Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 9)

Fantasy football gamers ask the same question every year: “Is this an especially bad year for injuries?” By now, it’s almost cliche to ask.

The fact that we keep asking the same question every year provides the answer. No, it’s not an especially bad year for injuries. The injuries are brutal every year.

No position has escaped the injury carnage in 2025. Here’s a list of some of the top players at each position to have missed multiple games.

• Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy
• Running backs: Omarion Hampton, James Conner, Aaron Jones
• Wide receivers: Malik Nabers, Mike Evans, Garrett Wilson, Tyreek Hill, Terry McLaurin, Ricky Pearsall
• Tight ends: Brock Bowers, George Kittle, David Njoku

So, yeah, it’s been bad all around. But the Cam Skattebo injury really got to me.

Skattebo went down with a gruesome ankle injury on Sunday. He had surgery on Sunday night and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

It’s not that I’m heavily invested in Skattebo. It’s that Skattebo seemed to be a gift from the heavens. He’s been a joy to watch. Skattebo seems to relish contact and plays every down as if it’s his last. His energy seemed to be contagious among his teammates, and the Skattebo/Jaxson Dart combination was making the Giants fun to watch.

It seemed as if Skattebo would be indestructible based on his style of play. It turned out that wasn’t the case.

The Giants aren’t going to be as fun to watch. Poor Dart already had to play without Nabers, and now he won’t have Skattebo the rest of the way. And who knows if Skattebo will ever have the same sort of juice after such a severe injury. It stinks, man.

Injuries are the worst thing about fantasy football. Every year, some fantasy teams are hit with so many injuries that overcoming them is impossible. And there’s nothing the afflicted teams can do except try to patch the holes and soldier on.

So, on that happy note, let’s try to patch the holes. Injuries create opportunities for other players, and the Skattebo injury will make Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. a darling of this week’s waiver wire run. Let’s take a closer look at Tracy and some of the other players who might be able to help ailing teams.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 9

Week 9 Waiver Grade: B+

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings

Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.

(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

Running Backs

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG): 48% Rostered

• Next Opponents: SF, @CHI, GB
• True Value: $35
• Desperate Need: $45
• Budget-Minded: $25

Analysis: We need to pour one out for Cam Skattebo. He came into our lives as a shining star who runs like a bulldozer and brought joy to many fantasy managers. After suffering a dislocated ankle, Skattebo’s rookie season has come to a sudden end. After he was injured, Tyrone Tracy Jr. handled the lead role for the Giants, carrying the ball 10 times while Devin Singletary had two carries. Tracy had only 39 rushing yards, but he also caught two out of three targets for 14 yards. Tracy is locked into the lead role for the rest of the season. The Giants still have a mediocre offense, but Tracy’s pass-catching chops and explosive playmaking provide weekly upside. With only Singletary behind him, Tracy should be a low-end RB2 for the rest of the season.

Bam Knight (RB – ARI): 21% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @DAL, @SEA, SF
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $8
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Bam Knight is a lead back, so why is he still on waivers in the vast majority of Yahoo leagues? Although Michael Carter was speculated to be the main guy in Arizona when Trey Benson landed on injured reserve (IR) with a knee injury, Knight has continued to see more work and has been more efficient with his touches. Before their Week 8 bye, Knight had 14 carries for 57 yards against the Packers, while Carter had seven carries for 11 yards. With James Conner out for the season and Benson on IR for at least another week, this should be Knight’s backfield for Week 9. The Cardinals will face the Cowboys, who allowed a touchdown hat trick to rookie RJ Harvey in Week 8. On the season, the Cowboys are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the running back position. If you need a spot start, Knight is a top-24 option this week and will continue to produce for fantasy as long as Benson remains out.

