Week 9 Waiver Wire: MUST-ADD Pickups & Deep Sleepers

Full-time tight end role for Seattle (85–90% snap share) with favorable week 9 matchup against Arizona. The source positions him as an upside play for week 9 and notes he's probably available in many leagues, making him a good matchup-based target.

Kamara is expected to lead the Saints backfield post-bye week, but age is a concern for the older running back in a crowded Saints backfield with Kendre Miller and Travis Etienne returning.

Superflex option with rushing upside; came in for Daniel Jones and offers impact potential in superflex formats due to his ability as a runner, making him a viable backup QB consideration.

The source ranked Williams very highly on the waiver wire for consecutive weeks and views this as potentially the last week to add him before he gets cleaned up in leagues. He had five catches for 54 yards in a game Washington controlled, led the team in routes run, and is a talented third-round pick. With Washington likely to face trailing game scripts, Williams has a chance to build on this statline. He is the priority waiver wire target if available.

Suffered concussion against Cowboys that knocked him out of the game. Outperformed Tyler Algier by a clear margin in weeks 6 and 7, so his return timeline is relevant to Algier's role and touch share going forward.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back has posted escalating carry volume over recent games (21, 19, 24, 27 carries), which the source characterizes as unsustainable. While Irving is performing well, this workload is unprecedented in his career and unlikely to continue. Irving has never seen this sort of volume at any point in his career. Also on bye in week 10.

The source ranked Douglas very highly on the waiver wire article at RotoWire. He is a talented player with four catches for 43 yards this week and had a really big week against the Jets the week before. He should not be available in most leagues.

Disappointing rushing performance (12 carries for 55 yards, no rushing TDs) despite Cincinnati scoring 43 points; his value comes from receiving work (8 catches on 9 targets for 46 yards) in a high-powered offense with Joe Burrow playing at a generational level, but he lacks rushing TD upside.

The source recommends speculative managers consider adding Chris Bell. He is a talented player from Louisville who fell in the draft to Miami due to injuries but is now back. The source prefers Bell to Kevin Coleman in terms of seasonal long viability, despite Coleman's recent touchdown.

Chicago Bears running back on bye in week 10; managers will not have access to Swift during this week, requiring advance bye-week planning.

Four touchdown catches in last four games played; Drake Maye trusts him in an offense missing many pieces. Strong recent performances: 22 PPR points week 5 vs. Vegas (2 TDs), 19.6 PPR points week 6 vs. Jets (7 catches, 86 yards, TD). Invisible week 7 vs. Chicago but still has 4 TDs in four-game sample. Waiver wire add recommendation.

Playing well and has a chance to carve out an expanded role with Cam Scataboo banged up (hamstring, questionable tag) and Tyrone Tracy on IR. In week 7 vs. Houston, Singleary scored the game-winning TD and posted 5 carries for 41 yards plus 3 catches for 14 yards. Earlier in the year he had a 4-catch, 22-yard, 1-TD game in week 1. The source recommends rostering him in deep formats as a veteran who could see ramped-up usage post-bye.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver potentially returning from IR; team could certainly use Smith on roster during second half of season as Eagles address needs.

Year 2 back who got his opportunity against Jacksonville. Athletically gifted Kansas State back with strong speed score and 40-time; was intriguing at the NFL combine level. Has done literally nothing as a pro. Got 6 carries for 43 yards against Jacksonville in a 42–7 game and did look explosive. In deeper formats, worth a dart throw to chase touches, but McGawan is the preferred option given he's been running ahead of Giddens all year.

Despite Tennessee's attempts to limit his usage this year due to drafting Carnell Tate and signing free agent receivers, Metcalf had five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown this week. Last year as a rookie (fourth-round pick from Florida) with electric speed, he had six games with 10+ points in the second half of the season, including spike weeks. He remains an interesting waiver wire target.

