Fantasy football: Top 10 waiver wire Week 9 pickups

If your fantasy football team needs a boost through the bye weeks check out these top 10 waiver wire Week 9 pickups.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) is nearing his return making him one of my top 10 waiver wire week 9 pickups. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It was a fright-filled weekend for some NFL teams as the end of October came and went in fantasy football week 8. Hopefully, your fantasy team survived relatively unscathed and is ready for a November push to the playoffs. If injury scares or players you’ve been forced to have in your lineup have been downright scary the last few weeks, maybe your team could use some help from the waiver wire week 9. To see who makes the most sense to add to your team, check out my weekly top 10 pickups on the following slides.

For the second week in a row there are just 24 teams in action as the Cardinals, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Patriots, and Washington all spend Week 9 on the sideline. After those six teams are off this week, four teams will rest in Week 10 and Week 11. If another injury or bye week trouble has you stretched thin, don’t worry there are some solid fill-in options widely available on the waiver wire Week 9.

To help you find those solid options, each Tuesday you can find my weekly waiver wire post here on FanSided.com. I focus on the top ten options who are available in more than half of ESPN leagues. So far this season, players like Dak Prescott, Spencer Ware, Theo Riddick, Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, and Matt Ryan have been on my waiver wire pickup list when they were available in over 50% of leagues. Those players won’t be found in my waiver wire week 9 picks, though, since the ownership percentage is already over 50%.

Each week, I make sure to include players at each of the main fantasy football positions–quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and team defense. The players are listed in the general order that I would target them, but be sure to take into account your league’s specific roster requirements and your team’s strength and weaknesses. I’ve included each player’s ownership percentage as of Tuesday morning at the top of their page. If you’re in deeper leagues or are looking for more options, check out the final slide of this post where I’ve listed some extra other options from the waiver wire week 9.

If you have any specific questions about your team or other players who may be available, you are welcome to drop them in the comments section at the bottom of the page or give me a shout out on Twitter. You can keep up with all our coverage by following @FansidedFantasy on Twitter and by dropping a bookmark on our fantasy football hub.

With those reminders out of the way, it’s time to get rolling with my top 10 pickups from the waiver wire Week 9 starting with a WR whose breakout is now set up to continue.

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) catches a touchdown over New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) during the first half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Sammie Coates-WR-Pittsburgh Steelers (44.3%)

Sammie Coates was in the middle of a breakout season when he found himself on top of my waiver wire pickups a few weeks ago. Things all went sideways on him, though, due to injuries to himself and Ben Roethlisberger. This week, he and Ben are both practicing and looking to return after the team’s Week 8 bye.

In the first five games of the season, Coates had at least 50 receiving yards in each contest. He broke through for a monster game against the Jets in Week 5 totaling 139 yards on six catches and hauling in a pair of touchdowns. However, in that game he also hurt his hand breaking his index finder and suffering a nasty laceration. He was active but didn’t catch a pass in Week 6 against the Dolphins where Big Ben went down with a knee injury of his own. While Ben was out Week 7, Coates caught just one pass for four yards against New England.

The reason that Coates is on my list this week is that so many owners gave up on him and dropped him back on the waiver wire. He has the potential to be a differe-making receiver the rest of the season with top-20 potential the rest of the way. Given the risk, he’s a WR3 for this weekend’s matchup against the Ravens, but his sky-high upside makes him the top name to target from the players available in 50+% of leagues on the week 9 waiver wire.

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Charcandrick West-RB-Kansas City Chiefs (7.3%)

The Chiefs running game has been among the most effective in the NFL this season and has helped Spencer Ware become a weekly RB1. Ware sustained a concussion in Week 8 against the Colts, though, and he may miss this week’s game against the Jaguars. Ware joins Jamaal Charles on the sideline who continues to deal with setbacks on his surgically-repaired knee.

The only healthy running back left in Kansas City is Charcandrick West who could be a great plug-and-play option in a plus matchup against Jacksonville. In relief of Ware, West had 52 yards on 14 carries and added eight yards on two catches. At the beginning of the season, it was West who was dealing with a ankle injury, but he showed no signs of being slowed on Sunday while carrying the load for coach Andy Reid.

West is in a prime position to step up and contribute if Ware is unable to get cleared this week. If he performs well, he could even earn more playing time moving forward since the Chiefs like to rotate their backs. If he’s the only healthy option this week, he’ll be a top-ten back in such a great matchup, so make him your top waiver wire week 9 target if you need RB help.

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Antone Smith (36) runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Antone Smith-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0.1%)

Antone Smith has been with the Bucs for just a couple weeks, but he is the last man standing for Tampa as they head into a Thursday Night Football matchup against Smith’s former team from Atlanta. The Bucs have lost Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and most recently Jacquizz Rodgers to injuries leaving Smith as the team’s go-to back in this week’s divisional matchup.

