As we enter Week 9 of the NFL season, the waiver wire is poised for significant activity, driven by numerous player injuries and the upcoming trade deadline on November 4.
This week sees four teams on a bye: Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and the New York Jets, meaning many fantasy managers will need to fill gaps left by key players. Among those missing are star players like Justin Fields, Saquon Barkley, and David Njoku. The situation is further complicated by injuries to other players, including Quinshon Judkins, whose shoulder issue has raised concerns about his availability. If Judkins is unable to go, players like Dylan Sampson and Tank Bigsby may become valuable additions to rosters.
Additionally, the trading landscape could shift as several well-known players—including Breece Hall, Tony Pollard, and Calvin Ridley—are rumored to be on the move. Should these players be traded, it may open doors for their backups, such as Tyjae Spears and Isaiah Davis, to step into more prominent playing roles.
With performances in mind, certain players looking to make their mark include Sam Darnold, Trevor Lawrence, and Zonovan Knight, who all showed promise in recent games. Notably, Tyrone Tracy Jr. stands out as a notable addition in all leagues, especially now that Cam Skattebo is out for the season with an ankle injury.
For quarterback additions, managers should consider Darnold, who comes off a bye week and faces favorable matchups, and Trevor Lawrence, who is also trending positively. Both have the potential to fill voids left by starters on bye weeks.
At running back, Tyrone Tracy Jr., who steps up as the No. 1 for the Giants due to Skattebo’s injury, deserves attention. With the opportunity to shine in a more significant role, he could provide valuable fantasy points in the weeks to come. Other running backs like Zonovan Knight and Tyjae Spears are also worth a look as they might play pivotal roles in their teams’ offenses.
Wide receivers like Khalil Shakir and Rashid Shaheed have shown they can perform consistently, making them great options to fill in gaps caused by injured players or those on a bye. Moreover, Troy Franklin has been making a name for himself as well, thanks to his recent performances.
As we navigate through injuries, bye weeks, and potential trades, each decision on the waiver wire could significantly impact fantasy standings. Keeping an eye on emerging talent and being proactive could all enhance your fantasy performance as the season progresses.