Kareem Hunt (RB – KC): 35% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @BUF, BYE, @DEN
• True Value: $12
• Desperate Need: $19
• Budget-Minded: $6

Analysis: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco sprained his MCL in Kansas City’s Monday-night win over Washington. That presumably leaves Kareem Hunt as the Chiefs’ lead back for a Week 9 showdown against the Bills in Buffalo. The Bills have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs, and they just lost stud defensive lineman Ed Oliver to a torn biceps. That game has a Vegas total of 52.5 points, so fireworks are expected. Hunt already had five touchdowns in eight games, including two against the Commanders on Monday. Hunt is an RB2 this week, and it’s possible Pacheco still won’t be ready to play when the Chiefs come out of their Week 10 bye.

Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI): 39% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @CIN, NYG, @MIN
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Despite a pedestrian Week 8 stat line, Kyle Monangai took another step closer to a 50-50 split with D’Andre Swift. Monangai played 29 snaps on Sunday to Swift’s 31, as the Bears have relied heavily on both backs since their bye week. Although they’ve been playing similar snaps the last two weeks, Swift is utilized more when he is on the field and out-touched Monangai 13-7 in the Bears’ Week 8 loss to the Ravens. However, in better game scripts, we may see Monangai more involved. This week, the Bears face an abysmal Bengals defense and could be playing with a lead. Outside of Tyrone Tracy Jr., Monangai is my favorite Week 9 spot start among the running backs in this article.

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL): 43% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, @IND, CAR
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: The Falcons are one of the hardest teams to understand. They beat the Bills convincingly on Monday Night Football a few weeks ago, but they’ve also had a shutout loss to the Panthers, and they suffered a blowout loss to the Dolphins in Week 8. Based on how the Falcons rebounded after losing to the Panthers, we should write off the loss to Miami and look ahead. The Patriots have one of the best run defenses in the league and just held the Browns to 68 rushing yards. Allgeier is a desperation Flex play as he continues to see consistent usage. On Sunday, he had 20 snaps to Bijan Robinson‘s 30. However, Allgeier’s value is primarily as a backup to Robinson. Allgeier would become a low-end RB1 if Robinson were to miss any time.

Tank Bigsby (RB – PHI): 17% Rostered

• Next Opponents: BYE, @GB, DET
• True Value: $3
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Here’s a blast from the past — and by “past,” I am referring to August. Originally hyped as the potential lead back in Jacksonville, Tank Bigsby is now the clear backup to Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia, nearly two months after a trade sent him to the Eagles. Barkley finally had a huge game in Week 8, and Bigbsy managed to run for 104 yards against the Giants on only nine carries. Barkley sustained a groin injury late in that game, and while he has extra time to recover during a Week 9 bye, there’s a chance he won’t be able to go in Week 10, in which case Bigsby would rank as a top-15 RB for the week. Will Shipley, who was the presumed backup to Barkley, had only three carries for two yards. Bigsby is nearly impossible to trust as a fantasy starter, but he would be the next man up if Barkley were to miss time.

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 31% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LAC, BYE, HOU
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Even bad NFL teams can provide fantasy value, and Tyjae Spears is a great example. Despite being in a near 50-50 backfield split with Tony Pollard, Spears had a season high in carries on Sunday, rushing nine times for 59 yards and a score. This week, the Titans face a Chargers defense that held the Vikings to 34 rushing yards in Week 8. It’s a scary matchup in the running game, but Spears has begun to take over the receiving work in the Titans’ backfield. With three or more targets in each of the last three games, Spears has a decent fantasy floor. If you’re in a pinch, Spears can be used as a deep Flex option. However, there are likely other options with a higher ceiling for this week.

Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE): 13% Rostered

• Next Opponents: BYE, @NYJ, BAL
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Quinshon Judkins left last week’s game with a shoulder injury and did not return. He might have returned if the Browns-Patriots game had been more competitive, but there has been speculation that Judkins may have suffered a sprained AC joint, in which case he will probably be able to play when the Browns return from their Week 9 bye. On the other hand, the injury could be more severe, and Dylan Sampson could be in line for more work. Earlier this season, before Judkins joined the team, Sampson performed admirably. He caught eight passes for 68 yards in the season opener. Sampson could be worth grabbing in case Judkins misses time.

