 31% rostered
- Tyler Allgeier RB (ATL) – 43% rostered
- Tank Bigsby RB (PHI) – 17% rostered
- Isaiah Davis RB (NYJ) – 16% rostered
- Brashard Smith RB (KC) – 22% rostered
- Ollie Gordon II RB (MIA) – 13% rostered
- Devin Neal RB (NO) – 5% rostered
- Kayshon Boutte WR (NE) -40% rostered
- Christian Watson WR (GB) – 16% rostered
- Jaylin Noel WR (HOU) – 13% rostered
- Jayden Higgins WR (HOU) – 24% rostered
- AJ Barner TE (SEA) – 7% rostered
- Mason Taylor TE (NYJ) – 29% rostered
- Baltimore Ravens DEF – 32% rostered
- Jacksonville Jaguars DEF – 6% rostered
- Tyler Loop K (BAL) – 44% rostered
Droppable Players
- Cam Skattebo RB (NYG)
- Kendrick Bourne WR (SF)
- Jerry Jeudy WR (CLE)
- Keon Coleman WR (BUF)
- Matthew Golden WR (GB)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Caleb Williams QB (CHI)
- TreVeyon Henderson RB (NE)
- Jakobi Meyers WR (LV)
- Jauan Jennings WR (SF)
- TJ Hockenson TE (MIN)
