Waiver Wire Pickups Week 9
We are halfway through the fantasy football regular season, and everyone should know where their fantasy teams sit in their league’s hierarchy. Still, finding players to add to your roster to improve depth or provide a much-needed spark is never too late. A few new players flashed onto the scene in Week 8 and could become fantasy-relevant. Here are the top waiver wire pickups heading into Week 9 of the NFL season.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
If you have not paid attention to the Denver Broncos, now might be the time to start. They have won five of their last six games and are in the thick of an AFC playoff race. One player who has made it all possible is quarterback Bo Nix. He has elevated his play, and fantasy managers who have held onto his are reaping the benefits. On Sunday, Nix threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns while adding another TD on the ground. His 29.8 fantasy points make him the QB2 for the week, and over the last four weeks, he has been the QB5. Nix has played himself into must-start territory in all 12+ team leagues. In 1QB leagues, spend up to 15% FAAB on Nix; in Superflex leagues, expect to go as high as 30%.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
Making his first start of the year on Sunday, Jameis Winston led the Browns to an improbable victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He will remain the Browns’ starter for the rest of that season and should be on all fantasy managers’ radar. Most people know Winston as a mistake-prone quarterback, but he has also put up numbers throughout his career. Winston is worth a look in all fantasy leagues and should be a must-add in Superflex formats. Winston is worth around 10% FAAB in 1QB leagues, which can go up to 15-20% in Superflex leagues.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Most leagues will not have much on the waiver wire this week. So, if you want an instant starter, you must scour the trade market. But New York Jets running back Braelon Allen seems to be someone who could be a factor in fantasy football later in the season. On Sunday, he had a season-high 12 carries and racked up 32 yards, along with one touchdown. He only played 19 snaps but touched the ball on 12 of them. With the Jets’ season teetering, they may look to get Allen more involved moving forward. The rookie is worth 10-15% FAAB and has the upside to boom.
Dalvin Cook, Dallas Cowboys
Dalvin Cook was on the Cowboys’ active roster for the first time this season. He stepped in for Rico Dowdle (illness) but did not see much work. Cook carried the ball six times for 12 yards while adding one catch for 10 yards. It was an underwhelming performance by Cook, but the Cowboys’ lack of run game this season could open him up to more opportunities in the coming weeks. Cook is nothing more than a deep-league stash as we wait to see how the Cowboys sort out their backfield. He should go for only around 5% FAAB as a desperation pickup.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
If you were following along last week, you saw Tillman pop-up as a top waiver wire pickup. After a career day on Sunday, he has become a must-add player and pickup of the week. Adding Jameis Winston into the offense has seemingly sparked the Browns’ passing game. Tillman caught seven passes on nine targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns. This is his second straight week with at least seven catches and 80 yards. He played 89.9% of the snaps and has proven to be the most productive receiver on the Browns’ depleted roster. Spend up to 30% FAAB on the young receiver, as he is believed to remain a vital part of the passing game.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
The Bills acquired Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago, and the expectation was that he would take over the WR1 role in Buffalo. But, since his arrival, rookie Keon Coleman has been the most productive pass-catcher in their offense. On Sunday, Coleman caught five passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. That is back-to-back weeks with 16+ PPR fantasy points, and his stock is up. His 82.9% snap percentage led the Bills, and he will continue to be a force in this offense. Coleman should be added in all leagues and is worth up to 20% of FAAB.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs will be without Mike Evans for a month and Chris Godwin for the rest of the season. That means they need some other players to step up in their absence. One player expected to play a big role is rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan. On Sunday, he made the first start of his NFL career, seeing 80.8% of the snaps and catching four passes for 35 yards while adding one rush for 17. He should continue to have a significant role in the offense, and he is worth a pickup in all leagues. McMillan should go for around 10-15% FAAB, or you could even go higher if you are desperate for a wide receiver.
Waiver Wire Tight Ends
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
The tight ends on the waiver wire are not looking particularly strong this week. The position had a strong week for the first time in a while, with many top players scoring touchdowns (Kelce, Pitts, Kincaid, Kittle). But I am here for the owners who have been streaking tight ends all season. One player worth a look is Taysom Hill. He returned from injury this weekend and saw only 29 snaps but was involved in many ways. He threw one pass for three yards, caught two passes for 21 yards, and rushed four times for 20 yards. Hill will remain a part of the offense and could see some rushing work around the goalline when healthy. He should only be owned in 12+ team leagues and not started unless you are desperate. Do not spend more than 5% FAAB on the Swiss army knife.