Devin Neal (RB – NO): 5% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LAR, @CAR, BYE
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: After starting the season as a feisty team, the Saints looked dejected in Week 8. With Spencer Rattler benched for rookie Tyler Shough midway through the game, this offense has officially gone from serviceable to one of the worst in the league. Kendre Miller is out for the season with a torn ACL, vaulting sixth-round rookie Devin Neal into the backup role behind Alvin Kamara, who briefly left Sunday’s game with what appeared to be a knee issue. On Sunday, Neal saw three early targets, catching all three for 11 yards, but he then failed to record another touch. It would have been nice to see him more involved, but the game was out of hand quickly. Neal is a worthwhile flier to see what his involvement will be going forward.

Running Back Stash Candidates

• Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAX)
• Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
• Ollie Gordon (RB – MIA)
• Isaiah Davis (RB – NYJ)

The post-bye rookie bump often benefits players like Bhayshul Tuten. It’s never guaranteed, but rookies often get increased usage following their bye week. We have seen it already this season with the Bears’ Kyle Monangai splitting the backfield almost 50-50 with D’Andre Swift following Chicago’s bye. Tuten was a draft darling and has already displayed elite speed and tough running this season. Travis Etienne will remain the lead back in Jacksonville, but Tuten is a worthy stash to see what his workload will be out of the bye.

There are only a handful of clear handcuffs in the league, and Blake Corum is one of them. This season, Rams head coach Sean McVay has kept his word about wanting Kyren Williams to play roughly 65% of the snaps with other backs taking the remaining 35%. So far, the “other backs” have been Corum. If anything were to happen to Williams, Corum would instantly step into a large workload and become a fantasy RB2.

Ollie Gordon has had a relatively productive rookie season. After stealing the backup job from Jaylen Wright, Gordon has seen some goal-line work and has acted as the Knuckles to De’Von Achane‘s Sonic. Last week, Wright received some work later in the Dolphins’ win over the Falcons, rushing nine times while Gordon had 10 carries. But it’s possible Wright only saw that much work because the Dolphins were winning so convincingly.

There has been speculation that the 1-7 Jets could move Breece Hall before the NFL’s trade deadline. If that were to happen, Isaiah Davis would immediately become a playable weekly option.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 40% Rostered

• Next Opponents: ATL, @TB, NYJ
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Kayshon Boutte has been a volatile player for fantasy purposes, but he’s on a hot streak, catching passes from MVP candidate Drake Maye. Boutte entered Week 8 with an 11.8% target share, a 17.2-yard average depth of target (aDOT), with 2.03 yards per route run and a 14% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He stayed in the flames against the Browns with a 20.8% target share, 75 receiving yards and another score. Boutte’s role in the offense has also been elevated with Stefon Diggs dealing with a chest issue. The Falcons aren’t a secondary that I am looking to attack in fantasy with Boutte in the Flex, but after that, he gets Tampa Bay and the Jets. Outside of Sauce Gardner and Jamel Dean in those secondaries, there’s nothing to fear, and Boutte will again be a volatile Flex option with strong weekly upside.

Alec Pierce (WR – IND): 29% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @PIT, ATL, BYE
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Alec Pierce is a Fllex-worthy option over the next two weeks because he has been Indy’s single-high beater. Pittsburgh utilizes single high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (61.9%), and Atlanta leads the NFL in its usage (72.6%). Pierce entered Week 8 with a 29.2% target share, 4.18 yards per route run and a 32.1% first-read share against single high, per Fantasy Points Data. I expect Daniel Jones to look his way early and often over the next two games.

Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 37% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @HOU, LV, KC
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: In Week 8, Troy Franklin finally turned his high-value role in the Denver offense into a monster performance. Franklin entered Week 8 third on the team in deep targets, and he is fifth in the NFL in red-zone targets. Franklin destroyed the Dallas secondary with a 27.5% target share, 89 receiving yards and two scores. Two of Franklin’s next three matchups are rough, but he is a strong Flex option again against the Raiders, who have allowed the eighth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers, per Fantasy Points Data.

Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL): 47% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, @IND, CAR
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The entire Atlanta offense sputtered in Week 8 against the Dolphins. I have to admit, even with Kirk Cousins under center, I didn’t see that coming. Hopefully, Michael Penix Jr. is back under center in Week 9, but I still think that better days are ahead for Darnell Mooney. Last week, with Drake London out of the lineup (hip), Mooney didn’t see a massive workload as he was third on the team in targets with a 12.9% target share, converting that one reception into 11 yards. Even with those disappointing returns, Mooney is an interesting Flex play in each of the next two weeks. New England and Indy have, respectively, allowed the sixth-most and seventh-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers, per Fantasy Points Data.

Malik Washington (WR – MIA): 15% Rostered

• Next Opponents: BAL, BUF, WSH
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Malik Washington hasn’t been a high-upside Flex option over the last two weeks, but he does hold some Flex appeal in PPR formats in two of the next three weeks. Over his last two games, he has drawn a 22.4% target share and averaged 4.5 receptions and 33 receiving yards. Toss a touchdown on top of a stat line like that, as Washington did in Week 8, and you have a player who will flirt with low-end WR2 production in PPR leagues. Washington is a decent PPR Flex option against Baltimore and Washington, who, respectively, have allowed the fourth-most and 14th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers, per Fantasy Points Data.

Chimere Dike (WR – TEN): 8% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LAC, BYE, HOU
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Chimere Dike earned a full-time role in Week 7 with a 66.7% route share, seeing an 11.8% target share with 70 receiving yards, 2.69 yards per route run and a 17.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He built upon that standout performance in Week 8 against the Colts with a 90.6% route share, a 21% target share, seven receptions and 93 receiving yards. Dike is a strong Flex play this week against a Chargers secondary that has been more giving to slot receivers. Los Angeles has held perimeter wide receivers to the second-fewest PPR points per target, while slot receivers have recorded the 10th-most PPR points per target. Dike entered Week 8 with a 76.6% slot rate, per Fantasy Points Data.

Darius Slayton (WR – NYG): 18% Rostered

• Next Opponents: SF, @CHI, GB
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Darius Slayton returned to the lineup in Week 8, and while he didn’t post a monster stat line, he did lead the Giants with a 20.8% target share. Sadly, that only amounted to five targets with two receptions and 26 receiving yards. Jaxson Dart is playing at a high level for a rookie, especially when you consider the skill talent and offensive line he’s being asked to work with. Out of the next three games, I don’t want to plug Slayton into a lineup against the 49ers or Packers, but the Bears’ secondary has had its struggles this season and sits at 15th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed per game to wide receivers. Slayton will offer solid Flex value in Week 10 against Chicago.

Wide Receiver Stash Candidates:

• Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU)
• Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU)
• Christian Watson (WR – GB)

Houston refuses to feature its rookie wide receivers in consistent full-time roles, but I’m a believer that talent and cream eventually rise to the top. This is why I’m including Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins this week. In Week 7, Noel had a 46.3% route share with a 14.3% target share, 77 receiving yards, 3.08 yards per route run and a 16.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. That standout performance didn’t stop Houston from capping Noel with a 38.8% snap share in Week 8 despite tying for second on the team with six targets and 63 receiving yards. I don’t know if Christian Kirk (hamstring) will be back this week, and if he is, it’ll send Noel back to the bench. But Noel is a talent worth stashing. If he keeps producing when given opportunities, Houston will have no other option but to play him.

The same can be said for Jayden Higgins. Higgins didn’t have a cap put on his playing time in Week 8, as he led Houston’s receivers in snaps while seeing a 20.5% target share and turning it into four receptions, 34 receiving yards and a score. Higgins could get banished back into a part-time role in Week 9 if Nico Collins is back, as the Texans seem to be obsessed with feeding snaps to Xavier Hutchinson. Higgins and Noel could be stretch run kings if the Texans get out of their own way and let their rookies cook.

