🖥 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 9 Waiver Wire - Wide Receivers (WR) & Defenses (DEF)

Each week of the NFL season I will take a look at how to improve your fantasy football teams.  Below I highlight wide receivers (WRs) and defenses (DEF) that need to be considered on the Week 9 waiver wire for your fantasy football teams.  Some may have a good matchup for Week 9, or have been putting up relevant points and should be rostered.

As the season continues I'm sure many of you reading this article have had your fair share of disappointments in fantasy football.  Whether it's a bad trade, bad draft choice or injury, it all adds to the ongoing complexity of keeping your team competitive, and as Charlie Sheen stated best, "WINNING."  This week, there was a major offensive outburst by one of my recommended players (hint: he's on the Bengals), and the rest of my suggestions are nice PPR choices.  And as always, I will be recommending defenses for Week 9 that are nice streamer choices based off the matchup.

 

With that said, lets get to it.  Here are the waiver recommendations for Week 9 by priority order:

 

Editor's Note: The FFPC Playoff Challenge #2 is back with a massive $100,000 grand prize and $203,250 total prize pool, paying down to 100th place. Here's the deal: no salary cap, no draft, no pickups, no subs. Choose 8 players, and as NFL teams get knocked out so will your players, so choose your team wisely. The entries will sell out quickly, and registrations will close on Saturday January 17th at 4:30 pm ET . Don't wait - get your team now and end your fantasy football season with a shot at $100,000! Sign Up Now!

Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups - Wide Receivers (WR)

 

Marvin JonesMarvin Jones, WR, CIN - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately (10+ teams Standard, PPR)
ANALYSIS:  Outside of AJ Green, Cincinnati has been looking for the past couple of years for a solid #2 receiving option.  It looks like they may have found that in Marvin Jones.  For the past three weeks, he's had at least one TD with six TDs total, 250 yards, and 15 catches on 19 targets.  My concern with this recommendation is that prior to the past three weeks, he had been a marginal bench fantasy WR option at best (35 yards/game).  However, as the top cornerbacks continue to focus on AJ Green, someone else will get targets, and it looks like that will be Jones. If you are in a league with a WR bench spot Marvin Jones might be a nice option for you to consider.

 

Tim Wright, WR/TE, TB - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately (12+ teams Standard, PPR)
ANALYSIS:  Since the Josh Freeman era has passed in Tampa Bay, Wright has found a new friend in QB Mike Glennon.  Outside of last week's dud (two catches for 15 yards), he's had at least 9 fantasy points.  If you are in a Yahoo! league, Tim Wright is a player that can play both TE or WR; ESPN owners should disregard Wright as a WR option as he is eligible only at TE.  Obviously Wright has chemistry with Glennon over Freeman, so I would expect positive results going forward, assuming Glennon keeps the starting QB job.

 

Dexter McCluster, WR, MIA - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues (12+ teams PPR)
ANALYSIS:  For those of you who are in PPR leagues, Dexter McCluster is a player for you consider.  For the past two weeks, he's had 137 yards on 11 catches with 15 targets (73% catch rate).  Coming into the season, I anticipated that Andy Reid would find a way to get the ball into McCluster's hands, and I believe it's finally happening.  It seems as though Alex Smith will continue to look to him (second-straight week as the Chiefs' leading receiver) for short underneath routes, which is a great opportunity for PPR league players to consider McCluster as a WR option.  For the past two weeks I'd call him a Julian Edelman Lite for 2013.  If he continues at this pace, I anticipate that his value will increase substantially in the upcoming weeks.

 

Honorable mentions: David Nelson, WR, NYJ; Myles White, WR, GB; Drew Davis, WR, ATL

 

Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups - Defenses (DEF)

 

Defense no-brainer starts Cincinnati (vs Miami), Kansas City (vs Buffalo), Seattle (vs Tampa Bay)

 

INDIANAPOLIS (IND), DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (12+ teams)
ANALYSIS: In Week 7, the Indianapolis defense did a decent job of containing the No. 1 offense (Denver Broncos) with four sacks, a safety, an interception, and two fumble recoveries.  For Week 9, they will be facing the Houston Texans, who have had issues with the QB position all season.  As of this writing, I do not know who the starting QB will be in Houston, but I anticipate that no matter which guy they run out there, Indianapolis will have a much easier task. If you are seeking a defense as a bye-week replacement or streaming option, Indianapolis would be a nice choice.

