As a die hard Panthers fan, I have to take this time to celebrate our first win of the season. Sunday’s matchup against the Texans had the number 1 and number 2 overall picks from the 2023 NFL draft pitted against each other. Friends turned to enemies for 60 minutes in this low scoring game. Bryce Young came out on top throwing for 235 yards and 1 touchdown compared to CJ Stroud’s 140 yards and 1 touchdown (Rushing). After marching down the field, It all came down to the kicker. Pineiro finally managed to finally knock one through on his third attempt after a few bizarre penalties from the Texans. It sure was good to hear Sweet Caroline playing in the stadium again.
As BYE weeks continue and injuries pile up, here are my top waiver wire targets heading into week 9.
Waiver Wire Targets:
Josh Downs (Rostered in 51.4% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week
Josh Downs needs to be on your roster. That’s it.
For those who need more convincing, Downs has seen 6+ targets in his last 4 games and scored double digit fantasy points in all 4 outings. Downs clearly has a connection with Gardner Minshew and the Colts want him involved. This guy is going to help win fantasy managers their leagues. He is a must add.
Rashid Shaheed (Rostered in 18.4% of ESPN leagues)
If you stashed Shaheed all the way back in week 3 like I advised, it looks like that investment is starting to pay off. Shaheed put up a whopping 153 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. He now has 4 double digit performances on the year. This big play wide receiver slots in as a boom or bust flex play.
Demario Douglas (Rostered in 1.2% of ESPN leagues)
It has been reported that Kendrick Bourne will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. Wishing the best for his recovery. DaVante Parker may also miss time due to a concussion suffered in that same game. Someone has to catch passes in New England and this puts Douglas firmly in line for more work in the Patriots offense. The rookie has seen 6+ targets in his last 2 games which is an encouraging sign already. The Patriots end the season with a schedule full of tough defenses but the next two games heading into their BYE week are juicy matchups for wide receivers.
Tyjae Spears (Rostered 36% of ESPN leagues)
I still like this guy even if he is stuck behind Derrick Henry. There have been some rumors of a trade but while it is unlikely the Titans will move Henry at the trade deadline, Spears would be vaulted into the starting role if that were the case. When given the opportunity, Spears has been electric with the football. If the Titans can somehow unlock their offense with Will Levis, all parties will benefit. Spears stands as a stash/handcuff for now.
Taysom Hill (Rostered in 14.7% of ESPN leagues)
After a slow start to the season, Hill has put up some productive performances these past three weeks. The “do it all” tight end is a bit of a wild card due to his abnormal usage in this Saints offense. However, if the Saints continue to use him like they have, Hill could be valuable for fantasy managers. If you are in need of a tight end, Hill is worth a pickup.
Trey McBride (Rostered in 7.8% of ESPN leagues)
With Ertz on injured reserve, McBride has been thrust into the starting role. McBride was targeted a whopping 14 times in the Cardinals loss to the Ravens. He turned that into 10 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. While that amount of targets is unlikely to repeat, it is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers. Cleveland has been stingy towards opposing tight ends but McBride’s target share is intriguing, especially in PPR leagues.
Will Levis (Rostered in 1% of ESPN leagues)
Will Levis lit the fantasy football world on Friday in his first NFL start. Levis threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Falcons which was good for 26.6 fantasy points. Another encouraging sign was the 7 rushing attempts he had. If he can add additional value with his legs, his value as a fantasy QB increases. If the Titans can unlock their offense, even better. Quite the performance for the rookie which will lead him to being one of the top pickups this week.
Sam Howell (Rostered in 30.3% of ESPN leagues)
I know I have been hammering Howell for a good portion of the season but the reasoning was justified once again. Howell exploded for just short of 400 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Eagles on his way to 30 plus fantasy points. Howell has scored 15+ points in all but two games this year. I like this guy a lot and he can help you win your league even if the Commanders aren’t winning on the field. Howell is a must add.
Derek Carr (Rostered in 21.3% of ESPN leagues)
For a lot of the reasons I talked about in last week’s list, I like Carr as a pickup option. He has two solid upcoming matchups against the Bears and Vikings before heading into the BYE week. He also seems to be getting healthier with each week. His 310 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Colts should help put fantasy managers at ease moving forward.
Joshua Dobbs (Rostered in 16.8% of ESPN leagues)
Joshua Dobbs has been traded to the Vikings. While he should have already been on fantasy managers rosters, Dobbs should see a bump in production in a largely more productive offense. Dobbs is a strong roster addition. This is a great move for the Vikings who are trying to make a push after losing Kirk Cousins for the year to a torn achilles. Injuries suck and I wish Kirk the best in his recovery.
Kyler Murray (Rostered in 31.8% of ESPN leagues)
With the news of Joshua Dobbs being traded to the Vikings, this presents an intriguing look into the Cardinals plans. They either plan to tank and sit Murray for the year or they plan to start him. The upside of a borderline QB1 is worth the roster spot in the event they play him this year.
*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring
Want to tell me who I left off or needs to be added? Follow me on twitter at @The_FFGenius and let me know!