2025 Waiver Wire for Week 9
Welcome to the 2025 Waiver Wire for Week 9!
I only wrote about 2 quarterbacks last week: Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton. One of those quarterbacks played so well in week 8 that he no longer meets the criteria to be mentioned in this article.
The other’s performance was so bad that in any other industry I’d be fired for making such a bad call.
If you were in a bind and had to start Dalton, I apologize, I have better options for you this week. If you picked up Flacco, you can just skip the QBs but before you do:
Before I write this article I need to make sure players like Dalton fit the article criteria, which is listed below (Dalton met it, don’t worry, I didn’t cheat). While preparing this week, I came across a group of names that aren’t below 50%, but are still lower than 70%.
I’ll leave out the narration, but there is a 30% or higher chance that Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, RJ Harvey, Kayshon Boutte, and Trey Benson are available in your leagues. You should make sure they aren’t.
For the rest of us, let’s dig in.
Disclaimer: Waiver Wire Rostership Percentages from Sleeper, ESPN, & Yahoo, as well as the Combined Rostership Percentages, will not exceed 50%. Also, fantasy point scoring will be represented from a Half-PPR perspective.
Teams on Bye Week: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (42%), ESPN (21%), & Yahoo (36%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 33%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- Bye Week
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- averaged 2.3 touchdowns a game before the bye
Waiver Wire Analysis:
You may have a bad taste in your mouth after watching Sam Darnold play the Texans, but even with that performance, Darnold is enjoying 16.3 fantasy points a game and an enviable schedule for the next 5 weeks. He’s playing just as well as he did last season, but don’t worry, the fantasy season ends before the NFL playoffs. Add Darnold to your roster and enjoy the easy points.
Next 3 Opponents: vs. Washington Commanders, vs. Arizona Cardinals, @ Los Angeles Rams
J.J. McCarthy
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (23%), ESPN (26%), & Yahoo (23%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 24%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- OUT
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- N/A
Waiver Wire Analysis:
If it’s too hard to put 5 turnovers behind you I get it. But if you were able to be picky, you wouldn’t be reading this. J.J. McCarthy really hasn’t done enough in the NFL to warrant a hard stance, but the defenses he’s about to face certainly have. The Lions, Ravens, and Bears are all top 10 in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, so it makes sense to take a shot on McCarthy.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Detroit Lions, vs. Baltimore Ravens, vs. Chicago Bears
Tyler Huntley
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (5%), ESPN (1%), & Yahoo (4%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 3%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 22 paATT for 186 yards, 1TD, 8 ruATT for 53 yards, 16.7 fpts
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- 92 rushing yards in 1.25 games
Waiver Wire Analysis:
It’s hard to imagine why the Ravens let this pro bowler ever leave the team. Snoop Huntley has always been Lamar Jackson-lite, though I suppose 8 turnovers in 10 games didn’t endear him to the coaching staff. But we can overlook that for fantasy, especially for a rushing qb. If Snoop is good enough for the Ravens in week 9, he’s good enough for your team. Keep an eye on Lamar’s status, if he’s out Snoop is a great play against the Dolphins.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Miami Dolphins,@ Minnesota Vikings, @ Cleveland Browns
Running Backs
Tyrone Tracy
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (35%), ESPN (36%), & Yahoo (31%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 34%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 10 ruATT for 39 yards, 3 targets/2 receptions for 14 yards for 5.3 fpts. (just over half a game)
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Had 10.6 fantasy points in backup role against Denver week 7
Waiver Wire Analysis:
Cam Skattebo’s injury is terrible, but I was still surprised to see Tyrone Tracy’s roster percentage so low. It may be an indication of how banged up the running back position is this year, but if you can add Tracy you must. He’s doesn’t possess Skattebo’s level of talent, energy, aggressiveness, or commitment to training, but if he inherits the role he’s in for a massive workload which could include 5+ targets a game. I’m not worried about Devin Singletary being effective in relief: this job is Tracy’s to lose. Spend it all to add him.
Next 3 Opponents: vs. San Francisco 49ers, @ Chicago Bears, vs. Green Bay Packers
Dylan Sampson
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (12%), ESPN (10%), & Yahoo (13%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 12%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 3 ruATT for 0 yards, 6 targets/5 receptions for 29 yards for 4.9 fpts.