 

TENNESSEE (TEN), DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (10+ teams)
ANALYSIS: The Titans will be facing a Rams team that will be starting backup QB Kellen Clemens, who has a 51.8% completion rate with seven TDs and 13 interceptions for his career.  To give you a sense of how bad he could be, rumors have it that the Rams have reached out to Brett Favre to consider un-retiring.  Favre hasn't played in the NFL since 2010, and he's 44 years old.  If true, this smacks of desperation in St. Louis, and it also smells like Clemons is not that great of a player.    To make matters worse for Clemons, he'll be facing the #12 ranked defense in Tennessee, who have generated 11 fumbles and recovered seven of those.  I have a hunch a fumble will happen in this game as well.  Stream away with this defense if they are available in your league.

 

T.J. Ward, IDP - S, CLE - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (12+ teams IDP Leagues)
ANALYSIS: Over the last three weeks, TJ Ward has been a beast with 27 tackles, a sack and five assists.  If you are looking for a safety, Ward would be a nice option for you to consider.  If he continues to play at this level, there aren't very many safeties that can contribute at this level that are available on the waiver wire.

 

Players I recommend beyond my waiver wire rules (above 25% ownership, or if I previously recommended).  Add these wide receivers immediately if they are still available in your leagues (in priority order):

Josh Gordon, WR, CLE - Another solid week with a different QB, he's definitely #1 WR option in Cleveland.
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA - Should be back next week, if he's available pick him up!
Keenan Allen, WR, SD - bye week
Harry Douglas, WR, ATL - Another solid week for Douglas; who needs Julio Jones?  Just kidding.
Terrance Williams, WR, DAL - Another week, another TD for Williams.
Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC - dropped a would be td pass, he has the talent and potential
Jarrett Boykin, WR, GB - Another solid week and he's filling in nicely for Cobb.  James Jones should be back next week.
Vincent Brown, WR, SD - bye week
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT - Had a breakout week after last weeks bust.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU - bye week
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF - Won't be back until late to mid Nov.
Kenny Stills, WR, NO - Previously mentioned (see Week 2 waiver article - yes I can see that far into the future. 🙂 ), had a nice week but only 3 catches.
Golden Tate, WR, SEA - No updates as of this writing

 

My guidelines:

1. I will not repeat waiver selections.  All mentioned players prior to week 4 will apply to the current waiver options and going forward.
2. I will only recommend players that are lower than 25% ownership in Yahoo! or ESPN leagues.

 

=============

As always, you can find all of our weekly waiver wire recommendations on our famous waiver wire pickups list. And if you haven't joined the best and largest fantasy football chat room community on the web, check out the RotoBaller.com Fantasy Football chat room for live fantasy advice, sit/start questions, and more.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox
CFB

Dante Moore Not Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Will Return to Oregon
NFL

Mike Tomlin Doesn't Plan to Coach in 2026
Travis Hunter

Expected to Play More Defense in 2026
CFB

FBS Coaches Unanimously Vote to Expand Redshirt Eligibility to Nine Games
CFB

Ohio State Transfer Mylan Graham Signs with Notre Dame
CFB

Caden Durham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Will Stay at LSU
Leon Draisaitl

Has Three Points in Tuesday's Loss
Joel Hofer

Controls Hurricanes Tuesday
Jordan Spieth

Perhaps the Most Intriguing Player at Sony Open
Jeremy Swayman

Posts First Shutout of the Season
Zach Werenski

Totals Three Points in Tuesday's Win
Chandler Stephenson

Available Wednesday
Aaron Rai

Looking For Putting Confidence at Waialae Country Club
Jonathan Marchessault

Moved to Injured Reserve
Brayden Point

Labeled Week-to-Week
Franz Wagner

to Return on Thursday
Dean Wade

Unavailable Wednesday
Ja'Kobe Walter

Out Wednesday
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Iffy for Wednesday
Brandon Williams

Questionable Wednesday
Kevin Love

to Be Rested Wednesday
Bogdan Bogdanović

Bogdan Bogdanovic Remains Out Wednesday
Davion Mitchell

Sustains Shoulder Injury Tuesday
Collin Morikawa

Isn't The Safe Play He Used to Be Ahead of Sony Open
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Available Tuesday Night
Kurt Kitayama

