Welcome to the Fantrax Week 9 FAAB Guide! With another thrilling week officially in the books, we’re eager for an exciting new slate of games in the National Football League. But from the aftermath of last week’s games, there is a new batch of readily available players that could provide a much-needed boost to your roster. But which one(s) should you grab? Are they starters that you can rely on for the rest of season (ROS), or just another batch of one-hit wonders? This weekly Fantrax FAAB Guide will help you with these decisions and serves as a resource on how to manage your FAAB, i.e. Free Agent Acquisition Budget.
Each week, I’ll outline available players (with <70% Fantrax availability) that should be picked up and my recommendations on how much of your FAAB should be used on your bids for them. If you don’t see a popular name mentioned below, then they are likely already rostered on over 70% of Fantrax leagues (e.g. Chase Edmonds, J.K. Dobbins, Brandon Aiyuk, etc.). If your league utilizes standard waiver claims instead of the FAAB system, then you can still use these recommendations to prioritize your waiver claims. Also, make sure to catch our weekly Waiver Wire report as well.
Since each Fantasy Football league’s format is different, I will suggest bid amounts by percentage rather than dollar amount. Also, since each league is different, use this guide as general advice but apply it with your knowledge of your own league mates. For example, if you want to bid on Jordan Wilkins but your league is full of Colts fans, then you should probably bid higher than suggested below.
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Week 9 FAAB Guide
QUARTERBACKS
Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts (68% rostered)
Colts QB Philip Rivers is officially heating up. Although he’s had a rough start, Rivers has now passed for three TDs in back-to-back showcases against the Bengals and Lions. His upcoming matchup against Baltimore’s stout defense is not favorable, but he should see positive game script as he’ll have to sling it in order to keep up with Lamar Jackson and his potent offense. He’s a sneaky streamer that could be a ROS starter with a very favorable remaining schedule if he catches fire against the Ravens. Not too shabby for an old-timer, eh?
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 3-5% in regular leagues, 15-20% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Drew Lock, Denver Broncos (55% rostered in Fantrax Leagues)
It wasn’t a smooth ride, but second-year QB Drew Lock was able to commandeer a three-TD comeback against the Chargers. Prior to this, he’s only managed two total TDs this entire year. Could this be a sign that he’s finally put things together and will start consistently producing for fantasy GMs? It’s hard to say, but it helps that he faces the league’s BEST matchup for opposing QBs when he heads to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday. He has another favorable opponent the following week against the Las Vegas Raiders. At the very least, Lock will be a viable streamer for the next two weeks for those in need of a spot starter.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 3% in regular leagues, 15% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers (7% rostered)
There’s QB drama brewing in the Bay Area. Undrafted QB Nick Mullens came in relief for the handsome Jimmy Garoppolo after he injured his ankle in the fourth quarter. Despite the very limited game time, Mullens was a much-needed breath of fresh air, completing 18 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two TDs. Garoppolo, meanwhile, only managed 84 scoreless yards with much more time to work with. Frankly put, he’s been a huge disappointment, while Mullens has shown flashes of fantasy brilliance in his rare opportunities. With news that Garoppolo’s expected to miss a minimum of six weeks, Mullens will be thrust into the spotlight. We’ll see what head coach Kyle Shanahan decides once everyone’s healthy, but a permanent QB change feels inevitable at this point.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 2-3% in regular leagues, 12-15% in 2QB or SF leagues.
