Week 9 is staring us down, and if you’re not actively working the waiver wire and trade market, you’re already behind the eight-ball. The fantasy football season just hit that crucial stretch where champions are made and pretenders get exposed. This isn’t the time to sit back and hope your draft picks carry you home: this is when you roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Let me tell you something: the difference between winning your league and watching from the sidelines often comes down to these next few weeks. The trade deadline is breathing down our necks, and the waiver wire is absolutely loaded with game-changers who could flip your season upside down.
Running Backs: Where Championships Begin
Tyrone Tracy Jr. just became the most important pickup of the week, and it’s not even close. With Cam Skattebo done for the season after that brutal ankle injury, Tracy is about to inherit a workhorse role that fantasy managers dream about. At 42% rostered, he’s still sitting there in way too many leagues. This kid has explosive playmaking ability and legitimate pass-catching skills that give him that weekly ceiling we’re all chasing.
Here’s the reality check: Tracy isn’t just a handcuff anymore: he’s a legitimate RB2 for the rest of the season. The Giants are going to lean on him heavily, and with only Devin Singletary behind him on the depth chart, the volume is going to be there week after week. If you’re not putting in a serious FAAB bid or high waiver claim, you’re making a mistake that could haunt you come playoff time.
Kyle Monangai is another name that should be on everyone’s radar. The Chicago rookie is creeping toward a legitimate 50-50 split with D’Andre Swift, and that trend isn’t slowing down. At 43% rostered, Monangai represents the kind of late-season breakout that can carry fantasy teams to titles. The Bears’ offensive line has been creating holes, and Monangai has shown he can capitalize when given the opportunity.
Don’t sleep on Bam Knight either. Arizona’s backfield situation has been a revolving door all season, but Knight has seized his opportunity and isn’t letting go. At just 19% rostered, he’s practically free money sitting on waivers. As long as Trey Benson remains sidelined, Knight is a legit top-24 play with serious upside, with Michael Carter waived and Emeri Demercado hurt.
Wide Receivers: Hidden Gems for Week 9
The receiver landscape is where smart fantasy managers separate themselves from the pack. Kayshon Boutte has been quietly putting together a string of solid performances, and with Stefon Diggs dealing with that chest issue, his opportunity is only growing. At 25% rostered, Boutte represents the kind of high-upside swing that can win you weeks in the playoffs.
Alec Pierce might be flying under the radar, but he shouldn’t be. Indianapolis has been looking for consistent receiving threats beyond their primary options, and Pierce has answered the call. At just 17% rostered, he’s the definition of a league-winner pickup that most managers are completely ignoring.
Trade Market: Buy Low, Sell High Philosophy
The trade market is absolutely scorching right now, and there are some moves that could define your season. Joe Flacco has been an absolute revelation since landing in Cincinnati. Three games, 261 passing yards per start, and over 23 fantasy points per game: those aren’t fluky numbers; that’s legitimate production. His playoff schedule is absolutely juicy, facing Baltimore, Miami, and Arizona from Weeks 15-17.
Woody Marks has quietly become Houston’s bell-cow back, and fantasy managers are still sleeping on him. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 14 touches and 14.5 fantasy points per contest. The Texans are leaning on him more each week, and his top-15 upside for the rest of the season is becoming reality.
On the flip side, it’s time to consider moving Tua Tagovailoa seriously. The Miami quarterback has been inconsistent at best, and his ceiling just isn’t high enough to justify roster space when guys like Flacco are available. Similarly, Breece Hall just put up probably his best performance of the season, making this the perfect time to cash in on his name value.
The waiver wire and trade market are your best friends right now. Championships aren’t won by standing pat: they’re won by managers who aren’t afraid to make the tough decisions that others won’t make.
