Week 9 brings a prime opportunity to strengthen your roster ahead of the fantasy playoff push.
This week’s waiver wire article highlights 18 players, plus streaming defenses and kickers, to help you win critical matchups down the stretch.
(These guys are generally available in at least 70% of ESPN leagues. Your bid should vary by format and situation. Need help at RB? Prioritize that position. All set there? Then you probably don’t need to chase the top guys.)
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Priority Waiver Wire Pickups
Mike Washington, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 20-25%
What You’re Getting: Stash with breakout potential
Why Pick Him Up?
Mike Washington handled a team-high 25 rushing attempts in Sunday’s win over the Jets, compared to Ashton Jeanty’s 2. He turned them into 83 yards and 8.3 PPR points, finishing just outside RB2 range in Week 8.
Jeanty has seen his rushing workload decrease each week this season, except in Week 6, when he matched the previous week’s 10 carries.
Jeanty has struggled to run efficiently, averaging 3.1 yards per rush. That ranks 51st among 58 RBs with at least 30 attempts this season.
Washington had flashed high-end rushing efficiency prior to Week 8, averaging 4.9 yards per carry to rank ninth. But that came on a small sample of 40 total attempts, and he hadn’t surpassed 10 rushes in any week before this season-high workload.
Washington turned his 25 carries against the Jets into 3.3 yards per carry, nearly matching Jeanty’s season-long mark and further clouding this backfield’s outlook.
Raiders HC Klint Kubiak told reporters that Jeanty’s lack of rushing workload wasn’t due to his mid-week media comments mildly mocking his opponents’ tackling struggles.
Jeanty maintained his clear receiving lead on Sunday and has performed well in that area. We’ll see exactly how the rushing split works out going forward, though we’re betting on a much narrower split.
For now, Washington remains more stash than starting option. But continued usage anywhere near his Week 8 level would make the rookie a starter at least in non-PPR formats.
Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Blind Bid Recommendation: 15-20%
What You’re Getting: Stash
Why Pick Him Up?
The 49ers are coming off their bye week and into a Week 9 matchup with a Jets defense allowing the seventh-most points to RBs.
Before the bye week, Kaelon Black led the team in rushing attempts, handling 12 carries for 63 yards and a TD while Christian McCaffrey tried to play through a hamstring injury. The rookie also drew a season-high 3 targets.
You’re not picking up Black to start him if McCaffrey’s playing in most cases, though. He’s a priority because the hamstring issue adds significant risk to the starter. Should he miss further time, Black looks like he’d take over the backfield in the league’s No. 4 scoring offense.
He’d land at least inside our weekly top 24 at the position in that case.
Waiver Wire Targets: RB
Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Blind Bid Recommendation: 10-15%
What You’re Getting: Stash
Why Pick Him Up?
Despite RB Kenneth Walker playing in all seven games for the Chiefs this season, Emmett Johnson has still averaged 7.3 PPR points per game. That ranks him as the RB43 and gives him the seventh-highest mark among RBs that have yet to lead their team in carries in a week.
Johnson’s coming off a career-high 25.3 PPR points that led Chiefs RBs. He posted his first RB1 performance on the back of just one rush attempt, which he turned into 15 yards, while hauling in all five targets for 128 yards and a TD.
A 73-yard catch-and-run TD accounted for most of that, while Johnson also notably saw his second-lowest route participation of the season.
That all means the rookie’s not a real starting option, but the upside would be immense if Walker goes down.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%
What You’re Getting: Stash with some starting appeal for deep PPR leagues
Why Pick Him Up?
Dylan Sampson was on the field for a 55.7% snap share Sunday, topping Quinshon Judkins’ season-low 39%.
Sampson hauled in six of 8 targets for 62 yards (plus a carry for 7 yards) to lead the Browns backfield in scoring and tie for 18th among all RBs in PPR points for the week.
Sampson’s 11 targets over two games back from his Week 1 knee injury give him a 14.7% target share, 10th among RBs over that span. His 11 total targets give him the sixth-most targets per game at the position since Week 7.