RUNNING BACKS
JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers (67% rostered)
It didn’t turn any heads, but rookie JaMycal Hasty still made a splash against the Seahawks. He rushed 12 times for 29 yards and a score, plus a two-yard catch. Again, not a great performance by any means, but he’s the next man up after Tevin Coleman injured his knee and with Raheem Mostert still on IR. Meanwhile, Jerick McKinnon and his tired legs should resume playing a limited role. With only a short week to recover, chances are good that Hasty will remain the starter. If so, he is set to explode this week on TNF in an eruption spot against the league’s worst defense against RBs, the Green Bay Packers:
🏈RBs vs GB🏈
1⃣ Dalvin Cook: 21.8, RB9🔥
2⃣ D'Andre Swift: 12.2, RB28
3⃣ Alvin Kamara: 44.7, RB1🚀
4⃣ Todd Gurley: 19.3, RB12🔥
5⃣ BYE
6⃣ Ronald Jones: 26.1, RB4🔥
7⃣ David Johnson: 16.4, RB12🔥
8⃣ Cook: 48.6, RB1🚀Next up…#FTTB
But will it be McKinnon, Hasty, or Coleman?🤔 pic.twitter.com/NrrCB38pLR— Peter Chung (@FF_Hypeman) November 2, 2020
Hasty only has temporary value while the starters are out, but his extremely favorable upcoming matchup makes him worthy of serious consideration for managers in desperate need of immediate help.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 10-12%
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (52% rostered)
The crowded backfield in Baltimore had a moment of clarity when lead back Mark Ingram was declared inactive against the Steelers due to an ankle injury. Ingram is also expected to miss next week’s game against the Colts. With the reins suddenly free, both rookie J.K. Dobbins and veteran Gus Edwards grabbed ahold and staked their claim. Dobbins had a mini-breakout showing, rushing 15 times for 113 yards plus an 8-yard catch. But it was the “Gus Bus” that squeaked ahead in touches with 16 carries for 87 yards and a TD, plus a catchless target. He also left the game during the second quarter and would’ve presumably seen more touches had he not left. While everyone runs to grab Dobbins (91% rostered) as he carries the most upside, pivot by placing a modest bid on Edwards instead.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 10%
Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts (10% rostered)
Nuclear fission. The meaning of life. World hunger. All things that are easier to solve than the Colts’ backfield (probably). When lead RB Marlon Mack was ruled out for the season after the opener, it was common knowledge that hyped rookie Jonathan Taylor would assume the lead role and, to put it frankly, ball out. Instead, he’s been a huge disappointment, currently ranking as the RB21 on the season and not the top-five stud we all assumed he would be.
This came to a head last Sunday when it was Jordan Wilkins who shockingly led the team in rushing attempts, carrying the rock a whopping 20 times for 89 yards and a TD. He also caught a pass for 24 yards. Prior to this, he only saw one carry in each of his last two games. To confuse matters, Taylor only had 11 carries. Head coach Frank Reich appears to be channeling his inner-Bill Belichick but may continue feeding Wilkins after his impressive display in a blowout win over the Lions.
He could just be fool’s gold, but reports that Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury should help Wilkins case for more work. Nyheim Hines is also worth considering if available (70% rostered) as he will remain active in the passing game, especially after he scored twice from just five targets. Hines may be worth picking up just for his TD celebrations alone:
ARE YOU KIDDING, @TheNyNy7?! 🤯
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/J7f1jSaqB6
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 1, 2020
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 7-10%
DeeJay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks (51% rostered)
With RBs Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde out and Travis Homer active but hobbled, it was all hands on deck for rookie DeeJay Dallas. And while he evidently has room for improvement, boy did he impress fantasy managers, rushing 18 times for 41 yards and a TD plus five catches for 17 yards and another score. If Carson and Hyde are both absent again, then Dallas will have another wonderful opportunity as Russell Wilson’s goal-line back and red zone target on a scorching offense. Unfortunately, his value plummets once they return, so he can only be used as a temporary starter for those in need.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 7-10%
Tyler Ervin, Green Bay Packers (3% rostered)
Dexter Williams, Green Bay Packers (2% rostered)
These options are not for the faint of heart. But for those scouring the wire for any resemblance of a start-worthy player should look at the Packers Tyler Ervin or Dexter Williams. Why? Because here’s the status of the current RB room:
- Aaron Jones: missed last two games with calf injury, possibly ruled out.
- AJ Dillon: COVID-positive, ruled out for Week 9.
- Jamaal Williams: close contact with Dillon, possibly ruled out due to high risk.
With a short week, it’s possible that Green Bay’s backfield is led by Ervin and Williams, who have seen a combined 13 measly opportunities (carries + targets) so far this year. But the lead RB on Matt LaFleur’s offense under a rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers definitely deserves a second look. The most recent example is Williams, who has had back-to-back RB1 results with Jones sidelined. If you have the bench space, why not bid a minimum amount to grab one of these guys and hold off until further news is available?
