Are you still in the playoff hunt? Let’s make sure you stay there! At this point in the season, every move counts, especially as we look to maximize value through schedules that are favorable down the stretch. This article breaks down players with schedules set up for strong finishes, whether you’re looking for depth, a potential breakout, or just a great flex play through the playoffs. These are the must-stashes you’ll want to secure before Sunday. Dive in below, and let’s get your roster playoff-ready!
Week 9 Weekend Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix is putting up top-12 fantasy numbers in most leagues so far this season. In Week 9 the Broncos are playing the Ravens. Quarterbacks have consistently put up big numbers against the Ravens, with over 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns allowed in each of the last five games. Bo Nix has thrown for 200+ yards and multiple touchdowns in three of his last four, and he’ll likely need to air it out again in Week 9. Plug and play in Week 9.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
Winston passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in his first start this season. He is the starter for the Browns. You should be adding him in all formats if you are quarterback needy. It may not look pretty if you watch the games, he will turn the ball over but fantasy points will be produced.
Other quarterbacks to consider:
- Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh Steelers – He is on a bye in Week 9 but the second half of the season looks pretty sweet matchup wise for Wilson.
Quarterback Notes: Nix has a very nice schedule and appears to get better every game. Winston will put up numbers and Wilson is a steady high-end QB2 the rest of the way.
Running Backs
Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers
I can’t believe I am writing about this guy myself. But he tied for the lead in targets on the Panthers in Week 8 with seven. He caught all seven and had 38 yards. If you are playing in a PPR format I would make the speculative add here.
Other running backs to consider:
- Jalen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers – Warren is getting about 10 touches per game, clear back up to Najee Harris
- Rey Davis. Buffalo Bills – Davis is the clear backup to James Cook and produces with limited touches.
Running Back Notes: Not much out there on the wire at running back this week.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Coker had a 16% target share in Week 8. He played 69% of the offensive snaps. Diontae Johnson is not coming back to this team. If Adam Thielen is out then Coker needs to be rostered. It Appears Xavier Legette now has a toe injury. Coker (possibly Thielen) could be in for a good workload in Week 9.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Slayton was producing when Malik Nabers was out. In Week 8 he saw 7 targets which he turned into 4 receptions for 108 yards. He is a good deep ball threat for the Giants. The schedule is exceptionally easy for the Giants wide receivers after their bye week.
Other wide receivers to consider:
- Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals – 6 targets, 5 receptions, 31 yards, TD in Week 8
- Kalif Raymond, Detroit Lions – 2 targets, 2 receptions, 14 yards, TD in Week 8
Wide Receiver Notes: Coker may or may not end up a thing. He is talented but young, If he gets volume I like him. Wilson is a steady WR3/4. Slayton could actually become very valuable as the season progresses. I would monitor him at the very least.
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
Ertz is involved in the Commanders’ pass game. Probably more than I thought he would be. Over the past three games, he has 21 targets, 185 total yards, and a touchdown. If you are tight end needy I would take a look.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Henry is heavily involved in the Patriots offense and isn’t going away. His stats for the last three weeks are: 20 targets, 16 receptions, 178 yards and a touchdown. He is currently the overall TE 11. The fact that he is still available in the vast majority of leagues is odd.
Other tight ends to consider:
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars – 5 targets, 5 receptions, 59 yards
Tight End Notes: Henry is the primary add here again. Ertz is a nice add with a bad match-up in Week 9. Strange is an interesting addition if all those wide receivers are out for the Jaguars. Nice sneaky play depending on the situation.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!