The NFL trade deadline is the halfway marker of the NFL season. However, it’s also the time for teams all across fantasyland to start preparing for their playoff push. Sunday’s action gave rise to several worthy streamers and bye-week replacements that desperate owners can use in a pinch. Aside from that, there are still other players who are worth picking up and holding just in case they get their chance to shine. If you’ve got holes in your roster or need someone you can stash, then our featured analysts are here to tell you which options are worth your attention heading into Week 9.

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Featured Experts:
Mike Tagliere – FantasyPros
Bobby Sylvester – FantasyPros
Matthew Hill – DataForce Fantasy Football
Zach Brunner – FantasyPros

Editor’s Note: James Conner sprained his AC joint on Monday night. Early speculation is he may be okay for week 9. Stay tuned for more info.

View These Expert’s Waiver Rankings
Mike Tagliere
Bobby Sylvester
Matthew Hill
Zach Brunner

Q1. How much are you willing to spend (FAAB %) on your favorite waiver wire target (or two) and why do you like him?

Mark Walton (RB – MIA) | Darrell Henderson (RB – LAR) 
“As of this writing, the departure of Kenyan Drake to Arizona is breaking news and Walton is expected to be given an opportunity to showcase what he can do in a primetime matchup against the Steelers. If Walton does end up dominating the touches, he automatically becomes the top waiver-wire option as a starting three-down back, even if his volume comes lining up in one of the league’s worst offenses. If Walton concedes significant touches to Kalen Ballage, then Henderson jumps to the top of the rankings as his snaps and touches continue to rise. Both backs are potentially FAAB-draining worthy depending on your needs, as the fantasy playoffs are not far off and we are in the midst of a tough stretch of bye weeks and injuries.”
– Matthew Hill (DataForce Fantasy Football)

“Picking up Darrell Henderson is all about the unknown because Henderson was mysteriously the lead back for the Rams entering this week’s bye. Perhaps they were playing it safe with Gurley’s knee or maybe they were overly confident about playing the Bengals. It is possible that Henderson is never startable for your fantasy team, but there is also a scenario where Gurley is banged up and we’ve now got the starting running back in Sean McVay’s offense. I wouldn’t spend more than 10% of my FAAB budget on him, however.”
– Bobby Sylvester (FantasyPros)

Rashaad Penny (RB – SEA)
“My top add has to be Penny for multiple reasons. One, he’s part of an offense that runs the ball 30-plus times per game and that offers tremendous handcuff value to Chris Carson, who’s had trouble staying healthy throughout his career. Two, he’s reportedly on the trade block. With the trade deadline coming on Tuesday afternoon, we will learn his fate, though if he is dealt, it would clearly be an upgrade to his stock, as the team trading for him would clearly need a running back. If he’s not traded, he’s still worth 10 percent of your FAAB budget as one of the best handcuffs in football.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

Gardner Minshew (QB – JAC) | Sam Darnold (QB – NYJ)
“If you’re looking for a quarterback streamer in a must-win week, I am willing to spend up to 20% of my budget on either Minshew or Sam “Sixth Sense” Darnold. Minshew is the best option for just this week, facing the Texans. However, Darnold now has a stretch where he faces the Dolphins, Giants, Redskins, Raiders, Bengals, and then Dolphins again. He is the obvious best long term play of the waiver adds this week.”
– Zach Brunner (FantasyPros)

Q2. For owners renting a D/ST in Week 8, what readily available option (under 50%) should they target and why?

“If there’s one area of the Jets’ defense that’s been lacking, it’s the pass rush, as they’ve totaled just five sacks over their last five games. If there’s one team who can fix that, it’s the Dolphins. We’ve watched their opponents rack up at least three sacks in five-of-six games and multiple turnovers in four-of-six games. It’s not just that for your fantasy floor, but they’ve only scored more than 10 points two times. The Jets’ defense should come to life and be a top-10 option in Week 9.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

“While both Dallas and Green Bay are both strong pickups, it is hard to go against the Jets who take on Miami in Week 9. Not only are they a top-six unit for this week, but their upcoming schedule is extremely promising too. After Miami, they’ll take on the Giants, Washington, Oakland, Cincy, and Miami again in the next five weeks. Unlike most streamers, you should be able to continue using them after this week.”
– Bobby Sylvester (FantasyPros)

“The Jets are pretty good for obvious reasons (playing MIA), but I’d rather discuss Denver (28% owned). The Broncos face the Browns, who have not protected Baker Mayfield well, leading to turnovers as a result. Denver will be playing at home and they have totaled 12 sacks over the past three games. I like them to get some more with a couple turnovers on Sunday.”
– Zach Brunner (FantasyPros)

“If you grabbed the Eagles’ defense to plug in last weekend, as reports of awful conditions in Buffalo poured in, it would be wise to go ahead and keep them in your lineup for another week. Philadelphia is home against Chicago to take on Mitch Trubisky and an underwhelming Bears passing attack. While Chicago finally got their running game going last week, the Eagles have been dominant all year against the ground game. I expect Philly to force Chicago to abandon the run early, forcing Trubisky to beat them through the air, making the Eagles’ defense a unit to target in Week 9.”
– Matthew Hill (DataForce Fantasy Football)

More Advice
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Rashaad Penny Waiver Wire Pickup

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