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 1-2%
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers (29% rostered)
Filling in for lead receiver Deebo Samuels, undrafted wideout Kendrick Bourne proved to be a dependable understudy. He caught eight of 10 targets for 81 yards, which was his season-best in all those criteria (targets, receptions, yardage). It’s encouraging to see that Bourne accumulated the majority of his 81 yards in the final two drives under fellow backup QB Nick Mullens, who will captain the team for the next six weeks. The concern with Bourne has been his low target share. But if Samuel remains out, Bourne will undoubtedly see more looks, especially with primary target-hog George Kittle out for ROS. It won’t be easy against Jaire Alexander and the Packers, but Bourne could emerge as a bright spot on a team decimated with injuries.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 5%
Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (29% rostered)
Believe it or not, fifth-round rookie Darnell Mooney has blossomed into a reliable receiving option for inconsistent QB Nick Foles. In an overtime defeat against the Saints, Mooney caught five of six targets for 69 yards and a TD. Since Foles took over the QB helm in Week 3, Mooney has seen an average of 6.2 targets per game, which is great for a Flex play. He also gets to face the Titans and Vikings next, who have allowed the fourth and third MOST fantasy points to WRs, respectively. It’s not fun trusting anyone in Chicago besides Allen Robinson, but Mooney serviceable consistency could be the safe option you need on your lineup.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 3-5%
KJ Hamler, Denver Broncos (33% rostered)
Welcome to the NFL, KJ Hamler! The second-round rookie didn’t see many looks as the Broncos’ deep threat, but he cashed in when it mattered. He reeled in all three targets for 13 yards and a TD. That TD happened to be the game-winning score against the Chargers and was also Hamler’s first NFL score. His production will be dependent on QB Drew Lock’s gameplay, but last Sunday was a positive albeit shaky sign of what may come. They also have the Falcons’ vulnerable defense on deck, making Hamler a boom-bust streaming option this week. With his limited targets, though, you’re banking on a TD for any fantasy relevance.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 3-5%
Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots (17% rostered)
Undrafted receiver Jakobi Meyers is quickly becoming the AFC’s version of Travis Fulgham. For the second week in a row, Meyers led the team in targets, catching six of 10 passes for 58 yards and a two-point conversion. But here’s the thing: he looked good. He’ll continue to be used heavily in the passing game with Julian Edelman on IR and N’Keal Harry recovering from a concussion. There’s always a chance that Damiere Byrd could suddenly see more looks, but it doesn’t appear likely as he’s only had 10 total targets in three games since their bye week. Harry’s expected return next week will almost assuredly lower Meyers’ opportunities, but it may not matter when they face the Jets’ charitable defense that just gave up 250+ yards and four TDs to three different wideouts.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 3-5%
If one thing has become glaringly obvious over the last two weeks, it's that Jakobi Meyers is the Patriots' best wide receiver.
Meyers cannot go back to the bench when the Patriots are fully healthy at the position. https://t.co/zIpw8Abv18 pic.twitter.com/sOwgMi8obp
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 1, 2020
Marvin Hall, Detroit Lions (2% rostered)
When one door closes, another opens. The door is briefly open for undrafted practice-squad stalwart Marvin Hall, who tied Marvin Jones with seven targets in a lopsided loss to the Colts. He secured four of those passes for 113 yards — a career high. Hall benefitted after star Kenny Golladay left the game in the third quarter due to a hip injury, and may see more usage with Golladay unlikely to play in Week 9. There’s a serious chance that the Lions turn to fellow wideout Quintez Cephus instead, so Hall should only be considered in very deep leagues as a dart-throw play. Luckily, they face a porous Vikings secondary next that has given up the third most fantasy points to WRs.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 1%
TIGHT ENDS
Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts (37% rostered)
I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice. Pick up Trey Burton. Philip Rivers likes him.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 10%
.@TreyBurton8 in the shotgun? Sounds familiar… 🤔 #GatorMade 🐊
📺: #INDvsDET on CBSpic.twitter.com/eKH6Ts6fPe
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 1, 2020
Ross Dwelley, San Francisco 49ers (2% rostered)
Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers (13% rostered)
To the dismay of fantasy managers and fans worldwide, it was reported that TE George Kittle will be out for eight weeks with a broken foot, effectively ending his fantasy season. But with darkness, comes light. The light in this case is undrafted TE Ross Dwelley, who has barely played in his three years with the 49ers. With Kittle out and Jordan Reed still on IR, Dwelley will have his time to shine among the other ragtag group of replacements in San Francisco.
Reed is expected back as soon as this week, though he’s unfortunately been the definition of “injury-prone” and it remains to be seen if he’ll be activated in time for Thursday night’s showdown against Green Bay. I’m betting they’ll give Reed another week of rest and will deploy Dwelley this week, so I’d target him if you need immediate, short-term help. Otherwise, place a modest bid on Reed and pray he doesn’t get injured for the umpteenth time.
Recommended Week 9 FAAB Bids: 5% for Dwelley, 10% for Reed
If you enjoyed Peter’s Week 9 FAAB Guide, make sure to check Corbin Young’s Week 9 Waiver Wire for more help in optimizing your lineups.
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