We’re hitting that point in the fantasy season where it’s not just about this week anymore, it’s about setting yourself up for the stretch run. Every savvy manager knows championships are won by those who plan, not those who scramble on Tuesday night.
Now’s the time to look down the road and start asking the right questions:
- Which bye weeks are upcoming, and which positions will I need to cover?
- Do I have any players banged up or at risk of missing time?
- Who’s got favorable matchups in Weeks 13–17 when it really counts?
Answering these questions now gives you the edge later. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, getting ahead of the chaos instead of chasing it. So, let’s dive into this week’s Weekend Waiver Stashes and find those players who can help you weather the byes, cover injuries, and maybe even win you a title.
More Week 9 Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Weekly Rankings | Dynasty Risers and Fallers
Week 9 Weekend Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold has been very effective against pass-funnel defenses and less effective against those that defend the pass well. In Week 9, he is playing against the Commanders, who give up the sixth most fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. So, if you need a plug-and-play, he is a good addition for this week.
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
Yes, we’re talking about Geno Smith, the same one who’s been ice-cold with three straight games under 10 fantasy points. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Those struggles came against formidable defenses, and now he gets a get-right matchup versus the Jaguars, who allow the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Opponents are averaging 254 yards and two touchdowns per game through the air. If you need a plug-and-play QB for Week 9, Geno’s your guy to bounce back in a big way.
Other quarterbacks to consider:
Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers – 193 yards, 2 TDs in Week 8, plays the Giants in Week 9
Quarterback Notes: The only reason I didn’t give Mac Jones a larger write-up is that I do not know yet if Brock Purdy is playing. Mac would be my top choice of the three if he gets the start in Week 9. Mac is also the most available. Sam Darnold is also a solid start in a good spot. Geno is a desperation start if needed.
Running Backs
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals
Bam has been the leading ball carrier the past two games for the Cardinals. He will be in Week 9 as well. In Week 9, the Cardinals play the Cowboys. The Cowboys give up the third most fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Right now, D’Andre Swift is listed as questionable and has not practiced this week. If Monangia gets the start in Week 9 he should produce at a high level. Why, you ask? The Bengals give up the most fantasy points to running backs. Running backs average 132 yards and a touchdown rushing against the Bengals. If you have Swift, you probably want to stash this Monangai guy.
Other Running Backs to Consider:
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs – Isaiah Pacheco is out, and the Bills defend running backs poorly
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets – Back up to Breece Hall; Hall may or may not get traded.
Tajea Spears, Tennessee Titans – 9 carries, 59 yards, TD, rushing, and  1 reception, 23 yards receiving.
Emmanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers – 14 total touches, 87 total yards. Season high 27 snaps played
Running Back Notes: Monangai, Knight, and Smith should really be rostered everywhere, but they are not. Â Spears is a nice addition if you need a running back, but the Titans’ run game is subpar. Wilson could be a good addition; we do not know yet.
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings
Wide Receivers
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Slayton is healthy and back in the Giants’ lineup. He played in 73% of the offensive snaps in Week 8. Jaxson Dart targeted him 5 times; Slayton turned that into 2 receptions and 26 yards.
Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans
In the last two games, Dike has surpassed 70 yards in each game and scored a touchdown in one of them. He is playing starter minutes, with being in on 89% of the offensive snaps. Dike appears to have chemistry with Cam Ward and can really get yards after the catch.
Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots
Somehow, Boutte is not on over 50% of rosters across applications. He has 4 touchdowns over the past three games. Drake Maye appears to have excellent chemistry with him and looks for him near the end zone. Everyone loves a nice Boutte.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars
In Week 7, Washington played in 88% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps. That was the most on the team. He was second on the team in targets with 10. That was a 21% target share. There was limited upside with his 4 receptions for 52 yards in Week 7. But Travis Hunter just got sent to IR with an injur,y and Brian Thomas Jr. has been a shadow of himself. Washington may turn into a target monster for at least the next four weeks.
Other Wide Receivers to Consider:
Xavier Hutchinson, Houston Texans – 6 targets, 69 yards, TD.
Tyler Johnson, New York Jets – 5 targets, 3 receptions, 64 yards, TD
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers – 4 targets, 4 receptions, 85 yards
Wide Receiver Notes: Based on production, Dike and Boutte should probably be rostered in all leagues. Slayton is a nice flyer because Dart can deliver the ball. I would watch what happens in Week 9, but Johnson, Hutchinson, and Watson are widely available and also nice speculative adds in deeper leagues. Washington is a late addition to my article. I would consider him somewhat of a priority add in PPR formats.
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Johnson is back in play. He has seen a total of 15 targets in the last two games. Juwan turned that in 10 receptions, 131 yards combined for those two games. This may not sound like a lot, but a tight end who can consistently deliver 7-10 fantasy points per week is a valuable addition.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets
He is on a bye in Week 9. In Week 8, Taylor was targeted 8 times. He turned those targets into 5 receptions, 31 yards, and a touchdown. With injuries at wide receiver for the Jets, Taylor could be heavily targeted down the stretch.
Other tight ends to consider:
Harold Fannin, Cleveland Browns – 8 targets, 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD
Aj Barner, Seattle Seahawks – on bye in Week 8. Easy match-ups the next two games against the Commanders and the Cardinals
Tight Notes: Fannin is more widely rostered than the other three, which is why he didn’t receive a deeper write-up. Johnson is a high-floor and not-so-high-ceiling guy. Taylor and Barner have some boom in them. They might both bring high-scoring games against bad defenses.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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