Waiver Wire Watch: Week 9
Week 8 really deserves a sequel-esque subtitle, such as Week 8: Welcome to the Elements. Strong, swirling winds plagued many games across the country this week, smothering passing numbers and leaving us with a week of largely inconclusive or confusing data. As such, the waiver wire is a bit weird this week, lacking the usual, more actionable data from the rest of the season. Nevertheless, I try to offer you plenty of targets for Week 9 below.
Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with ownership percentages coming from Yahoo. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) suggestions are based on a $100 season-long budget. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings and prices if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.
Now, with that out of the way, here are some players to target heading into Week 9.
BYES: Eagles, Rams, Browns, Bengals
Quarterbacks
- Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers
- Derek Carr, Raiders
- Kirk Cousins, Vikings
- Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers, 57% rostered ($3)
Bridgewater disappointed on Thursday night, but the Falcons defense got some players back and blitzed the hell out of Teddy, contributing to his uninspiring outing. Still, Bridgewater has scored multiple touchdowns in three of his last five games, and could add another to that ledger as the Panthers try to keep pace with the Chiefs next week.
Derek Carr, Raiders, 29% rostered ($3)
The wind was wild in Cleveland this week, so Carr’s depressed numbers (112 passing yards, one touchdown) are understandable. Next week Carr should have a better chance to put up some numbers against the Chargers in Los Angeles. The Chargers defense allowed nine touchdowns to quarterbacks over its last three games prior to Week 8. Carr and the Raiders offense should be able to get going without massive wind slowing things down.
Kirk Cousins, Vikings, 28% rostered ($3)
The game script and elements allowed the Vikings to fall into their dream script, which is feeding Dalvin Cook 50 billion touches (in reality, 32). That could be the case next week as well, as the Vikings play a Lions defense that has been vulnerable to running backs. Still, Minnesota’s defense is suspect and the Lions could put up points, giving this game sneaky shootout potential.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins, 33% rostered ($1)
Tua only had 93 passing yards in his NFL debut, but got the all-important win (thanks to his defense and special teams). The Rams have been a tough fantasy matchup for quarterbacks and receivers, so there’s no need to write Tua off after this debut. He’ll get a chance for fantasy redemption next week against the Cardinals in what could be a shootout.
Other potential streamers: Nick Mullens vs. Packers, Drew Lock vs. Atlanta, Nick Foles vs. Titans
Running Backs
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