Week 8 is now in the books, and with six important bye weeks coming up (CIN, ARI, IND, PHI, NYG, JAX) along with several injuries, the waiver wire is slimming down. Here is a look at my top waiver wire adds for Week 9:
Quarterback:
Ryan Fitzpatrick TB (9%): Jameis Winston has been benched after turning the ball over 4 times in favor of Fitzpatrick. Once again showing off why he earned the nickname “Fitzmagic” he came into a mess of a game that Winston dug the Bucs into against the Bengals late in the 3rd quarter and completed 11 of 15 passes for 194 and 2 touchdowns, while also adding a 2 point conversion which tied the game with just over a minute left to play. Doing everything he could to try getting the Buccaneers back into the game, Fitzpatrick has gotten the starting job back. He is worth a top waiver add for Week 9.
Running Back:
Elijah Mcguire NYJ (6%): Bilal Powell has been placed on IR, and as a result the Jets will be needing some help at the running back position. Fortunately for them, Elijah McGuire returned to practice last week and is now eligible to return from IR. As he returns, he should instantly have a role at least as a 3rd down back/change of pace for Isaiah Crowell. Mcguire is a talented young player with a lot of potential if given an opportunity, making him well worth a stash.
Josh Adams PHI (1%): The Eagles have struggled in the running game even before losing Jay Ajayi to a torn ACL. Adams is a big back the Eagles could be looking to use more moving forward after their Week 9 bye. Having a small sample size this season, Adams has gained 5.7 yards per carry with 20 carries for 107 yards. Adams should see more playing time after the team’s Week 9 bye and could be a valuable waiver wire pick up as the season goes on.
Wide Receiver:
Devante Parker MIA (14%): Parker finally played in a full game for the Dolphins, and did so impressively with a great statline, catching 6 of 9 passes for 134 yards. One of his catches came on a crazy deflection that was intended for Jakeem Grant, resulting in a 46 yard gain. The Dolphins are still hopeful Parker can consistently perform how he did in Week 8 against the Texans. With Albert Wilson on IR and the big play threat in Jakeem Grant mostly seeing the slot, a healthy Devante Parker would be worth a look on the waiver wire.
DJ Moore CAR (17%): So far into the season, DJ Moore has been inconsistent to say the least. However, with Torrey Smith out of action in Week 8, Moore was able to put together a nice statline, catching 5-6 targets for 90 yards and rushing 2 times for an additional 39 yards. If the Panthers can continue to get the rookie 1st rounder more involved on offense, he will have a better opportunity to show his dynamic skill set as a runner/receiver. With many receivers out on byes, he would be a great waiver pick up for Week 9
Courtland Sutton DEN (11%): The Broncos sent Demaryius Thomas to the Texans today, leaving the door wide open for Courtland Sutton to take over as the Broncos 2nd option behind Emmanuel Sanders. Sutton hauled in 3-4 passes for 78 yards in Week 8 against the Chiefs. Sutton has seen just 37 targets this season, however his target volume is likely to increase as a result of Thomas being traded. Sutton has big play ability as he has shown in flashes this year, and looks to take full advantage of the opportunity he has moving forward as the Broncos’ number 2 receiver.
Tight End:
Ed Dickson SEA (2%): The Seahawks finally got tight end Ed Dickson back from a groin injury which sent him to IR. Playing in his first game as a Seahawk Week 8 against the Lions, Dickson hauled in both of his targets for 52 yards a touchdown. The Seahawks will most likely give Dickson more opportunities going forward, as they are understandably easing him into game action following a long injury. With several teams on bye weeks, Dickson could prove to be a good waiver wire add and could be in your team’s weekly starting lineup moving forward.
Jack Doyle IND (26%): With Eric Ebron is off to one of the best seasons of his career, no one knew what to expect from Doyle in Week 8 as Ebron has been playing like a legit TE1. Doyle seems to still have a significant role with the Colts as he caught 6 of 7 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Doyle returned for the first time since Week 2 as he’s been out with a hip injury. With Doyle back in action, the Colts will be forced to run multiple 2 TE sets as him and Ebron seem to work very well together. The Colts are on a Week 9 bye, so it may be hard for teams to use their waiver wire claim on him, but Doyle could be worth it as the season progresses given the scarcity of talent at the tight end position.
Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter for more fantasy football advice throughout the week @LonskiWilliam