Super talented, super athletic rookie tight end positioned as potential Hunter Henry replacement in New England with explosive play potential. With Hunter Henry banged up and the wide receiver room already dealing with injuries, Raridan could see increased opportunity and role expansion. The source recommends adding him in tight end premium formats and deep PPR leagues as a direct replacement for Henry on the same team.

Mitchell saw a significant workload ramp-up with 11 carries and 6 targets vs. Saquon Barkley's 1 target, establishing him as the primary touch distributor in the Eagles backfield despite poor offensive performance and minimal yardage (34 rushing yards, 3 receiving yards).

Raiders backup quarterback with number one overall pick pedigree currently behind Kirk Cousins and learning Clint Kubiak's scheme after being in shotgun frequently at Indiana. Faces steep learning curve transitioning from shotgun-heavy offense to center-based scheme. Timeline for deployment uncertain; unlikely to debut in week 10 vs Seattle or week 11 vs Denver on the road. Most likely debut scenario is week 14 vs Chargers, followed by three straight home games and week 17 vs Arizona. Strategy consideration: roster both Mendoza and Cousins in 20-man leagues to secure favorable championship week matchup.

Gino Smith is back on the streaming radar with strong recent production: 250+ passing yards in three consecutive games and two passing touchdowns vs Raiders in week 9. Week 10 matchup vs Buffalo Bills defense is winnable for fantasy purposes despite Bills' improved defense (they feasted on Baltimore's third-string QB). Smith and the Jets' weak defense create passing volume opportunity.

Second-year tight end trending up with 5 catches for 76 yards in a game without Carnell Tate. The source notes positive trajectory for Helm and the opportunity created by Tate's absence, suggesting increased role and usage going forward.

Ranked highly on waiver wire; skill set matches downfield role with potential for designed carries similar to Jackson Dart early season or tush push concepts from Jameis Winston. Favorable fantasy playoff schedule: Week 9 at Philadelphia, Week 16 at Detroit, Week 17 at Dallas (big-time games). He has a strong connection with Malik Neighbors, who is playing at an awesome level. Pickup recommendation if available; may have been dropped due to late scratches/injuries and difficulty holding QB2/QB3.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back on bye in week 9; managers rostering Warren will not have access to him during this bye-week.

Exited the game with an injury after returning from a prior injury. Was viewed as a potential third-back option but his play was incredibly frustrating for many weeks despite receiving touches. His return timeline affects Tyler Algier's opportunity in the backfield.

Denver Broncos running back emerging on the waiver wire as a positive development; unavailable week 10 due to Broncos bye, requiring advance planning for managers targeting him.

Trade rumors swirling after Colts' 42–6 loss to Jacksonville. Reports suggest Taylor might be on the move and may have played his last game for Indianapolis. Very top of the list for potential NFL trades this week.

High-pedigree rookie (top-10 pick) in pass-happy offense positioned for strong second-half emergence; should not be available in shallow leagues and represents significant upside if available, following pattern of recent rookie WR impact.

Jacobs has posted incredible volume since returning, scoring touchdowns consistently. In week 8 vs. Carolina, he earned 27 touches for 23 PPR points and 2 TDs. Against Detroit, he posted 16 touches and 1 TD. The source emphasizes his high-volume, high-scoring profile but notes off-field concerns create uncertainty every time news breaks.

Dominant role in Indianapolis's struggling offense; 7 catches for 67 yards on 7 targets with consistent scoring (13-, 16-, and 18-point games over last 5 games played). Potential for even greater volume if Jonathan Taylor is traded, positioning Allen for ~13 points per game weekly.

Miller is hard to trust due to extreme volume inconsistency. In week 6 vs. a win, he posted 20 carries for 70 yards plus 2 catches (22 touches total), but completely disappeared in week 7 vs. Pittsburgh. With Travis Etienne returning from IR soon and Alvin Kamara expected to lead the Saints backfield, Miller's role post-bye remains highly uncertain.

