As fantasy football managers prepare for Week 9, several backfields are in flux across the NFL, creating significant waiver wire opportunities. The Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants all saw injuries to key running backs, while trade speculation surrounds Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor. With two teams on bye (Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans) and numerous injuries league-wide, fantasy managers should be ready to spend FAAB to secure lineup replacements.
Quarterbacks
Top waiver targets include Malik Willis (Miami Dolphins, 41% rostered) who faces a favorable stretch starting against the Detroit Lions, and Bo Nix (Denver Broncos, 61% rostered) coming off back-to-back strong performances. J.J. McCarthy (New York Giants, 24% rostered) and Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons, 41% rostered) also present low-end starter upside in deeper leagues. Gardner Minshew (Arizona Cardinals) earned the starting role and is a must-add in Superflex formats.
Running Backs
Mike Washington Jr. (Las Vegas Raiders, 64% rostered) emerged as the lead back ahead of Ashton Jeanty in Week 8, commanding a 60% snap share and warranting at least 10% of remaining FAAB. Tyler Allgeier (Arizona Cardinals, 47% rostered) exploded for 36.1 PPR points after injuries to Jeremiyah Love and Zonovan Knight, though Knight may be the better long-term add. Devin Singletary (New York Giants, 16% rostered) could start with Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. sidelined. Seth McGowan (Indianapolis Colts, 56% rostered) is a speculative stash if Taylor is traded. Other notable adds include Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns), and Emmett Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs).
Wide Receivers
Antonio Williams (Washington Commanders, 49% rostered) and Treylon Burks (Washington Commanders, 12% rostered) stepped up with Terry McLaurin injured. Makai Lemon (Philadelphia Eagles, 59% rostered) continues to produce with DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks out. Ryan Flournoy (Dallas Cowboys, 37% rostered) has scored double-digit PPR points in four straight games. Rookies Jordyn Tyson (New Orleans Saints) and Adonai Mitchell (New York Jets) offer upside, while Malik Washington (Miami Dolphins) and Khalil Shakir (Buffalo Bills) provide steady PPR floors.
Tight Ends
Greg Dulcich (Miami Dolphins, 16% rostered) draws a prime matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allow the most fantasy points to tight ends. Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals, 64% rostered) has scored in five consecutive games. Chigoziem Okonkwo (Washington Commanders), Michael Mayer (Las Vegas Raiders), and Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints) are viable low-end starters. Rookie Eli Raridon (New England Patriots) and Terrance Ferguson (Los Angeles Rams) are speculative stashes.
Defense and Kicker Streamers
Top streaming defenses include the New York Giants (at Philadelphia), Kansas City Chiefs (vs. New York Jets), and San Francisco 49ers (vs. Las Vegas). Kicker options: Matt Gay (Indianapolis Colts), Dominic Zvada (Arizona Cardinals), and Nick Folk (Tennessee Titans).
