Waiver Wire Watch: Week 9
Here's a look at the top waiver wire pickups for Week 9. To be eligible for discussion, the player must be owned in 50% or fewer ESPN leagues, though I'll stretch the rules a bit for the RB position, which is usually very thin. I'll also include suggested bid prices (with a $100 budget) for those leagues that use Free Agent Acquisition Budgets. Of course, player value depends on league characteristics and team needs.
* Players with an asterisk next to their name were mentioned in last week's Waiver Wire Watch.
Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick ($3)
Fitzy is owned in about 59% of ESPN leagues, but I thought I'd mention him here in case he's available on your league's waiver wire due to his terrific schedule from Weeks 10-13 that includes the Patriots, Dolphins, Colts and Jaguars. Fitzpatrick has performed very well in good matchups this year, only faltering in bad matchups against the 49ers and the Cardinals.
Next up: Texans, Patriots, Dolphins
Vikings QB Christian Ponder* ($1)
Ponder has a pretty nice matchup against the Lions in Week 10, so those owners looking for a bye week fill-in for Aaron Rodgers or Robert Griffin III may want to pick him up.
Next up: Seahawks, Lions, BYE
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson ($1)
This week Wilson faces the Vikings, who have been mediocre against the pass this season. Wilson has been serviceable-to-good in favorable matchups, including last week's game against the Lions, where he threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
Next up: Vikings, Jets, BYE
Browns QB Brandon Weeden* ($1)
Weeden was a disappointment in Week 8, throwing for just 129 yards against a shaky Chargers secondary after averaging 277 yards and 1.5 TDs in his previous six games. He's not going to be startable in the short term due to a tough upcoming schedule, but those owners who are looking for backup for the fantasy playoffs could pick him up. He faces the Raiders, Chiefs and Redskins in Weeks 13-15.
Next up: Ravens, BYE, Cowboys
Dolphins QBs Ryan Tannehill* ($1) & Matt Moore ($1)
With upcoming matchups against the Colts, Titans and Bills, whoever is under center for the Dolphins will be serviceable in a pinch. Tannehill is dealing with a bruised quad/knee and is currently questionable for Week 9, so it may be Moore this week.
Next up: Colts, Titans, Bills
Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert ($1)
Gabbert threw for 303 yards and a TD against the Packers on Sunday, and he has solid-to-good matchups in four of the next five weeks. He's a plug-and-play option for owners looking for a bye week fill-in.
Next up: Lions, Colts, Texans
Eagles QB Nick Foles ($1)
The Eagles are 3-4 and some are calling for Foles to replace Michael Vick, but recent reports say that Vick is still the starter. Vick owners may want to pick up Foles to cover their bases.
Next up: Saints, Cowboys, Redskins
Jets QB Tim Tebow ($1)
The Jets are heading into their bye week with a 3-5 record and Mark Sanchez is coming off another shaky performance against a not-so-great Dolphins pass defense. As the calls for Tim Tebow get louder, HC Rex Ryan continues to stand behind Sanchez, but a change could be coming soon.
Next up: BYE, Seahawks, Rams
Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings* ($30-$40)
Jennings is somehow still available in 36% of ESPN leagues, but he deserves another mention since Maurice Jones-Drew (sprained foot) has already been ruled out for Week 9. Jennings gained 115 total yards against the Packers on Sunday, and should be a solid RB2 as long as MJD is sidelined. He has very tasty matchups in Week 10 (Colts), Week 12 (Titans) and Week 13 (Bills).
Next up: Lions, Colts, Texans
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