Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football Week 9? Tyrone Tracy Jr., Oronde Gadsden, Woody Marks, Josh Downs, Trey Benson, Darnell Mooney, Nick Chubb, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Bam Knight

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has had a disappointing second season in some respects, recording just 227 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown across six games played.

However, Tracy Jr. could now find himself back in a lead role in the Giants' backfield after star rookie running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 8. Tracy Jr. was productive as a rookie in 2024, recording 1,123 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 230 touches across 17 games (12 starts).

The Giants could also give veteran Devin Singletary some touches, but Tracy Jr. should be expected to dominate touches. In any fantasy league where he is available, Tracy Jr. is a must-add player off the waiver wire heading into a Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has been one of the breakout stars at his position in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Gadsden has recorded 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets.

The 22-year-old appears to be a trusted weapon in Los Angeles, as he's played at least 75% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight weeks. If there's any reason for concern with Gadsden, it's the target competition he faces. The Chargers have three wide receivers in Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston who are all candidates to soak up targets.

Still, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert currently leads the NFL in pass attempts (296), so it's possible there's enough target volume to support all four players. Gadsden could continue to emerge as a must-start tight end over the second half of the season.

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks led the team with 62 rushing yards on his 11 carries in Week 8 against the 49ers, outproducing Nick Chubb, who had 56 rushing yards on 17 carries. Marks also added four catches for 49 yards, hauling in all four of his targets in the Texans' balanced passing game. Marks and Chubb split time almost evenly in the Week 8 victory, with Chubb playing 35 snaps and Marks 32 snaps.

While Chubb still has a grasp on early-down work and clock-killing responsibility, Marks is the preferred option in passing situations. In Week 7 against Seattle, he out-snapped Chubb 48-to-19 based on the game script of Houston having to play catch-up against the Seahawks.

Both running backs will continue to get work, but Marks is definitely worth a look on the waiver wire since he's a dynamic playmaker getting enough work to be a flex consideration, and he has a high ceiling when he gets the work, as he has shown in several games this season.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs returned from a one-week absence due to a concussion in Week 8, recording three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in his team's win over the Tennessee Titans. Downs has now hauled in 29 receptions for 256 yards and two scores on 37 targets across seven games in 2025.

The Colts have been one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL this season, averaging over 30 points per game. Given the environment around him, Downs holds fantasy value even if he's a tertiary target earner behind Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Tyler Warren.

Downs has earned at least five targets in five out of his seven games played. He should be rostered in all fantasy leagues heading into Indianapolis' Week 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) will miss at least one more game before his potential return, but he could be worth grabbing from the waiver wire this week if you have the roster flexibility to do so. Before his meniscus injury that required surgery, he had stepped in as the early-down workhorse after the season-ending foot injury to James Conner.

The Cardinals released Michael Carter, which indicates something is in motion at the position, which could mean a trade or that Benson will be back to take over the job very soon. Bam Knight will likely continue to carry the load this week, with Emari Demercado potentially mixing in as well.

Arizona has a great running back schedule the rest of the way, so whoever gets the playing time should have good value, and Benson would seem to have the inside track for that spot once he returns.