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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:

 

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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.

 

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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.

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

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Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Larry Nance Jr.

is Questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday
OG Anunoby

is Probable for Tuesday's Game 1
Luke Kornet

is Cleared for Game 1
New Orleans Pelicans

Jamahl Mosley Agrees to Become Pelicans Next Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Monday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Set to Start Game 7
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Tage Thompson

Can Match Franchise Record With Another Multi-Point Game
Nick Suzuki

Seeks More Road Success Monday
Lane Hutson

Riding a Five-Game Assist Streak Into Game 7
Filip Gustavsson

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Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
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Logging First-Team Reps in OTAs
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Woody Marks

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Drew Allar

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Aaron Rodgers

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Alvin Kamara

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Chris Olave

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Off the Dynasty Radar Entirely?
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Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

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Christian Edwards

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Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
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Jack Bech

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Jaydon Blue

a Low-Value Dynasty Stash Until Depth Charts are Settled
Makai Lemon

a Top-Five Pick in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
George Kittle

a Dynasty Buy with League-Winning Potential
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

a Dynasty Sleeper with High Touchdown Potential
Tobias Harris

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Quinn Hughes

Open to Signing Extension This Offseason
Jalen Duren

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Cade Cunningham

Endures Cold Shooting Night Sunday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Sam Merrill

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Evan Mobley

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Jonas Brodin

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Donovan Mitchell

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Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Jarrett Allen

Scores 23 Points in Cavs' Game 7 Rout of Pistons
Josh Manson

Rejoins Practice
Kevin Huerter

Active on Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert Available Sunday
Dean Wade

Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Luke Kornet

Iffy for Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

Won't Play Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Monday's Action
Jalen Williams

Officially Available for Game 1 Against Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named MVP for Second Straight Year
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

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Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
RANKINGS
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