Tampa Bay RB had tremendous Week 8 rushing performance with 25 carries for 140 yards (5.6 yards per carry) in run-heavy offense. Zero passing game production but extremely effective as runner in two-headed backfield. Also had 6.3 yards per carry in Week 6 and 8.5 yards per carry (2 carries) vs. Pittsburgh. Running effectively despite Bucky Irving being bellcow. The source notes Gainwell likely already rostered but worth monitoring; elevated carry volume (14 carries and 25 carries over last two weeks) is atypical for him and reflects Tampa Bay's scheme shift under Baker Mayfield.

Year two player in full-time role; touchdown-or-bust profile with high speed. Had 91-yard game week 5 vs. Vegas with TD, then 1 catch for 43 yards week 7. Young player with upside but secondary add preference behind Ethan Chisum.

Waiver wire priority pickup for managers who lost Lamar Jackson. Willis had his best game of the season against the Jets in week 7 (8 carries, 74 yards, TD) and showed competitive performance vs Patriots in week 8. Upcoming schedule features four favorable matchups: Lions (week 9, generous to opposing QBs), Colts (week 10), Bills (week 11), and Jets (week 12) before difficult Denver matchup in week 13. Willis has shown rushing upside with 8 carries for 74 yards and TD in week 7; expect streaming value over next four weeks despite limited ground game vs New England.

Short-term handcuff option in Tennessee if Tony Pollard is traded at the deadline, providing contingent upside in a backup role.

Established tight end with 36 catches, 351 receiving yards, and 43 targets on the year; will have a shocking amount of targets by season's end. Double-digit PPR scoring in 4 of last 6 games; posted 5 catches for 53 yards against the Jets (more catches than any Raiders wide receiver despite Bowers dominating). The source emphasizes Mayer should be rostered in all formats as the team continues to use two tight ends.

Las Vegas RB appears to have taken over the backfield with 25 carries in recent game. Gets red zone touches (6 carries in Week 7 Rams game, 9 carries for 43 yards in Week 6). Yards per carry not impressive, but volume is clear. If Ashton Gentry (who has been banged up) goes down, Washington could also see passing game usage. The source recommends Washington needs to get rostered in shallow leagues.

Consistent waiver wire add thriving in Dallas's wide receiver-heavy approach; scored double-digit PPR points in 4 straight games, indicating sustained role and scoring reliability.

Sam Darnold has a cushy upcoming schedule: Chicago (Monday night week 9), Arizona (week 9), and Vegas (week 10). Darnold's job is secure—Drew Lock takeover ship sailed after big win over Kansas City. Seahawks may be active at trade deadline. Supporting cast improving with Zack Charbanet and Jadarian Price returning to running back depth, which will help the passing game. Darnold will be on streaming radar.

Playing banged up with limited production (30 rushing yards, 1 target, 24-yard catch) as the Eagles season deteriorates. Trade deadline uncertainty adds risk to his role and workload going forward; Elijah Mitchell has taken on increased volume (11 carries, 6 targets vs. Barkley's 1 target), establishing himself as the primary touch distributor in the backfield.

Had 5 carries for 29 yards against Jacksonville and has been running ahead of DJ Giddens the entire year. Should be rostered in deeper formats. If Jonathan Taylor is traded, McGawan becomes the primary handcuff/backup option. The source leans heavily toward McGawan over Giddens as the preferred Colts back to target.

Bigsby is on IR but could return this week vs. the Texans; early-season volume (13 carries with TD in week 2, 14 carries in week 4) and potential Eagles backfield uncertainty make him a sneaky roster candidate with contingent upside if the situation shifts.

Tennessee Titans running back playing well recently but faces trade deadline uncertainty; if traded, Michael Carter becomes the short-term handcuff and Tai Spears the long-term option in Tennessee's backfield. Also on bye in week 9.

Etienne is returning from IR soon and will impact the Saints backfield hierarchy. His return will compete with Kendre Miller for touches in a backfield where Alvin Kamara is expected to lead.

Arizona TE continues to excel in the offense with locked-in target status. The source expresses strong confidence in McBride's consistency and reliability, joking that he could play quarterback for Arizona and still find McBride, emphasizing McBride's elite role in the passing game.