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Averaging 5.5 yards per reception and 3 catches a game
Waiver Wire Analysis:
This is a tough situation but we need to talk about it. The rumor is Quinshon Judkins could have returned to the week 8 game if it wasn’t out of hand… but who really knows. Even if he could have returned the Browns are on a bye this week, so I don’t expect any truth in the matter. So picking up Sampson will depend on how much room you have.
If you need a starter right away, Sampson’s not the guy, and even if you have bench room, and if Judkins is hurt, just know that Sampson has strictly made his money through the air this season. He is only averaging 1.8 yards per carry (28 ruATT for 53 yards) but he is averaging 6.7 yards a catch (20 rec for 133 and 1 TD). Those aren’t bad numbers for a backup receiving back, but if he starts after the bye, manage your expectations, he’ll likely lose carries to Jerome Ford.
Next 3 Opponents: Bye Week, @ New York Jets, vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sean Tucker
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (10%), ESPN (5%), & Yahoo (9%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 8%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 12 ruATT for 42 yards, 1TD for 10.2 fpts.
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- 2 rushing touchdowns
Waiver Wire Analysis:
Sean Tucker was making this list even before his performance Sunday, but it’s certainly encouraging to see him get over the 30% snap threshold. You can argue that the game was a blowout, but Tucker was involved early and garbage time still counts so who cares?
The Bucky Irving scenario is perplexing. Multiple injuries, no IR, no…news? It’s a tough situation for fantasy managers, and Rachaad White owners have certainly reaped the benefits. Tucker is by no means an every week start, but White is by no mans a lock to remain healthy either, so as long as Bucky is sidelined Tucker should be rostered.
Next 3 Opponents: Bye Week, vs. New England Patriots, @ Buffalo Bills
Bam Knight
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (27%), ESPN (18%), & Yahoo (18%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 21%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- Bye Week
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Bam Knight is still on the roster
Waiver Wire Analysis:
This the 3rd week I’ve written that you should pick up Bam Knight, but his roster percentage went down during the bye week, so here we are because I believe in him this week against Dallas.
Well, I believed in him until the Cardinals released Michael Carter on Monday… What is going on?
Here’s the thing. The Cowboys allow an average of 30 million points to opposing non-Commanders running backs. Knight perfectly fits that criteria because he is a running back not on the Commanders. Logically, you should start him and enjoy your 30 million points.
But I don’t know what the release of Carter means. There is no news that Trey Benson is ready to return from injury. I don’t know if the Cardinals are going to add a better running back via trade, and I’m afraid we won’t get clarity until after waivers have run.
In the face of uncertainty I’m rolling with the facts and I’ll be adding Bam as the presumed starter. I don’t believe Benson is 100% healthy, and if the Cardinals add someone it doesn’t mean said addition will start in this primo matchup. Just know that if you add him this may be the only week you can start him sans injury to another Cardinal’s running back this season.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Dallas Cowboys, @ Seattle Seahawks, vs. San Francisco 49ers.
Wide Receivers
Jaylin Noel
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (18%), ESPN (13%), & Yahoo (9%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 13.3%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 6 targets/5 receptions for 63 yards for 8.8 fpts.
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Averaging 9.25 fantasy points per game since bye week
Waiver Wire Analysis:
You can argue that the Houston wide receivers to add are Xavier Hutchinson and Jayden Higgins, and given the state of the position I won’t argue. But I think Hutchinson and Higgins’ numbers regress after Nico Collins returns, whereas I think Jaylin Noel has some staying power.
Noel still saw 7 targets in the last game Collins (who had 10 targets himself) played , Hutchinson and Higgins combined for 7. Noel appears to be overtaking Christian Kirk’s job, not Collins’, and I think he will do it. If you need a plug and play and Collins is still out, any of one of Hutchinson, Higgins, or Noel will suffice, but if you have room to stash someone, it’s Noel.