Judkins isn’t nearly the same threat as a receiver, producing just a 10.4% target share that ranks lowest among RBs accounting for at least a 50% snap share.
The Browns were forced into a pass-happy game script against the Steelers while trailing for nearly the entire game, and Sampson’s high-end receiving ability earned him more opportunity.
He likely won’t see nearly as much time when the Browns play from ahead, but the league’s No. 29 scoring offense figures to spend plenty of time trailing. That means PPR upside for Sampson.
Week 9 holds a Saints defense that allows the most points to RBs, which makes Sampson potentially playable.
Chris Rodriguez, Jacksonville Jaguars
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What You’re Getting: Stash with non-PPR starting potential
Why Pick Him Up?
Chris Rodriguez took advantage Sunday of a Colts defense boosting RB points by 7.8%, scoring a season-high 12.8 PPR points and an RB2 finish. That came despite Bhayshul Tuten out-carrying him 16-6.
That performance followed Rodriguez’s season-high 11 carries (to Tuten’s 12) in the Week 6 loss to Houston before the bye.
Jacksonville’s No. 2 back probably would have touched the ball a little more, but his final carry came late in the third quarter before the Jaguars pulled starters.
Rodriguez has reached 10 carries just once this season and is averaging a mere 6.4 rushes per game. So we’ll need to see more regular work before starting him. But there’s some value for non-PPR leagues right now. And there’s handcuff upside in case of a Tuten injury.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What You’re Getting: Stash
Why Pick Him Up?
Panthers HC Dave Canales told reporters that Jonathon Brooks could potentially have his practice window opened up this week, as the Panthers await a Week 9 matchup with the Broncos.
Since Brooks landed on IR ahead of Week 3, RB Chuba Hubbard has handled a 79.3% carry share, trailing only Kenneth Walker III. That’s a big jump from the 51.2% carry share he handled over the first two weeks while Brooks was healthy.
Brooks was accounting for a 20.9% carry share and a 4.5% target share. We’ll see if he can reclaim that workload. Hubbard could prove especially vulnerable in the passing game.
Really, though, you’re just claiming Brooks for the handcuff upside if you snag him.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What You’re Getting: Stash behind starter dealing with hamstring issue
Why Pick Him Up?
Prior to the Week 8 bye, the team lost RB Tyrone Tracy to a hamstring injury that landed him on IR and also watched Cam Skattebo hurt a hamstring.
That left Devin Singletary to deliver the game-winning 30-yard rushing TD against the Texans in overtime. He finished Week 7 with 5 carries for 41 yards and 3 receptions on 3 targets for 14 more yards.
Skattebo worked on the side with trainers in the team’s first post-bye practice, and Giants HC John Harbaugh described the injury as “day-to-day.”
If Skattebo is forced to miss any time, Singletary instantly slots into the Giants’ RB1 role. He has averaged 8.4 PPR points over his six starts since joining the team in 2024. He’ll carry RB2 appeal if pressed into duty.
The Giants get a favorable Week 9 matchup with the Eagles.
Waiver Wire Targets: WR
Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-15%
What You’re Getting: Potential Breakout
Why Pick Him Up?
In his first full game without Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams led Washington with an 88% route rate and 25% target share.
That usage translated to a season-high 5 catches for 54 yards on 7 targets.
Most of his targets came on shorter throws, but Williams also hauled in a 30-yarder downfield despite taking a big hit.
We’re not projecting Williams to stay regularly ahead of Stefon Diggs in targets, but HC Dan Quinn said leading up to Sunday’s game that they didn’t plan to increase Diggs’ playing time much in the wake of McLaurin’s injury.
That should help keep Williams on the field more and increase his opportunities. Washington gets the eighth-best schedule for WR scoring the rest of the way.
Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%
What You’re Getting: Rental (WR4-level PPR play) with contingent upside
Why Pick Him Up?
Ryan Flournoy’s recent fantasy finishes deserve more attention: WR25, WR15, WR24, and WR22 over the past month.
