Welcome to Waiver Wire (Week 9). This is where we highlight a few players at each position that we want to add this week. As for ownership percentages, we will be using Sleeper. For our full weekly rankings list, head to The FFU Weekly Rankings Page or try our Sit/Start Tool Powered by Fantasy Pros. As far as the quarterbacks are concerned, we will be referring to 1QB leagues. That’s the only format where quarterbacks are readily available, if you’re in a superflex league, it’s doubtful any usable quarterbacks are available.
NFL Teams On Bye: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Fransisco 49ers
Quarterbacks
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesDerek Carr, Saints (16% Rostered)
The start of the season was magic for Derek Carr and the Saints offense, as he 5 passing touchdowns in his first 2 games. Derek Carr has had 3 passing touchdowns since week 2. It’s not all doom and gloom in New Orleans, as Derek Carr is practicing ahead of week 9, and is likely to play. With a matchup against the Carolina Panthers in week 9, you can see why Carr is the guy to target. Carolina is 31st in EPA/pass at .25, is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 71% of their passes, and has allowed 14 passing touchdowns which ranks 29th. When you add it all together, it’s a dream matchup for New Orleans, as Carolina is allowing 20.4 ppg to QB on the season. The only way it goes wrong for Carr is if the Panthers league-worst rush defense continually bleeds yards and touchdowns on the ground.
Malik Willis, GB (0% Rostered), Daniel Jones (18% Rostered), Jameis Winston, CLE (10% Rostered), Gardner Minshew LV (8% Rostered), Joe Flacco, IND (6% Rostered).
Medium League Options (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesBo Nix, Broncos (35% Rostered)
Suppose you followed my advice and picked up Bo Nix before the Panthers game in week 8. In that case, you have to be loving life, as Nix exploded for 29.8 fantasy points and was the QB2 on the week, as he joined Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Kirk Cousins as the only quarterbacks to throw 4+ touchdowns in a game, 0 interceptions, and complete 70%+ of passes in a game this season. Up next for Bo Nix and the Broncos is the Baltimore Ravens defense, who all are bark and no bite. According to Sarah Ellison, who covers the Ravens, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has allowed the most passing yards in the NFL, averaging 291.4 yards per game. They have also given up the highest number of touchdown passes, with 17, and the most completions of 15 or more yards, totaling 40. Additionally, the Ravens have allowed the most points in the fourth quarter, with 93. This defense functions as a “pass funnel,” allowing the highest pass rate above expectation in the league. The days of standout players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs are behind them, making this defense a prime target for opposing quarterbacks. Fire up Nix with confidence in week 9.
Trevor Lawrence, JAC (42% rostered), Matthew Stafford, LAR (33% rostered), Justin Herbert, LAC (44% rostered), Drake Maye, NE (26% Rostered)
Shallow League Options (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesKirk Cousins, Falcons (59% Rostered)
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ offense recently secured a division win against the Buccaneers, placing them at the top of the NFC South. In Week 9, Cousins will face a struggling Cowboys defense that is not performing as expected in 2024. The Cowboys are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, averaging 20.00 points per game. Additionally, they have the 27th-worst EPA per pass at .11 and have permitted an average depth of target (ADot) of 9.06 yards. They also rank in the bottom 10 for scramble rate and sack rate, while being in the top 10 for blitz rate this season. This indicates that the Cowboys are aware of their inability to generate pressure with their base defense, so they are resorting to blitzing in an attempt to create pressure—but they are failing to succeed. On the other hand, Cousins has a 62% completion rate when under pressure this year and is completing 42% of his deep passes, both of which are areas where the Cowboys have struggled. Therefore, Cousins and his pass catchers—Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts are poised to have strong performances.
Geno Smith (62% Rostered), Sam Darnold, MIN (69% Rostered), Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (58% Rostered).
Running Backs
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJaylen Wright, Miami (18% Rostered)
Ray Davis, our Deep League King, has graduated to a higher tier of players, making Jaylen Wright the next man up. What works in Wright’s favor is the offense he plays in, where two running backs can be viable options each week. This gives Wright multiple pathways to becoming a valuable asset for managers, as he can fill the roles of Achane or Mostert. While his playing time is limited when everyone is healthy, it’s important to note that Mostert and Achane both have extensive injury histories. If one or both of them were to get injured, Wright would quickly become a solid option for fantasy lineups.
Kimani Vidal, LAC (16% rostered), Blake Corum, LAR (22% rostered), Issac Guerendo, SF (9% Rostered), Khalil herbert, CHI (7% Rostered)
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJaylen Warren, Steelers (48% Rostered)
With the Steelers heading into a bye week after another game where Najee Harris was the clear lead back, it might seem odd to say this, but hear me out. The schedule is getting significantly tougher for Pittsburgh, as they will be facing Kansas City and Baltimore. This will likely lead to negative game scripts, which means Jaylen Warren will see more playing time. Warren is the passing-down back for Pittsburgh, and we’ve already seen him carve out a decent share of the workload alongside Najee. It wouldn’t surprise me if Warren ends up outsnapping and outscoring Najee Harris in the upcoming matchups. In the best-case scenario, if an injury were to occur with Najee, Jaylen Warren could become a league-winning running back down the stretch.