Christian Watson is worth picking up and stashing this week, if you have the room to do so. In his first game back, Watson had a 59.5% route share, a 10.8% target share, 85 receiving yards (3.86 yards per route run), and a 17.4% first-read share. I know Matthew Golden’s health status as well as Pittsburgh’s coverage structure could have been big factors in Watson’s Week 8 usage, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have value moving forward if he continues to assert himself in this passing offense.

Quarterbacks

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 40% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @WSH, ARI, @LAR
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Before Seattle’s Week 8 bye, Sam Darnold was the QB13 on the season. The fact that the QB13 could be grabbed off the waiver wire in most leagues is a little wild. If you have been struggling to adequately replace Joe Burrow, you could have picked up Darnold and kept your team afloat. The Seahawks have a decent upcoming schedule, starting with the Commanders, who are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the quarterback position. The Seahawks have a solid one-two punch at running back, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is leading the league in receiving yardage. With weapons like that, Darnold is one of the safer fantasy quarterbacks and should be rostered in all formats.

Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX): 45% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LV, @HOU, LAC
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Just when the Jaguars seem to be making progress, we get a report that they are taking calls about potentially trading star sophomore receiver Brian Thomas Jr. There has been something odd going on behind the scenes with this team, and the fantasy community continues to blame Trevor Lawrence. Although Lawrence has not looked great this season, any quarterback throwing to Thomas and Travis Hunter has fantasy upside. With Hunter taking a step forward in his most recent game (14 targets, eight receptions, 101 yards and a touchdown), the Jaguars could hit the ground running when they emerge from their bye week. They face the Raiders, who have one of the worst defenses in the league. You could do worse than spot-starting Lawrence this week.

Aaron Rodgers (QB – PIT): 43% Rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, @LAC, CIN
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Aaron Rodgers has turned back the clock over the last few weeks. It was remarkable to see him and Joe Flacco duel it out in Week 7. Rodgers performed respectably against his old team in Week 8, completing 24-of-36 passes against the Packers for 219 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. With the Steelers’ defense allowing the fifth-most yards, Rodgers will be forced to keep the ball moving each week. Against the red-hot Colts, he will need to continue to drink from the Fountain of Youth to keep the Steelers in the race for the division. If you need a quarterback, you could do worse than the grizzled veteran over the next few weeks.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL): 22% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, @IND, CAR
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: If there were any doubts that Michael Penix Jr. deserves to be the Falcons’ starter, Atlanta’s lopsided loss to the Dolphins in Week 8 made it clear. Kirk Cousins is not what he used to be, and after the loss to the lowly Dolphins, the Falcons should be thrilled to have Penix back. After sitting out with a bone bruise, Penix is expected to return fully healthy against the Patriots this week. Hopefully, star receiver Drake London will also return from a hip injury. New England is one of the better defensive units in the league. However, the Patriots are only elite against the run. Penix will be forced to attack through the air to keep this game competitive. Thankfully, the Patriots are allowing the 12th-most passing yards. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts as weapons, Penix remains a decent quarterback play for desperate fantasy teams.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Colston Loveland (TE – CHI): 22% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @CIN, NYG, @MIN
• True Value: $3
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Colston Loveland assumed an every-down role for Chicago in Week 8 with Cole Kmet sidelined with a back injury. After Kmet missed the entire week of practice last week, I will be shocked if he is back for Week 9, so it looks like we’ll get another nice streamable week for Loveland and a wonderful matchup incoming. Loveland played 80.9% of the snaps with a 78% route share and 11.7% target share, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) in Week 8. He turned that into only three receptions and 38 receiving yards, but I think he could boost those numbers this week. Cincinnati has allowed the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, per Fantasy Points Data. Stream Loveland this week.

Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE): 46% Rostered

• Next Opponents: BYE, @NYJ, BAL
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Harold Fannin Jr. entered Week 8 with a 67.5% route share, an 18.4% target share, 43.3 receiving yards per game, 1.65 yards per route run and a 20% first-read share in games with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, per Fantasy Points Data. In those three games, he had one weekly finish in TE1 range (TE7). Against the Patriots, Fannin had a 22.8% target share that he turned into six receptions, 62 receiving yards and a score. It was a strong outing for the rookie. After his bye, hopefully Fannin can keep the train rolling against the Jets and Ravens, who, respectively, rank 16th and 13th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends, per Fantasy Points Data. At the very least, he’ll be a decent streaming option in those weeks.

Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ): 29% Rostered

• Next Opponents: BYE, CLE, @NE
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Mason Taylor has had some standout moments this season, and Week 8 was another one. He had a 24.2% target share with five receptions and 34 receiving yards. He led the team in targets against the Bengals, who were an amazing matchup for Taylor, so I don’t expect that weekly, especially when Garrett Wilson returns. I do expect Taylor to have a strong streaming appeal in Week 11 against the Patriots, who have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game and the 11th-most yards per reception to tight ends.

AJ Barner (TE – SEA): 7% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @WSH, ARI, @LAR
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: AJ Barner has three TE1 weekly finishes this season. He also has a 61.2% route share with a 10.2% target share, 1.66 yards per route run and a 9.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Barner has five red-zone targets and two deep targets. He is a solid streaming option at tight end over the next two weeks. Washington is 17th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game, while Arizona has allowed the fifth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT): 20% Rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, @LAC, CIN
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: In Weeks 6 & 7 (yes … six … seven), Jonnu Smith had a 74.2% route share with a 15.6% target share, 23 receiving yards per game, 0.94 yards per route run and an 11.4% first-read share. In those two games, he had two red-zone targets and one deep target. Smith turned in a sleepy stat line against the Packers with only three targets, two receptions, 17 receiving yards and a botched two-point conversion attempt. While his usage will remain volatile week to week, Smith is a low-end streaming option at tight end in two of the next three weeks. Indy and Cincy have, respectively, allowed the fourth-most and the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends, per Fantasy Points Data.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Los Angeles Rams: 36% Rostered

• Next Opponents: NO, @SF, SEA
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: The Rams’ defense is averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game and has put up 17 and 11 points in its last two contests. The Rams went into their Week 8 bye ranked second in the NFL in sacks with 26, led by EDGE rusher Byron Young, who has nine. They have also forced 10 turnovers in their first six games. This week, the Rams get a home date with the Saints, who had allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses entering Week 8. The Saints are in limbo at quarterback, having benched Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough. It’s possible the Rams will be facing a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start.

Baltimore Ravens: 32% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @MIA, @MIN, @CLE
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: The Ravens’ defense has struggled this season, largely because it has been battered by injuries. Although the Ravens had to put star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike on season-ending IR, they’re starting to get healthier on that side of the ball, and they were able to hold the visiting Bears to 16 points on Sunday. In Week 9, the Ravens travel south for a Thursday Night Football game against the Dolphins in Miami. The Dolphins’ offense was surprisingly sharp in a 34-10 upset of the Falcons on Sunday, but Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown 10 interceptions this season. Baltimore is an attractive streaming option. You might be able to get a multi-week run out of the Ravens, since their game against Miami is followed by attractive matchups against Minnesota and Cleveland.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 6% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LV, @HOU, LAC
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Jaguars forced 13 turnovers in their first four games, but they’ve only forced one turnover in their last three contests. Jacksonville might be able to reverse the disappointing takeaway trend this week against the Raiders, who have committed 12 turnovers in their first seven games. Las Vegas is averaging only 14.7 points a game. Entering Week 8, the Raiders’ offense is ranked 30th in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), 28th in yards per game and 27th in yards per play.

Seattle Seahawks: 45% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @WSH, ARI, @LAR
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Seattle defense has been so well-liked by the fantasy gamers who have invested in it that 45% of the people rostering the Seahawks’ defense held onto them during Seattle’s bye. That’s a little weird. But, yeah, the Seahawks can get after it on defense. They went into their Week 8 bye ranked second in the league in defensive DVOA. Opponents are averaging 19.4 points per game and 4.7 yards per play against the stingy Seahawks. Seattle is averaging 9.4 defensive fantasy points per game. The Seahawks’ Week 9 matchup against the Commanders won’t be particularly attractive if Jayden Daniels plays, but Daniels missed Week 8 with a hamstring injury.