Admittedly, that production looks a bit fragile. He’s drawn only a 15% target share, while a 95% catchable target rate, per Pro Football Focus, has helped him maximize those limited opportunities.
Expect some regression, but Flournoy can still provide useful WR3/flex value for a schedule that looks neutral for WR production. The Cowboys’ Week 14 bye also gives you several more weeks to benefit from his current role.
And should George Pickens or CeeDee Lamb miss time, Flournoy would gain the target upside needed to push firmly into WR2 territory.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-10%
What You’re Getting: Rental (WR3-level PPR play in injury-depleted corps)
Why Pick Him Up?
DeMario Douglas led the Patriots with 76 receiving yards in Sunday’s win over Miami, highlighted by a 48-yard TD that showcased his run-after-catch ability.
Douglas holds upside beyond his 3 targets for that game, though, because New England’s dealing with injuries to WR A.J. Brown, WR Romeo Doubs, WR Mack Hollins, and TE Hunter Henry.
He gets favorable WR-scoring matchups with the Packers and Lions the next two weeks.
Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What You’re Getting: Stash
Why Pick Him Up?
Adonai Mitchell followed a quiet Week 7 return from his finger injury with a big game in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders.
He came away with 7 receptions on 9 targets for 142 yards and a TD, producing a season-high 27.2 PPR points to finish as the WR3 in Week 8.
Mitchell’s ability to draw targets downfield was on full display with his 222 air yards against the Raiders second-highest among WRs for the week. He ranks second among Jets with a 22.7% target share on the season.
Mitchell won’t be an attractive Week 9 play against a Chiefs defense allowing the third-fewest WR points. He projects as a WR4-5 the rest of the way in a crowded Jets offense.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What You’re Getting: Rental
Why Pick Him Up?
Keon Coleman’s 14.0% target share ranks third among Bills WRs, but his usage has hinged on D.J. Moore’s availability.
Coleman has caught 4+ passes in three of the four games Moore has missed or left early this season. He has finished each of Moore’s three healthy contests with just 1 reception.
Moore hurt a knee near the end of Sunday’s game. We’ll see if that becomes an issue. But Josh Palmer also left early with a hamstring injury. That should give Coleman a role boost.
Week 9 brings a Minnesota matchup for which you won’t want to use Coleman. But he could be in play at the Jets the following week and then back home for Miami in Week 11.
Waiver Wire Targets: Tight End
Chig Okonkwo, Washington Commanders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What You’re Getting: Potential Breakout
Why Pick Him Up?
Chig Okonkwo deserves more attention ahead of the Week 9 waiver run, especially with his ESPN rostered rate sitting at just 15.5%.
He managed just 2 catches for 32 yards on 4 targets Sunday night against an Eagles defense that entered 10th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs. But he narrowly missed a pair of TDs on uncatchable throws.
More encouraging: Okonkwo posted an 82% route rate for the second straight week, signaling a sustainable role moving forward. That’s up from 62% or less in each of Okonkwo’s first three games this season, surrounding a two-week hamstring injury.
Okonkwo led the team with 7 catches and 69 yards in the Week 6 game in which they lost Terry McLaurin. He could fight for the target lead in any given week the rest of the way. That makes Okonkwo a solid-to-good platoon option and potential flex play.
Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What You’re Getting: Potential Breakout
Why Pick Him Up?
HC Sean McVay said on Monday that Terrance Ferguson has a “good chance” to return to practice this week. Whenever he’s ready to play, Ferguson will rejoin an offense that’s missing Davante Adams and light on worthwhile receiving options.
Ferguson’s played just two healthy games so far this year, but the second of those finished with a 6-54-1 receiving line. He carries more physical upside than any other Rams TE and could turn into a weekly starter over the second half.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What You’re Getting: Rental/Stash
Why Pick Him Up?
Michael Mayer strengthened his fantasy outlook with a 5-catch, 53-yard performance against the Jets. He’s now reached 10 PPR points in four of his six games since Brock Bowers returned.
