We’re entering the home stretch of the fantasy football season. With Week 9 rapidly approaching, managers can’t afford to be complacent on the waiver wire. These FAAB rankings will reflect that – it’s go big or go home from here on out.
As always, the amount of money to spend on anyone depends on the team. Managers with one or two losses don’t need to blow the bank on a potential flex option. However, injury-plagued squads in need of wins don’t have that same luxury. Spend now, ask questions later. Here’s how much you should be willing to spend on some of this week’s most popular waiver wire selections.
Week 9 Fantasy Football FAAB Values
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
60% of FAAB budget
What a dismal weekend for the Giants. On top of a 38-20 loss vs. Philadelphia, running back Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Now, New York will be without its RB1 and WR1 in Malik Nabers. That’s a tall order for any quarterback, especially a rookie in Jaxson Dart. Still, the gunslinger has shown plenty of promise during his brief time as the team’s starter. That should give fantasy managers hope that Big Blue’s offense remains respectable going forward.
The next man up out of the backfield will be Tyrone Tracy Jr. The second-year pro has battled through injury issues of his own this season. However, he’s proven to be a fantasy contributor when healthy. Last season, the Purdue alum finished as the RB26 in PPR formats. That was under an offense that didn’t have Dart, so there’s room for growth. Given the dearth of instant-impact playmakers available, TTJ will cost a pretty penny. For those that are desperate enough, he’s worth blowing your budget.
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
10% of FAAB budget
Figuring out this Packers passing game is a fool’s errand. Still, it’s not as if this is a bad offense; it’s the exact opposite, in fact. Due to the sheer amount of talented pass catchers on this roster, production can vary week to week. On Sunday, Green Bay activated Christian Watson, making his first start of the season. The veteran suffered a season-ending torn ACL last season in Week 18. During his debut this weekend vs. Pittsburgh, Watson hauled in four catches for 85 yards.
The most promising number for the fourth-year pro? His snap share was at 56%, third amongst all Packers wideouts. There’s no reason to think that number won’t go up moving forward. Over 15 games last season, Watson notched a career-high 620 receiving yards. That’s not an eye-popping total, but the deep threat has clear chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love. In addition, neither Romeo Doubs or Matthew Golden has established themselves as a true WR1. For those in need of a flex, or quality bench stash, Watson should be a priority.
RB Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
5% of FAAB budget
Quinshon Judkins left early during Sunday’s game vs. New England with a shoulder injury. Right now, the rookie’s health status appears to be up in the air. Cleveland, destined for another lackluster campaign, has no reason to rush one of its best young players. Therefore, don’t be shocked if the Browns opt to play things safe this weekend. The likeliest next man up would be Dylan Sampson. The first-year pro operated as the team’s lead back in Week 1 without Judkins. During that contest, he finished with 17.3 fantasy points (PPR).
It’s important to note that the youngster will have to contend with veteran Jerome Ford for touches. However, against the Patriots, Sampson took the field for 46% of Cleveland’s snaps. In comparison, Ford’s snap share was only at 24%. The Browns will be on a bye this weekend, giving Judkins some time to recover. Still, the severity of this injury remains unknown. For managers looking to make a long-term add, this is an ideal under-the-radar move.
Other names to consider
- Tyjae Spears is the RB2 in Tennessee at the current moment. However, starting running back Tony Pollard is a potential trade candidate. Spears racked up 82 total yards and a touchdown vs. the Colts on Sunday. Imagine if the 24-year-old gets full control of this backfield…
- 4-5% of FAAB
- Chicago’s first-round pick, Colston Loveland, hasn’t done much so far. However, the rookie has commanded nine total targets over his last two outings. At a thin tight end position, he’s worth a closer look.
- 2-3% of FAAB
- Joe Flacco is an ageless wonder, putting together another remarkable performance this weekend. It helps that he’s throwing to Pro Bowl wideouts Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Cincinnati’s embarrassing defense will ensure the veteran has plenty of scoring opportunities going forward.
- 1-2% of FAAB
