The halfway point of the season is already here, and the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. This week’s article features a couple of players who could be useful if they were to get traded at the deadline, as well as a new section on which tempting players are best to stay away from on waivers. The Week 9 waiver wire will certainly be interesting this week as the trade deadline is bound to shake teams up.
Note: Teams on bye include Seahawks, Lions, Buccaneers, Washington
*Owned % are in terms of the Yahoo platform at the time of writing
Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Likely Available (Under 50% owned)
Jamison Crowder, NYJ- WR (19%)
Since returning from his injury, Jamison Crowder is averaging almost 8 targets per game, including 9 targets this past week from temporary starting QB Mike White. Crowder caught 8 of those for 84 yards and a 2-point conversion. If White really does love Crowder this much, Crowder becomes a touchdown-dependent FLEX starter.
Carlos Hyde, JAX- RB (6%)
Although never officially ruled out, Jaguars star running back James Robinson left the game and did not return on Sunday, leaving Carlos Hyde to handle rushing duties. Carlos Hyde may seem like a washed-up veteran back who only had 9 rush attempts, however, Hyde also was extremely involved in the passing game. Hyde was targeted 8 times and caught 6 of them for 40 yards. With a full game to play, Hyde should be putting up low-end RB2 numbers, but ONLY if Robinson does not return in time for the Week 9 matchup against the Bills.
DeVante Parker, MIA- WR (34%)
Parker returned from his three-week absence to a healthy Tua and had a productive game with 8 catches for 85 yards. Parker is yet to have a game this season where he does not have at least 7 targets, as he is averaging almost 9 per game. Parker has been discussed in many trade conversations and could really take advantage of a new scene with an experienced QB, but even if Parker comes out of the deadline as a Dolphin, he is still worth the waiver claim.
Darius Slayton, NYG- WR (13%)
One of the few bright spots for the Giants over the last few dreadful seasons, Darius Slayton now finds himself in a very crowded offense. Because of his talent being buried by the likes of Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Kadarius Toney, Slayton has been subject to a lot of trade rumors. Slayton should be closely watched as the trade deadline nears in case he explodes with a new team.
Evan Engram, NYG- TE (32%)
Evan Engram has been nothing short of a disappointment this season, and the athletic tight end is in dire need of a fresh start. Another Giant involved in trade talks, Engram should be picked up by a team desperate for a tight end, as an Engram trade could be very beneficial for him fantasy-wise.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Worth a Look (Over 50% owned)
Michael Carter, NYJ- RB (67%)
As I said last week, Carter is beginning to establish himself as a strong running back in fantasy. Carter is coming off of a monster 172 total yard game where he racked up 9 catches and a score. Carter should immediately be picked up in all fantasy leagues as there is still a good chance that he is available.
J.D. McKissic, WAS- RB (57%)
J.D. McKissic has had a premier role in the Washington passing game. After a Week 8 performance of 8 targets for 8 catches, McKissic is becoming a valuable PPR option. With Curtis Samuel out and Antonio Gibson struggling, McKissic should see an increased role in the Washington offense. McKissic is not an urgent pickup since he has a bye week coming up, but he should certainly be kept an eye on.
Jaylen Waddle, MIA- WR (83%)
I don’t care if Waddle only had 29 yards on Sunday. It’s as simple as that. Waddle had 12+ targets AGAIN. Tua is back, Parker might be on the move, and the Dolphins have a mouth-watering matchup against the Texans this week. By no means should Waddle be on waivers, let alone dropped, and should be considered for your weekly FLEX spot.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Quarterbacks
Derek Carr, LV- QB (62%)
At the time of this article’s writing, we are yet to see how the New York Giants defense performs against Patrick Mahomes, but as of now, the Raiders could be in for a field day despite the Giants holding the Panthers to just 3 points a week ago. Derek Carr has been consistent with the football, as he has thrown 2 touchdowns in 6 of his 7 games, as well as 1 pick in 5 of 7. Coming off of the bye week, Carr can serve as a viable plug and play for QB holes.
Tua Tagovailoa, MIA- QB (35%)
As opposed to Carr’s high floor, Tua has a high ceiling and possible long-term use. Yes, the Miami offense looked ugly on Sunday, and yes, Tua did not throw any touchdowns, but no, fantasy owners should not be dropping him. Going into Week 9, Tua is going up against a Houston defense and one should not forget that Week 8’s matchup was against a league-leading Buffalo defense. Tua should be held onto by fantasy owners for now.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Ones to Avoid
Eagles Running Backs
Yes, I’ll admit, Gainwell was not the move, as he only had 1 rush attempt in the first half. The Eagles running back committee went berserk this week, but this should not fool anyone. I’d like to emphasize the word committee in that last sentence. The Eagles’ running back room is one of the biggest mysteries in the NFL right now, and it would be foolish for anyone to consider starting an Eagles back at this point.
Titans Running Backs
Unfortunately, King Henry has been dethroned and will undergo foot surgery, likely ending his season. Originally, many thought it would be smart to turn to Titans backup Jeremy McNichols. However, just a few short hours later the Titans signed future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson. No disrespect to AP, but at this point in his career Peterson will likely be unproductively eating up snaps that McNichols could be using. Now that the potential passing game in McNichols is shut down, I’d stay clear of Titans’ running backs.
Mike White, NYJ- QB
Some may consider this obvious, but you’d be surprised. Mike White was extraordinary in his first career start but let’s be honest, he’s not the solution. Fantasy owners should not be picking him up any time soon and let’s not forget, he’s a Jets quarterback, it never ends well.