Next 3 Opponents: vs. San Francisco 49ers, vs. Denver Broncos, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Watson
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (15%), ESPN (27%), & Yahoo (32%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 34.3%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 4 targets/4 receptions for 85 yards for 10.5 fpts
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Finally returned from injury
Waiver Wire Analysis:
To be perfectly honest, I don’t enjoy the fantasy aspect of any Green Bay wide receiver. The offense isn’t built to favor any particular wide receiver consistently, and I don’t think it has going back to last season. But it’s difficult to ignore one when he’s healthy, playing 56% of snaps, and catching 100% of their targets, which describes Christian Watson in week 8.
I would like to see more from Watson before I tell you to get him into your lineups, but if you wait until he performs to pick him up , he’ll be on someone else’s team. I don’t think I’m comfortable spending a high waiver priority or enough FAAB to make sure you roster him, but put something down to ensure he doesn’t go unclaimed.
Next 3 Opponents: vs. Carolina Panthers, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, @ New York Giants
Troy Franklin
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (33%), ESPN (44%), & Yahoo (37%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 38%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 8 targets/6 receptions for 89 yards and 2 TDs for 20.9 fpts
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Averaging a touchdown a game
Waiver Wire Analysis:
While we’re not excited about the upcoming matchup with the Houston Texans (only 6 receiving touchdowns allowed on the season!), Troy Franklin is quickly becoming a favorite target of Bo Nix. His snap percentage has stayed pretty consistent all season, but his target share has crept up the last couple of weeks, and at just the right time for rookie receivers primed for breakout.
Denver doesn’t have the easiest schedule to finish the year, but Franklin has been been Nix’s guy in tight situations so you can probably count on him even in tough matchups.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Houston Texans, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (36%), ESPN (33%), & Yahoo (32%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 33.7%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 8 targets/5 receptions for 53 yards for 5.3 fpts
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Snap percentage is the lowest it’s been all year but it went up when Shough came in last game
Waiver Wire Analysis:
After coming in hot to start the 2025 season, Juwan Johnson has seen his role and usage drop as players regain health and return to the team. I wouldn’t bring Johnson up, but if Tyler Shough likes him, we may see a return to his week 1 & 2 numbers (99% and 96% of snaps respectively). If this is the case, he’ll not only be a must-add, but a must-start. Even if you’re set at the tight end position, Johnson could return waiver value as a depth piece or be a cheap way to shore up your flex position.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Los Angeles Rams, @ Carolina Panthers, Bye Week
Noah Fant
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (7%), ESPN (2%), & Yahoo (1%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 2.3%
Base Statistics of The Week:
- 3 targets/3 receptions for 41 yards for 5.6 fpts
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- 100% catch rate
Waiver Wire Analysis:
I promise, I’m not a Noah Fant fanatic, and his mom is not paying me to write this. And I don’t think you have to add him, but right now Fant’s about as consistent as you can get. If you missed on Gadsden or don’t have a starting option, Fant is one of three players who caught more than 1 target from Joe Flacco last week , and the only player not named Chase. It’s not sexy, but Fant offers consistency with touchdown upside, which is more than you’ll get from Harold Fannin, David Njoku, Mason Taylor, Dallas Goedert, and Cade Otton this week.
Next 3 Opponents: Chicago Bears, Bye Week, @ Pittsburgh Steelers
D/ST
Baltimore Ravens
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (30%), ESPN (52%), & Yahoo (52%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 45%
Waiver Wire Analysis:
I think the Dolphins win is more indicative of Kirk Cousin’s decline than the Dolphins being very good. And what I really mean by that is: the now-healthy Ravens defense is going to dominate a team that, until last weekend, was donating X fantasy points a game. This isn’t your dad’s Ray Lewis defense, but it doesn’t need to be to put up points for your fantasy squad on Thursday.
Next 3 Opponents: @ Miami Dolphins, @ Minnesota Vikings, @ Cleveland Browns
Los Angeles Chargers
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (49%), ESPN (38%), & Yahoo (38%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 42%
Waiver Wire Analysis:
Speaking of the Dolphins and how bad they are, I’d STILL start their defense against the Titans with confidence. And if Miami could get you points against the Titans, imagine what the Chargers are going to do…
Next 3 Opponents: @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, @ Jacksonville Jaguars