Chicago Bears: 27% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @CIN, NYG, @MIN
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Bears’ defense hasn’t exactly been airtight this season, but the Chicago defense is a sneaky streaming option against Cincinnati. Joe Flacco hasn’t thrown an interception in his three starts for the Bengals, and he’s only been sacked four times since being traded. But it’s reasonable to assume the interceptions and turnovers are coming. Since 2023, Flacco has thrown 23 interceptions and absorbed 40 sacks in 19 starts.

Kickers

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Tyler Loop (K – BAL): 44% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @MIA, @MIN, @CLE
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Tyler Loop was 3-of-3 on field goals and 3-of-3 on extra points Sunday in the Ravens’ 30-16 win over the Bears. For the season, the rookie is 12-of-13 on field goals and 18-of-19 on extra points. The Ravens should get Lamar Jackson back from a hamstring injury this week, which should reinvigorate the offense. Another nice thing about rostering Loop: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh doesn’t mind taking three points. For years, Baltimore’s Justin Tucker was among the NFL leaders in field-goal attempts. Loop gets a warm-weather Week 9 game against the Dolphins in Miami. The Dolphins are giving up 10.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers.

Matt Prater (K – BUF): 20% Rostered

• Next Opponents: KC, @MIA, TB
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Matt Prater remains widely unrostered, in part because fantasy gamers seem fearful that Tyler Bass will come off IR and reclaim his job. But there has been no indication that Bass is close to returning from a hip/groin injury. The 41-year-old Prater continues to scoop up points as the kicker for the high-scoring Bills. He went 2-of-2 on field goals and 4-of-5 on extra points Sunday in the Bills’ 40-9 blowout of the Panthers. Prater is averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game.

Jason Myers (K – SEA): 9% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @WSH, ARI, @LAR
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Jason Myers ranks among the league leaders in both field-goal attempts (17) and extra-point attempts (22). Going into his Week 8 bye, Meyers ranked eighth in fantasy points per game among kickers with 10.4. He’s scored 10+ fantasy points in four of his last five games. Myers has a Week 9 matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed 10.3 fantasy points per game to kickers.

Cam Little (K – JAX): 8% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LV, @HOU, LAC
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Cam Little hasn’t been especially accurate this season, going 10-of-14 on field goals and 14-of-15 on extra points. The appeal this week is a favorable, weather-proof matchup against the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Raiders are allowing 25.7 points per game and nine fantasy points per game to kickers.

Joshua Karty (K – LAR): 8% Rostered

• Next Opponents: NO, @SF, SEA
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Joshua Karty gets an ultra-favorable Week 9 matchup against the Saints at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Saints are giving up 26.1 points per game (23 on Sunday) and 10 fantasy points per game to kickers. One word of caution if you’re thinking about picking up Karty: Rams head coach Sean McVay would seemingly rather cut off one of his own toes than settle for a field goal (but sometimes settles anyway). Karty has 14 field-goal attempts in the Rams’ first seven games, missing four of them.

Fool’s Gold

• Samaje Perine (RB – CIN)
• Mack Hollins (WR – NE)
• Sean Tucker (RB – TB)
• Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)

Samaje Perine has been getting more usage in the Bengals’ offense. He’s played between 36.8% and 46.8% of the offensive snaps in each of the Bengals’ last four games. On Sunday, Perine had nine carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. But Chase Brown played seven more snaps than Perine, had three more carries and saw two more targets. Perine is still just a handcuff at this point. As long as Brown is healthy, Perine isn’t going to provide consistent standalone value.

In Week 8, the Patriots’ Mack Hollins warmed his hands by the flames emanating from Drake Maye. The red-hot Maye threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns versus the Browns, and Hollins cashed in with a team-high seven catches for 89 yards. But entering Week 8, Hollins had a 58.7% snap share and a 7.1% target share. Don’t chase the out-of-the-blue spike week.

