Fantasy Football Roster Trends: Waiver Pickups, Drops & Trades

We have officially hit the double-digit weeks. We continue to have major injuries each week without viable replacements to fill those shoes. Are you able to catch fire with a streamer or make some deals to save your fantasy football season? In this home stretch, we truly separate the contenders from pretenders.

Fantasy Football Roster Trends

Key Injuries

Tucker Kraft (TE – GB): Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL in Week 9, costing him the rest of the season. While no true 1:1 replacement exists, you can stream a few options to help make it through the season.
Jayden Daniels (QB – WSH): Jayden Daniels, who had just come back from injury, exited the game with a dislocated elbow and is on injured reserve (IR). Luckily, it was an injury to his non-throwing elbow, so we should expect to see him back next year in full.
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – JAX): Brian Thomas Jr. left Week 9 with an ankle injury. While it does not appear severe, expect him to miss Week 10.
Kyler Murray (QB – ARI): Officially on IR, we have to wonder if Kyler Murray will be back before the season is over. The Cardinals have looked better with Jacoby Brissett leading the team.

Most Added Players

Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)

Colston Loveland had a monster Week 9 with Cole Kmet leaving due to a concussion. He went for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, leading all tight ends in fantasy scoring.

Devin Singletary (RB – NYG)

The Giants’ backfield appears to be back to a full committee with Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. getting a near equal split in workload. However, Tracy continues to do very little with his opportunities, opening the door for Singletary to carve out a larger role.

J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)

Due to quarterback injuries and having the top-level weapons he has, J.J. McCarthy is a great speculative add as the Vikings have a favorable schedule the remainder of the season.

Alec Pierce (WR – IND)

Alec Pierce continues to outperform expectations and command a higher target share. Week 9 saw him catch six passes for 115 yards in one of the league’s top offenses. Yes, that’s right… the Colts are for real.

Most Dropped Players

Zonovan Knight (RB – ARI)

With Emari Demercado taking a larger share and the return of Trey Benson on the horizon, the Zonovan Knight story is reaching its final chapter.

Brashard Smith (RB – KC)

While the Chiefs did not make a move at the deadline, Brashard Smith remains buried behind Kareem Hunt. With the team on bye, and Isiah Pacheco appearing to be on the mend to return in Week 11, Smith is not worth holding.

Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE)

Kayshon Boutte suffered what appears to be a minor hamstring injury; his performance has largely been driven by running hot with touchdowns. With him missing time, and teams needing to make bye week moves, we have seen Boutte being a frequent drop from managers.

Most Traded Players

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB – JAX)

Travis Etienne dominated touches in Week 9 but got vulturesd at the end zone. With him showing some life, some managers are using this performance as a chance to sell high, while others see the volume and are looking to add a healthy, high-volume back to their depth chart.

Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)

Largely driven by the trade speculation, with Breece Hall staying pat, he should continue to provide solid RB2 numbers. Some concern among managers exists that the Jets may see what they have with Isaiah Davis before the end of the year, which will cut into Hall’s workload.

Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)

Rome Odunze showed us early in the season the talent that led to him being a top-10 NFL Draft pick in 2024. However, he has left many managers scratching their heads over the last few weeks with poor performances, even as the Bears put up 47 points versus the Bengals in Week 9.

Final Thoughts

As we start to hit the final stretch of the season, those in playoff contention need to look ahead to sure up their roster and hit the playoffs in full stride. Don’t be one who fades away into the sunset; stay active and fight until the last minute. Hopefully, you will be able to come out on top.