Smith took over for Rodgers at the end of Week 8’s overtime loss to the Raiders and had four carries for 16 yards. He added a nine-yard catch and run as well while out-snapping Peyton Barber (the only other back on the roster) 22-3.

With a short turnaround this week, it looks like both Martin and Rodgers are a long-shot to play against Atlanta. It’s hard to predict exactly what coach Dirk Koetter will do with a rotation of leave Smith, Barber, and the recently re-signed Mike James, but of the three Smith looks to be the “lead back.”

Since he hasn’t ever been a feature-back it’s hard to know what to expect from Smith who had a few nice plays in 2014 for the Falcons, but never really settled in. He’s a dice-roll this week, but if you need RB help and can’t get West Smith has enough upside to throw into your lineup. He isn’t a must-add, but he’ll have a big opportunity to break out this week against Atlanta who is allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing RB’s this season.

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) congratulates Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) on his touchdown reception during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Coleman-WR-Cleveland Browns (31.6%)

The Browns were high enough on Corey Coleman to take him with the 15th overall pick in the draft out of Baylor. He was originally supposed to be part of Cleveland’s new-look offense with fellow-Baylor-alum Robert Griffin III. That plan quickly fell apart, though, with Griffin getting hurt in Week 1 and Coleman after breaking his hand in practice after Week 2.

Before that injury, though, Coleman flashed his potential hauling in five passes for 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Cleveland’s Week 2 loss to Baltimore. After missing six weeks with that injury, Coleman has been cleared to practice in full and is expected to return to the field this week against the Cowboys.

The Browns are short on offensive talent, so getting a playmaker like Coleman back should be a huge boost to their offense. Coleman is still a rookie and will have to get acclimated to working with Cody Kessler if the Browns decide to go back to the rookie under center instead of Josh McCown. Coleman is definitely a WR3 with McCown under center since he was the QB in Coleman’s big Week 2. If Kessler starts, Coleman is higher risk but still worth an add from the waiver wire week 9 in all formats.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) is defended by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Redskins and Bengals tied 27-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jamison Crowder-WR-Washington (44.5%)

Crowder has been a regular on my pickups list and he’s back as one of the top adds from the waiver wire Week 9 even though Washington is headed onto their bye week. Crowder continues to show he’s a top weapon in the Washington attack based on his solid connection with starting QB Kirk Cousins.

Heading into the bye, Crowder posted back-to-back 100+ yard games against the Lions and the Bengals. He had his best game of the season this last week in London where he totaled 107 yards on nine catches while adding his fourth touchdown of the year.

After his break this coming week, Crowder has a brutal matchup against the Vikings. However, after that things set up pretty well for him coming down the stretch. If he continues to lead the team in targets every week, he’ll be a great addition. He also could do even more in the coming weeks if the mystery injury to DeSean Jackson is anything serious.

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Seahawks 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Hightower-RB-New Orleans Saints (1.9%)

The Saints got a big win this week by knocking off the Seahawks in New Orleans. As usual, it was Drew Brees that carried them to the win, but there was also an important shift in the running game. Mark Ingram fumbled and finished with -9 yards on three carries ending up on the bench for the final three quarters of the game. While he was out, Tim Hightower stepped up and will have a larger role going forward.

Hightower’s numbers were solid as he took his 26 carries for 102 yards. He was held out of the end zone on five different goal line opportunities, but still did enough to prove to coach Sean Payton that he deserves more work going forward. Payton was noncommittal to either back on Monday saying that the team would use some kind of undefined “committee” approach.

While running back by committee situations drive fantasy owners nuts, this one is worth a look this week as the Saints head to San Francisco where the 49ers have a historically bad run defense. Even if the work is a 40-60 split either way, both backs will have fantasy value this week. The trouble is that either one could end up getting very few carries making them boom-or-bust plays this week. In almost all leagues Ingram is owned, but Hightower is worth a flier of the waiver wire week 9 since he would have definite value if he can show he has passed Ingram for good.

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) is a solid pickup option from the waiver wire week 9. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Fiedorowicz-TE-Houston Texans (13.0%)

If you need a streaming tight end off the waiver wire week 9, Fiedorowicz is definitely not the right option for you. He and the Texans are on a bye this week, so give some of the TE on our depth options a look if you need a quick-fix patch job at the position.

If you’re looking for a more long-term solution at the spot, though, my favorite pickup from the wavier wire week 9 is C.J. Fiedorowicz who continues to grow into a big role in the Texans passing attack.

Over the last five weeks, Fiedorowicz has been remarkably consistent with at least four catches every game and a total of 272 yards and three touchdowns. Last week, he had 42 yards and a touchdown on his five catches.

