Having a good fantasy draft sets a team up really well, but most of the time to win a fantasy football league, acquisitions need to be made during the season. Each week there are several players worth exploring on the waiver wire. Here are fantasy football players to add week 9.
(Note: These are best used for standard scoring leagues. All players are rostered in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
1. Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans were dealt a severe blow when Derrick Henry was injured against the Colts. He is now having surgery on his foot on Tuesday and could miss the remainder of the season. Tennessee may be in the market for a running back, but in the meantime, Jeremy McNichols should get most of the work out of the Titans’ backfield.
In his five-year career, McNichols has rushed for 249 yards and one touchdown. He hasn’t been able to get too much work in his NFL career, especially playing behind Henry. Even if the Titans do acquire a running back, McNichols should get most of the work while the new back gets familiarized with the playbook. McNichols is rostered in just 1.9 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Carlos Hyde, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson left the game against the Seahawks with a foot injury. Carlos Hyde then took over in the backfield. Currently, Robinson is listed as day-to-day, so an eye needs to be kept on the running back situation in Jacksonville. Hyde should be added as insurance in case Robinson has to miss time.
So far this season, Hyde has 140 rushing yards and no touchdowns. He was supposed to be third on the depth chart coming into the season, but has seen an increased role with Travis Etienne being out for the season. Hyde isn’t the same player he once was, but will get a lot of volume if Robinson is out. He is rostered in 6.7 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Boston Scott, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
After Miles Sanders was placed on the injured reserve with an ankle injury, most expected Kenneth Gainwell to be the running back to roster in fantasy football. Against the Lions, both Boston Scott and Jordan Howard outscored Gainwell. Scott played 57 percent of the snaps and is worth rostering.
Sanders rushed for 60 yards and had two touchdowns against the Lions. He also reached the endzone in week 7 against the Raiders. The Eagles will play some tougher defenses coming up, but Scott’s receiving ability will help him be successful if given the opportunities. He is available in more than 95 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Aiyuk started the season out in the doghouse. He has since worked his way out of it and played well in week 8. Against the Bears, Aiyuk was targeted seven times and made four catches for 45 yards. It was his second-best game of the season.
Whether Kyle Shanahan plans on using Aiyuk past this week is up in the air, as it usually is with him. With George Kittle still out, teams are focusing on Deebo Samuel, so Aiyuk should be able to produce if the quarterback play is decent. Aiyuk is currently rostered in 46 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Jaret Patterson, RB, Washington Football Team
Antonio Gibson is still dealing with his shin injury and it has opened the door for other running backs. J.D. McKissic is playing well in the passing game, while Patterson had the most carries in his career in week 10. Patterson finished the game with 11 carries for 42 yards.
If Gibson ends up having to miss time, it will be a split backfield between Patterson and McKissic. Patterson will get most of the work on the ground and will have more fantasy value. The rookie has received more carries as of late and his workload could increase even with Gibson on the field. He is available in over 99 percent of ESPN leagues.
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