Advertisement
Last Sunday took a toll on quarterbacks, with Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, and Tyrod Taylor all suffering injuries. This has created uncertainty in the backup quarterback positions and intensified the competition for Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) bids leading up to Week 9’s fantasy waiver wire pickups.
In addition to quarterbacks, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the Week 9 statuses of players like Travis Etienne, Darren Waller, Kendrick Bourne, and Drake London. Moreover, four key teams are on bye in Week 9: Jacksonville, Denver, Detroit, and San Francisco. This leaves fantasy football owners scrambling for depth and healthy starting options.
Whether you’re thinking short or long-term, it’s important to strategize how to prioritize these pickups, either through waivers or FAAB allocation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to approach the latest week of the fantasy open market:
Week 9 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver Wire QB Pickups and Streamers
1. Kyler Murray, Cardinals (Yahoo availability: 44%): After practicing in full last week, Murray is set to return against the Falcons in Week 10. His dual-threat ability positions him for low-end QB1 numbers, especially given the recent injuries to other starters. (Projected FAAB bid: 3-5% of total budget)
2. Sam Howell, Commanders (Yahoo availability: 55%): Howell has been consistently putting up points, making him a viable backup in shallow leagues and a semi-reliable starter in deeper leagues. (Projected FAAB bid: 3-5% of total budget)
3. Will Levis, Titans (Yahoo availability: 97%): Levis showcased his potential in a strong performance against the Falcons, making him an intriguing option for the upcoming weeks. (Projected FAAB bid: 1-2% of total budget)
4. Derek Carr, Saints (Yahoo availability: 64%): Carr is finding his rhythm and could be a valuable streamer, especially in the next two matchups against the Bears and Vikings. (Projected FAAB bid: 1-2% of total budget)
5. Mac Jones, Patriots (Yahoo availability: 91%): While Jones has a limited ceiling, he can be a serviceable streamer, particularly in a potential shootout with the Commanders in Week 9. (Projected FAAB bid: 0-1% of total budget)
6. Zach Wilson, Jets (Yahoo availability: 95%): Wilson showed promise in his recent performance, making him a deep-league streaming option, especially against the Chargers in Week 9. (Projected FAAB bid: 0-1% of total budget)
Week 9 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver Wire RB Pickups and Streamers
1. Emari Demercado (Yahoo availability: 64%): With two weeks of evidence as James Conner’s replacement, Demercado is a clear top option and should continue to deliver as a borderline RB2. (Projected FAAB bid: 10-12% of total budget)
2. Darrell Henderson Jr., Rams (Yahoo availability: 55%): Henderson’s consistent workload makes him a must-add player, especially given the run-heavy approach the Rams may adopt in Week 9. (Projected FAAB bid: 10-12% of total budget)
3. Royce Freeman, Rams (Yahoo availability: 78%): Freeman’s involvement in the Rams’ offense, including scoring a touchdown, makes him a valuable asset for those in need of depth. (Projected FAAB bid: 8-10% of total budget)
4. Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots (Yahoo availability: 53%): While Rhamondre Stevenson is the lead back, Elliott still holds value in high-leverage situations. (Projected FAAB bid: 6-7% of total budget)
5. Devin Singletary, Texans (Yahoo availability: 80%): Singletary’s role in the committee approach to the backfield makes him a situational option, with tougher matchups ahead. (Projected FAAB bid: 6-7% of total budget)