After the Texans bye this week, he’ll be on the TE1 radar as Houston heads to Jacksonville and Oakland and then continues their favorable schedule through the fantasy playoffs. If you can scrape through this week, Fiedorowicz can reward you down the stretch.

If you need a streaming quarterback, Colin Kaepernick (7) is an option with upside on the waiver wire week 9.

Colin Kaepernick-QB-San Francisco 49ers (8.0%)

The 49ers gave the reigns of their offense to Colin Kaepernick the last two weeks before the bye week, but the controversial QB didn’t put up great numbers. He will look to stay the starter this week coming off the bye, and he actually has some streaming potential if you’re looking for a one-week QB solution.

Kaepernick threw for 187 yards and a touchdown in his first start against the Bills and followed that up with 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in Week 7 against the Bucs. The main reason he carries fantasy value is that he also supplements those numbers with nice rushing totals. He ran for 66 yards on eight attempts against the Bills and 84 yards on nine attempts against the Bucs.

The other reason that I’m giving Kaepernick a look as a streaming QB this week is that he will be in a great matchup against the Saints. New Orleans defense has struggled to slow anyone down especially on the road, so Kaepernick should have a chance to make plays this week making him a boom-or-bust option from the waiver wire Week 9.

Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise (22) is an intriguing long term option from the waiver wire week 9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Prosise-RB-Seattle Seahawks (8.0%)

The Seahawks offense continued to sputter as they lost on the road to the Saints this week. The offense is desperate for playmakers, and there was one that emerged on Sunday that is worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

While Christine Michael remained the clear No. 1 back, rookie C.J. Prosise was involved as well. He ran for a nice 23 yards on his four carries and added 80 yards on four catches. He didn’t get into the end zone but his 100 total yards are definitely worth noting.

Prosise played some slot receiver at Notre Dame before being converted to a RB, so his role as a passing-down back makes sense. He should continue to supplement C-Mike until Thomas Rawls returns in a few weeks. If Prosise makes plays like he did on Sunday, though, he could lock himself in as a meaningful contributor looking for skill players who can make plays.

This week, the Seahawks are back home as they take on the Bills, and Prosise is still a little too inconsistent to count on unless your desperate. If you’re in a position to take a longer look down the road, though, he does have interesting upside and could be a nice grab-and-stash this week.

If you need a streaming defense from the waiver wire week 9 check out the Dallas Cowboys led by defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys D/ST (16.5%)

The Cowboys defense looked pretty good coming off their bye week as they took on the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. They only managed to force one turnover, a Wendall Smallwood fumble, but held Carson Wentz and the Eagles to just 23 points.

Dallas’s defense picked up three sacks led by Tyrone Crawford who had 1.5 while CB Orlando Scandrick added the other. Crawford added to his big night by also recovering Smallwood’s fumble.

The real reason the Cowboys are the streaming defense to target on the Week 9 waiver wire is their matchup. Dallas will look to improve to pick up their seventh straight win as they travel to Cleveland this week where they’ll take on the Browns who have struggled with turnovers all season. Dallas probably lost both Morris Claiborne and Barry Church from their defensive backfield in their win over the Eagles, but the matchup is so good that they’re still the team to target.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) is a deep league pickup from the waiver wire week 9. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Other Waiver Wire Week 9 targets

These options are also available in over 50% of ESPN and make good pickups as well. They’re listed in the general order that I would target them if the top 10 aren’t available in your league.

QB: Joe Flacco-Baltimore Ravens, Ryan Fitzpatrick-New York Jets, Carson Wentz-Philadelphia Eagles, Trevor Siemian-Denver Broncos, Alex Smith-Kansas City Chiefs

RB: Terron Ward-Atlanta Falcons, Rob Kelley-Washington (bye this week), Derrick Henry-Tennessee Titans, Chris Thompson-Washington (bye this week), Dion Lewis-New England Patriots (stash for when he returns), Bilal Powell-New York Jets, Thomas Rawls-Seattle Seahawks (stash for when he returns), Kenneth Dixon-Baltimore Ravens

WR: J.J. Nelson-WR-Arizona Cardinals, Rishard Matthews-WR-Tennessee Titans, Kenny Britt-Los Angeles Rams, Kendall Wright-Tennessee Titans, Anquan Boldin-Detroit Lions, Russell Shepard-Tampa Bay Buccaneers,

TE: Eric Ebron-Detroit Lions, Cameron Brate-Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Austin Hooper-Atlanta Falcons, Charles Clay-Buffalo Bills, Ladarius Green-Pittsburgh Steelers (back soon),

D/ST: Chargers D/ST, Dolphins D/ST, Saints D/ST, Falcons D/ST