Tyler Allgeier, ATL (47% rostered), Braelon Allen, NYJ (45% rostered), Justice Hill, BAL (32% rostered), Ray Davis, BUF (30% Rostered)
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesTyrone Tracy, Giants (64% Rostered)
We are running it back with Tracy a third time, as even with a healthy Singletary, Tracy dominated in both snaps and opportunities and did something no one else has against the Steeler’s defense; he was the first running back this season to rush for more than 88 yards. Tracy blew past that on his way to 145 rushing yards and a touchdown on Monday Night Football. The NFL teams are below 4 yards/carry. Meanwhile, Tracy and the Giants cleared 7 yards/carry in week 8. Tracy is a player who brings an explosive element to a team in desperate need of it, and dominated the backfield with 81% of the touches. Singletary is the clear RB1 for the Giants, and a difference maker when on the field. The main concern is that Tracy suffered a concussion late in the game and could miss week 9. Worst case you stash Tracy for the juicy week 10 matchup versus the Carolina Panthers.
Jonathon Brooks, CAR (72% Rostered), Alexander Mattison, LV (70% rostered), Rico Dowdle, DAL (73% Rostered),
Wide Receivers
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJalen Coker, Panthers (0% Rostered)
For those of you who remember, at the NFL combine, Jalen Coker from Holy Cross showed off his explosive ability with a 42″ vertical and a 10’00” Broad Jump. Now, it did not get him drafted, but it allowed him to get on the team’s radar. He ended up signing as a UDFA with Carolina. Where post draft, Dave Canales talked up his size, instincts, and ability to separate at the top of routes. I have attached the video clip for your viewing pleasure. Now it has taken time for Coker to get his sealegs, as he did not earn a snap until the 4th week of the season, but it has been an upwards climb ever since. With Diontae Johnson missing week 8, Coker took advantage of his opportunity. Finishing with six targets, 78 yards, and a touchdown. With the news that Diontae is likely to be traded, Coker gets even more interesting, as he has the 3rd highest PFF receiving grade among rookie WR at 80.00. Trailing only Brian Thomas Jr., and Malik Nabers. Stash Coker with the ability to play him in lineups if Diontae is moved this week.
Elijah Moore, CLE (8% Rostered), (24% rostered), Ja’Lynn Polk, NE (12% Rostered), Noah Brown, HOU (1% rostered) Parker Washington, JAC (0%Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesCedric Tillman, Browns (25% Rostered)
Cedric Tillman has made a significant impact in the fantasy world since Jameis Winston became the Browns’ new quarterback. Tillman has seen over 20% of the team’s targets in both games and is currently leading the Browns in air yards, meaning his targets hold more weight as they are happening further down the field. The foundation was already in place for fantasy production; all Cleveland needed was a quarterback upgrade. With Winston on board, the pass catchers can now thrive in fantasy leagues. Cedric Tillman is not just a player to have on your roster, he deserves a spot in your starting lineup as a top 24 wide receiver moving forward. If he’s available in your league, don’t hesitate to make a move for Tillman.
Rashod Bateman, BAL (44% Rostered), Xavier Legette, CAR (37% Rostered), Dontayvion Wicks, GB (34% Rostered), JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC (30% Rostered)
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesKeon Coleman (63% Rostered)
We are running it back with Coleman, who once again showed that his early season production was no fluke, as he carved up the Seahawks on his way to his second consecutive game with 70+ receiving yards. Coleman leads all rookies in yards after contact and is currently averaging a ridiculous 18 yards per catch. Coleman may have been a flawed prospect, but he is showing that he is getting better each week, and the addition of Amari Cooper is taking the pressure off of Coleman to be the offense’s focal point. I will happily take Josh Allen’s secondary weapon who is an explosive playmaker.
Ricky Pearsall, SF (55% rostered), Jalen McMillan, TB (60% Rostered), Josh Downs, IND (63% rostered), Jerry Jeudy, CLE (62% Rostered).
Tight Ends
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesTaysom Hill, Saints (21% Rostered)
Taysom Hill’s performance in Week 8 may not have been the splashy affair some fantasy managers were hoping for. Still, his return after a rib injury and his unique role in the New Orleans Saints offense keeps the intrigue alive, with his ability to play the Joker position where you can line him up all around the formation that was made famous in the Sean Payton offense, especially heading into Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. Sticking with Taysom is the right move.
Mike Gesicki, CIN (12% Rostered), Tyler Conklin, NYJ (20% Rostered), Juwan Johnson, NO (6% Rostered), Will Dissly, LAC (3% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesZach Ertz, Commanders (40% Rostered)
Like General George Washington in the musical “Hamilton,” Zach Ertz is enjoying one last time as a top fantasy-producing tight end. Though Ertz turns 34 next month, his age has never stopped Ertz from consistently earning targets, ranking in the top six in his position in targets, receptions, and yards. Considering that Ertz is achieving this in a Jayden Daniels offense, there’s no need to overthink it; you should pick up Zach Ertz and start him, even in a challenging matchup against the Giants.
Hunter Henry, NE (42% rostered), Isaiah Likely, BAL (46% Rostered), Noah Fant, SEA (25% Rostered), Colby Parkinson, LAR (24% Rostered).
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesCade Otton, Buccaneers (71% Rostered)
Cade Otton took advantage of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s absence to post a 22% Target Share on his way to winning the Buc’s triple crown in week 8, leading in targets, receptions, and yards. Jacob Gibbs posted that Cade Otton also had a first read target rate of 30%, by far the best number on the team in week 8. Otton also decided to throw two touchdowns in honor of National Tight End Day, as he finished the week as the TE1. Until Evans returns, Otton is a locked high-end TE1.
Dalton Schultz, HOU (60% Rostered)
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