Sean Tucker finally got some run for the Buccaneers in Week 8, carrying 12 times for 42 yards and a touchdown. But Bucky Irving should be back soon from foot and shoulder injuries, at which point Tucker slides back to No. 3 on the Buccaneers’ running back depth chart. The Bucs are on bye in Week 9, and it’s possible Irving returns in Week 10.

Yes, Tua Tagovailoa was sharp Sunday against a normally staunch Falcons pass defense, completing 20-of-26 passes for 204 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. But do you really want to ride this merry-go-round again? Tagovailoa was averaging just 12.9 fantasy points per game going into Week 8 to rank as the QB31 in that category. Even with a decent Week 9 matchup against the Ravens, Tagovailoa isn’t worth the trouble.

Drop Recommendations

Droppable

• Mac Jones (QB – SF)
• Spencer Rattler (QB – NO)
• Darren Waller (TE – MIA)

Mac Jones didn’t play especially well in the 49ers’ 26-15 loss to the Texans on Sunday, completing 19-of-32 passes for 193 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. It seems likely that Brock Purdy will return from his turf toe injury this week against the Giants, sending Jones to the bench.

Spencer Rattler acquitted himself well in the Saints’ first six games but has floundered in the last two. He threw three interceptions against the Bears in Week 7 and was benched Sunday in a 24-3 loss to the Buccaneers. It’s unclear whether Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough will get the start for New Orleans this week. Even if Rattler gets the nod, the possibility of a quick hook makes him unusable for fantasy. He’s droppable.

Oft-injured tight end Darren Waller has landed on IR with a pectoral injury. Although Waller scored four touchdowns in his first three games with the Dolphins, he had more than 27 yards in only one of the four games he played this season. (In fairness, Waller played only 16 snaps in the fourth game before getting hurt.) The streaming landscape for tight ends has gotten better as the season has worn on. Most fantasy leagues have several playable tight ends available on waivers every week. For that reason, there’s no sense keeping Waller.

Droppable With a Chance of Regret

• Jerry Jeudy (WR – CLE)
• Kendrick Bourne (WR – SF)

Jerry Jeudy runs a lot of routes, sees a good number of targets and gets a lot of air yards. It’s a recipe for success, and yet Jeudy’s season has been anything but successful. He has 22 catches for 257 yards and zero touchdowns. Jeudy hasn’t topped 50 receiving yards since Week 2. On Sunday, he was held without a catch for the first time this season. The top two quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster are rookies. There’s not much hope that things will get better for Jeudy, although his usage could produce a few good games.

After producing consecutive 142-yard games in Week 5 and Week 6, Kendrick Bourne has recorded 2-14-0 and 3-44-0 receiving lines in his last two games. The return of George Kittle from a hamstring injury has diminished Bourne’s role in the offense, and that role will be further diminished when Ricky Pearsall returns from a knee injury.

Don’t Drop Yet

• Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
• Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)

Quentin Johnston was one of the most pleasant surprises of the early part of the season, which made it that much more painful when he was completely shut out in Week 8. Johnston wasn’t even targeted in the Chargers’ 37-10 Thursday night win over the Vikings. The emergence of tight end Oronde Gadsden II as a major contributor to the Chargers’ passing game diminishes the target outlook for Johnston, and he was already in a bit of a target squeeze due to the presence of fellow wideouts Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen. Johnston isn’t droppable. He’ll undoubtedly have some splash games. But Johnston might be more of a depth piece now than a weekly fantasy starter.

We continue to preach patience with Keon Coleman, even though recent results have been lackluster. Since catching eight passes for 112 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, Coleman hasn’t had more than 45 yards in any of Buffalo’s other games. Coleman had 3-30-0 on four targets in Week 8, but he deserves some slack considering that Josh Allen only had to throw 19 passes in the Bills’ 40-9 rout of the Panthers. Hold Coleman.

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