Mayer’s underlying usage suggests that production can stick. He has posted a healthy 70% route rate across six games with Bowers this season. Both TEs also benefit from surprisingly effective QB play. Kirk Cousins is averaging 7.5 yards per attempt and ranks second in passing TDs.
Mayer won’t get there every week but should remain a key target for a Raiders offense that has struggled to run the ball and attempted the eighth-most passes to date.
Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What You’re Getting: Rental
Why Pick Him Up?
Greg Dulcich delivered another useful outing against New England, catching 4 passes for 43 yards. He’s now reached 4 catches in three straight games, with his usage suggesting more fantasy value ahead.
Over that span, Dulcich has posted an encouraging 21% target share – second among Dolphins – and a solid 72% route rate.
He’s especially attractive for a Week 9 matchup with the Lions, who have allowed the most TE points by a wide margin (6.8 PPR points per game). That has included league highs in receptions, yards, and TDs.
Only one Detroit opponent has failed to get at least one TD from a tight end (Carolina in Week 4).
Eli Raridon, New England Patriots
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What You’re Getting: Rental, with longer-term playability if Hunter Henry misses extended time
Why Pick Him Up?
Eli Raridon managed just 1 catch for 5 yards on 4 targets in Week 8. But his route rate jumped to a season-high 78%, a massive increase from his 36% mark entering the week.
The rookie’s appeal comes from the potential for increased opportunities after Hunter Henry exited with a foot injury. No word yet on the severity, but there’s certainly a chance the veteran misses time.
Raridon draws a tough Week 9 matchup against Green Bay before a much friendlier Week 10 spot against Detroit. A.J. Brown’s status will also factor into his outlook, but Raridon could provide short-term value in deeper leagues. He’ll carry more streaming appeal in standard-sized formats against the Lions.
Week 9 QB Streamer
Sam Darnold, Seahawks (vs. Arizona)
Why Pick Him Up?
Sam Darnold’s Week 9 performance wasn’t pretty, as he completed just 50% of his passes. Still, he managed a respectable QB14 fantasy finish despite dealing with disruptive DT Jeffery Simmons.
A much friendlier matchup awaits this week. Arizona ranks third-worst in adjusted fantasy points allowed to QBs, 30th in pressure rate, and 31st in yards per pass attempt allowed.
That combination gives Darnold a legitimate shot at a top-12 fantasy finish.
Injuries to Watch
Top RB Handcuffs
- Kaelon Black, 49ers
- Emmett Johnson, Chiefs
- Braelon Allen, Jets
- Mike Washington Jr., Raiders
- Sione Vaki, Lions
- Chris Rodriguez, Jaguars
- Ray Davis, Bills
- Dylan Sampson, Browns
- Seth McGowan, Colts
- Samaje Perine, Bengals
Top Streaming Defense
New Orleans Saints (vs. Browns)
2.1% Rostered
The Saints aren’t a defense we’d normally trust, but Cleveland presents an excellent matchup for fantasy production.
The Browns lead the NFL with 4.1 sacks allowed per game, while their 58.9% pass rate provides plenty of opportunities for opposing pass rushers. They’ve also committed at least two turnovers in four of their past five games and scored 13 points or fewer in three of their past four.
The Saints carry some risk, ranking 29th in points allowed and 28th in yards. But they also rank 11th in sacks per game and have forced six turnovers over their past three outings, giving them intriguing streaming appeal coming off a bye.
Top Streaming Kickers
1. Brandon McManus, Rams
2. Andres Borregales, Patriots
3. Will Lutz, Broncos
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Jackson is “likely” to miss the remainder of the season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Even if he’s back for the fantasy championship round, he’ll be tough to trust given the injury to his throwing hand.
Emmanuel Wilson, Seahawks
Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet returned on Monday night. As a result, Wilson played only 7 snaps … all on special teams.
Tyler Higbee, Rams
Higbee’s catch totals have gone 1, 5, 2, 1, and 1 over his past five. With Terrance Ferguson likely nearing a return, Higbee’s no longer a viable streamer.