Needs His Putting to Turn Around For Success at Year's First Event
Max Christie

Could Miss Wednesday's Game Due to Illness
LeBron James

Cleared to Play Tuesday
P.J. Washington

Listed as Questionable for Wednesday
Egor Demin

Back in Action Wednesday
Cam Thomas

Available Wednesday
Jakob Poeltl

Unavailable Versus Pacers
RJ Barrett

to Miss Third Straight Game Wednesday
Trae Young

Won't Play Wednesday
Rui Hachimura

to Be Limited to 18 Minutes Tuesday
Ivica Zubac

Iffy for Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Questionable for Wednesday
Jerami Grant

Ruled Out Tuesday
Ryan Weathers

Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal
Robert Thomas

Out Tuesday
Jake Walman

Available Against Predators
Troy Terry

a Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Justin Sourdif

Won't Play Tuesday
Jakob Chychrun

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Morgan Geekie

Available Tuesday
Bryan Rust

Returns to Action Tuesday
Erik Karlsson

Penguins Place Erik Karlsson on Injured Reserve
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Fire Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman
Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach
CFB

Georgia Tech the Favorite to Land Justice Haynes?
Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Diamondbacks
Tom Kim

Desperately Needs a Solid Week at Sony Open
Billy Horschel

Hoping For a Fast Start to New Season at Sony Open
Corey Conners

Looks to Have a Return to Form in 2026
PGA

Chris Gotterup a Decent Play at Sony Open
Philip Broberg

Likely Out Tuesday
Jacob Trouba

on Track to Return Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Could Prosper at the Sony Open
Will Smith

Upgraded to Day-to-Day
Connor McDavid

Stretches Point Streak to 19 Games
Keith Mitchell

Unlikely to Contend at Sony Open
Teuvo Teravainen

Makes Early Exit Monday
Robert MacIntyre

Looking for a Good Performance at the Sony Open
Nicholas Robertson

Hurt Versus Avalanche
Michael Kim

Hopes to Start Sony Open Better This Week
Tom Hoge

Tries to Erase Poor 2025 Second Half in Hawaii
Brian Harman

Seeks Fresh Start in Hawaii
Eric Cole

Looks to Last Year for Success at Sony Open
Daniel Berger

Starts Off 2026 at Sony Open
Nico Collins

Suffers Concussion Against Steelers
Nico Collins

Carted to Locker Room for Concussion Evaluation
Kyle Tucker

Mets Meet With Kyle Tucker
Dalton Kincaid

"Should be Fine" for Divisional Round
Brooks Koepka

Officially Returning To PGA Tour
Tucker Kraft

Hopes to be Ready for Week 1 of Next Season
CFB

Georgia Lands Kentucky Transfer Dante Dowdell
Matthew Stafford

has "Little Sprain," Should be "Good to Go"
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Sign with LSU
Green Bay Packers

Packers Expected to Work Out New Deal With Matt LaFleur in the "Coming Days"
CFB

Dylan Raiola Commits to Oregon
CFB

Isaiah Horton Landing with Texas A&M
George Kittle

Suffers Torn Achilles on Sunday
Omarion Hampton

Active for Wild-Card Round Against Patriots
George Kittle

Ruled Out After Non-Contact Achilles Injury
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Request Interview With Ejiro Evero
Los Angeles Rams

Mike LaFleur to Interview With Raiders and Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Open to Re-Signing Aaron Rodgers?
Matthew Stafford

X-Rays Come Back Negative
MacKenzie Gore

Yankees Pursuing Trade for MacKenzie Gore
Alex Bregman

Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to Five-Year, $175 Millon Contract
Freddie Freeman

Withdraws from World Baseball Classic
Max Kepler

Receives 80-Game PED Suspension
CFB

Cam Coleman Visiting Alabama on Friday
Omarion Hampton

Expects to Play Sunday Night
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Trending to Land at Florida
CFB

NCAA Denies Trinidad Chambliss a Sixth Year of Eligibility
Omarion Hampton

Questionable for Wild-Card Weekend
Kyle Tucker

Mets Remain in Mix for Kyle Tucker
Ketel Marte

Will Remain With Diamondbacks
Rashee Rice

to be Reviewed Under League's Conduct Policy
Daniel Jones

Colts Plan to Re-Sign Daniel Jones
Bo Bichette

Phillies to Meet With Bo Bichette

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP