Every week, I try to find players who could be sitting on the waiver wire and are worth picking up for this week based on their matchups. With bye weeks here, finding streaming options has become even more important! Here’s what I have for week nine:
Teams on a bye: TB, ARI, NYG, CAR
QB:
Russell Wilson, Steelers
Although he threw his first INT of the season in week 10 and had his fewest passing yards, he did throw for 3 TDs, which matches his total from his first two games combined this season. The entire offense looks better with Wilson as the quarterback, and there should be no more doubt that he is the right man for the job in Pittsburgh. This weekend, he will play in his biggest game as the Steelers QB, taking on the division rival Ravens. The game has huge playoff implications, but from a fantasy perspective, it’s one I really like for Wilson. The Ravens rank 31st against QBs this season in fantasy football, and they allow the most passing yards per game.
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Ever since the Chargers week five bye, they have been throwing the ball more often. For the first four games, it was seemingly all run, but since that bye week, they have opened up the offense and let Justin Herbert be a difference-maker. His best four fantasy performances have come in the past four weeks, and this weekend, he matches up with the Bengals, who rank 29th in fantasy football against QBs. Taking things a step further, the Bengals offense has been one of the top-scoring ones in the league, and if that continues, Herbert is going to have to throw the ball more often than he is used to.
Bo Nix, Broncos
He continues to impress in fantasy. Although he has only had one monster fantasy performance this season of more than 25 points, he has been very consistent since the start of week 5. He played against MVP QBs in back-to-back games, and although his team lost those games, he produced an average of 17.4 points. This week, he gets an elite matchup against the Falcons, who rank 24th against the pass in the NFL and 25th against QBs in fantasy football.
Aaron Rodgers, Jets
I know it’s hard to trust Rodgers at this point after his dud last weekend against Arizona, but prior to that, he had four consecutive serviceable fantasy games.This weekend, he takes on a Colts defense that ranks 27th in the NFL against the pass, 29th in total yards allowed, and 26th against QBs in fantasy football. For what it’s worth, he is at home this weekend, where he has a 7-1 TD-IINT ratio and averages more than five fantasy points more than he does on the road.
Will Levis, Titans
After not playing in weeks 7, 8, and 9, Levis returned in week 10 and faced a really good Chargers defense. Although he and the Titans lost the game, he played by far his best game of the season, which has me feeling optimistic about him this week. He will be at home against the Vikings, who rank 26th in the NFL against the pass compared to the Chargers last week who rank 9th.
RB:
Justice Hill, Ravens
He is a pass-catching back who could have a nice game in what could be a rare high-scoring affair between the Ravens and Steelers. However, this is only a play in PPR leagues and leagues of 14 or 16 teams. I have James Conner on almost all my teams, and if you have the Bucs, Tracy, or Hubbard, you could be desperate for an RB this week.
Zamir White, Raiders
This is more of a deep league-only move. If you have a RB on any of the teams with byes this week, you might be looking for a cheap replacement. He should get red zone carries, which could lead to a TD. I have 2 deeper leagues where I am playing him this week because I have Conner, Irving, and Rachaad White on byes.
WR:
Mike Williams, Steelers
He only arrived in Pittsburgh last week and only saw one target in the week 10 win, but that one target turned into a 32-yard TD catch. He gives the Steelers another solid option on the outside and has an excellent matchup this weekend against the Ravens who rank 32nd in fantasy football against WRs this season and allow the most passing yards per game in the NFL:
Ricky Pearsall, 49ers
He has played in 3 games so far this season and has improved his fantasy scores each week. With Deebo Samuel being so inconsistent and drawing so much attention, it is Pearsall and Jennings who are seeing a lot of targets. Pearsall had 73 yards and a TD last week and is in a good matchup this week against the Seahawks, who rank 26th in fantasy football against WRs.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Saints
He faces the Browns this weekend, who are 13th against the pass in the NFL but 29th against WRs in fantasy football. It’s an interesting matchup for sure, although it could be a case in which we are chasing TDs and one big performance; MVS had a monster day in week 10, catching 2 TD passes and racking up over 100 receiving yards. The Saints offense has suffered since their deep threat Shaheed went on IR, but perhaps MVS can take that role and run with it moving forward.
TE:
Jonnu Smith, Dolphins
He has been one of the only consistent contributors in the Dolphins passing game this season, whether Tua is playing or not. Although there isn’t a high ceiling, there is a decent floor, and he takes on a Raiders defense this weekend that ranks 29th against the TE position in fantasy football.
Dawson Knox, Bills
This is only if Kincaid is declared out prior to the game. The Chiefs are a good matchup for TEs, but if Kincaid is active, Knox won’t see more than 2-3 targets, and that won’t get it done for you.
DST:
Detroit Lions
The Lions were dropped last week ahead of their matchup against the Texans, but they should be picked back up, at least for this weekend, against a really bad Jaguars offense. The Jags rank 25th in the league in total yards per game, and Mac Jones, who took over at QB last week for Trevor Lawrence, looked terrible. Expect the Lions D to make some plays.
