A key free agent acquisition now could help you win games next week and beyond, which is why our Week 9 waiver wire watchlist includes players like Sam Ehlinger, Van Jefferson, and Jameis Winston…
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 9: Van Jefferson, Sam Ehlinger and Jameis Winston
Waiver Wire Watchlist for Week 9: TE
- Cade Otton, Buccaneers (13 %)
Otton appears to have gained favor with Tom Brady in recent weeks, posting double-digit PPR totals in two of Tampa’s last three games.
You could do worse than Otton as a bye-week fill-in next week if you own George Kittle, Dalton Schultz, Greg Dulcich, or Pat Freiermuth.
Grab him now, and if he posts a donut on Thursday Night Football, feel free to drop him for another potential breakout before the start of the games on Sunday.
- Greg Dulcich, Broncos (40%)
Dulcich has a Week 9 bye, but he should be purchased due to his high snap and target share.
He’s caught eight of twelve passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in two games. Think about what he could do if Denver ever figured out its offense.
Waiver Wire Watchlist for Week 9: WR
Read also: Week 8 Fantasy Injury Reports: DK Metcalf, Ezekiel Elliott and James Conner
- Van Jefferson, Rams (12%)
Jefferson (knee), another solid wideout set to return from injury, has been designated by the Rams to return and could see action this weekend against the 49ers.
Even if he doesn’t play much this week, he’s a must-roster option due to his upside and L.A.’s favorable second-half schedule.
Jefferson is an excellent deep-ball threat and a YAC monster, and the Rams require his services now more than ever.
- Treylon Burks, Titans (18%)
Burks (toe) will be able to come back from his IR stint in Week 9, so grabbing him off the waiver wire now may be in your best interest if you need receiver depth.
The rookie’s strong hands and after-the-catch playmaking have been sorely missed by the Titans.
They went from averaging 208.3 passing yards per game with him to 122.6 without him.
His usage should be high as soon as he returns to the field, and Tennessee has some favorable matchups between Week 10 and the fantasy championships.
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (36%) and Mecole Hardman (34%), Chiefs
Chiefs pass-catchers other than Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster can equate to fantasy success.
Patrick Mahomes spread the ball around the field against the 49ers, hitting MVS three times for 111 yards and finding Hardman four times for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Injury News: Fantasy Injury Report Week 8: Latest news on Ja’Marr Chase, Deebo Samue and D’Andre Swift
Hardman also had two runs for 28 yards and two touchdowns. MVS and Hardman have both developed chemistry with Mahomes and have blistering speed.
Check to see if your league left these guys on the waiver wire because of Kansas City’s Week 8 bye — you might want them for the home stretch, especially against Tennessee in Week 9.
Waiver Wire Watchlist for Week 9: RB
- Kyren Williams, Rams (36 %)
Despite Los Angeles clearly being done with Cam Akers, this guy is on a fantasy team in only 36% of leagues.
According to reports, Williams, who has been out with an ankle injury all season, will play a “big role” when he returns in the next three weeks.
Finding RB1s on the waiver wire is unusual, let alone for a Super Bowl-winning offense.
This Rams team needs help at running back, and we could all use some depth there. Act now or suffer the consequences later.
- Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (40%)
Pacheco has been on a roll for a few weeks now, and he took the lead over Clyde Edwards-Helaire last weekend.
While the numbers aren’t spectacular, Pacheco appears to have the most upside in this backfield and could be in line for a bigger role after Kansas City’s Week 8 bye.
- Cam Akers, Rams (46%)
In terms of Akers, how can the Rams pass up on trading him? He’s not part of their short- or long-term plans, and there are plenty of contending teams that could use a serviceable running back.
Of course, that assumes he’ll be useful to a team that wants him, but he’s an intriguing stash or buy-low trade candidate for fantasy owners concerned about long-term RB depth.
Waiver Wire Watchlist for Week 9: QB
WEEK 9 BYES: Browns, Cowboys, Broncos, Giants, Steelers, 49ers.
- Sam Ehlinger, Colts (9%)
Veteran Matt Ryan has been benched for the first time in his pro career, allowing dual-threat Ehlinger to take the field.
In all deep leagues, especially two-QB and dynasty formats, Ehlinger should be owned.
The second-year player has yet to throw an NFL pass, but he’s brimming with potential and is surrounded by a solid young nucleus of weapons.
Start him against the Patriots in Week 9, but if he performs well over the next few weeks, feel free to stream him in Week 10 in Las Vegas.
- Jameis Winston, Saints (30 %)
The Saints have missed Jameis Winston’s deep ball while he recovers from a back injury, but for some reason, they’re still starting Andy Dalton in Week 8.
We doubt that will last, and if Winston reclaims the starting job, he’ll be a strong addition moving forward, as New Orleans faces pass-friendly defenses in Weeks 9 and 10.
Even when facing tougher defenses, Winston’s arm usually keeps his fantasy numbers high.
He’s a chuckler, and he’ll make plenty of mistakes, but he’s unflappable. If you need a streamer next week, stash him now and hope he regains the starting job.
Defense Streamers and Sleepers for Week 9
- Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seahawks, 13%)
The Cards made an appearance here in case you’re in a deep league or compete against some D/ST hoarders (we all know they exist).
The Seahawks have been much better than expected this season, but Geno Smith continues to make mistakes on the road, and Seattle’s wideouts are always injured.
Furthermore, as demonstrated in Week 7, Arizona has a knack for making big defensive plays at home.
- Minnesota Vikings (at Commanders, 18%)
Turnover-prone Taylor Heinicke could be in for a long Week 9 against a Minnesota pass rush that posted 10 sacks and six takeaways in its three games prior to Week 8.
- Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Titans, 29%)
The Chiefs’ defense is one of the most underappreciated in fantasy, especially in plus matchups. While Derrick Henry can be a frightening cover man, Tennessee lacks passing threats and allows a lot of sacks.
- Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Panthers, 39 percent rostered)
Cincinnati’s defense has quietly done a good job of limiting points, and facing either an injured Baker Mayfield (ankle) or P.J. Walker should result in some takeaways in Week 9.
