It’s been a whirlwind of a week in the NFL. Diontae Johson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, Anthony Richardson was benched, and Tyrique Stevenson is still yelling at fans somewhere. Waiver wire options for Week 9 will be light on startable running backs, but there are still some stashes for later.
Waiver Wire Week 9 – Panthers Receivers, Saints Defense Headline
Xavier Legette – Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver
Legette and Coker are winners following the Diontae Johnson trade. Coker’s a fun add in deeper leagues, but Legette is the safer pick-up moving forward. His first-round draft capital, explosive athleticism, and now crucial role in the offense make him a possible league winner.
Cedric Tillman – Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver
Jameis Winston made the Browns offense fun again! Strangely enough, Tillman has been on the receiving end of the increased pass volume rather than Jeudy, but no complaints here. The former Tennessee Volunteer has had a quiet start to his NFL career but has broken out in the past two weeks. If he’s still floating around your waiver wire ahead of Week 9, scoop him up and plug him in as a FLEX.
John Metchie – Houston Texans Wide Receiver
Xavier Hutchison has had more snaps in the offense, but Metchie was targeted twice on the drive Diggs tore his ACL on. With a full week of game preparation as the team’s WR2 or WR3, Metchie could be extremely involved in the offense. While the first two waiver options are season-long options, Metchie is useful in Week 9 and maybe 10 until Collins returns.
Isaac Guerendo – San Francisco 49ers Running Back
Jordan Mason’s dealing with a nagging injury, and Guerendo plays for one of the best rushing attacks in the nation. There are not a lot of systems that can make anyone look good. It’s the perfect match, as Guerendo’s speed and size are exactly what the Shanahan system is looking for. If Mason is still dealing with issues after the bye, and Christian McCaffrey doesn’t return Guerendo will hit a sweet spot for Week 10.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. – New York Giants Running Back
Tracy should already be rostered, but if he isn’t, burn all your FAAB to go get him. He’s the number one back in New York, effective with his touches, and still available in over half of leagues on ESPN.
Jonnu Smith – Miami Dolphins Tight End
Tua is back baby. With that, Smith goes from a frustrating, low-ceiling tight end to a frustrating, high-ceiling tight end! With Kittle and Freiermuth on bye this week, Smith is a lottery ticket tight end streamer.
Drake Maye – New England Patriots Quarterback
Maye left Sunday’s contest with only six pass attempts and still put up almost 12 fantasy points. If he clears concussion protocol he’s a fine streaming option for Week 9. But he’s an even better stash as the season goes on and he grows into the offense.
New Orleans Saints D/ST
The Saints play the Panthers with no Diontae Johnson. Then it’s either Andy Dalton with a sprained thumb on his throwing hand or Bryce Young completely healthy. Either way, there’s nothing to be afraid of in this matchup and they’re available in 65% of leagues on ESPN.
Honorable mention D/ST – Washington Commanders at the New York Giants
Main Photo Credit: Scott Rausenberger-USA TODAY Sports
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