The waiver wire is looking barren at first glance this week. However, as you conduct your research and look into the players available this week there is some great long-shot value to be had. Whether you need a running back, wide receiver, or even a tight end, there are options available across the board. How much of your free agent acquisition budget should you use this week? That is the tricky question each week. So here it is, your Week 9 FAAB column and guide.
FAAB Week 9 Waiver Wire Guide
Mid-Tier Targets (20-40%)
Last week at this time there was a good deal of discussion about Zack Moss starting to emerge as a fantasy option for the running back-needy. He promptly followed up with a massive 81 yard and two touchdown performance. Moss ran with physicality, hit the hole hard, and was the primary option for the Bills inside the red zone. If you need a back and you are lucky enough to have Moss available in your league, drop up to 24% on him as an RB2 option each week.
Damien Harris also made an appearance in this column last week and promptly followed it up with one touchdown and a 102-yard game in the rain, wind, and cold in Buffalo. Moving forward the Patriots will certainly have more games in bad weather and Harris looks like the go-to guy for New England. Although he has been limited in the passing game, he is not without value and should be in your RB2 rotation each week. Harris is worth about 22% of your Week 9 FAAB.
Steady Contributors (10-20%)
It may have saved me time to copy and paste last week’s column into this space. However, my editor wanted something new so here we are. Wayne Gallman has been consistently involved in the Giants offense and has been averaging at least four yards per carry each week. Devonta Freeman has not been anything spectacular and Gallman has shown versatility and burst consistently. Look for Gallman to hold onto a larger share of the running back touches even when Freeman returns. He may not have a ton of super-sexy upside, but Gallman will put up a nice floor each week. If you need another solid flex-option each week then Gallman is worth 12% of your FAAB.
Both Jakobi Meyers and Trey Burton were discussed in the early waiver wire column. Meyers looks like he has some rapport with Cam and will be a reliable WR3 or flex option each week. Be willing to drop up to 13% of your FAAB on him. Meanwhile, Burton looks like the lead tight end for Philip Rivers in Indy. That makes Burton a valuable fantasy asset worth about 11% this week.
Reliable Bargains (<10%)
With the extended absences of Michael Thomas and Emanuel Sanders, the Saints have consistently turned to Tre’Quan Smith. Smith has often been hyped as being on the verge of breaking out and this year is no exception. He has been the primary target in New Orleans while Thomas and Sanders have been out. If he can maintain a target-share when Thomas or Sanders returns then he might work his way into flex consideration. If you believe that this is the year for Smith, drop about 6% of your FAAB.
Braxton Berrios has been a consistent contributor when healthy for the New Jersey Jets. Berrios is a great force in PPR leagues and will continue to be utilized as the Jets will continue to be behind in games. Any receiver who can generate nearly ten targets per game is worth a roster slot and Berrios is worth up to 7% in Week 9.
Keeping with the receiver theme, Mecole Hardman looks like he might be primed for the oft-predicted breakout. With Sammy Watkins banged up still Hardman has had an opportunity to showcase his skills. Hardman had seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown Sunday and if you have a roster spot he is worth picking up. Consider using up to 6% of your FAAB this week.
Corey Davis (WR) – 7% of FAAB
Speculative Fliers (<10%)
Michael Pittman Jr. returned from injury in Week 8 but did not reach his lofty Week 2 snap counts. Given that the rookie just returned from an injury that is to be expected. Moving forward, Pittman is a talented receiver who Indy drafted in the second round for a reason. Earlier this year he was dominating the snap count for Colts’ receivers and should climb back into a large role. If you are looking for a guy with major blow-up potential then Pittman is your guy. Be ready to drop 6% to add him to your roster.
The New Jersey Jets are going to keep losing and are going to keep throwing the ball. Denzel Mims looked like the dominant receiver the Jets drafted him to be at times but needs to get more targets. If you believe that Mims will begin to carve out a larger role then be ready to drop 5% of your Week 9 FAAB to add him to your roster.
Darnell Mooney (WR) – 6% of FAAB
Troymaine Pope (RB) – 4% of FAAB
Marvin Hall (WR) – 7% of FAAB
No Bid/Free Agency Targets
Jalen Guyton has been on the field for 80% or more of the Chargers’ offensive snaps in four games so far this year. Anyone who is a big-play threat and on the field that much deserves flex-consideration. Do not drop any FAAB on him, but pick him up in free agency.
With the 49ers continuing to be battered by injuries Kendrick Bourne is primed to see an uptick in workload and targets. Bourne has been productive when he sees a volume of snaps and that looks like what he has coming up the next few weeks.
DaeSean Hamilton came out and put on a show in Week 8. If Tim Patrick misses more time it appears that Hamilton will fill the veteran role across from Jerry Jeudy. Look to scoop Hamilton up in free agency if you need flex or receiver help.
With Jonathan Taylor looking Trent Richardson-esque the last few weeks, Jordan Wilkins may be in line for more work. If you are aboard the Taylor Bust Train then Wilkins might be your guy. However, keep in mind Taylor has not been that terrible so far this year.
The Cowgirls look bad without Dak. Even Zeke looks mortal and Tony Pollard has looked elusive and shifty throughout his limited time. In what looks more and more like a lost season for Dallas there is a possibility for Pollard to secure more of a workload to keep Zeke healthy.
Brian Hill has been on the field around 35% of the time each week since the start of the season. He gets involved each week in the passing and rushing game. Hill is not worth any FAAB this week but has free agency value.
The Washington DST gets to play the Giants this week. Look for that vicious front four of the Football Team to shred the Giants’ offense and Daniel Jones. Scoop them up in free agency, but do not use any Week 9 FAAB.
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