Week 9 fantasy football waiver wire pickups

See which players are worth adding to your fantasy football roster ahead of Week 9's action.

Oct 28, 2025

Week 9 sees four more teams taking a breather — the Browns, Jets, Eagles, and Buccaneers — and some new injuries to react to, most notably Giants’ back Cam Skattebo (ankle, season-ending).

In the good news department (unless you’re up against an owner this week), we might also finally see the return of some key fantasy contributors, including the stackable Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall, while stud wideout Puka Nacua’s one-game absence appears to be coming to a speedy end.

Below are the top players to target ahead of Week 9 — plus FAAB recommendations and matchup context for each position.

Current ownership percentage based on Yahoo fantasy football leagues at the time of publishing.

Week 9 waiver wire cheatsheet

Week 9 quarterbacks

QB injury update

🚫 Nope: Joe Burrow (CIN); Carson Wentz (MIN)
🫤 Looking iffy: Michael Penix Jr. (ATL)
🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Lamar Jackson (BAL); Jayden Daniels (WAS); Kyler Murray (ARI); Brock Purdy (SF); Bryce Young (CAR)
✅ Good to go: J.J. McCarthy (MIN)

🏖️ On a bye: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Baker Mayfield (TB)

Quarterbacks to add in Week 9

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)

Sam Darnold (SEA) — Streamer

36% owned

After a quiet Week 7, Darnold heads into a soft stretch of matchups that could re-establish him as a reliable QB2. Seattle faces Washington, Arizona, Tennessee, and Minnesota in four of its next five games—defenses all ranked in the bottom half against fantasy QBs. Darnold has multiple touchdown passes in four of his last six games and averages 250+ yards per contest. He’s a steady plug-in option for those missing Hurts or Mayfield. Suggested FAAB: 5 %

Others to stream: Trevor Lawrence (JAC); Aaron Rodgers (PIT); Joe Flacco (CIN)
Others to stash: Justin Fields (NYJ)

Week 9 running backs

RB injury update

🚫 Nope: Trey Benson (ARI); Omarion Hampton (LAC); Joe Mixon (HOU); Cam Skattebo (NYG)

🏖️ On a bye: Saquon Barkley (PHI); Bucky Irving (TB); Breece Hall (NYJ); Quinshon Judkins (CLE)

Running backs to add in Week 9

Tyrone Tracy Jr. #29 of the New York Giants. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Tyrone Tracy (NYG) — Top Priority

49% owned

With Cam Skattebo’s season ending, Tracy steps back into a near-every-down role. After Skattebo exited Week 8, Tracy handled 10 carries and added two catches on three targets for 53 total yards. He showcased burst and soft hands, and his versatility makes him an RB2 with weekly upside. The Giants’ offense isn’t explosive, but volume and receiving usage could give Tracy a safe floor going forward. Suggested FAAB: 20–25 %

Bam Knight (ARI) — Streamer

18% owned

Knight emerged as Arizona’s lead back before the Week 8 bye, handling 14 carries to Michael Carter’s seven. With Trey Benson out for at least one more week, Knight should again dominate touches in Week 9 against a Dallas defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs. He’s a strong one-week fill-in with RB2 potential and worth stashing until the Cardinals’ backfield gets healthy. Suggested FAAB: 10–12 %

Others to stream: Tyjae Spears (TEN); Kyle Monangai (CHI)

Others to stash: Trey Benson (ARI); Dylan Sampson (CLE); Bhayshul Tuten (JAC); Blake Corum (LAR);

Week 9 waiver wide receivers

WR injury update

🫤 Looking iffy: Ricky Pearsall (SF); Calvin Ridley (TEN)
🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Nico Collins (HOU); Christian Kirk (HOU); Puka Nacua (LAR)

🏖️ On a bye: A.J. Brown (PHI); Chris Godwin (TB); Garrett Wilson (NYJ)

WRs to add in Week 9

Troy Franklin (DEN) — Streamer

37% owned

Franklin delivered a breakout Week 8 performance (6-89-2) and continues to lead Denver in red-zone targets. His chemistry with Bo Nix is obvious, and even with a tougher matchup versus Houston ahead, his big-play role makes him a worthy flex. Franklin’s volume and touchdown upside justify a bench or starting spot in 12-team leagues. Suggested FAAB: 8–10 %

Tre Tucker (LV) — Streamer

38% owned

Tucker returns from a bye as the Raiders’ likely WR1. He’s posted 70+ yards in four of seven games and now gets a beatable Jaguars secondary. If Jakobi Meyers is traded or remains sidelined, Tucker’s usage could climb further. He’s a solid WR3/flex who’s still available in most leagues. Suggested FAAB: 5–10 %

Chimere Dike (TEN) — Steamer/Stash

8% owned

With Calvin Ridley sidelined, Dike has logged 11 catches, 163 yards, and a score over the last two weeks. His snap share continues to climb, and he could keep a significant role even when Ridley returns. If Tennessee continues emphasizing its young receivers, Dike could be a sneaky midseason breakout. Suggested FAAB: 5–8 %

Others to stream: Kayshon Boutte (NE); Darnell Mooney (ATL); Alec Pierce (IND); Darius Slayton (NYG)

Others to stash: Jaylin Noel (HOU); Jayden Higgins (HOU); Brandon Aiyuk (SF)

Week 9 tight ends

TE injury update

🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Brock Bowers (LV)

🏖️ On a bye: Dallas Goedert (PHI); Cade Otton (TB); Mason Taylor (NYJ); Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE)

Tight ends to add in Week 9

Juwan Johnson (NO) — Streamer

32% owned

Johnson has 15 targets across his past two games and has scored double-digit PPR points in both. With Rashid Shaheed (hip) questionable, Johnson’s target share should stay high against the Rams. He’s regained his early-season form as a reliable TE1 streamer. Suggested FAAB: 5 %

Others to stream: Mason Taylor (NYJ); Colston Loveland (CLE)
Others to stash: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE)

Week 9 waiver wire defense/special teams

Rams (LAR) — Streamer

LA ranks second in the NFL in sacks and has forced 10 turnovers over its last six games. Coming off a bye, the Rams face a New Orleans offense that just benched its starting quarterback and allows heavy pressure. They’re a top 10 D/ST play for Week 9. Suggested FAAB: 1–2 %