Like last week, there aren’t that many playable options this late into the year on waivers for Week 9, but there are some stashes that could pay off like we have seen before with Rico Dowdle and Oronde Gadsden. But some flex plays do have some good matchups ahead of them this week, so if you are desperate or considering multiple options, they should at least be on the radar.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 9.
Running Backs to Add for Week 9
There aren’t many stashes at running back that aren’t bye, but two handcuffs that had solid games in Week 8 include Emanuel Wilson and Samaje Perine. The Packers‘ backup to Josh Jacobs in Wilson has been the sole guy behind him, so that is always something to look for. The Bengals used Perine more and could be in line to mix in with Chase Brown, as the veteran brings more size for inside runs to punch in red zone opportunities.
Emanuel Wilson (vs. Carolina Panthers): ESPN- 8%, Sleeper- 16%, Yahoo-7%
Honorable Mention: Samaje Perine (vs. Chicago Bears): ESPN- 14%, Sleeper- 25%, Yahoo- 8%
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 9
Chimere Dike has taken over as the top option for Cam Ward in Tennessee, even over fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, with the release of Tyler Lockett (Raiders) and with Calvin Ridley being out. Dike has had back-to-back games with double-digit fantasy points (PPR), so he is a smart stash before his bye week. This week, he has a matchup against the Chargers, where the Titans should be trailing most of the game.
Alec Pierce is once again my honorable mention, as this time, he goes against a weaker secondary in the Steelers, who have had injuries in the backend and just made a trade for Patriots safety Kyle Dugger. It should be a fun back-and-forth, as Pittsburgh will try to stop Jonathan Taylor and has been good against the run, potentially leaving Pierce one-on-one for potential deep shots from Daniel Jones off play action for the Colts.
Chimere Dike (vs. Los Angeles Chargers): ESPN- 18%, Sleeper- 45%, Yahoo- 17%
Honorable Mention: Alec Pierce (@ Pittsburgh Steelers) ESPN- 11%, Sleeper- 27%, Yahoo- 26%
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 9
There are no must-adds at tight end, but if you need a starter, go back and add Theo Johnson, as he’s been Jaxson Dart’s go-to guy, especially in the red zone. The Giants’ tight end could fall into the end zone once or twice, like he’s done before. Although AJ Barner had a down game last week, he has still been a stable floor option in the red zone for the Seahawks, who are going against the Commanders’ defense weak to tight ends.
Theo Johnson (vs. San Francisco 49ers): ESPN- 31%, Sleeper- 21%, Yahoo- 29%
Honorable Mention: AJ Barner (@ Washington Commanders): ESPN- 10%, Sleeper- 21%, Yahoo- 9%
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 9
The waiver wire is barren at quarterback, as the potential dice roll is the return of Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. He had a good fantasy outing in Week 1, so maybe there is potential there. Sam Darnold should be rostered and started in most leagues, but if he is available, go get him and start in a plus matchup against Washington.
J.J. McCarthy (@ Detroit Lions): ESPN- 24%, Sleeper- 26%, Yahoo- 26%
Honorable Mention: Sam Darnold (@ Washington Commanders): ESPN- 37%, Sleeper- 56%, Yahoo- 44%
Defenses to Stream for Week 9
The Jacksonville Jaguars were the clear streaming target this week, still only rostered in less than 60% of leagues. Geno Smith has been the most giving quarterback, throwing interceptions left and right. With Joe Flacco’s status in question, the Chicago Bears are still a good play, especially if Jake Browning has to go in.
Jacksonville Jaguars (@ Las Vegas Raiders): ESPN- 55%, Sleeper- 48%, Yahoo- 43%
Chicago Bears (@ Cincinnati Bengals): ESPN- 21%, Sleeper- 26%, Yahoo- 30%
